PR

Sapporo for Beginners: A Local’s Top 10 Must-Dos (40 Years of Insider Tips!)

English guide
5月 10th, 2025

Hey everyone! Welcome to Sapporo! If you’re reading this blog, maybe you’re visiting Sapporo for the first time? Or perhaps you’re looking to discover a deeper side of Sapporo? Either way, you’re more than welcome!

I’ve been living in Sapporo for 40 years now, and I like to think I know this city inside out. Great food, beautiful scenery, fun events – there’s just so much here. Guidebooks are fine, but I really think you should also check out the “real voices” of us locals.

So, this time, I’m going to introduce my “Top 10 Things First-Time Visitors to Sapporo Absolutely Must Do,” in a ranking format that I can confidently recommend to visitors from overseas. Reading this will no doubt make your Sapporo trip many times more enjoyable! I’ll be sharing some little-known tidbits and a local’s unique perspective, so I hope you enjoy it.

Alright, let’s get started!

10. The Classic View! See Sapporo from Above at the Sapporo TV Tower

First up is this one – when you think of Sapporo landmarks, it’s got to be the Sapporo TV Tower. It stands tall at the eastern end of Odori Park, and from the observation deck, you can get a panoramic view of the Sapporo cityscape and the distant mountains. The view of Odori Park, especially as it changes with the seasons, is fantastic.

Of course, the daytime view is great, but personally, I also recommend visiting around dusk or at night. The city lights start to twinkle, creating a really romantic atmosphere.

Just a heads-up, the observation deck can get a bit crowded on weekends and during peak tourist season. But hey, that just shows how popular it is. The feeling of openness when you step off the elevator at the top is still something special. For things like an admission fee and opening hours, it’s a good idea to check the latest information on their official website, just in case.

9. An Urban Oasis and a Place of Serenity: Maruyama Park & Hokkaido Jingu Shrine

Venture a little from central Sapporo, and you’ll find Maruyama Park and Hokkaido Jingu Shrine. Maruyama Park is an urban oasis where you can enjoy nature throughout the year – cherry blossoms in spring, fresh greenery in summer, and colorful leaves in autumn. It’s perfect for a stroll or a picnic. The adjacent Maruyama Zoo is also popular.

And nestled in the back of the park is Hokkaido Jingu Shrine. This is the largest Shinto shrine in Hokkaido, and it’s a place where locals come for New Year’s prayers and other important occasions. The solemn and tranquil atmosphere is a great way to experience Japanese shrine culture. I think this unique vibe will be quite refreshing for visitors from overseas.

Just a small tip: the shrine grounds are quite spacious, so wearing comfortable walking shoes is a good idea. Even if you don’t know the prayer etiquette, it’s fine to just observe what others are doing. If you offer your prayers with a quiet heart, you’re sure to feel refreshed.

8. You Can’t Start Your Sapporo Journey Without It! Savoring Sapporo Ramen

Alright, are you starting to feel hungry? When it comes to Sapporo, it’s all about ramen, right? Miso ramen is especially famous nationwide, but actually, there are tons of great shops serving delicious soy sauce and salt-based ramen too.

The curly noodles clinging to the rich broth – it’s just heavenly. Each shop has its own unique soup flavor and toppings, so comparing them can be fun. Popular tourist spots are good, but you might also find hidden gems in a slightly off-the-beaten-path alleyway frequented by locals.

A Local’s Honest Take: Ramen is one of those foods where preferences really vary. So, it’s hard to say, “This is THE absolute best!” But I think it’s fun to visit a few famous places and find your own “favorite bowl.” Many shops have long lines, but you might just discover a bowl that’s worth waiting for.

7. The Epitome of Winter in Sapporo! Experience the Grand Scale of the Sapporo Snow Festival

If you’re coming to Sapporo in winter, you absolutely cannot miss the Sapporo Snow Festival. This is, without a doubt, a world-famous major winter event. Massive snow and ice sculptures line Odori Park and several other venues in the city. Their sheer scale and beauty are truly breathtaking.

The snow sculptures are magnificent during the day, but at night, they’re illuminated, creating a different, fantastical atmosphere. There are also projection mapping shows, and the festival evolves every year.

However, be prepared for crowds, as a huge number of tourists from both Japan and overseas visit during the Snow Festival period. It’s crucial to book your hotels and flights early. And it gets incredibly cold, so make sure you bundle up with as much warm clothing as you can. But the beauty of the snow sculptures seen in that chill, and the vibrant energy of the venues, will surely become an unforgettable memory. Be sure to check the official website for the festival dates and venue details.

6. Souvenir Hunting and Food Strolling! A Wander Through Tanukikoji Shopping Street

One of Sapporo’s oldest shopping arcades is Tanukikoji Shopping Street. It’s a covered arcade, so you can enjoy shopping and dining without worrying about rain or snow, which is a nice perk.

Here, you’ll find a real mix of shops – stores selling Hokkaido souvenirs, drugstores, game arcades, traditional eateries, and trendy new cafes. Just strolling around is fun, and you might stumble upon some interesting finds.

