Sapporo JR Tower Complete Guide 2025: Observatory T38, Hotels, Shopping & Local Hidden Gems
Sapporo is an area where modern buildings line the city center creating an urban atmosphere, while nature can be enjoyed just a short distance away, making it a well-balanced mix of city and nature.
You can savor exquisite gourmet cuisine including seafood dishes made with fresh seafood caught nearby, ramen, and local specialties like Genghis Khan (grilled lamb), making it one of the most popular tourist destinations in Japan.
Sapporo is the economic and cultural center of Hokkaido, and the area around Sapporo Station is dotted with high-rise buildings housing various facilities including hotels, restaurants, and souvenir shops. This article will explain Sapporo JR Tower, known as a symbolic landmark among the high-rise buildings in Sapporo.
Sapporo JR Tower: The Symbol of Sapporo Station Rising in the Heart of the City
Source:Tripadvisor
Sapporo JR Tower is a 38-story large-scale complex building that opened in 2003. It is renowned for offering various ways to enjoy yourself, including the views from the observatory on the upper floors, shopping at areas like Stellar Place, and dining at the restaurant floors.
Being directly connected to Sapporo Station makes it easily accessible from all directions, and it serves as a convenient base for Sapporo sightseeing.
Basic Information and Access to Sapporo JR Tower
Address: Kita 5-jo Nishi 2, Chuo-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido
Business Hours: 10:00–22:00
Closed: Possibly closed on New Year's Day
Phone Number: 011-209-3500
Official Website: https://www.jr-tower.jp/
Floor Map and Highlights of Each Floor at Sapporo JR Tower
38th Floor (Top Floor): JR Tower Observatory T38
Source:Official website
JR Tower Observatory T38 is an observation deck located on the 38th floor of Sapporo JR Tower. From the observatory at 160 meters above ground, you can enjoy a 360-degree panoramic view, including the Sapporo cityscape, Ishikari Bay to the north, Mount Teine to the west, Ishikari River to the east, and Sapporo Dome to the south.
A special feature is that you can enjoy different atmospheres depending on the time of day—during the day, you can see the collaboration of urban landscapes with high-rise buildings and nature, while at night, you can admire the colorful night view sparkling like scattered jewels.
Highlights of JR Tower Observatory T38
JR Tower Observatory T38 features artwork that changes appearance depending on the light coming through the windows and lighting, as well as soothing music created with special "planetary scales," all designed to enhance your enjoyment of the spectacular views.
There is also a café where you can enjoy sweets and drinks while taking in the scenery, and a gift shop selling original merchandise, so there is plenty to enjoy beyond just the views.
22nd–36th Floors: JR Tower Hotel Nikko Sapporo
Source:Official website
JR Tower Hotel Nikko Sapporo, located on floors 22–36, is a popular accommodation facility known for its excellent accessibility with direct connection to Sapporo Station.
Rooms are located on high floors from the 23rd floor and above, with large windows offering beautiful views of Sapporo's townscape. The scenery changes with each season and offers different atmospheres from sunrise to night views, allowing you to fully enjoy views that can only be seen at that moment.
Relax and enjoy the views in the sophisticated rooms with white and dark brown tones!
Highlights of JR Tower Hotel Nikko Sapporo
A notable feature of JR Tower Hotel Nikko Sapporo is that guests can use the Sky Resort Spa "purauburan" on the 22nd floor at a discounted rate. You can use it as many times as you like during business hours, so you can enjoy the spa whenever you want.
Breakfast is served at a restaurant on the 35th floor, where hotel guests can enjoy an exclusive Japanese breakfast or Japanese-Western buffet. All dishes are made with plenty of Hokkaido ingredients and are absolutely delicious, guaranteeing a luxurious morning.
Basement 1st–6th Floors: Stellar Place East
Source:Tripadvisor
Stellar Place East, a commercial facility located from basement level 1 to the 6th floor, houses lifestyle and culture-related shops including daily goods, stationery, musical instrument stores, and bookstores. Many popular Japanese stores are lined up here, making it ideal for finding souvenirs for family and friends.
"Stellar Place" also includes Stellar Place Center, which features shops with a different atmosphere from Stellar Place East, including fashion and interior design stores, so be sure to visit both.
Highlights of Stellar Place East
The "Star Clock" displayed on the exterior wall of Stellar Place East is a must-see. The "Star Clock" was designed by world-famous sculptor Takenobu Igarashi, who is from Hokkaido. It features stars closely associated with Hokkaido, well-balanced on a blue base.
The clock, with a diameter of 7.2 meters, is one of the largest station clocks in the world and is cherished as a symbol of Stellar Place.
Actually Full of Tourist Spots! 3 Must-See Spots Often Overlooked Inside Sapporo JR Tower
Various Types of Art Works Placed Throughout
Source:artpark
Did you know that Sapporo JR Tower displays various types of art works, including paintings and monuments by famous artists? The art is integrated as part of the facility and placed so that visitors can naturally interact with it.
