Sapporo is home to Susukino, the largest downtown area in Hokkaido. The famous Sapporo Clock Tower is located near Odori Park, which runs through the center of the city. Jozankei Hot Springs are located on the outskirts of the city, making Sapporo a versatile urban tourist destination.
Sapporo is also home to the winter festival, Snow Festival, the Susukino entertainment district, the famous Clock Tower and TV Tower, as well as the Hitsujigaoka Observation Hill with the statue of Dr. Clark and the Okurayama Ski Jump Stadium, a famous venue for ski jumping competitions, in the suburbs. Jozankei Hot Spring is located in the upper reaches of the Toyohira River, which flows through the city, and visitors can enjoy bathing in this hot spring at their leisure.
This area is located in western Hokkaido. Sapporo is famous for the Sapporo Snow Festival, a winter festival, and is home to the Susukino entertainment district, Sapporo Clock Tower, Odori Park, TV Tower, Hitsujigaoka Observation Hill, famous for its statue of Dr. Clark, and Okurayama, a mecca for ski jumping. Hokkaido Shrine is just a stone's throw from the city center, and the surrounding area is ideal for strolling, with fashionable boutiques and general merchandise stores scattered throughout the area.
Jozankei Onsen Hot Spring is located upstream from the Toyohira River, which runs through the city, and is crowded with tourists due to its easy accessibility from the city center.
Chitose City, where Chitose Airport is located, is home to Lake Shikotsuko, a famous sightseeing spot. Lake Shikotsu is located in the Shikotsu-Toya National Park and is known as the northernmost ice-free lake in Japan, and its maximum depth is more than three times deeper than that of Lake Biwa. It is also famous for its high transparency, which is comparable to that of Lake Mashu.
Around Lake Shikotsu are Okotan Camping Ground, Bifue Camping Ground. There are also the Poropinai Camping Ground and the Morup Camping Ground, where you can enjoy camping while sightseeing. There are also hot springs, and you can relax and recover from your sightseeing trip at Lake Shikotsu Youth Hostel, Lake Shikotsu Ito Hot Spring, Lake Shikotsu Hot Spring, and Marukoma Hot Spring.
History of Sapporo
Since 1869, when the Sapporo Main Government Office was established as a base for Hokkaido development, Sapporo was rapidly pioneered by the influx of Tondenbou (military troops). In the Meiji period (1868-1912), Sapporo Agricultural College and a beer brewery were established in Sapporo, and in the early Showa period (1926-1989), regular air services between Tokyo and Sapporo began.
In 1950, Sapporo hosted the first Sapporo Snow Festival, and in 1972, it hosted Asia's first Winter Olympics. In the same year, Sapporo became an ordinance-designated city.
Sapporo's Local Gourmet, Food Culture and Specialties
As an area with magnificent natural beauty, abundant ingredients from the sea, mountains, and rivers are distributed, and a variety of cuisines can be enjoyed throughout the year. There are many dishes that originated in Sapporo, such as Sapporo miso ramen and soup curry, as well as a wide variety of gourmet food such as potato butter and fried potatoes made from potatoes, which are the nation's top harvest.
Because of its proximity to the Sea of Japan and the Sea of Okhotsk, there are also many restaurants that use an abundance of fresh seafood such as hairy crabs, kinki, silver cod, hokke, salmon, salmon roe, salmon roe, herring, etc. "The conveyor belt sushi restaurants operating in this area are no longer on the conveyor belt sushi level.
In addition, many of the food products produced by local food manufacturers are brands never seen in Honshu, making the area an intriguing place to taste just by shopping at the local supermarkets.
Baked goods and snacks are popular as souvenirs, but the Sapporo Central Wholesale Market also offers a delivery service of marine products and fruits for tourists, making it a good place to pick out souvenirs.
Jozankei Onsen is a famous hot spring resort nestled in a beautiful valley surrounded by pristine forests. Natural hot spring water rises from cracks in the bedrock along the banks and riverbed of the Toyohira River, creating a tranquil destination where visitors can enjoy both healing waters and spectacular scenery. Located about 26 kilometers south of central Sapporo, Jozankei can be reached by...»
Mount Moiwa rises to 531 meters above sea level almost in the center of Sapporo. From the summit, visitors can enjoy a spectacular panorama stretching across the city of Sapporo, Ishikari Bay, and as far as the Mashike-Shokanbetsu mountain range. Especially after sunset, the city lights spread across the Ishikari Plain like countless jewels. The breathtaking nighttime panorama is one of the highl...»
