Sapporo Travel: Essential Guide for Short Trips! 5 Handpicked Spots, from Classic Must-Sees to Latest Renovations

Sapporo is a captivating city that compactly blends urban convenience with magnificent Hokkaido-like nature and traces of its historical development. For ‘short-term visitors’ staying for just a few days, how efficiently and deeply they can enjoy the vast city of Sapporo significantly impacts their trip satisfaction.

This time, we’ve carefully selected 5 spots from numerous attractions: the ‘absolute must-visit classics’ and ‘notable facilities that have undergone the latest updates.’ We deliver not just catalog information, but also practical tips for getting around, must-try local delicacies, and the historical romance cherished by locals, all with genuine enthusiasm.

Sapporo TV Tower

📍 Address: Odori Nishi 1-chome, Chuo-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido 060-0042, Japan

Standing at the eastern end of Odori Park, which runs east-west through the heart of Sapporo, is the ‘Sapporo TV Tower,’ a beloved symbol of Sapporo since its opening in 1957. It has now completed its role as a broadcasting tower and is designated as a Registered Tangible Cultural Property of Japan.

From the observation deck 90 meters above ground, you can enjoy a 360-degree panoramic view of Sapporo’s beautifully laid-out grid-patterned cityscape, the lush green Odori Park, and the distant mountain ranges. The transition from the refreshing daytime scenery on a clear afternoon to the dusk when the city lights begin to illuminate, and then to the breathtaking night view, is truly exceptional.

During the winter ‘Sapporo Snow Festival’ and illumination periods, it becomes a prime spot to overlook the entire view of the snow sculptures and streaks of light, which can only be seen from above. There’s also a local trick: descending by stairs to gradually enjoy the ground scenery as it gets closer. If you’re confident in your stamina, we highly recommend giving it a try.

Former Hokkaido Government Office Building (Red Brick Office)

📍 Address: Kita 3-jo Nishi 6-chome 1, Chuo-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido 001-0907, Japan

Lovingly known as ‘Akarenga’ (Red Brick), the Former Hokkaido Government Office Building is a beautiful Western-style edifice built in the American Neo-Baroque style. After over five years of extensive renovations and earthquake-resistant construction, it proudly reopened in July 2025.

The biggest highlight of the renewal is the new observation tour to the ‘Octagonal Tower’ on the rooftop, which was previously inaccessible. These tours are limited to small groups, four times a day, and tend to fill up quickly, so early booking is essential once your travel dates are set. Looking down at the city of Sapporo from here allows you to reflect on the grand romance envisioned by the early settlers.

Furthermore, on the first floor, ‘Shiroi Koibito Akarenga Sweets Labo,’ produced by ISHIYA (makers of Hokkaido’s famous confection ‘Shiroi Koibito’), has opened. Exclusive sweets like the ‘Akarenga Sandwich,’ inspired by the octagonal tower, are available only here. It’s the ultimate updated spot where you can learn history and enjoy the latest sweets.

Sapporo Hitsujigaoka Observation Hill

📍 Address: Hitsujigaoka 1, Toyohira-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido 062-0045, Japan

This ‘Sapporo Hitsujigaoka Observation Hill’ is home to the statue of Dr. Clark, famous for his adage ‘Boys, be ambitious.’ While it requires transfers by subway and bus from Sapporo Station, the view from this spot, away from the urban hustle and bustle, is definitely worth the journey.

Dr. Clark’s pose, with his right hand raised high, pointing far into the distance, carries the message ‘Embrace ambition towards eternal truth.’ Replicating this pose for a commemorative photo here is a classic tradition. In the background, vast pastures (where adorable sheep graze peacefully in summer) and the metallic form of the Sapporo Dome create a unique landscape where Hokkaido’s ‘nature’ and ‘futuristic city’ are beautifully merged.

The premises also house the ‘Sapporo Snow Festival Museum,’ allowing visitors to delve deep into the festival’s history. Visiting the snow-covered observation hill in the crisp, serene air of winter is perfect for a mental detox.

Sapporo Beer Museum

📍 Address: Kita 7-jo Higashi 9-chome 1-1, Higashi-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido 065-8633, Japan

If you’ve come to Sapporo seeking delicious beer and Jingisukan (Genghis Khan lamb BBQ), then the ‘Sapporo Beer Museum,’ Japan’s only one located within Sapporo Garden Park, is a must-visit. Its beautiful red-brick building, strongly retaining the vestiges of the pioneering era, makes you feel as if you’ve stepped back in time just by entering.

While the exhibits inside are free for self-guided tours, if you’re a beer enthusiast, we highly recommend booking in advance to join the ‘Premium Tour’ (paid). In addition to insightful explanations from a guide, only tour participants can taste the rare ‘Replicated Sapporo Brewed Beer.’

At the end of your visit, head to the ‘Star Hall’ on the first floor. The ‘3-Type Beer Tasting Set (1,200 yen)’ is a must-order here. You can enjoy different styles of draft beer – the crisp ‘Kuro Label,’ the Hokkaido-exclusive ‘Sapporo Classic,’ and the distinctly hoppy ‘Kaitakushi Beer’ – all poured by professionals. Quench your elevated beer enthusiasm from the exhibits with the finest pour.

Moerenuma Park

📍 Address: Moerenuma Park 1-1, Higashi-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido 007-0011, Japan

Located on the outskirts of Sapporo, ‘Moerenuma Park’ is a colossal art piece where the entire park was designed by world-renowned sculptor Isamu Noguchi with the concept of ‘sculpting the earth.’ It carries a grand story of a barren land, originally a final waste disposal site, being transformed into a vibrant space through the power of art.

Within the vast grounds, scattered features include the glass pyramid ‘HIDAMARI,’ which changes its expression with the weather, and ‘Mount Moere,’ an artificial mountain with an elevation of 62m. From the summit of Mount Moere, you can gaze upon the magnificent Ishikari Plain, characteristic of Hokkaido, in a 360-degree panorama, enveloped in a sense of liberation that simply makes you want to take a deep breath.

Access from Sapporo Station by taxi takes approximately 25 minutes, so for short-term visitors who want to save time, taxi or rental car access is recommended (public transport involves transfers between subway and bus). Since the park grounds are very extensive, renting a bicycle on a sunny day and touring the art while feeling the pleasant breeze is the best way to enjoy it.

Must-See for Short-Term Visitors! Tips for Enjoying Sapporo 120%

To fully enjoy Sapporo in a limited number of days, advance preparation and planning are key. Sapporo’s roads are laid out in a grid pattern, making subway travel very convenient, but for scenic spots in the suburbs like Hitsujigaoka Observation Hill and Moerenuma Park, the trick is to combine buses and taxis effectively.

Furthermore, Hokkaido’s gourmet scene is always fiercely competitive. If you want to eat Jingisukan at Sapporo Beer Garden, or visit popular soup curry or sushi restaurants, showing up without a reservation can often lead to long queues. We strongly recommend making reservations for your main dinner spots before your departure.

If visiting Sapporo in winter, the most crucial thing to watch out for is your ‘footwear.’ Beyond the low temperatures, icy, slippery roads are extremely dangerous. By attaching ‘non-slip grips’ to your shoes locally or preparing snow boots, you can enjoy walking around the city without unnecessary physical strain. Make sure you’re well-equipped to fully savor the impressive scenery and cuisine unique to the northern land.