The window art displayed on the south entrance wall changes depending on the season, allowing you to enjoy a unique atmosphere available only at that time. The Art Box installed in the 1st floor East Concourse focuses on nurturing new artists, where you can appreciate works with fresh appeal.
There is an "Art Guide" on the website, so if you explore while referring to the guide, you can learn more deeply about the works.
Numerous Restaurants Offering High-Quality Meals You Wouldn't Expect in a Station Building
Source:Tripadvisor
While station buildings often have a casual image, Sapporo JR Tower also has plenty of restaurants where you can enjoy high-quality meals.
On the restaurant floors, you can casually enjoy exquisite dishes including sushi made with fresh seafood, French cuisine prepared by top Japanese chefs, local Sapporo miso ramen, and soup curry.
My recommendation is sushi topped with rich, flavorful, fatty fish. The sushi is reasonably priced and can be ordered by the piece, so try any toppings that catch your interest!
Restaurants at Stellar Place are open until 11 PM, so they can accommodate late dinners after you've thoroughly enjoyed sightseeing.
Product Exhibitions Perfect for Souvenir Shopping and Department Store Food Sections with Extensive Selections
Source:Yahoo! News
At Hokkaido product exhibitions and department store food sections with extensive selections, you can find products perfect for souvenirs.
My recommended shop is Hokkaido Seasonal Marche, which has the concept of "coloring travel × life with Hokkaido food." The store is packed with trendy products unique to Hokkaido, allowing you to enjoy the fun of choosing.
They also sell takeout items, including freshly prepared zangi (the Hokkaido term for fried chicken) and steamed buns made in the in-store kitchen.
If you're looking for souvenirs unique to Hokkaido, be sure to stop by!
Three Spots at Sapporo JR Tower Frequently Used by Locals
Sorano Garden
Source:Tripadvisor
Sorano Garden is a rooftop garden located on top of "STELLAR PLACE," a commercial facility directly connected to Sapporo Station. This open space surrounded by flowers and plants features chairs and tables, making it the perfect spot to take a break while enjoying snacks and drinks purchased at "STELLAR PLACE."
Since Hokkaido is a cold region where creating a full-scale rooftop garden is difficult, Sorano Garden is known as a rare and precious space.
Why not spend a relaxing time while enjoying the view of Sapporo's cityscape from the rooftop and the beautiful scenery of nature throughout the four seasons?
〈information〉
- Address: 1 Kita 5-jo Nishi 2-chome, Chuo-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido
- Hours: April, May, September, October: 10:00–17:00 / June, July, August: 10:00–19:00
- Closed: Closed for winter from November to late April
- Phone: 011-213-2776
- Official Website: https://www.stellarplace.net/sorahiro_top
Sapporo Station Front Street Underground Walkway (commonly known as Chi-Ka-Ho)
Source:Wikipedia
The Sapporo Station Front Street Underground Walkway (commonly known as Chi-Ka-Ho) is an approximately 520-meter underground pedestrian space connecting Sapporo Station and the Odori area.
It is directly connected to Sapporo Station and popular commercial facilities, allowing comfortable travel regardless of the weather, which is why many people use it.
In the underground passage, you can take a break while viewing art pieces in the "Rest Area" that utilizes the spacious area, and also enjoy shopping at Hokkaido product exhibitions. Since it offers more than just a means of transportation, be sure to use it when sightseeing in Sapporo.
〈information〉
- Address: Kita 1-jo Nishi, Chuo-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido
- Hours: 5:45–0:30
- Closed: None
- Phone: 011-211-6406
- Official Website: https://www.sapporo-chikamichi.jp/
Sky Resort Spa "Prau Blang"
Source:Official website
Located on the 22nd floor of Sapporo JR Tower, Sky Resort Spa "Prau Blang" is a popular facility featuring natural hot springs sourced from 1,000 meters underground, where you can bathe while enjoying the views of Sapporo. Even if you are not staying at JR Tower Hotel Nikko Sapporo, general visitors can also use this facility.
The spa areas, separated for men and women, offer not only the signature hot springs but also saunas and vibra baths with massage effects. Why not free yourself from everyday stress in this refreshing space designed to soothe your fatigue?
〈information〉
- Address: 5 Kita 5-jo Nishi 2-chome, Chuo-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido
- Hours: 12:00–23:00
- Closed: Irregular holidays
- Phone: 011-251-6366
- Official Website: https://www.jrhotels.co.jp/tower/spa/
Join a Local Tour to Discover Many Shops and Spots Loved by Locals
When traveling on your own, there is a limit to the information you can obtain about tourist destinations, and you often end up choosing shops that tourists frequently visit.