Hitsujigaoka Observation Hill is a scenic destination on a broad hillside in southeastern Sapporo. With expansive grasslands, grazing sheep, and panoramic views, it offers visitors a chance to experience the peaceful, pastoral landscape often associated with Hokkaido. The grounds are home to several monuments connected with Sapporo and Hokkaido, including the famous statue of Dr. William Smith Cl...»
North Safari Sapporo is a unique safari park in Sapporo where visitors can experience animals at close range. The park is divided into three main areas: North Safari Sapporo, where guests can interact with animals; the Dangerous Forest, where dangerous animals can be observed from remarkably close distances; and North Safari Adventure, which offers a variety of seasonal outdoor activities....»
JR Tower Observatory T38 is located on the 38th floor of JR Tower, directly connected to JR Sapporo Station. Rising 160 meters above the ground, it is the highest observation deck in Hokkaido and offers sweeping 360-degree views across Sapporo and its surrounding landscapes. Looking south, visitors can see the neatly arranged grid of central Sapporo, extending toward landmarks such as the Sapporo...»
Sapporo TV Tower stands at the eastern end of Odori Park, the broad green boulevard that divides central Sapporo into northern and southern sections. Rising 147.2 meters above the city, the tower has been one of Sapporo's most recognizable landmarks since its completion in 1956. At an elevation of 90 meters, the observation deck offers a sweeping 360-degree panorama across Sapporo. From here, vis...»
Shiroi Koibito Park Chocolate Factory is a charming chocolate-themed attraction in Sapporo operated by Ishiya, the Hokkaido confectionery maker famous for Shiroi Koibito, one of the region's best-known souvenirs. The beautiful European-style buildings resemble a storybook castle, creating a whimsical atmosphere that feels like stepping into a world devoted to sweets. The park combines a working c...»
Hill of the Buddha is a remarkable Buddhist memorial complex in Sapporo's Makomanai Takino Cemetery, designed by world-renowned Japanese architect Tadao Ando. At its heart is a monumental Buddha measuring 13.5 meters in height and weighing approximately 1,500 tons. Rather than placing the Buddha in a conventional temple hall, Ando created a striking architectural space in which the statue is part...»
Historical Village of Hokkaido is an open-air museum located within Nopporo Forest Park in Sapporo. Covering a vast area of approximately 54 hectares, the museum recreates the towns, villages, buildings, and everyday life of Hokkaido during the pioneering era from the Meiji and Taisho periods through the early Showa period. Historic buildings from different parts of Hokkaido have been relocated t...»
Sapporo Beer Museum is a historic beer museum in Sapporo's Higashi Ward and the only museum in Japan dedicated to the history of beer. Housed in a distinctive red-brick building, the museum introduces more than 120 years of Sapporo Beer history, from the development of brewing in Japan to the company's own long brewing tradition. Visitors can learn how beer is made, explore the story of beer cult...»
Moerenuma Park is a spectacular comprehensive park in northeastern Sapporo designed by the world-renowned sculptor Isamu Noguchi. Rather than treating art as something placed within a park, Noguchi envisioned the entire landscape as a monumental work of art, creating a unique environment where nature, architecture, sculpture, and recreation are seamlessly connected. Completed in 2005, the park fe...»
Sapporo Clock Tower is one of the city's best-known landmarks and one of the oldest surviving clock towers in Japan. Built in 1878 as the drill hall of the Sapporo Agricultural College, the predecessor of Hokkaido University, it has continued to mark the passage of time for more than a century. With its distinctive Western-style wooden architecture, the clock tower stands as a reminder of Sapporo...»
Sapporo Maruyama Zoo is one of Hokkaido's leading zoos, home to around 160 species and 700 individual animals, including mammals, birds, and reptiles. Located within the lush natural surroundings of Maruyama Park, the zoo offers visitors the chance to encounter a remarkable variety of wildlife throughout the year. Among its highlights are the Tropical Animal House, where popular animals such as l...»
Hokkaido Shrine is one of the most important Shinto shrines in Hokkaido and is regarded as the island's spiritual guardian. Founded in 1869, the shrine occupies an expansive site of approximately 180,000 square meters in central Sapporo, where historic buildings and rich natural surroundings create a peaceful sanctuary. The shrine attracts large numbers of worshippers throughout the year, particu...»
Okurayama Observatory is located at the top of the Okurayama Ski Jump Stadium, a famous venue where international competitions have been held and which was also used during the Winter Olympics. Reaching the observation area by the same two-person chairlift used by ski jump athletes makes the journey itself part of the experience....»
The Sapporo Snow Festival is one of Japan's most famous winter events, transforming the city of Sapporo into a spectacular outdoor gallery of snow and ice. Every year, enormous snow sculptures, intricate ice carvings, winter attractions, and illuminated displays create a magical atmosphere throughout the city. The festival is centered around three main venues: Odori, Tsudome, and Susukino. Each v...»
