Hey there! Welcome to Sapporo!
As someone who’s lived in this city for a long time, let me tell you about one of Sapporo’s symbols, the Sapporo TV Tower. I’ll mix in some local perspectives you won’t find in guidebooks, so hopefully, it helps with your travel plans!
So, What Exactly is Sapporo TV Tower Anyway?
Let’s start with the basics. The Sapporo TV Tower stands right smack in the center of Sapporo, at the eastern end of Odori Park. It’s about 147 meters tall. Honestly, it can’t compete in height with Tokyo Tower or Skytree, but it holds a special place for the city of Sapporo.
Check out the Sapporo TV Tower Official Website here
Great Access! Perfect to Visit While Strolling Through Odori Park
The location is really convenient. It’s just a short walk from Odori Subway Station, and you can even walk from JR Sapporo Station. If the weather’s nice, it’s about a 15-minute stroll.
What’s great is its location right in Odori Park. Odori Park is buzzing with events all year round – the Lilac Festival in spring, the Beer Garden in summer, the Autumn Fest in fall, and the Sapporo Snow Festival in winter. It feels nice to naturally arrive at the TV Tower while walking through the park. (Want to know more about Odori Park? Check out this article too → Sapporo Odori Park: An Honest Local’s Guide for Tourists)
Odori Park Official Website (Japanese – Use Browser Translate) (Couldn’t find an English site, so try using your browser’s translation feature!)
How’s the View from the Observation Deck? Honestly…
Alright, the main event: the view from the Sapporo TV Tower observation deck. It’s about 90 meters above ground, and it’s actually quite nice!
- Daytime View: Looking west, you see Odori Park stretching out far below, with mountains in the distance. You get that classic Sapporo view – an orderly cityscape harmonizing with nature. It’s also nice to see the park change with the seasons: the lilacs in spring, the green in summer, autumn leaves, winter snow… it shows a different face whenever you visit. It’s a well-known, representative Sapporo landscape, and if you’ve come all the way to Sapporo, I think it’s worth seeing at least once!
- Night View: The Sapporo night view is popular too. The illuminations in Odori Park and the city lights stretching into the distance are beautiful. It’s a classic spot, especially during the Sapporo White Illumination in winter. If you’re visiting Sapporo in winter, I think it’s worth etching this quintessential view into your memory. The illuminations glittering within the straight stretch of Odori Park, flanked by buildings on both sides, are quite a sight.
Here’s a local’s honest take: Sapporo has other observation spots too, like the JR Tower Observatory T38 or Mt. Moiwa. If you’re talking about height or the vastness of the view, those might have the edge.
But, you know, the appeal of the TV Tower lies in the unique experience of “viewing the heart of Sapporo, together with Odori Park, from above.” It has history, and for Sapporo citizens, it’s beloved as “the tower that’s always there.”
A Slight Downside? But Still Great Points!
To be honest, the elevators to the observation deck can get quite crowded on weekends, during tourist seasons, and especially during big events (like the Snow Festival). You might have to wait a while. Especially in recent winters, the influx of inbound tourists has been incredible, and sometimes it seems impossible to even get in. It might be something to keep in mind.
But even considering that, I still think it’s worth visiting at least once when you’re in Sapporo. The easy access right in the city center, the unique view overlooking Odori Park, and its presence as a Sapporo landmark – these are charms other observation spots don’t have. From a local’s honest perspective, I think this “convenience” and “symbolic status” are the TV Tower’s strengths.
A Few Tips for Your Visit
- Avoiding Crowds: Weekday mornings or just before closing might be less crowded. Though, sometimes it just comes down to luck.
- Tickets and Fees: There’s an admission fee for the observation deck. Prices and hours can change, so it’s best to check the official website before you go. (Please note this is info as of writing; always double-check the official site for the latest details). Check Fees & Hours here (via Google Translate) -> Sapporo TV Tower Fees & Hours
- Souvenirs: There’s a souvenir shop on the lower floors. You might find goods featuring the tower’s mascot “Terebi-Tosan,” or other Hokkaido-themed souvenirs.
- Nearby Info: Close to the TV Tower, you’ll also find the Sapporo Clock Tower (Learn more in this article too → Sapporo Clock Tower: A Local’s Take on its Charm &… the Slightly Underwhelming Truth?) and the Former Hokkaido Government Office Building (Akarenga Chosha). It’s a good plan to see them together. Here’s a local’s honest tip: After going up the TV Tower, taking a leisurely walk through Odori Park is recommended. Sitting on a bench and looking up at the tower you were just in is quite nice. Of course, this assumes it’s not raining, but on a sunny day, it’s a pretty great space.
Conclusion: Come See Sapporo’s “Everyday View”!
Sapporo TV Tower isn’t the tallest tower in Japan, nor does it have the latest facilities. But it’s a landmark that has stood in the heart of Sapporo for a long time, loved by its citizens.
It’s a place where you can easily enjoy the Sapporo cityscape along with Odori Park. It might not be flashy, but it’s a spot where you can feel Sapporo’s “everyday view.” If you come to Sapporo, I definitely hope you’ll stop by. I think it’ll be a great memory!
