Sapporo is the largest city in Hokkaido, where urban convenience, nature, history, and food culture come together. Its grid layout makes navigation straightforward, while major sightseeing spots and shopping precincts are clustered within a compact area, letting even those on shorter stays make the most of the city.

A fantastic lineup of unique attractions awaits, such as Hokkaido Jingu, a shrine that embodies the history and culture of Hokkaido’s pioneering legacy, along with Okurayama Ski Jump Stadium, famous for its role in the 1972 Winter Olympics. For a livelier atmosphere, Tanukikoji Shopping Street brings together local culture, food, and shopping in one convenient strip. In addition, hands-on attractions such as Shiroi Koibito Park, themed around Sapporo’s famous sweets, add another layer, making Sapporo a strong fit for a wide range of travellers, from families to FIT.

Despite being a major city, Sapporo is defined by its proximity to nature. Alongside urban sightseeing, shopping, and dining, visitors can easily incorporate snow, hot springs, and more into itineraries. This makes it possible to combine a city stay with adventurous and authentic Hokkaido-style experiences.

1. Hokkaido Jingu

Hokkaido Jingu, located beside Maruyama Park in Chuo Ward, Sapporo, is the principal shrine of Hokkaido.

History

In 1869, following the wishes of Emperor Meiji, a ritual was conducted in Tokyo to enshrine the “Three Deities of Hokkaido’s Development,” marking the origin of the shrine. A temporary shrine was constructed in 1870, and in 1871 it was fully built at its current site in Maruyama and named “Sapporo Shrine.” Later, in 1964, Emperor Meiji was additionally enshrined, and the name was changed to Hokkaido Jingu.

Highlights

The grounds span approximately 180,000 square metres, adorned in spring by around 1,400 cherry trees and 250 plum trees blooming at the same time. The annual Sapporo Festival, held from June 14 to 16, is a long-standing summer tradition with over 100 years of history. A procession of portable shrines (mikoshi), reminiscent of Heian-period picture scrolls, moves through the city, drawing large crowds of both locals and visitors.

Within the grounds, Kaitaku Shrine venerates 37 individuals who made significant contributions to the development of Hokkaido, making it an important site that preserves and conveys the region’s history.

http://www.hokkaidojingu.or.jp/eng/

2. Okurayama Ski Jump Stadium

Okurayama Ski Jump Stadium is an international-class ski jump venue located in Chuo Ward, Sapporo. It was used as the large hill venue for the 1972 Sapporo Winter Olympics, and today it serves as a large hill ski jumping stadium (K-point: 123 meters) that hosts international competitions such as the FIS World Cup.

On days without competitions, it is open to the public as a tourist attraction popular for scenic views, presenting panoramas over central Sapporo from beyond the steep jump slope.

Facility Overview and Features

1. History and Name: Okurayama Ski Jump Stadium was established in 1932 through a donation by Kishichiro Okura and originally named “Okura Schanze.” According to its official history, ownership was later transferred to the City of Sapporo.
2. Scale and Structure: It consists of a large hill with a maximum gradient of 35 degrees and an in-run length of 101 metres. The facility was renovated in 2019 and upgraded into a state-of-the-art ski jumping venue.
3. Access: Approximately 15 minutes by bus from Maruyama Koen Station on the Tozai Subway Line, followed by around a 5-minute lift ride to the summit observation lounge.
4. Panoramic Views: From the summit at approximately 300 metres above sea level (near the start house), visitors can take in a 360-degree panoramic view covering Odori Park, the TV Tower, Sapporo Dome, and extending across the Ishikari Plain towards Atsuta and Tobetsu.
5. Sapporo Olympic Museum: Located at the base of the stadium, this museum conveys the excitement of the 1972 Winter Olympics through a wide range of interactive exhibits, including a ski jump simulator.
6. Dining: Within the grounds are restaurants like the creative French Nouvelle Pousse Okurayama, as well as a cafe and shop, where visitors can enjoy dishes such as Genghis Khan BBQ and desserts.

https://okurayama-jump.jp/#
*For the English page, select “EN” at the top left of the homepage.