The Former Hokkaido Government Office is one of Sapporo's most recognizable historic buildings. Commonly known as the “Red Brick Office”, this elegant Western-style building was completed in 1888 in an American Neo-Baroque style. Its distinctive red-brick exterior has made it a beloved landmark of Sapporo and an enduring symbol of Hokkaido's early development. Today, the building is preserved as ...»
Ecorin Village is a spacious eco-themed park in Eniwa, Hokkaido, where visitors can enjoy flowers, animals, gardens, and hands-on experiences while learning about environmental issues and the importance of healthy, sustainable food. The park covers approximately 40 hectares, providing plenty of space to explore at a relaxed pace. Its combination of gardens, farm animals, food, and environmental t...»
Lake Shikotsu is a spectacular caldera lake in Shikotsu-Toya National Park in southern Hokkaido. Located approximately 40 kilometers southeast of Sapporo, the lake stretches roughly 13 kilometers from east to west and about 5 kilometers from north to south, forming a distinctive elongated shape. The name Shikotsu comes from an Ainu word meaning “large depression”, an appropriate name for a lake s...»
Koke no Domon is a remarkable natural formation near Lake Shikotsu in Chitose, Hokkaido, where moss-covered rock walls create an enchanting corridor through the forest. The landscape was formed from cracks in lava that flowed during an eruption of Mount Tarumae. Over time, flowing water from streams and other natural forces eroded the volcanic rock, creating the distinctive passageway seen today. ...»
New Chitose Airport is one of Japan's major airports and the principal gateway to Hokkaido for travelers arriving from other parts of Japan and overseas. Located in the cities of Chitose and Tomakomai, the airport is approximately 45 kilometers southeast of central Sapporo and connects Hokkaido with numerous domestic and international destinations. More than simply an airport, New Chitose is a de...»
Futami Suspension Bridge is one of the most recognizable landmarks of Jozankei, a hot spring resort nestled in a beautiful forested valley on the outskirts of Sapporo. Spanning the Toyohira River, the striking red suspension bridge stands out against the surrounding greenery and has become a symbol of the area. From the bridge, visitors can look down into the dramatic gorge and see unusual rock f...»
Hoheikyo Onsen is a day-use hot spring facility in the Jozankei area of Sapporo, famous for its enormous open-air bath and exceptionally pure natural hot spring water. The baths are supplied directly from underground hot spring sources without storing the water in tanks, diluting it, reheating it, or recirculating it. This 100% free-flowing natural hot spring experience allows visitors to soak in...»
Hoheikyo Dam is a spectacular arch concrete dam in Jozankei, southern Sapporo. Completed in 1972, the dam rises 102.5 meters and plays an important role in supplying water to Sapporo. Its immense scale, dramatic rock cliffs, and surrounding forests make it one of the most impressive scenic destinations in the Jozankei area. The reservoir created by the dam is known as Jozan Lake. Surrounded by st...»
Machimura Farm Milk Garden is a charming dairy destination in Ebetsu, near Sapporo, where visitors can enjoy fresh milk and homemade dairy sweets surrounded by a peaceful countryside landscape. Set on spacious grounds with open pastures, the farm offers a refreshing escape from the city and a chance to experience the gentle flavors of Hokkaido dairy products. The Milk Garden is housed in a distin...»
Chitose Winery is a winery in Chitose, Hokkaido, producing wines that capture the rich character and abundant fruit flavors of the northern land. Founded in 1988, the winery makes and sells a variety of wines using grapes grown in Hokkaido, as well as a distinctive sweet fruit wine made with haskap berries, a fruit closely associated with Hokkaido. Hokkaido's cool climate and fertile natural envi...»
Makomanai Takino Cemetery is one of the largest cemeteries in Sapporo, covering approximately 1.8 million square meters. Although it is a cemetery and sacred site, its striking architecture, monumental sculptures, flower gardens, and expansive green spaces have made it an unusual and increasingly popular destination for visitors from Japan and overseas. The cemetery was developed with the concept...»
Sapporo Ramen is a famous regional style of ramen that originated in Sapporo, Hokkaido. Today, it is particularly known for its rich and flavorful miso-based broth, chewy noodles, and toppings that make the most of Hokkaido's local ingredients....»
Soup Curry is one of Sapporo's best-known local dishes. Unlike the thick, flour-based curries commonly served with rice in Japan, Soup Curry is built around a flavorful, spiced broth. It is generously filled with vegetables, meat, seafood, and other ingredients, making it a warming and satisfying meal that reflects the character of Hokkaido....»
