Things to do

20 Fascinating Things To Do In Sapporo, Japan

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Sapporo endures extensive snowy winters while enjoying vibrant sunny summers. It attracts visitors for its Sapporo Snow Festival showing spectacular giant ice sculptures.

The city presents itself as pleasing with diner options focused on delicious ramen and seafood. Moreover, Sapporo Beer remains a mandatory beverage experience.

Many residents take advantage of both the snow activities in nearby mountains and the hiking opportunities. The city combines rural and urban delights that provide visitors with various things to do in Sapporo.

1. Visit The Hokkaido Jingu

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The shrine maintains commemoration for four deities including the spirit of Emperor Meiji. People flock to Hokkaido Jingu throughout the spring months because it displays spectacular cherry blossom views.

The holy site sits within the peaceful boundaries of Maruyama Park. The Sapporo Festival takes place at this location annually from June 14 to 16. The shrine permits visitors at no cost and draws significant crowds when people come for their hatsumode visits during New Year.

An absolute places to visit in Sapporo Japan.

2. Be A Part of Various Festivals At Odori Park

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The Sapporo Snow Festival is the largest celebration in February. The festival presents spectacular snow sculptures and welcomes millions of tourists.

From mid-July through mid-August the Sapporo Summer Festival brings enjoyment to people of all ages. A vast beer garden serves visitors with regional beers while providing wonderful food choices.

In June, visitors can enjoy the Yosakoi Soran Festival, which features traditional dance performances in the park. In the fall, Sapporo hosts an annual Autumn Fest that showcases local food and beverage options.

3. Savor Miso Ramen

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Pork and miso create the deep-tasting broth that defines this ramen delight. Thick floppy noodles perfectly absorb the delicious sauce base during every bite. Sliced pork along with sauteed vegetables and green onions make up the diverse toppings for this dish.

The origin of Miso ramen is traced back to Sapporo when it became the city's first appearance in 1958. Ganso Ramen Yokocho and Sapporo Ramen Republic along with many other locations provide residents with facilities to experience ramen.

Various flavors and styles exist at these locations. Sapporo residents find consuming miso ramen particularly gratifying to their palate as winter weather descends upon the city.

4. Get A Glimpse Into The City's Past From Sapporo Clock Tower

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Built in 1878 the tower stands as the first and oldest clock structure in Japanese territory. Due to its red-roofed white-walled facade, this structure draws hordes of photographers seeking anchor images.

Each hour striking marks the clock's pleasant appeal as an attraction. The structure displays American architectural characteristics which result from foreign expert contributions to local design.

The establishment acts both as a historical symbol and a museum that interprets the city's agricultural beginnings and pioneering phase. Visiting the tower is one of the popular things to do in Sapporo Japan.

5. Try Winter Sports At Sapporo Art Park

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The destination provides outstanding winter recreation facilities best suited for snowshoers. Comparable to traditional snowshoeing methods kanjiki allows individuals to walk on deep snow without getting bogged down.

The distinctive Japanese snowshoes create effortless exploration when visitors survey beautiful outdoor art displays throughout the park grounds. Everyone can enjoy an interactive sculpture tour as the park presents remarkable examples made by worldwide artists.

Feel free to explore the park simply by wearing the proper cold-weather boots. Guests can enjoy snowshoeing activities throughout the early January to early March period. This place offers a chance to do one of the best Sapporo things to do winter.

6. Explore The Sapporo Beer Museum

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Founded as an active brewery the establishment now operates as the nation's sole beer museum within an ancient red-brick structure. Exhibits at the museum demonstrate the brewery's beginnings along with its expansion throughout history through interactive displays and recorded footage.

Entry into the museum remains free to all visitors. Guests can move from exhibition exploration to beer tasting after their visit. The beer selection includes rare types of Sapporo beer which cannot be found elsewhere.

The beer hall near the site offers visitors the chance to try local cuisine Jingisukan; a grilled lamb.