3. Tanukikoji Shopping Street

Tanukikoji Shopping Street is a historic arcade located in Chuo Ward, Sapporo, considered the oldest and one of the largest in Hokkaido. Its history dates to the early Meiji period, developing alongside Sapporo since its pioneering era.

It stretches east to west through central Sapporo, spanning seven blocks from Nishi 1-chome to Nishi 7-chome, with a total length of approximately 900 metres. Fully covered by a long arcade roof, it lets visitors stroll comfortably year-round without concern for rain, snow, or strong sunlight.

Attractions and Shops

The arcade is lined with approximately 200 diverse shops, both long-established and brand-new.

1. Wide Variety: From old kimono stores, souvenir shops, and specialist knife retailers that reflect history, to modern drugstores, large discount stores, and game arcades, there is a remarkable range of shopping choices.
2. Foodie Hub: In addition to traditional ramen joints and izakaya, recent years have seen an increase in food hall spaces such as Tanuki COMICHI, as well as stylish cafes. Many venues also serve Sapporo’s famous “shime parfait,” and the area remains lively late into the night.
3. Distinct Character by Area: While Blocks 1 to 6 form a bustling commercial zone, Block 7 boasts a different atmosphere, with retro, offbeat eateries and vintage clothing shops, making it popular among more style-conscious visitors. (Nearby Highlights Within a 5-Minute Walk)
4. AOAO SAPPORO: An urban aquarium located within the moyuk SAPPORO complex in Tanukikoji 3-chome. Open until 10:00 pm, it’s a sophisticated space where visitors can watch penguins, jellyfish, and more while sipping on a cocktail.
5. Nijo Market: Located just east of Tanukikoji 1-chome, this market is known for fresh seafood bowls and Hokkaido seafood. It is recommended to visit in the morning to soak up the lively atmosphere of market auction over breakfast.
6. nORIA Ferris Wheel: A Ferris wheel on the rooftop of the NORBESA commercial complex near Tanukikoji 5-chome. From a height of 78 metres, it’s perfect for panoramic night views of Sapporo, making it a popular local date spot.

With excellent access within walking distance of Odori Park and Susukino, Tanukikoji Shopping Street is a Sapporo staple beloved by both visitors and locals alike.

Tanukikoji Shopping Street
https://tanukikoji.or.jp/
*Select English under “LANGUAGE” on the top page.

AOAO SAPPORO
https://uu-nippon.com/hokkaido/corporate/aoao-sapporo.shtml

4. Shiroi Koibito Park

Shiroi Koibito Park is a confectionery theme park where you can observe the production process behind Sapporo’s famous sweet “Shiroi Koibito,” as well as take part in hands-on sweets-making workshops and learn about the history of chocolate through a “see, learn, taste, and experience” approach. Located in Nishi Ward, Sapporo, it’s also the headquarters factory of Ishiya Confectionery and is a popular destination with tourists from Japan and overseas.

Highlights

1. Factory Tours and Experiences: At the Chocotopia Factory, you can observe the production lines where Shiroi Koibito and Baumkuchen are made up close. In the hands-on workshop, you’ll get busy decorating a large (approx. 14 cm) heart-shaped Shiroi Koibito with chocolate pens.
2. History and Entertainment: Facilities such as Chocotopia House, which introduces the history of chocolate using projection mapping, and a museum tracing the history of Ishiya Confectionery, provide a strong educational element.
3. Gardens and Outdoor Facilities: The Rose Garden flaunts around 200 blooming rose bushes in summer, while in winter it is illuminated by a light display. There is also a mechanical clock tower parade, as well as an adjacent training ground for the Hokkaido Consadole Sapporo football club.

https://www.shiroikoibitopark.jp/en/