Sapporo Night View Guide 2025: 9 Breathtaking Spots to Experience Japan's Most Magical Landscape
Sapporo, the central city of Hokkaido, enjoys tremendous popularity among domestic and international travelers as a gourmet destination where you can enjoy diverse cuisine including fresh seafood, Genghis Khan (grilled lamb), and miso ramen. However, its appeal extends far beyond food.
Sapporo, where the natural beauty of four seasons harmoniously blends with urban landscapes, is also renowned as a city rich in night view spots. Multiple observation decks and scenic viewpoints are scattered throughout the city, and the city lights viewed from elevated positions captivate visitors' hearts.
In this article, we'll introduce a carefully selected collection of 9 Observation Decks and Observation Hills where you can fully enjoy Sapporo's night views. Please enjoy these special moments where you can encounter fantastical landscapes that will become treasured travel memories, making your Sapporo Night View 2025 experience truly unforgettable.
Sapporo: Famous Not Only as a Gourmet City but Also for Rich Nature and Beautiful Cityscapes
Sapporo is an attractive city where rich nature and beautiful cityscapes harmonize despite being metropolitan. There are many spots where you can enjoy nature, such as Odori Park and Moerenuma Park, and historical structures like the Sapporo Clock Tower and Sapporo TV Tower also enhance the city's landscape.
The Nighttime City is Particularly Beautiful, with Night View Spots Being Especially Popular
Sapporo's night views are characterized by the captivating contrast between the lights of the grid-pattern urban area and the surrounding mountains. The greatest feature is the ability to enjoy night views from various heights and different perspectives - from mountaintops, towers, and Ferris wheels. The types of night views are also diverse, including illuminations, light-ups, and collaborations with winter snow festivals.
Let's explore specific night view spots in detail below.
3 Selected Night View Spots with Excellent Access for Enjoying Sapporo's Night Views
JR Tower Observatory T38
Source:Official website
JR Tower Observatory T38, directly connected to Sapporo Station, is a night view spot where you can overlook the entire Sapporo city from 160 meters above ground. The attraction lies in the 360-degree panoramic view that spreads out, allowing you to enjoy different expressions depending on the direction.
What particularly captivated me was the northern view. On clear days, you can see as far as Otaru beyond Ishikari Bay, and I vividly remember the beautiful scenery of the expansive sky and sea.
To the east, the Ishikari River and Nopporo Primeval Forest spread out, with the mountain ranges of Mount Yubari and Mount Ashibetsu visible in the distance, allowing you to feel the grandeur of nature. The south features the orderly cityscape of Odori Park and the Susukino district, while the west showcases the Teine mountain range and the green-rich cityscape around Hokkaido University.
The observatory also houses a café where you can relax with drinks while enjoying the night view. It's also a welcome feature that you can visit regardless of weather conditions.
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- Address: 38F JR Tower, 5 Kita 5-jo Nishi 2-chome, Chuo-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido - Business Hours: 10:00～22:00 (Last admission 21:30)
- Closed: Open year-round (subject to change)
- Phone: 011-209-5500
- Official Website: https://www.jr-tower.com/t38
- Access: Directly connected to JR Sapporo Station (3-minute walk)
Sapporo TV Tower
The Sapporo TV Tower, completed in 1957, is Sapporo's symbol tower. At 144 meters tall with an observation deck at 90 meters above ground, you can overlook the entire Sapporo city.
A 60-second elevator ride from the 3rd floor provides access to views of the four-season Odori Park below, Mount Teine and Mount Okura to the west, the Toyohira River and Ishikari Plain to the east, and on clear days, you can see as far as the Sea of Japan.
The greatest attraction is being able to enjoy events held in Odori Park from premium seats, including the Sapporo Snow Festival, White Illumination, and YOSAKOI Soran Festival. During the Sapporo Snow Festival, you can experience the magnificent scale of the snow festival that cannot be felt from ground level.
On the southeast side, there's a thrilling photography spot called "Scary Window" featuring floor-to-ceiling glass panels. You can not only view the night scenery but also experience thrills.
A popular service for anniversaries and surprises includes a 30-minute private rental plan after business hours.
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- Address: Odori Nishi 1-chome, Chuo-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido
- Business Hours: 9:00～22:00 (Last observatory admission 21:50)
- Closed: Irregular holidays
- Phone: 011-241-1131
- Official Website: https://www.tv-tower.co.jp/
- Access: Directly accessible from Odori Station Exit 27
The Ferris Wheel nORIA
Source:Google Maps
The Ferris wheel nORIA, installed on the rooftop of the complex commercial facility "NORBESA" in Susukino, is Sapporo's first rooftop Ferris wheel.
True to its name, which means Ferris wheel in Spanish, this wheel offers 360-degree views of Sapporo's cityscape from 45.5 meters in diameter and 78 meters above ground. You can enjoy a 10-minute aerial stroll in any of the 32 gondolas, accommodating up to 4 people, all with barrier-free access.
