The 11 things to do in Sapporo

Are you visiting Japan and wondering what to do in Sapporo? Here are the 11 essentials to see during your stay in the city!

Sapporo is one of the largest and most interesting cities in the country, located in the Hokkaido Prefecture in Japan! Known for having been the place of first industrial brewery in Japan , it hides many other assets. Temples, parks, mountains and various monuments to visit, Sapporo has many surprises. Whether you go alone, with friends or with family, you will always find something to do in this city.

Want some ideas of visits to this beautiful city? Here are the 11 essentials for anyone wishing to visit Sapporo!

1. The historic village of Hokkaido

The historic village of Hokkaido is probably the first to quote if you ask that to do in Sapporo. It is an open-air museum that will make you a real jump in time! Indeed, it exhibits many objects and scenes dating from the 19th and 20th century, during the Meiji era. The collections are all exhibited in building events, organized by theme. These are: fishing, agriculture, city and mountain.

This place is therefore a must for anyone wishing to visit Sapporo. Thanks to him, you can learn more about Japanese life when pioneers have invested the island of Hokkaido.

2. The temple Fushimi Inari

If you were wondering what to do in Sapporo while remaining in the historical and local aspect of the city? Visit the Fushimi Inari temple! This one is easily recognizable by its many red doors, called Torii, which will offer you an amazing first show. Don’t hesitate to cross them to go to the temple, taking advantage of the pleasant atmosphere and landscape of the place.

The sanctuary is located after the Torii and a series of stairs. Many rooms come to make a wish and pray at the altar in the sanctuary. You can also take a tour around it as well as in the surrounding nature to make beautiful pictures. Finally, you can also find a shop selling many talismans and lucky bags. And don’t forget tradition, think about buying a card where to write your wish to hang it in the temple!

3. The television tower of Sapporo

Sapporo’s TV tour is one of the things to do for people wishing to visit Sapporo. Located in Odori Park, it was built in 1957 and is 147 metres high.

Thanks to its 90-metre observation platform, it is one of the best photo spots in Sapporo! Indeed, it allows a panoramic view of the city and Odori Park around it. Do you think you're spending the night near the tower? So you can see it completely illuminated, like a mini Eiffel Tower.

4. The Sapporo Dome

Are you a sports enthusiast and wondering what to do in Sapporo during your vacation? Why not visit the Sapporo Dome? This stadium is widely used for football, but also baseball. It is the first in the world to have a technology based on aeroglisse for its terrain. This incredible technology allows the latter to be raised on the created air mattress.

You may be able to attend one of the games taking place in this dome, or simply visit it. This will allow you to observe its incredible architecture and learn more about the history of this place.

5. The Maruyama Zoo

Do you want a family trip while you are visiting Sapporo? So the Maruyama Zoo is a great idea. This zoo opened in 1951 promises a fun day in the midst of animals from all over the world!

You can see tigers, lions, kangaroos, polar bears, roux pandas, birds, reptiles, and much more. You will be closest to the animals in this zoo and can even attend various events, including the Night Zoo. This is an activity where you will have the opportunity to see the nightlife of all zoo animals.

6. Onsen d’Hoheikyo

One of the must-sees when visiting Japan is to go to an onsen. The latter is a traditional Japanese hot bath often mixed that can be done indoors or outdoors. These baths are known in Japan to help relax, as well as keep a beautiful skin and stay young.

In the case of Onsen d’Hoheikyo, there is an outdoor hot spring in the middle of the surrounding mountainous nature. You will also find indoor baths if you prefer to relax warmly in the hotel’s enclosure. Also, you should know that these baths are not mixed and that the rooms change several times a week. This is done so that you can enjoy various landscapes if you stay several days on site.

7. Mount Eniwa

Mount Eniwa is a must if you ask that you do in Sapporo. It is a volcano culminating at approximately 1320 m altitude. It is a few kilometers from the city, in Shikotsu-Toya National Park.

Hiking in this place is very appreciated for diverse flora and fauna that can be observed during ascent. In addition, the panoramic view from the top is just breathtaking! You can see the National Park, Shikotsu Lake, Sapporo Town and other nearby mountains.

8. Odori Park

Want a little quiet after a day to visit Sapporo? Go through Odori Park to enjoy a walk in this beautiful place. This one is 1.5 km long and is divided into 5 parts: Exchange, Border, Oasis, Meetings and Flowers. Each part of the park has a clean environment. You can also see many kiosks and flower beds in the four corners of this green space. In addition, you can find merchants selling fruits and vegetables every day throughout the year.

Also know that many festivals take place in the park. These attract a large number of tourists from all over the world. In particular, you can attend the snow festival, Yosakoi Soran or Lila, depending on the time of the year.

9. Sapporo Beer Museum

You're wondering what to do in Sapporo and beer? So, think about visiting the beer museum in the city! This museum tells the story of the country’s first industrial brewery. It was opened in 1876 by the government of Hokkaido, the Kaitakushi.

The visit is certainly fast. Nevertheless, you will leave this place with a pleasant memory, both of its history and architecture. You can also, by taking the guided tour formula, taste the two emblematic beers of the region during a tasting.

10. The Shrine of Hokkaido

Built in 1871, the Shrine of Hokkaido, also known as Sapporo Shrine or Hokkaido-jingu Shrine, is the most important in the entire region. Indeed, it is a traditional temple of more than 180,000 m2. It is located in Maruyama Park, more than 226 metres above sea level. This temple is dedicated to three shinto deities, or kamis: Okunitama, Okuninushi and Sukunahikona.

The monument is very visited by the premises at all times of the year. However, for tourists wishing to visit Sapporo, it is especially during the flowering of cherry trees or the New Year that you have to go to the temple. The view is magnificent and the lighting of the Hanami will make your visit even more pleasant and magical

11. See also in Sapporo

Want to see even more must-see places while you are visiting Sapporo? Here are some additional ideas to prepare your stay:

• The clock tower of Sapporo,
• Moerenuma Park,
• Maruyama Park,
• The Observatory of Hitsujigaoka,
• Tanukikoji shopping street,
• The Hoheikyo Dam,
• The North Safari Sapporo,
• The modern art museum of Hokkaido.

How to get to Sapporo?

Sapporo is located in the Hokkaido prefecture in northern Japan and is a city that can be reached in various ways. You can first rent a car in Japan to move. However, if you leave Tokyo, you will need more than 17 hours of travel to reach your destination. It is therefore advisable to choose an alternative, such as the day or night train. It is also possible to take the ferry to the nearest port.

However, taking the plane is the fastest and most comfortable way for long journeys. This is the ideal solution, for example, if you visit Sapporo from Tokyo. The price of a plane ticket usually costs between 10,000 and 15,000 yen. However, if you want to find a cheap ticket, don’t hesitate to visit our partner, Ulysses .

Where to stay in Sapporo?

A last question arises before going to visit Sapporo and its must-sees: where to stay? This depends greatly on your interests. For example, you can stay in the Susukino area if you like the festive atmosphere. If you want to be in the centre of all historical monuments, then choose the Chuo district instead.

You can book a hotel in Sappor o without waiting or then passing through AirBnB for renting between individuals and discover the daily life of the inhabitants of Sapporo.