7. Spend Some Money At Tanukikoji Shopping Street

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You can reach the facility easily because it stands adjacent to Sapporo Station. Since its establishment in 1873, the shopping arcade has maintained the title of the oldest retail complex in Hokkaido. Traveling along this 900-meter path you'll encounter about 200 shops.

This shopping mall provides all shopping necessities such as trendy apparel and special souvenir items. Food enthusiasts will find numerous eating places that serve both miso ramen and soup curry specialties of the region.

Make sure you enjoy a Shime-Parfait while visiting this popular local treat. Visitors will experience energetic activities due to street performers and the welcoming attitudes of shoppers throughout the area.

8. Tour The Ishiya Chocolate Factory

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The factory operates under the name Shiroi Koibito Park while introducing guests to an enjoyable factory experience. You can observe the Shiroi Koibito cookie-making process. Multiple tour options are available for guests to select.

The Standard Factory Tour requires a payment of 600 Yen. Visitors can observe how production takes place through this place. During your visit, you can both observe cookie manufacturing and witness how they get packaged. Visitors must pay 1500 Yen to experience the Premium Factory Tour.

The premium tour adds magical chocolate touches together with exclusive treats. Within the venue, visitors have the chance to participate in workshops for making their very own cookies and chocolates.

9. Stay At A Featured Ryokan

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Ryokans exist as traditional Japanese lodging venues that combine tatami mat floors with access to onsen (hot springs). An awesome lodging choice in this region is Onsen Ryokan Yuen Sapporo.

The facility positions itself within the city core while providing stunning hot spring bath facilities. Modern accommodations coexist harmoniously with classic Japanese traditions at this spot.

Another lovely hotel option for travelers is Nakamuraya Ryokan. Guests can easily reach the lodging within a few blocks of walking distance from Sapporo Station while creating an intimate atmosphere for families.

10. Walk Through A Tunnel

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For something different in Sapporo, check out the Chikaho Underground Passageway. Typical hikes are nothing like this system of underground corridors which extends to around 520 meters in length.

The rail linkage operates between Sapporo Station and Odori Station thereby providing quick access. Without the typical winter weather in Sapporo, you can safely walk through this passage anytime you wish.

Several restaurants combined with coffee shops lie immediately next to the pathway.

11. Sample Fresh Seafoods At Sapporo Nijo Fish Market

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Since its establishment over 100 years ago, the market continues to be favored by people in the region. People can purchase freshly caught seafood in multiple forms at this market including crabs and salmon roe alongside sea urchins and many types of fish.

About 15 merchants run distinct shops at this location. At most stands customers get to sample their products before making a purchase. You may taste your food at this location before deciding to purchase it.

Several tiny restaurants specialize in offering breakfast or lunch meals which include fresh sushi and seafood rice bowls. A well-loved sushi combination includes the uni ikura donburi featuring sea urchin and salmon roe on a rice bed.

12. Stop By Sapporo City Maruyama Zoo

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Maruyama Park borders the zoo to create a serene habitat around this facility. Visitors can observe more than 150 animal species including polar bears red pandas and penguins.

The Polar Bear Pavilion stands out as Japan's biggest installation among all facilities of its kind. The zoo designs its habitats closely after real wildlife spaces because this helps animals complete natural behaviors.

A petting zoo at the attraction allows children to touch pleasant farm animals with their visitors. The location provides mobile activities together with various engaging playgrounds for family entertainment. Get your tickets from their website.

13. Get Panoramic Views of Sapporo's Cityscape From Mt. Okura Ski Jump Stadium

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Tourists flock to this location to see panoramic views extending 307 meters high. The chairlift provides an exciting ascent to the summit giving you spectacular views of the surrounding city.

During clear sky hours, the observation lounge offers views that extend beyond downtown Sapporo to include the Ishikari Plains and the Ishikari Bay in the distance. Visitors should not miss the chance to see the impressive jump structure alone.

From the starting point of jumpers, you can experience firsthand their elevated position. The spot presents an excellent chance for photography while gazing down at city lights in the evening. You can eat a meal at the cafe while taking in the site from its observation decks.

