Hey there! As someone who’s lived in Sapporo for 40 years, I’m here to share some insider tips with you couples visiting from overseas on how to really enjoy our city. Guidebooks are great, but I’ll be mixing in some real info and little tricks that only a local would know, so I bet you’ll find yourselves saying, “Oh, really?!” Sapporo has tons of delicious food, beautiful scenery, and romantic spots, so I’d be thrilled if my info helps you make the best memories together.
So, where are the best places in Sapporo for couples to enjoy? Let me pick out a few spots I especially recommend.
Panoramic Views from the Heart of Sapporo! JR Tower Observatory T38
First off, you can’t miss the JR Tower Observatory T38, offering stunning views right from Sapporo Station. The best things about this place are its easy access and the 360-degree panoramic view from 160 meters up. The daytime view is fantastic, but for couples, I’d definitely recommend the night view. The glittering city lights around Sapporo Station are truly romantic and should really set the mood for your trip.
Just a heads-up, being an observatory, the view can be a bit dependent on the weather. It might be less clear on cloudy or rainy days. But even then, you can relax at the tower’s café or enjoy shopping in the station building, so no need to be disappointed. When the weather’s good, you can see all the way to the distant mountains, and it feels amazing. Since admission fees and opening hours can change, please check the official JR Tower website for the latest information before you go. This info is current as of when this article was written, so please use it as a rough guide.
Touch Nature and History at Maruyama Park and Hokkaido Jingu Shrine
For couples wanting to spend some quiet time away from the city bustle, a stroll around Maruyama Park and the Hokkaido Jingu Shrine area is perfect. Maruyama Park is famous for its cherry blossoms, and if you’re visiting Sapporo in spring to enjoy them, you really can’t miss this spot. There’s also Maruyama Zoo in the park, so animal-loving couples can have a great time too.
And Hokkaido Jingu Shrine, adjacent to the park, is a very solemn and sacred place deeply connected to the history of Hokkaido’s development.
Let me tell you a local’s honest take: I love strolling through the grounds of Hokkaido Jingu Shrine. It’s especially nice in the early morning when there are fewer people. Walking among the trees in the crisp air just feels like it cleanses your soul. You can feel the nature of each season, and for us locals, it’s truly a place of relaxation.
However, during cherry blossom season, New Year’s, or the Shichi-Go-San festival season, both the parking lot and the shrine grounds can get quite crowded. You might want to be prepared for that. But that liveliness is also part of its charm, and if you go at a slightly different time, you can enjoy a quiet and calm walk. The official website for Hokkaido Jingu Shrine is here. For Maruyama Park, you can check the Sapporo City Parks information page (I could only find it in Japanese, so please use your browser to translate).
The Epitome of Romantic Night Views: Mt. Moiwa
When you talk about Sapporo’s night views, you absolutely have to mention the breathtaking night view from Mt. Moiwa’s summit. It’s been chosen as one of Japan’s “New Three Major Night Views,” so its beauty is guaranteed. It often ranks high in Sapporo night view rankings, and you’ll understand why. You take a ropeway and then the “Morris Car” (a mini cable car) to the summit, and seeing the Sapporo cityscape gradually spread out below you is exciting every time.
At the summit, besides the observation deck, there’s also a restaurant, and having dinner while looking at the night view could be perfect for a special date. There’s also a spot called the “Bell of Happiness,” so ringing it together could make for a nice memory.
If I had to point out a downside, it’s that the ropeway can have long waits on weekends and during peak tourist season. It tends to get especially crowded around sunset, so going with plenty of time to spare is a good idea. But the moment you arrive at the summit and see that vast night view, you’ll surely think it was worth the wait. Please be sure to check the official Mt. Moiwa Ropeway website for operating status and fares before you go. It can be suspended due to weather, you know.
The Stage of the Winter Olympics! Okurayama Ski Jump Stadium
For a slightly unique date spot, the special view from Okurayama is also interesting. This is where the ski jumping events were held during the 1972 Sapporo Winter Olympics, and international competitions are still held here today. You take a lift up to the observation deck, and that experience itself is really pleasant. Getting to see a ski jump up close is a rare opportunity, so it should be a fun memory. From the observation deck, you get a panoramic view of Sapporo city, and you can even get a sense of a ski jumper’s perspective, which is quite thrilling and impressive.
You can check the details for the Okurayama Ski Jump Stadium on their official website.
Extend Your Trip a Bit to the Romantic Port Town of Otaru
If you have a full day to spare during your Sapporo stay, taking a day trip from Sapporo to explore the town of Otaru is highly recommended. It’s only a little over 30 minutes by train, so it’s surprisingly easy to get to. The Otaru Canal area at dusk, with its gas lamps lit, is truly romantic; just walking along the canal together should make for a special time.
There are many glassware shops, music box stores, delicious sushi restaurants, and sweet shops, so just strolling around town is fun. Famous shops like Kitaichi Glass, Rokkatei, and LeTAO originated in Otaru, so you won’t have trouble finding souvenirs.
Another honest take from a local: The main tourist streets in Otaru are, of course, fun, but if you duck into a side alley, you’ll find old buildings and small shops that only locals go to. Exploring those kinds of places together could let you discover a different charm of Otaru.
However, since it’s a popular tourist destination, it gets quite crowded with visitors from Japan and abroad, especially on weekends and holidays. The canal area and Sakaimachi Street can be a bit hard to walk through at times. But if you go at a slightly different time or explore the back alleys as I mentioned, I think you can enjoy it at a relatively leisurely pace. For Otaru tourism information, the Otaru City official tourism website “OtaruSIGHTS” is convenient as it’s multilingual.
In Conclusion
How was that? Sapporo has many attractive places for couples to enjoy. What I’ve introduced this time is just a part of it, but they are all spots I can confidently recommend. Eat delicious food, see beautiful scenery, and spend special time just the two of you.
Sapporo is a city that shows a different face in every season, so I’d be happy if you came to visit again in a different season. I’ll have new information ready for you then!
