Day & Night Views Above Sapporo: An Honest Look at JR Tower Observatory T38
Hey there! Welcome to Sapporo! As someone who’s lived in this city for a long time, let me introduce you to a really special place. It’s the “JR Tower Observation Deck T38,” located right above Sapporo Station. If you’re planning your trip, this is one spot you definitely want to add to your list. Why? Well, let me tell you…
Get Sapporo’s Cityscape and Nature All to Yourself! An Easily Accessible Scenic Spot
First off, the biggest appeal of the JR Tower Observation Deck is its location. It’s directly connected to JR Sapporo Station, the gateway to Sapporo. That means you can easily stop by right after getting off the train or while you’re out shopping. This incredible accessibility, saving you precious travel time, is a huge plus.
The name “Tower Three Eight (T38)” comes from its height (38 floors, 160 meters above ground). Take the elevator straight up, and a 360-degree panoramic view awaits you.
Day and Night, See Different Sides of Sapporo’s Scenery
What’s fascinating is how the view from the observation deck completely changes depending on the time of day.
Daytime View: Sprawling Cityscape and Distant Mountains
Visit during the day, and you’ll clearly see how Sapporo city spreads out in an orderly grid pattern. In the distance, you can spot mountains like Mt. Moiwa and Mt. Teine, truly showcasing Sapporo’s charm where city and nature coexist closely.
The seasonal changes are also delightful:
- Spring: Watch the snow melt away and green return to the city.
- Summer: Lush green trees and parks are vibrant. Sapporo often gets attention for its winter, but many locals strongly feel that summer is the best season. It’s short, though!
- Autumn: Autumn leaves color the city. The view of the distant mountains surrounding Sapporo and the trees at Hokkaido University turning colors is particularly beautiful.
- Winter: A fantastical landscape covered in pure white snow. This is a special view unique to Hokkaido. Honestly, locals are used to the snowscape, but if you’re a visitor not accustomed to it, this is a great spot to be freshly amazed.
Night View: A Romantic Sea of Lights
And then, there’s the night. Sapporo’s night view is truly wonderful. Looking down from the observation deck, the city lights glitter like a spilled jewelry box. Especially the glowing neon signs of the TV Tower and the Susukino area are sure to stir your traveler’s spirit. It’s a seriously amazing view, so I really hope you get to see it at least once.
The romantic atmosphere makes it incredibly popular with couples too. It’s perfect for spending special quiet moments gazing at the scenery. And yes, I’ve been there with my girlfriend too (guilty as charged!). Highly recommended.
Plenty to Enjoy Inside the Observation Deck Too!
The T38 isn’t just about the view.
- T’CAFE: You can enjoy coffee and light meals at the counter seats by the window, overlooking the scenery. Taking a break here is the best. Daytime is great, but cocktails while watching the night view are also recommended. Especially during the day when there are fewer tourists, you can feel like you have the prime spot overlooking Sapporo all to yourself while sipping coffee – definitely recommended.
- T’SHOP: Find original goods and Hokkaido souvenirs available only here. Why not look for a memento of your trip?
- A Surprising Hidden Gem? The View from the Restroom: Here’s a slightly amusing detail – the men’s restroom here (sorry, I don’t know about the women’s) has a floor-to-ceiling glass wall offering an incredibly open view! Definitely worth checking out just for the story.
- Art and Music Too: Sometimes they host art exhibitions or music events, so you might be lucky depending on when you visit. I’ve been to a piano concert there myself, and it was quite a unique and interesting experience.
When is the Best Time to Visit? How Crowded Is It?
Personally, I recommend going around dusk. The magic hour, when the sky’s colors change moment by moment as the city lights begin to twinkle, is truly moving. It’s the perfect time to enjoy both the daytime and nighttime views.
As for crowds, it tends to get busier on weekends, public holidays, and during long holiday periods, especially from evening into the night. The time right around sunset is particularly popular. If you want to enjoy the scenery quietly and slowly, weekday afternoons are generally less crowded. Expect crowds during periods like the Sapporo Snow Festival in winter too. Crowd levels can change depending on the season and events, so please take this just as a general guide.
What About the Admission Fee and Hours?
There’s an admission fee to enter the observation deck.
- Admission Fee: Adults JPY 740 (Junior/Senior High School Students JPY 520, Elementary School Students/Preschoolers JPY 320)
- Opening Hours: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM (Last admission 9:30 PM)
You can check the latest details on fees and hours on this page (though it might be machine-translated): JR Tower Observation Deck T38 – Fees & Hours Info (Possibly Machine Translated)
Keep in mind that these fees and hours are current as of when this article was written, so they might change. Before you visit, please be sure to double-check the official website or other reliable sources yourself for the most up-to-date information.
A Little Advice from a Local
- Enjoy the Station Building: Besides the observation deck, JR Tower houses large shopping centers like Sapporo Stellar Place and Daimaru Sapporo, along with numerous restaurant floors. You can easily spend a whole day enjoying the observation deck and these facilities.
- Check the Weather: Naturally, if the weather is bad, the wonderful view might be obscured. It’s best to aim for a clear day if possible. However, the view of the city on a rainy day can have its own moody charm too.
- Binoculars: There are binoculars available at the observation deck, but if you have your own, bringing them along will let you enjoy the finer details, which can be quite interesting.
- Floor Guide: The observation deck has floor guides indicating what you can see in which direction. Using these will help you enjoy the scenery even more.
Conclusion: To Experience Sapporo’s Sky and City, Start Here!
Sapporo has many wonderful places, but the JR Tower Observation Deck T38 is packed with appealing elements for travelers: great access, fantastic views enjoyable day and night, and a comfortable atmosphere.
It’s a great place to gaze out over Sapporo while planning your trip or reflecting on your memories. It’s sure to make your Sapporo journey unforgettable. I really hope you get the chance to visit!