The greatest attraction is experiencing "moving Sapporo night views." You can enjoy the changing scenery as you gradually ascend, looking down at Susukino's neon district directly below while the beautiful Sapporo cityscape spreads into the distance.
Having ridden it myself, the city lights sparkled like jewels, and the 360-degree panorama of lights was like floating in an aerial observation deck. By the time the 10-minute aerial stroll ended, I felt like taking another round - it was such a memorable experience.
As a cold weather measure, the gondola seats are equipped with heaters, allowing you to enjoy the fantastical scenery of falling rain or snow in a warm space even in the depths of winter.
The Ferris wheel itself, decorated with colorful LEDs, also serves as a beautiful element that enhances Sapporo's night view, making it a perfect addition to your Sapporo Night View 2025 itinerary.
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- Address: 7F NORBESA, 1-1 Minami 3-jo Nishi 5-chome, Chuo-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido
- Business Hours: Sunday-Thursday & Holidays 11:00～23:00, Friday-Saturday & Day before holidays 11:00～1:00 (Last reception 10 minutes before closing)
- Closed: Open year-round
- Phone: 011-261-8875
- Official Website: https://www.norbesa.jp/noria/
- Access: 3-minute walk from Susukino Station
The Author's Favorites! Top 3 Recommended Observation Hills for Panoramic Views of Sapporo
Next, I'll introduce the author's favorites! Here are the top 3 recommended observation hills where you can enjoy panoramic views of Sapporo's cityscape.
Mount Moiwa Observation Deck
Mount Moiwa Observation Deck, standing at 531 meters above sea level, is Sapporo's representative night view spot and a must-see destination for experiencing the spectacular Sapporo Night View 2025.
The 360-degree observation deck, accessible in about 15 minutes by connecting ropeway and mini cable car, offers a breathtaking view where the city spread across the Ishikari Plain sparkles like scattered jewels. I was amazed by the overwhelming night view that resembled gazing over a sea of stars.
You can enjoy panoramic views from Sapporo's cityscape to Ishikari Bay, with particularly clear and vivid scenery during winter when the air is crisp. At the summit, there are popular photo spots including the "Bell of Happiness" and "Love Locks" available for purchase at the summit station shop and vending machines.
The French restaurant "THE JEWELS" is also located here, where you can spend blissful moments enjoying cuisine and wine alongside the night view.
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- Address: 5-3-7 Fushimi, Chuo-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido
- Operating Hours: Summer (April-November) 10:30-22:00 (Last ascent 21:30), - Winter (December-March) 11:00-22:00 (Last ascent 21:30)
- Closed: During severe weather and maintenance periods
- Phone: 011-561-8177
- Official Website: https://mt-moiwa.jp/
- Access: Get off at "Ropeway Entrance" streetcar stop, 10-minute walk or shuttle bus
Sapporo Hitsujigaoka Observation Hill
Source:Official website
Sapporo Hitsujigaoka Observation Hill typically closes at 18:00 in summer and 17:00 in winter, so night view viewing is generally not possible. However, special limited-time nighttime openings have been implemented to commemorate Sapporo's recognition as one of Japan's New Top Three Night View Cities, making it an essential spot for the Sapporo Night View 2025 experience.
In the past, extended operations until 21:00 in November, until 19:00 during Christmas period, and until 18:00 during winter fireworks experience events have been conducted. During nighttime openings, you can enjoy panoramic views of the carpet of lights spreading across Sapporo's city center and the vast Ishikari Plain. I particularly love the unique scenery where the UFO-shaped Sapporo Dome stands out beautifully in the night view.
The combination of Clark's statue and the night view creates a photography spot unique to Sapporo. In December 2024, a special project was held where visitors could simultaneously enjoy winter fireworks and night views.
If you wish to enjoy night view viewing, please check the official website in advance for scheduled nighttime opening events.
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- Address: 1 Hitsujigaoka, Toyohira-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido
- Operating Hours: 9:00-18:00 (June-September), 9:00-17:00 (October-May)
- Closed: Open year-round
- Phone: 011-851-3080
- Official Website: https://www.hitsujigaoka.jp/
- Access: About 10 minutes by bus to Hitsujigaoka Observatory from Fukuzumi Station on Tozai Subway Line
Okurayama Viewing Point
Okurayama Viewing Point is located at the starting point of a ski jump at 307 meters above sea level, and is the world's only observation deck where you can enjoy night views beyond a ski jump. From July 1st to September 30th, extended evening operations (18:00-20:30) are conducted, offering an exceptional Sapporo Night View 2025 experience where you can enjoy panoramic views of Sapporo's city center and the Ishikari Plain beyond the approach (takeoff slope).
Odori Park can be seen in a straight line directly ahead, and I thought this view was as beautiful as an airplane runway. You can also spot landmarks such as Sapporo TV Tower and Sapporo Dome, while Sapporo's grid-pattern city center appears like a carpet of lights.
