Sapporo, capital of Hokkaido

Sapporo, Japan’s fifth largest city and capital of Hokkaido Island, is a must-see destination for travellers looking for a different experience. Known for its winter climate, snow festival and unique culinary heritage, it combines nature, culture and history in a lively and welcoming atmosphere. In any season, Sapporo surprises and seduces by its landscapes, events and iconic sites.

Odori Park, the green lung of the city

Odori Park crosses Sapporo from east to west for more than one kilometre. This landscaped area, with its fountains, sculptures and flower gardens, is a central landmark for exploring the city. In winter, it becomes the epicenter of the famous snow festival, with its huge ice sculptures. In summer, its flower beds and terraces host festivals and markets.

Sapporo TV Tower

Built in 1957, the Sapporo TV tower is 147 metres high, offering stunning views of Odori Park and the surrounding mountains from its observatory. It houses an exhibition about its history and an underground shopping centre. At night, its light clock and colorful lighting make it essential in the urban panorama.

Snow Festival

Every February, Sapporo turns into an ice kingdom during Yuki Matsuri. Born from a student contest in 1950, it now attracts millions of visitors. Monumental sculptures, international snow sculpture competition and magical illuminations transform the city. The various sites, such as Odori, Tsudomu and Susukino, each offer a unique experience, between ice bar, giant slide and artistic exhibitions.

Sapporo Beer Museum

Symbol of the city, the Sapporo beer has its dedicated museum installed in a red brick building dating from the Meiji era. The place traces the history of the brewery through posters, vats and period objects. The visit ends with a tasting, with exclusive beers available only on site. To extend the experience, the Sapporo Beer Garden offers lamb and sheep grills, a regional specialty called jingisukan.

Hokkaido Jingu Shrine

Located in Maruyama Park, this Shinto shrine founded in 1871 honours the spirit of Emperor Meiji since 1964. Very popular during the New Year, it also hosts in June a colourful festival mixing processes, music and dances. Its aisles lined with cherry trees make it a privileged destination in the spring, when the flowers offer an ephemeral spectacle of great beauty.

Mount Moiwa

Accessible on foot or by cable car, Mount Moiwa dominates Sapporo with 531 meters. From its observation terrace, visitors enjoy an exceptional panorama, particularly impressive at night when the city sparkles under their feet. The summit also offers a restaurant and a planetarium, making the excursion ideal for a couple or family.

Maruyama Park and Ski Jumping Stadium

Maruyama is a popular natural place all year round. Its 1,700 cherry trees attract visitors in the spring, its maple trees paint the hills in the autumn, and its snowy landscapes seduce in winter. Nearby, the ski jumping stadium of Okurayama, built for the 1972 Olympic Games, remains active and accessible to visitors wishing to learn more about this spectacular sport.

Former Hokkaido government office

This red brick building, nicknamed “the red brick building”, is an architectural symbol of Sapporo. Built in 1873, it once served as an administrative centre. Today restored, it houses exhibitions and a tourist information centre. Its decorated rooms and landscaped garden make it an important cultural and historical stop.

Access to Sapporo

From Tokyo, the trip combines shinkansen to Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto (about 4 hours) and then to Sapporo (about 3 hours 30 hours). The journey, included in the Japan Rail Pass, takes about eight hours. A faster alternative is the plane, with many daily flights from Tokyo to New Chitose Airport, located 40 minutes from the city centre by train.

To visit Sapporo is to discover a city that lives at the rhythm of the seasons. From winter festivals to spring cherry trees, to iconic cuisine and architectural heritage, Hokkaido’s capital city is captivated by its diversity and energy. It is a destination to be integrated into any route in Japan for a rich and complete journey.

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