Hey everyone, how’s it going? I’ve been living in Sapporo for 40 years, and I’m here to tell you all about what makes summer in this city so special. For those of you visiting from overseas, I want to share the real Sapporo summer experience – the kind you won’t always find in guidebooks. So, just relax and let me fill you in.
Summer in Sapporo is Actually the Best Season!
First off, the summer weather in Sapporo is fantastic. Okay, I’ll admit, it’s gotten hotter these past few years, and we don’t have as many of those perfectly crisp, dry days as we used to. Some nights can stay pretty warm too. But, it’s still way better than the heat on Japan’s main island! Honestly, with all the green, the blue skies, and the sunshine making the city look its best, it’s the season all us locals look forward to. You’ll be fine in short sleeves during the day, but it’s a good idea to have a light jacket or something to throw on for the mornings and evenings. Just how comfortable it is here makes Sapporo a great choice for a summer trip, in my opinion.
The Classic, Can’t-Miss Spot: Odori Park and Around
Your Sapporo sightseeing journey should probably start right here at Odori Park. It’s a long, sprawling park stretching east to west, filled with different flowers depending on the season. Just taking a walk here feels great. The main event during the summer, though, is definitely the Sapporo Odori Beer Garden!
Sapporo Summer Festival Official Site (Welcome to Sapporo – Sapporo Tourism Association – Japanese Only) Sorry, this page is only in Japanese. Try using your browser’s translation feature.
It’s a massive beer garden where you can enjoy all sorts of beers from Japan and around the world, bustling with people even during the daytime. But, let’s be real, it gets incredibly crowded, especially on weekend evenings. Finding a seat can be a challenge sometimes. That said, many locals might just grab one beer to soak up the atmosphere and then head over to nearby Susukino for a proper, cold beer in a less hectic setting. There are tons of great places there, you know.
At the east end of the park stands the Sapporo TV Tower.
Sapporo TV Tower Official Website (English)
The view from the observation deck is pretty nice, offering a panoramic look at the Sapporo cityscape and Odori Park. Admission is around 1,000 yen for adults. (That’s the price as of writing this, so please check the official website for the latest fees before you go). If you want to know more about the views and what to do there, I’ve written a bit more detail in this article.
【Here’s a little tip from a local】 Honestly, we locals don’t really go up the TV Tower all that often (haha). But if it’s your first time in Sapporo, I think it’s worth going up at least once. The view, especially around dusk as the city lights start twinkling, is quite romantic.
Where Sapporo’s Deliciousness Gathers
The joy of traveling definitely includes food!
For Fresh Seafood: Nijo Market
Nijo Market Official Website (English)
This place has a real old-school market vibe, packed with seafood like crab, sea urchin (uni), and salmon roe (ikura). The lively calls of the vendors echoing through the market make it fun just to look around. There are also shops inside where you can grab a delicious seafood bowl (kaisen-don). Just a small heads-up, some places might feel a bit priced for tourists. But you can definitely taste fresh ingredients easily, and experiencing the market’s energy is a travel memory in itself. If you feel it’s a bit pricey, there are other ways to enjoy Sapporo’s seafood without breaking the bank. Check out this article (Sorry to the market fans!).
Nightlife and Genghis Khan: Susukino
When night falls, heading out to the glittering neon lights of Susukino is a good idea. This is Hokkaido’s largest entertainment district, filled with delicious restaurants and bars. Summer in Sapporo is truly perfect beer weather! If you want to enjoy cold beer and tasty food, Susukino is a must-visit. Many popular shops for Sapporo’s famous Genghis Khan (grilled mutton) and ramen are also in this area, so definitely give them a try. You can find more detailed info and recommendations for Susukino in this article.
Sweeping Views of Sapporo! The View from Mt. Moiwa
If you want a panoramic view of the Sapporo cityscape, Mt. Moiwa (Moiwa-yama) is an absolute must-see. The night view, especially in summer, is simply breathtaking.
Mt. Moiwa Ropeway Official Website (English)
From the summit observation deck at 531 meters, you can enjoy a stunning 360-degree panorama of Sapporo’s beautiful night lights, which has been selected as one of Japan’s “New Three Major Night Views.” The sparkling city lights are truly breathtaking. Of course, the daytime view is fantastic too, offering a great sense of openness.
The most common way to get there is to take the streetcar (tram) to the “Ropeway Iriguchi” stop and then hop on the free shuttle bus. There are also bus routes that go directly near the Ropeway Sanroku (base) Station. To reach the summit, you first take the ropeway up to the midway station, and from there, you transfer to the “Morris Car,” a mini cable car. This transfer itself feels like a small, fun attraction.