It has been recognized as a Japan Night View Heritage site (Natural Night View Heritage) and was one of the factors that led to Sapporo being selected as one of Japan's New Top Three Night View Cities. In 2025, special projects including special area invitation campaigns and Japanese umbrella illumination "Evening of Gentle Light and Japanese Umbrellas" are planned.
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- Address: 1274 Miyanomori, Chuo-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido
- Operating Hours: Summer (4/26-10/31) 8:30-18:00, Winter (11/1-4/28) 9:00-17:00
- Closed: During jump competitions and official practice days, severe weather
- Phone: 011-641-8585
- Official Website: https://okurayama-jump.jp/
- Access: About 30 minutes by car from JR Sapporo Station, get off at "Okurayama - Stadium Entrance" bus stop
Perfect for SNS! Sapporo Night View Areas That Become Even More Beautiful at Night
Let me introduce you to Sapporo's night view areas that are perfect for SNS and become even more beautiful at night, showcasing the stunning Sapporo Night View 2025.
Susukino
Susukino, the largest entertainment district north of Tokyo, is one of Sapporo's premier night view areas with approximately 3,500 restaurants and hotels lined up. The giant Nikka Whisky neon sign installed in 1969 has become a symbolic presence.
At Susukino intersection, the combination of streetcars and neon lights creates an excellent photography spot, and on rainy nights, the neon lights reflecting on the road surface create a fantastical scene.
From the outdoor terrace of COCONO SUSUKINO and the 360-degree night view panorama from the 78-meter-high Ferris wheel Noria, you can enjoy an overlooking view of the entertainment district.
In winter, you can also enjoy the collaboration of ice sculptures and neon lights at "Susukino Ice World," making it an urban night view spot perfect for SNS that continues to attract domestic and international tourists as part of the magnificent Sapporo Night View 2025 experience.
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- Address: Around Minami 3-8 jo, Nishi 1-5 chome, Chuo-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido
- Phone: 011-518-2005 (Susukino Tourism Association)
- Access: Right at Susukino Station on the Namboku Subway Line
Odori Park
Located in central Sapporo and stretching east to west, Odori Park is a night view spot where you can enjoy different night scenes throughout the four seasons. The symbolic Sapporo TV Tower is colorfully illuminated, and the circular fountain at Nishi 7-chome is also fantastically colored.
In winter, the "Sapporo White Illumination" (late November to mid-March) is held, where approximately 770,000 LEDs transform Sapporo's streets into a world of light. At Odori Park, the Munich Christmas Market in Sapporo (late November to late December) was held. I still vividly remember the symbolic objects that appeared in Odori Park and the scenes of visitors from Japan and abroad enjoying the world of light.
The approximately 1.5km park stroll allows you to fully enjoy the diverse night view expressions of each season, making it Sapporo's representative night view area perfect for SNS and a highlight of Sapporo Night View 2025.
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- Address: Odori Nishi 1-12 chome, Chuo-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido
- Business Hours: Open 24 hours
- Closed: Open year-round
- Phone: 011-251-0438 (Odori Park Management Office)
- Official Website: https://odori-park.jp/
- Access: Right at Odori Station or Nishi-jūichōme Station on the subway
Hokkaido Prefectural Government Red Brick Building (former main building)
The former Hokkaido Government Building, built in 1888 in American Neo-Baroque style, is a night view spot where the heavy brick building fantastically emerges in the light through nighttime illumination.
It reopened on July 25, 2025, with the concept "Shining Again."
Especially during winter (16:30-21:00), it shines even more beautifully through the synergistic effect with the Akaplaza Illumination (late November to mid-March, 16:30-22:00) held at Sapporo Kita 3-jo Square (Akapla) in front of the building.
The LED lighting of the ginkgo tree-lined street, which is Hokkaido's oldest street trees, creates a fantastical photography spot as part of this night view area, contributing to the overall Sapporo Night View 2025 experience.
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- Address: Kita 3-jo Nishi 6-chome 1, Chuo-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido
- Business Hours: Currently closed for renovation work (scheduled to reopen July 25, 2025)
- Closed: Currently closed
- Phone: 011-204-5019 (weekdays 8:45-17:30)
- Official Website: https://www.hokkaido-redbrick.jp/
- Access: 8-minute walk from JR Sapporo Station, 5-minute walk from Sapporo Subway Station
Explore Sapporo with a Knowledgeable Guide and Enjoy Exquisite Cuisine Beyond Seafood!
If you really want to enjoy Sapporo's gourmet scene, I recommend the "Sapporo Bar Hopping Food Tour" with a guide who knows the local area inside and out. This tour visits local izakayas that tourists can hardly reach on their own, allowing you to savor Hokkaido's unique cuisine and drinks while experiencing the Sapporo Night View 2025.
The guide provides English support and carefully introduces Japanese food culture and drinking manners, so even first-time visitors to Japan can feel at ease. It's easy to connect with other travelers, and you'll spend a memorable night. This experience is perfect for those who want to enjoy Sapporo's nightlife from a local perspective.
- Meeting point: Under the giant NIKKA Sign outside of Susukino station
- Tour area: Sapporo
- Start time: 18:00