Tsukisamu Anpan is a famous Sapporo sweet that has been loved for more than 100 years. It was created in the Tsukisamu district during the Meiji era, when one of Hokkaido's largest infantry regiments was stationed in the area. Made with smooth red bean paste from Hokkaido's Tokachi region and wrapped in a moist, thin layer of dough, it has a simple yet deeply satisfying flavor....»
Chippu cuisine refers to dishes made with kokanee, a landlocked form of sockeye salmon that lives in Lake Shikotsu in Hokkaido. The fish is affectionately known locally as “Chippu,” and Chitose City, home to Lake Shikotsu, has designated it as the city’s official fish. Lake Shikotsu is renowned for its exceptionally clear water and outstanding water quality, creating an ideal environment for koka...»
Chicken Katsu Curry is a satisfying Japanese curry dish featuring a light and crispy chicken cutlet served over rice and topped with rich curry sauce. In Sapporo-style versions, shredded cabbage is also placed alongside the chicken katsu, creating a distinctive combination of crispy, savory, and refreshing textures....»
Ramen Salad is a unique Hokkaido dish that combines chilled ramen noodles with a generous amount of fresh vegetables and salad dressing. Often nicknamed “Rā-Sara” in Japan, it is especially popular in Sapporo and is commonly served at izakaya, casual Japanese pubs. Although it contains ramen noodles, Ramen Salad is enjoyed more like a salad than a noodle dish. The large quantity of vegetables dis...»
Soup Curry Hot Pot is a creative hot pot dish born in Hokkaido, the birthplace of Japan’s distinctive soup curry culture. Combining the comforting warmth of a Japanese hot pot with a richly spiced curry broth, it is a hearty dish that is perfect for Hokkaido’s cold climate. The broth is made with a flavorful stock and carefully selected spices, creating a fragrant curry soup that is both warming ...»
Kitaakari Jumbo Potato with Butter is a simple yet irresistible Hokkaido specialty made with a whole Kitaakari potato topped with a generous piece of butter. The potato is served piping hot, allowing the butter to slowly melt over its fluffy surface. The rich aroma of warm potato and butter makes this a wonderfully appetizing treat....»
Kanisuki is a popular Japanese hot pot dish that allows you to enjoy the rich flavors and satisfying texture of Hokkaido crab. Hokkaido is famous for its abundance of high-quality crab, including horsehair crab, king crab, Hanasaki crab, and snow crab. Among these varieties, snow crab is sometimes described as the “king of crabs.” It is delicious whether grilled or served as sashimi, but kanisuki...»
Hokkaido is one of Japan's best destinations for crab lovers, offering several varieties of crab from the surrounding waters. Among the most famous are horsehair crab, king crab, snow crab, and Hanasaki crab, each with its own distinctive flavor, texture, and character....»
Hokkaido tomatoes are one of the delicious summer harvests that showcase the natural bounty of Japan’s northernmost island. Although tomatoes are grown throughout Japan, Hokkaido’s cool climate creates particularly favorable conditions for producing sweet, flavorful fruit....»
Jaga Pokkuru is a popular Hokkaido snack made from locally grown potatoes. Simple in concept yet distinctive in flavor, it lets you enjoy the natural taste of Hokkaido potatoes in a light, crispy snack....»
ROYCE' Nama Chocolate is one of Hokkaido's signature chocolate sweets, known for its exceptionally smooth texture and clean, refined finish. The Japanese word nama means “fresh,” referring to the use of fresh cream that gives this chocolate its soft, melt-in-the-mouth character....»
Shiroi Koibito is one of Hokkaido’s most famous confectionery specialties. It combines a light, crisp French-style cookie with a layer of smooth white chocolate, creating a delicate texture that is both crunchy and pleasantly melt-in-the-mouth....»
Potatochip Chocolate is a distinctive Hokkaido confectionery created by ROYCE', the chocolatier famous for its smooth Nama Chocolate. It combines the rich flavor of chocolate with the savory, crisp taste of potato chips, creating an irresistible balance of sweet and salty flavors....»
Yukimushi Soufflé is a delicate Hokkaido sweet known for its soft, airy texture and cream that seems to melt gently in the mouth. It is one of the signature products of Morimoto, a Hokkaido confectionery company founded in 1949 that has long emphasized the use of ingredients from Hokkaido....»
Sapporo Times Square is a popular local confection from Sapporo, featuring a soft steamed sponge cake filled with smooth custard cream. Created by Sanhachi Co., Ltd. in 1990 as part of the launch of its new confectionery brand, Sapporo Kashidokoro Kakasha, it has become a familiar sweet among local residents....»