If you want to visit more shops and spots loved by locals, try joining a local tour. With the Sapporo Bar Hopping Food Tour, you will be guided to three restaurants in Susukino where you can taste exquisite dishes popular among locals.
At the first restaurant, you can enjoy dishes made with local ingredients including fresh seafood, paired with local sake. For the next restaurant, you can choose one that suits your group based on recommendations from your local guide.
For the final course, you can choose between delicious ramen or sweet parfait. In Hokkaido, there is a custom of eating parfait to finish off a drinking party, so please try the parfait that I recommend.
Why not experience an unforgettable bar-hopping adventure in Susukino, Sapporo's vibrant entertainment district?
〈information〉
- Meeting Point: Under the NIKKA sign outside Susukino Station
- Area: Susukino
- Meeting Time: 18:00
3 Recommended Tourist Spots in Sapporo with Easy Access from Sapporo JR Tower
Odori Park / Sapporo TV Tower
Odori Park, just a 10-minute walk from Sapporo JR Tower, features flower beds, lawns, and trees, making it a beloved relaxation spot for locals who can enjoy nature while being in the heart of the city.
In the park, visitors can sit on the grass or benches to relax, and numerous seasonal events are held throughout the year, making it a popular gathering place.
Sapporo TV Tower, located at the western end of Odori Park, has long been cherished as a landmark of Sapporo and was designated as a Registered Tangible Cultural Property by the national government in March 2025.
From the observation deck situated approximately 90 meters above ground, visitors can enjoy panoramic views not only of the Sapporo cityscape but also the Ishikari Plain.
After sunset, the tower is illuminated, creating a spectacular sight that brilliantly adorns Odori Park—a must-see experience!
〈information〉
- Address: Odori Nishi 1, Chuo-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido
- Hours: 9:00–22:00
- Closed: Irregular holidays
- Phone: 011-241-1131
- Official Website: https://www.tv-tower.co.jp/
Susukino
Susukino, about a 15-minute walk from Sapporo JR Tower, is Sapporo's largest entertainment district and is known as "the city that never sleeps" because the entire area comes alive at night. After dark, colorful neon lights begin to glow, creating a lively atmosphere quite different from daytime.
The giant "NIKKA" (a famous whisky brand) signboard is particularly famous as a photo spot in Susukino, so be sure to capture it as a memento of your trip.
In Susukino, you can fully enjoy Hokkaido gourmet cuisine including Genghis Khan (grilled lamb), ramen, and seafood dishes, as well as plenty of alcoholic beverages such as beer, sake, and shochu—making it highly recommended for those wanting to experience Sapporo's nightlife.
〈information〉
- Address: Around Minami 4-jo Nishi 4, Chuo-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido
- Hours: 24 hours
- Closed: None
- Phone: Varies by establishment
- Official Website: http://www.susukino-ta.jp/
Sapporo Nijo Market
Sapporo Nijo Market, about a 15-minute walk from Sapporo JR Tower, is a historic market dating back to the early Meiji period and has long been cherished as "the citizens' kitchen."
At the market, you can not only purchase seafood caught in nearby waters, vegetables, and fruits, but also enjoy seafood dishes made with fresh local ingredients.
There is also an abundant selection of snacks perfect for eating while walking, so enjoy exploring and trying various kinds as you stroll around.
Many shops open early in the morning, so my personal recommendation is to have a luxurious seafood rice bowl starting from early morning.
〈information〉
- Address: Minami 2-jo Higashi 1-chome to Minami 3-jo Higashi 1, Chuo-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido
- Hours: 7:00–17:00
- Closed: None
- Phone: 011-222-5308
- Official Website: https://nijomarket.com/
For Enjoying the Authentic Charm of Tourist Spots, It's Best to Be Guided by Someone Who Knows the Area Inside Out!
While visiting major spots during overseas travel is wonderful, experiencing deep, local spots not found in guidebooks is also highly recommended.
If you want to enjoy the authentic charm of tourist destinations, it's best to be guided by someone who knows the area inside out. With the Tokyo Bar Hopping Night Tour in Shinjuku, you can savor meals at hidden restaurants in Shinjuku's izakaya district that tourists would have difficulty finding on their own.
During the tour, you will visit three izakaya in Shinjuku and enjoy craft beer, sake, and other drinks alongside classic izakaya dishes such as gyoza and yakitori.
Since the guide makes advance reservations at popular establishments frequented by locals, an attractive feature of this tour is that you can enjoy your meal while mingling with local patrons.
The friendly guides are known for making participants feel at ease right away. Join the tour in a relaxed manner and fully enjoy Shinjuku's nightlife!
〈information〉
- Meeting Point: Black pillar next to UNIQLO Shinjuku West Exit
- Area: Shinjuku
- Meeting Time: Held every 30 minutes from 17:00 to 19:00