14. Boating At Lake Shikotsu

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The unique characteristic of this lake comes from its deep volcanic formation status making it free of ice throughout the entire year. Cruise this lake by kayak under the special experience of clear-bottom boats that allow underwater sightseeing alongside local fish.

While kayaking you can see under the surface to observe kokanee salmon and chars swimming in the water below. Sightseeing boats provide lake tours for those who like a leisurely experience on the waters while you enjoy the views.

Passengers can experience amusement on the water by using paddle boat rentals provided by swans and duck models.

15. See Collections At Hokkaido Museum of Modern Art

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The museum features approximately 5600 pieces across. The collection includes international art with important works from the School of Paris while maintaining local artworks from Tamako Kataoka and Eien Iwahashi.

Visitors will find an approachable room design throughout the museum. You will walk through constantly changing exhibits showing permanent displays and specialized collections of artworks.

People can unwind while enjoying garden views and contemporary studio art in this building's relaxing atmosphere.

16. Go To The Entertainment Susukino District

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The destination stands both as the city's principal amusement hub and the largest of such facilities in the nation. You will discover more than 4000 different bars throughout this particular area. Everyone interested in nightlife activities should place this location on their list.

Between karaoke boxes and dance clubs, you can find endless fun in Susukino for anyone seeking excitement. Visitors shouldn't miss Ramen Yokocho which locals call Ramen Alley.

Devotees of nightlife will love this spot for its ideal position to stop by after heading out. A nighttime photo in front of the Nikka Whisky landmark serves as both a meeting point for locals and makes a stunning photo appearance.

17. Take The Mt. Moiwa Ropeway

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The transportation system takes you up the mountain during a five-minute ride session. The Mt. Moiwa Ropeway from the base to the transfer station covers a distance of 1.2 kilometers.

After reaching the transfer station you can board the Mo-risu Car to reach the peak. The views are amazing! From this location, you can observe the entire city together with Ishikari Bay whenever the skies are clear.

The Jewels restaurant operates from its spectacular observation setting to serve delectable food. The wooded area surrounding Sapporo's mountain contains an amazing mix of unique plants and fauna.

18. Enjoy Sapporo Sweets At Snow Brand Parlor Sapporo Flagship Shop

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People visit this cafe due to its well-known selection of optimal desserts. The cafe presents 30 different sweet options including both ice cream creations and parfaits to customers for purchase.

One of the stars at this establishment is the massive Dream Jumbo Parfait combining ice cream with cake and a variety of fresh fruits for big groups to share. Customers adore the Royal Special Ice Cream because the establishment made it specially for Emperor Showa's visit to Hokkaido.

This velvety comforting ice cream produces a deep satisfying taste that ice cream fans admire strongly. Visitors can purchase original trip memorabilia at this location to remember their stay.

19. Make Your Way Up The Sapporo TV Tower

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The establishment is located in the eastern section of Odori Park comfortably situated within the heart of the city. The best part? Guests can reach the observation platform at 90 meters above ground by using elevator access.

Once you reach the observation area you will experience breathtaking views of the city and surrounding mountain vistas. Besides regular viewing points the observation floor offers a window of thrills where visitors can experience a heart-pounding moment while leaning against glass walls.

Observation decks show views across the Sea of Japan when the skies remain clear. Access to the Sapporo TV Tower requires payment but the views are outstanding.

20. Step Back In Time At Hokkaido's Historical Village

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Locally named Kaitaku no Mura, this cool open-air museum resides in Sapporo. The site started its operations in 1983 to commemorate Hokkaido's completion of a century.

The area features more than 60 historical buildings from both the Meiji and Taisho periods known for their place in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The village is split into four zones: a town area, a fishing village, a farming village, and a mountain village.

Each of the four zones demonstrates the lifestyle practices of people during a specific era. Visitors can experience the village with summer horse-drawn trolleys or choose sleds for rides during winter. The site provides insights into Hokkaido's historical living and workforce activities.