Top Things to Do in Sapporo: The Ultimate Sapporo Travel Guide

Sapporo and Hokkaido in general feature stunning natural landscapes almost everywhere you look. To see the best Sapporo City has to offer, here are some of our favourite places and top things to do in Sapporo for nature.
‎
Odori Park is located in the city centre and it separates Sapporo into north and south. The park stretches a kilometre and a half, covering more than twelve city blocks, and offering a soothing green space during the warmer months. During February, Odori Park plays host to the famous Sapporo Snow Festival.
‎
At the eastern end of the park, travellers will find the Sapporo TV tower, along with an observation deck. Getting to Odori Park is simple as it’s located right next to the Odori Subway Station and it’s a ten-minute walk from JR Sapporo Station.

A large park on the outskirts of Sapporo, Moerenuma Park is surrounded by a marsh, making for some truly unique nature. The grounds are massive and completely covered in green spaces, making them the ideal spot for a stroll.
‎
The park was designed by Isamu Noguchi, a renowned Japanese American sculptor and the space was officially opened in 2005. There are many man-made features inside that are sure to delight any visitor. The two most popular attractions inside are Mount Moere, as well as Play Mountain. Inside, there are many spaces designed specifically for kids and the park even puts on shows from April to October.

The Botanic Gardens in Sapporo belong to Hokkaido University and primarily serve a scientific and educational purpose. Established in 1886, the Botanic Garden preserves a small part of the forest, which used to be covered in Ishikari Plain.
‎
The garden also features walking trails and lawns, an alpine garden, a greenhouse, and a small Ainu Museum. If you’re visiting during the winter, keep in mind that one of the greenhouses will be open to the public.

Located just 40 minutes south of central Sapporo, Kokuei Takino Suzuran Hillside National Park is one of the best things to do in Sapporo for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. Spanning over 400 hectares, the park offers year-round activities, making it a popular spot for locals and tourists alike.
‎
During spring and summer, the park bursts into life with vibrant flower fields, including its iconic Suzuran (Lily of the Valley) blooms. The hills are covered with seasonal flowers, creating postcard-worthy landscapes perfect for a leisurely stroll or a picnic. Autumn transforms the park into a palette of warm hues as the leaves change, while winter turns it into a snowy wonderland.
‎
Winter visitors can enjoy tubing, sledding, and cross-country skiing on designated trails. For families, the park features an expansive playground area designed to keep kids entertained for hours.

Mount Moiwa is one of a few small, forested mountains southwest of central Sapporo. It’s a fantastic spot for sightseeing that offers incredible views of the entire city from an observation deck at its summit.
‎
To get to the top, you’ll have to take the Mount Moiwa Ropeway and a charming mini cable car. Once there, you will see an observation deck, as well as a restaurant with views of the city below. The top station even has a planetarium and theatre.

The Sapporo Snow Festival is one of Japan’s most iconic winter events and one of the best things to do in Sapporo in February. It began in 1950 when high school students built a few snow statues in Odori Park and has since grown into a large event featuring incredible snow and ice sculptures across three sites: Odori, Susukino, and Tsu Dome.
‎
The main venue, Odori Park, stretches 1.5 kilometres in central Sapporo. It showcases massive snow sculptures, some over 25 meters wide and 15 meters high, alongside over 100 smaller snow statues. These displays are illuminated daily until 10 PM. Visitors can enjoy a bird’s eye view from the Sapporo TV Tower at the park's eastern end, with observatory tickets costing 1000 yen for a single visit and 1500 yen for day and night access.
‎
Susukino, Sapporo’s entertainment district, features about 100 stunning ice sculptures. The displays are lit up until 11 PM (10 PM on the festival’s last day) and are just one subway stop from Odori Park.
‎
The Tsu Dome Site is family-friendly, offering snow slides, snow rafting, and more sculptures. Indoors, there is a playground and food stalls. It’s open daily from 10 AM to 4 PM.

Shiroi Koibito Park is a whimsical destination that combines chocolate-making with fairytale charm. Located just a short distance from central Sapporo, it’s home to the famous Shiroi Koibito cookies, a beloved Hokkaido treat.
‎
The park offers visitors a chance to tour the chocolate factory and see how these iconic cookies are made. Outside, the beautifully manicured gardens, European-style architecture, and playful attractions make for a delightful stroll. For families, the park includes activities like cookie-making workshops, perfect for creating sweet memories.