The round-trip fare for the ropeway and Morris Car combined was about 2,100 yen for adults last I checked. (Again, this is just a rough estimate from when I wrote this, so please be sure to check the official website for the latest fares and operating status before you go).
Besides Mt. Moiwa, there are other great viewing spots in Sapporo, especially nice in the summer:
- Okurayama Observatory: This is the site of the ski jump stadium used in the Winter Olympics. You can take a lift up to the observation lounge. The view from the top of the ski jump starting point is quite thrilling and interesting. Okurayama Ski Jump Stadium Official Website (English)
- Horomi Pass Observatory: Access here is a bit tricky; it’s hard to reach without a car. But in summer, about 8,000 lavender plants bloom beautifully. The night view is nice too, but the combination with the lavender fields is a unique sight you might not see elsewhere. Just be aware that the road is narrow, and there’s a parking fee (during the lavender season), so do your research before heading out.
Vast Spots to Connect with Nature
Sapporo is a city, but venture out a bit, and you’ll find abundant nature.
The Artistic Park: Moerenuma Park
Moerenuma Park Official Website (English)
This is an incredibly unique park designed by the world-renowned sculptor Isamu Noguchi. The concept is “the entire park is a single sculpture,” featuring geometric mountains, fountains, and play structures scattered across its vast grounds. Renting a bicycle to explore the park is highly recommended. Access is about a 25-minute bus ride from the Toho Subway Line’s Kanjo-Dori-Higashi Station. It might take a bit of time to get there from the city center, which could be seen as a downside, but it makes it a special place where you can forget the urban hustle and immerse yourself in art and nature. Having a picnic here on a sunny summer day is just the best.
Agriculture and Nature Theme Park: Sapporo Satoland
Not too far from Moerenuma Park, there’s another vast agricultural theme park called Sapporo Satoland. It’s rich in nature, with animal petting areas and opportunities for farm experiences like butter making. An SL (steam locomotive style) bus runs through the park, and rental bikes are available, making it easy to get around the large grounds. The barbecue area is also popular in the summer (check if reservations are needed). It’s a great place not just for families, but also for friends to spend a relaxing day. The free admission is another nice bonus.
Events That Color Sapporo Summer
As mentioned earlier, Sapporo is packed with events in the summer!
- Sapporo Summer Festival (Mid-July to Mid-August approx.): The Odori Park Beer Garden is famous, but the Hokkai Bon Odori dance, Tanukikoji Shopping Street festival, and Susukino festival are also held around the same time, really boosting the festive mood throughout the city. Sapporo Summer Festival Official Site (Welcome to Sapporo – Sapporo Tourism Association – Japanese Only) Looks like this one’s Japanese only too. Try using translation.
- Fireworks Displays: Usually, there’s a large fireworks display over the Toyohira River, but whether it’s held varies year by year, so check for information before your trip. If it happens, expect huge crowds, but the fireworks lighting up the summer night sky are truly beautiful.
The beer garden gets particularly crowded from evening into the night, so if you plan to go, arriving a bit earlier might be a good idea.
【Bonus Section】Venturing a Bit Further: To the Lavender Hills
If you have some extra time in your schedule, taking a trip from Sapporo out to Furano and Biei is an amazing experience. The lavender fields in summer are breathtakingly beautiful.
Furano Tourism Association Official Website “Furano Index” (English) Biei Tourism Association Official Website (English)
The fields spreading out like purple carpets, the hills blooming with colorful flowers, and the patchwork-like fields – it’s scenery truly unique to Hokkaido. It’s a paradise for photography lovers.
From Sapporo, renting a car or taking a bus tour are common options. A day trip is possible, but it involves quite a bit of travel time, so staying overnight is recommended if you can. Having a rental car gives you the freedom to visit various spots conveniently. Summer in Furano and Biei is incredibly popular, so booking accommodation and transportation well in advance is probably wise. This article might be helpful for planning your day trip.
Wrapping Up
So, what did you think? Did you get a better feel for the charms of Sapporo (and a bit beyond) in the summer? Enjoying delicious food, seeing stunning scenery, connecting with nature and art, and joining in the events, all in pleasant weather – a Hokkaido summer is sure to make your trip special.
Wearing layers is practical for clothing, and a hat and sunglasses for sun protection are good ideas too. Getting around the city is easy with the subway, buses, and streetcar.
I hope this article helps even just a little with planning your Sapporo trip. Please come and enjoy summer in Sapporo! We’ll be waiting!