It’s become very popular with overseas visitors recently, and while the lively atmosphere is great, it can feel a bit cluttered at certain times of the day. But some people find that “Asian market” vibe part of its charm. I hope you’ll peek into various shops and find a favorite item.

5. Fresh and Affordable! “Kaitenzushi” (Conveyor Belt Sushi) is a Must-Try

When you come to Hokkaido, you absolutely have to try the fresh seafood! High-end sushi restaurants are great, but what I particularly recommend is “Kaitenzushi” (conveyor belt sushi).

“Conveyor belt sushi?” you might think, but the quality of conveyor belt sushi in Sapporo is genuinely high. Friends visiting from mainland Japan are often astonished by the freshness of the toppings and the reasonable prices. Tuna, salmon, scallops, sea urchin, salmon roe… everything is delicious, and you’ll find yourself eating more than you planned!

Popular places often get crowded during lunchtime and on weekends, so going at slightly off-peak times might be a smart move. If you see local Hokkaido fish toppings, definitely give them a try!

4. The True Taste of Hokkaido! A “Genghis Khan” (Jingisukan) Feast!

When it comes to Sapporo cuisine, right alongside ramen, there’s “Genghis Khan” (Jingisukan). This is a dish where you grill mutton or lamb on a special domed skillet, and it’s no exaggeration to say it’s Hokkaido’s soul food.

You grill the meat and vegetables together on the uniquely shaped Genghis Khan pot, and it pairs incredibly well with beer! The dipping sauces also vary by restaurant, so comparing them can be interesting.

A Local’s Honest Take: The only slight drawback to Genghis Khan is that the smell can stick to your clothes (lol). But it’s so delicious that you won’t even care, and eating it while having a lively time with everyone is part of the fun. Many restaurants these days have made efforts to reduce smoke. Even if you’re a first-timer, the staff will show you how to grill it, so don’t worry. I definitely want you to try it at least once.

3. A Little Side Trip to a Port Town: Day Trip to Otaru

If you have some extra time during your Sapporo stay, I highly recommend a “day trip to Otaru.” It’s a beautiful port town that’s only about a 30-40 minute train ride from Sapporo.

The Otaru Canal, lined with stone warehouses, has a nostalgic atmosphere and is perfect for photos. There are also music box museums and glass workshops, making it fun just to wander around. And Otaru is also famous for its fresh seafood, with many sushi restaurants and seafood rice bowl shops. Personally, I also recommend eating at a local market.

Otaru is a popular tourist destination, so especially on weekends, the canal area and famous spots can be crowded. But if you venture into the side streets, you can find quieter areas, so discovering your own favorite spot can be fun. The view of the Sea of Japan from the train on the way back is also quite something.

2. Heal and Relax in Sapporo’s “Inner Parlor”: Jozankei Onsen (Hot Springs)

One of the great pleasures of traveling in Japan is, of course, the onsen (hot springs)! Just over an hour by bus from Sapporo city center, Jozankei Onsen is a popular hot spring resort, sometimes called “Sapporo’s inner parlor.”

Located in a valley surrounded by abundant nature, soaking in an onsen while enjoying the seasonal scenery is a truly luxurious experience. Many hotels and ryokans (Japanese inns) offer day-use bathing, making it an easy stop. The water quality is excellent and perfect for soothing travel fatigue. Nearby is the Hoheikyo Dam, a large dam that offers spectacular views, especially during the autumn foliage season.

The onsen town itself might not have flashy entertainment, but that’s what gives it a calm and relaxing atmosphere. For those who want to slowly unwind in nature, this is a highly recommended spot.

1. Guaranteed to Impress! The Panoramic Night View of Sapporo from Mt. Moiwa Ropeway

And the well-deserved number one is… the “night view from Mt. Moiwa“! This is just so incredibly beautiful, I really want you to see it. Sapporo’s night view has even been selected as one of “Japan’s New Three Major Night Views,” and the view from Mt. Moiwa is particularly stunning.

You take a ropeway and then the “Morris Car” (a mini cable car) to the summit, and the carpet of lights spreading out below is simply breathtaking. It’s often described as looking like an overturned jewelry box, and it truly feels that way. There’s also a “Bell of Happiness” at the observatory, which is popular with couples.

It does get quite cold at the summit, so it’s important to dress warmly, especially in winter. Also, if the weather is bad, you might not be able to see the night view, so I recommend checking the weather forecast before you go. Nevertheless, the beauty of the night view on a clear day is something I can guarantee will be one of the best memories of your Sapporo trip!

So, what did you think? A local’s pick of the “Top 10 Things First-Time Visitors to Sapporo Absolutely Must Do.” Of course, Sapporo’s charms don’t end here, but if you cover these bases, you’re sure to have a fantastic Sapporo trip.

I hope this article helps even a little with your travel planning. Make lots of wonderful memories in Sapporo!

タイトルとURLをコピーしました