Hokkaido is the birthplace of Japanese beer, with Sapporo Beer brewed here since 1877. The Sapporo Beer Museum, housed in a former Meiji-era brewery, offers a glimpse into the history of beer in Japan and the brewing process. Visitors can explore the exhibits and enjoy beer tastings for a small fee. Japanese-guided tours with tastings are also available.
‎
Right next to the museum, the Sapporo Beer Garden features several restaurants, including lively beer halls and the upscale Garden Grill. The beer halls are famous for all-you-can-drink beer and "Genghis Khan" (Jingisukan), a local mutton BBQ dish. It’s one of the best things to do in Sapporo if you want to pair history with Hokkaido’s culinary traditions.

Maruyama Zoo, located near Maruyama Park in western Sapporo, is a family-friendly attraction home to over 150 species of animals from around the world. The zoo focuses on conservation and education, with enclosures designed to mimic natural habitats.
‎
Highlights include the polar bear exhibit, the ape house, and native Hokkaido species like the Ezo deer and Hokkaido brown bear. The zoo is open year-round, offering a unique experience in each season, from lush greenery in summer to snow-covered enclosures in winter.

For unobstructed views of the Sea of Japan, Ishikari Heigen, and Odori Park – nothing beats the Sapporo TV Tower. Standing at a whopping 147 metres, it’s one of the best things to do in Sapporo and a great place to unwind and take in views of one of Japan’s most important cultural cities.
‎
A high-speed elevator will take 60 seconds to bring you from the third floor to the observation deck, where you’ll be 90 metres from the ground. Only a short, five-minute walk from Odori Park, you’ll also find many restaurants, cafes, and shops nearby where you can relax after sightseeing.

If you want to make shopping and food tasting part of your Sapporo itinerary, here are the best places to go.
‎
One of the city’s most iconic and vibrant shopping destinations, Tanukikoji Shopping Street is the perfect place to pick up a souvenir or two. Spanning seven blocks, the covered arcade is a blend of modern and traditional Japanese shopping experiences.
‎
At Tanukikoji, you can find a huge variety of shops, from independent boutiques to more established brands and a ton of cafes and restaurants. It’s where you can sample some famous Hokkaido dishes like ramen, seafood, and sweet treats.

Sapporo Factory is a unique shopping and entertainment complex located near the heart of Sapporo, Japan. Built on the site of Hokkaido's first beer brewery, this landmark seamlessly blends history with modernity, offering visitors an array of experiences in a vibrant and stylish setting.
‎
The complex features a mix of over 160 shops, restaurants, and entertainment facilities, all housed within beautifully designed buildings that retain elements of their historic architecture. At its core lies a stunning glass-roofed atrium filled with natural light, where seasonal events and displays often take place.

Known for its vibrant atmosphere, bright neon lights, and endless options for dining, drinking, and entertainment, Susukino is a hotspot for both locals and visitors looking for livelier things to do in Sapporo.
‎
The area is home to countless izakayas, ramen shops, karaoke bars, nightclubs, and high-end restaurants. It’s also renowned for its delectable local specialties, such as Sapporo-style miso ramen and fresh seafood, which can be enjoyed at small eateries or larger establishments. Ramen Alley (Ramen Yokocho), a narrow lane filled with ramen shops, is a must-visit for food enthusiasts.
‎
However, Susukino’s charm doesn’t stop at its nightlife. During the day, the area offers shopping, entertainment, and relaxation at spas and cafes. It also becomes a hub of activity during the annual Sapporo Snow Festival, featuring intricate snow and ice sculptures.

The Sapporo Underground Pedestrian Space (Chikaho) is a modern and convenient walkway stretching beneath the heart of Sapporo, Japan. Connecting Sapporo Station to the bustling Susukino district, this underground corridor spans approximately 520 meters and serves as both a functional passage and a vibrant urban space.
‎
Designed for comfort and accessibility, the walkway offers a weatherproof route, making it ideal for navigating the city during Sapporo's cold winters and rainy days. Along the way, visitors can explore a variety of attractions, including pop-up shops, art exhibitions, and cultural events that frequently take place within the space.

