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, visitors can look over the city center and Odori Park toward distant mountains such as Mount Maruyama and Mount Okura. The scenery changes dramatically with the seasons, making the tower an attractive viewpoint throughout the year.
Sapporo TV Tower was built as part of the development of the city’s communications infrastructure. Construction began in 1957, and the tower was completed in December of the same year according to the source material. It served as a communications tower transmitting television signals across Sapporo and the surrounding area.
As one of the first high-rise structures in the city, the tower quickly became an important landmark. Today, although its original communications role is no longer its defining feature for visitors, it remains closely associated with the identity and cityscape of Sapporo.
The tower rises approximately 147 meters, with its observation deck located 90 meters above ground level. Its steel-frame structure and glass-enclosed observation area give the tower a simple, modern appearance that blends naturally into the surrounding cityscape.
The design is particularly striking when viewed from Odori Park, where the tower rises above the trees and provides a distinctive focal point at the eastern end of the park.
The observation deck provides an unobstructed view across central Sapporo, including Odori Park, the surrounding urban district, and the mountains beyond. On clear days, the panorama extends toward the distant landscape, while the changing colors of the city create a different atmosphere in every season.
The view is especially appealing after sunset. As Sapporo’s streets and buildings begin to glow with lights, the observation deck becomes a popular place to appreciate the city’s nighttime landscape from above.
The observation area includes facilities for visitors, including a café and gift shop. Travelers can take a break, enjoy refreshments, and browse souvenirs while taking in the panorama of Sapporo.
Tourist information is also available, making the tower a convenient place to get an overview of attractions and events taking place around the city.
Because Sapporo TV Tower stands directly beside Odori Park, it is easy to combine a visit with a walk through one of the city’s most important public spaces. Odori Park hosts seasonal events and festivals, and the atmosphere around the tower changes throughout the year.
The surrounding central district is also filled with restaurants, shops, and other attractions, allowing visitors to combine sightseeing at the tower with dining and shopping.
The landscape around Sapporo TV Tower changes throughout the year. Summer greenery, autumn colors, and winter snow each create a distinctive view from the observation deck.
During winter, seasonal events and illuminations add another layer of atmosphere to Odori Park and the surrounding city. The tower therefore offers not only a panoramic viewpoint but also a way to appreciate Sapporo’s seasonal character from above.
Sapporo TV Tower is located within easy walking distance of Odori Station, making it a convenient stop when exploring central Sapporo. From the tower, visitors can continue on to major attractions such as Odori Park, the Sapporo Clock Tower, and the Susukino entertainment district.
Its central location makes it particularly useful at the beginning of a sightseeing day, when the panoramic view can provide a sense of the layout of Sapporo and help visitors appreciate the city’s broad streets, parks, and surrounding mountains.
With its long history as a city landmark and its panoramic observation deck, Sapporo TV Tower offers one of the clearest ways to experience the scale and character of Hokkaido’s largest city.
Whether viewed in bright summer sunshine, surrounded by autumn colors, or above a snow-covered Odori Park at night, the 360-degree panorama provides a memorable perspective on Sapporo. For first-time visitors as well as returning travelers, the tower is an ideal place to see the city from a different angle.
Observation deck: 9:00-22:00 (last admission 21:50)
*Opening hours differ for each store except for the observatory.
Adults (high school students and older): 1,000 yen
Elementary and junior high school students: 500 yen
Free for infants (under elementary school age)
15 minutes on foot from Sapporo Station