Shiroi Black Thunder is the Hokkaido-exclusive version of Black Thunder, the popular chocolate snack bar made by Yuraku Confectionery. First introduced in 1994, Black Thunder is known for its satisfying bite and crispy texture, while Shiroi Black Thunder adds a distinctly Hokkaido twist with rich white chocolate made with Hokkaido milk....»
Mifuyu is a delicate chocolate mille-feuille made by ISHIYA, the Hokkaido confectionery company best known for Shiroi Koibito. Combining crisp pastry, layered chocolate and carefully selected fillings, Mifuyu showcases the company's attention to ingredients and confectionery craftsmanship....»
Yakisoba Bento is a cup-style yakisoba that virtually everyone in Hokkaido knows. Available only in Hokkaido, this popular instant noodle series has become a familiar part of everyday food culture in the region....»
Tsukisamu Donuts, also known as Tama Donuts, are a beloved traditional sweet from Sapporo. Made by Tsukisamu Anpan Honpo, the maker famous for its Tsukisamu Anpan, these bite-sized bean paste doughnuts have been enjoyed by people in Hokkaido for more than 50 years....»
Haskapp Jewelry is a signature sweet from Morimoto that combines thin, crisp cookies with homemade Haskapp jam made from Hokkaido-grown berries. The elegant balance of sweet chocolate and the refreshing tartness of Haskapp has made it one of Morimoto's best-selling sweets....»
S&B Hong Kong Yakisoba is a nostalgic Japanese instant noodle dish that has been enjoyed for around 60 years. First introduced in 1964, it is a distinctive product from the early days of instant yakisoba and remains especially popular in Hokkaido....»
Sapporo Agricultural School Hokkaido Milk Cookies are a popular Hokkaido souvenir known for their light, crisp texture and gentle milk flavor. For travelers unsure what to buy as a gift from Hokkaido, these cookies are often considered an easy and dependable choice....»
Ishikari no Hama is a distinctive Hokkaido specialty made using a traditional Japanese pickling method known as hasami-zuke, in which layers of vegetables and seafood are stacked together and allowed to mature in a carefully prepared seasoning. Resembling a savory sandwich, this beautifully layered pickle combines the natural flavors of fresh vegetables with the rich bounty of Hokkaido's seas. Th...»
This smooth and flavorful pork liver pâté is made in Sapporo using a traditional method taught by a German master butcher. It features pork from Hokkaido and is carefully seasoned with 12 spices and herbs, including marjoram, a perennial herb in the mint family. These seasonings help reduce the liver’s strong aroma, creating a milder flavor that is easy to enjoy. The pâté combines pork liver blen...»
Hokkaido Miso is a traditional Japanese seasoning whose origins can be traced to brewing techniques brought to Hokkaido by skilled miso makers from other parts of Japan. However, the methods that worked well on the mainland did not produce satisfactory results in Hokkaido’s different climate. Through years of experimentation and dedication, local producers developed their own techniques, making th...»
Karikari Mada Aru? is a popular curry-flavored snack created by Yoshimi, a renowned Sapporo restaurant known for its signature soup curry, one of Hokkaido’s best-loved local dishes. Developed with a strong emphasis on flavor and aroma, these crunchy rice crackers bring the restaurant’s distinctive curry taste into an easy-to-enjoy snack....»
Hokkaido Fresh Salami is a carefully crafted meat delicacy made with premium pork from Hokkaido and deep-sea salt sourced from Rausu, a coastal town in eastern Hokkaido. With a strong emphasis on quality ingredients and traditional European-style flavor, this salami offers an authentic taste without unnecessary shortcuts....»
Kobayashi Farm Story Handmade Blue Cheese is a distinctive blue cheese developed to offer a gentler flavor that appeals to Japanese palates. The cheese is made using a Roquefort-style blue mold culture that has been cultivated in-house over many years. Its relatively low salt content allows the cheese’s rich, complex flavors to shine through without being overpowering. The cheese is made entirely...»
Hokugai Flaked Red Salmon is a popular Hokkaido salmon product made exclusively from sockeye salmon, prized for its rich flavor and appealing texture. While some canned salmon products use less expensive fish, such as pink salmon, this specialty uses genuine red salmon for a fuller, more satisfying taste....»
Salmon sausage from Sato Suisan offers a delicious and convenient way to enjoy the natural goodness of salmon. Salmon is generally considered difficult to use in fish paste because its fine muscle fibers produce little stickiness when minced, making it hard to achieve the desired springy texture. Through its own distinctive production method, however, Sato Suisan has succeeded in creating a smooth...»