This is Sapporo’s go-to for a fantastic shopping and gourmet experience. This large-scale compound establishment combines four shopping centers: Apia, Esta, Paseo, and Sapporo Stellar Place. It offers a direct connection to Sapporo Station as well as hosts Daimaru Sapporo and a movie theater. The highlight is the top floor’s JR Tower Observatory T38, an observation deck 160 meters above the ground offers sweeping panoramic views.

This building is a symbol from Hokkaido’s Pioneer era and was designated an Important Cultural Property in 1969. It was completed in 1888. The top dome is an example of American Neo-Baroque architecture. During Hokkaido’s pioneer days, the red star was fashioned in the image of the North Star and was used as a symbol of the times. The building was made primarily using materials from Hokkaido, featuring this star prominently.
*The building is undergoing renovations since October 2019. It’s possible to visit the gardens even after the renovation started.

Just next to the Red Brick Government Building (also known as the Former Hokkaido Government Office), is the Akarenga Terrace. This complex is known for a cluster of trendy shops and restaurants, making it a place where the fashion-conscious gather. In fall, it has a popular viewing platform on the 5th floor where you can look out over the golden ginkgo trees as well as the Red Brick Government Building. But in winter, that scenery changes to a twinkling illumination that sets a romantic mood.

Built in 1878, this clock tower was the idea of Professor Clark, who taught at Sapporo Agricultural College, the predecessor to Hokkaido University. It has been declared an Important Cultural Property of Japan. It has two floors: the first is a large exhibition space and the second is an open hall space. In the Meiji Period, the hall was used as a place to conduct classes and the like. Today, a bench with a statue of Professor Clark sitting down has been placed in it, making it a popular spot for commemoration photographs.

This park is perhaps most famous for the Sapporo Snow Festival, but also serves as the location for other popular events like the Sapporo Lilac Festival. It runs east to west through Sapporo, covering a span of about 1.5 km. The park serves as a place of relaxation for the locals and includes about 90 varieties among its 4,700 trees as well as shrubs, flowerbeds, and a lawn plaza. Directly to the east is Sapporo TV Tower and to the west is the Sapporo Shiryokan.

At a height of 147.2 meters, this iconic part of Sapporo’s skyline towers over the eastern tip of Odori Park. You can take the elevator from the 3rd floor and reach the observation deck at 90.38 meters in just 60 seconds. From there, you’ll see gorgeous panoramic views. If the weather is good, you’ll be able to take in the expanse of the Ishikari Plain and the Sea of Japan. In winter, you’ll be treated to views of the Odori Park Illumination and the Sapporo Snow Festival. The basement hosts the “Tele-chika Gourmet Court”, where you can savor famous gourmet products like Hokkaido’s miso ramen!

This beautiful red-brick building, a designated Hokkaido Inheritance, is the only one of its kind in Japan. While visiting for free at your own pace is definitely possible, their 50-minute premium tour is recommended (for a fee and reservations required). Experience Sapporo Beer’s long history with more detail in their 6K theater! And, of course, you’ll be able to try the precious Sapporo-made beer, Sapporo Black Label!

This bustling market has been called the “kitchen of Sapporo” from the early days of the Meiji Period. It supports the city’s food culture by providing a diverse array of ingredients, from fresh marine products to fruits and vegetables. It’s possible to eat at the market itself as many shops provide samples. Some even provide rest areas and dining spaces. Don’t miss out on the excellent fresh seafood shops that provide top-quality crab, scallops, roe, salmon, and more!

This zoo fosters over 170 different species and 900 different animals, from lions to giraffes to hippopotamuses to chimpanzees. They feature the largest polar bear enclosure in all of Japan. Observation of the bears swimming is possible as there is an underwater tunnel that runs beneath the enclosure’s pool! Furthermore, the zoo opened one of the largest elephant enclosure in Japan in March 2019. You’ll have the breathtaking opportunity to see the four Asian elephants from various angles.