If it’s your first time in Hokkaido and you have a few more days in Sapporo, you should definitely consider taking a day trip. Only a short drive away from the city, travellers can find a variety of exciting attractions and destinations.
‎
Jozankei Onsen
‎
Jozankei Onsen is a charming hot spring town set against the stunning landscapes of Shikotsu-Toya National Park, just an hour’s drive from Sapporo. Known for its natural beauty and rejuvenating onsen waters, Jozankei is a favoured retreat for locals and visitors seeking relaxation and scenic tranquillity.
‎
Discovered in 1866, the onsen waters of Jozankei are rich in minerals, making them renowned for their therapeutic properties. Over the years, the town has grown into a well-developed destination with an array of ryokan (traditional inns), restaurants, and shops catering to hot spring enthusiasts.
‎
Visitors can indulge in a full onsen experience by staying overnight at one of the many ryokans, or they can enjoy day visits to the baths for a modest fee, typically ranging from 500 to 2000 yen. If you’re looking for a more casual experience, there are free foot baths scattered throughout the town, offering a delightful way to soak and relax while taking in the picturesque surroundings.
‎
Otaru
‎
Otaru is a picturesque harbour city located about 30 minutes northwest of Sapporo by train. Known for its historic charm and scenic beauty, Otaru is a popular day trip destination and a pleasant stopover for those travelling to Niseko or the Shakotan Peninsula.
‎ ‎
The city’s beautifully preserved canal area is its centrepiece, lined with historic warehouses that evoke a sense of nostalgia. These buildings, once vital for shipping and trade during the late 1800s when Otaru served as a major port, now house quaint shops, restaurants, and museums. Otaru’s significance is further highlighted by its role as the terminus of Hokkaido’s first railway line, connecting it to nearby Sapporo.
‎
Niseko
‎
Niseko is Japan’s premier ski resort destination, renowned for its world-class powder snow, expansive ski terrain, and vibrant international atmosphere. It has become a favourite among skiing and snowboarding enthusiasts, thanks in part to its abundant snowfall, which produces some of the lightest and driest powder in the world.
‎
Over the past few decades, Niseko has gained a reputation as a global skiing hotspot, attracting a large number of foreign visitors, particularly Australians. This international appeal has shaped the area into a highly accessible and welcoming resort, offering a range of services tailored to non-Japanese speakers.
‎
Lake Toya
‎
Lake Toya is a stunning caldera lake located within the Shikotsu-Toya National Park in Hokkaido, Japan. Known for its serene beauty and geothermal activity, the region offers a mix of natural wonders and outdoor adventures, making it an ideal destination for relaxation and exploration.
‎
The lake’s calm, crystal-clear waters are surrounded by lush forests and offer year-round recreational opportunities such as fishing, hiking, and camping. Its volcanic origins add a unique charm to the area, with the active Mount Usu looming nearby.
‎
This stratovolcano, which last erupted in 2000, serves as a reminder of the region’s dynamic geological history. Visitors can learn more about the volcano’s activity at the Usu Volcano Science Museum or take a scenic ride on Mount Usu Ropeway for panoramic views of the lake and surrounding landscapes.
‎
In addition to its natural allure, Lake Toya is a popular hot spring destination. Many lakeside resorts and inns feature rejuvenating hot springs with breathtaking views.

Even though the city has so many attractions and sights, one of the most popular things to do in Sapporo is to take part in winter sports. To ensure the most pristine conditions, perfect pistes, and powdery snow – choose a Club Med resort in Hokkaido.
‎
Club Med Kiroro Peak
‎
Tucked away in the snow-covered mountains of Hokkaido, Club Med Kiroro Peak offers a tranquil escape for adults and teens. The resort’s ski-in, ski-out access makes it a dream for winter sports enthusiasts, while the serene surroundings are perfect for unwinding. Between runs, guests can savour delicious cuisine and soak in the breathtaking alpine views, creating a balanced mix of adventure and relaxation.
‎
Club Med Kiroro Grand
‎
With its welcoming atmosphere and easy access to some of Hokkaido’s best slopes, Club Med Kiroro Grand is a great choice for families and groups. The resort is designed to cater to everyone, offering plenty of opportunities to ski, play, and relax. The combination of natural beauty and thoughtful amenities makes it a memorable destination.
‎
Club Med Tomamu Hokkaido
‎
Club Med Tomamu Hokkaido blends adventure and charm in one of Japan’s most scenic winter destinations. Guests can explore powdery ski trails, marvel at the seasonal ice village, or simply enjoy the cozy warmth of the resort. It’s a place where families, couples, and friends can create lasting memories, whether by embracing the thrill of the slopes or unwinding over a meal.
‎
Club Med Sahoro Hokkaido
‎
For a peaceful retreat that showcases the best of Hokkaido’s snowy landscapes, Club Med Sahoro Hokkaido is hard to beat. The resort’s calm atmosphere and gentle slopes make it especially inviting for families and beginners. Alongside skiing, guests can discover local traditions, enjoy comforting meals, and take in the natural beauty that defines this quiet corner of Hokkaido.