Sapporo TV Tower Observation Deck: 360° Views, Seasonal Highlights & Visitor Guide
Sapporo is a city that represents Hokkaido. Sapporo not only thrives as a center of transportation and economy, but is also one of Japan's leading gourmet cities.
Moreover, its specialties include seafood, meat, ramen, and countless other varieties. Therefore, it is one of the most popular places among Japan's many attractive tourist destinations!
This time, we will introduce The Sapporo TV Tower, which is famous for its observation deck where you can overlook the charming city of Sapporo. Let's thoroughly introduce ways to fully enjoy The Sapporo TV Tower, its attractions, and nearby tourist spots!
Table of Contents
-The Attractions of The Sapporo TV Tower Observation Deck
-When you come to The Sapporo TV Tower Observation Deck, you should also check out Sapporo souvenirs
-Tourist Attractions to Enjoy Around The Sapporo TV Tower Observation Deck
Sapporo Has Many Spots Where You Can Enjoy Beautiful Scenery at Night
When it comes to Sapporo tourism, what I really want travelers to enjoy is the beautiful night view. I love sparkling night views, and I know many night view spots from major spots to hidden gems!
Even for someone like me, I think all of Sapporo's spots where you can enjoy beautiful scenery at night are attractive.
I also recommend the illumination of the giant Ferris wheel at Susukino Norbesa and the lights of the street trees at Akapura that change with the seasons, but here I will introduce The Sapporo TV Tower, which can be considered a representative of Sapporo tourism.
The Sapporo TV Tower Is a Representative Spot for Enjoying Night Views
The Sapporo TV Tower is a place where everyone can fully enjoy the night view, from those visiting Hokkaido for the first time to those who have visited many times. Many tourists enjoy the beautiful night view from The Sapporo TV Tower Observation Deck.
Moreover, it's not just about viewing and enjoying the night scenery. The Sapporo TV Tower has various ways to enjoy it. Here, we will thoroughly introduce everything from its many recommended spots to interesting souvenirs.
The Attractions of The Sapporo TV Tower Observation Deck
You Can Enjoy Beautiful Night Views from the Observation Deck
When you take the long elevator that extends to a point 90.38m above ground after nightfall, what spreads before you is the sparkling night view of Sapporo. The 360-degree panoramic view of Sapporo city spreading in all directions is spectacular.
What I want you to pay attention to is the night view of Sapporo's Odori Park, which extends in an orderly grid pattern. The beautiful lights of the street lamps illuminating the straight roads will surely take you to a fantastical world, slightly away from reality.
Also, if you visit in winter, you can luxuriously overlook the entire view of the Sapporo Snow Festival from the west deck.
The Sapporo TV Tower Observation Deck Itself, Viewed from the Outside, Is Also Popular as a Photo Spot
The charm of The Sapporo TV Tower is not just the view from The Sapporo TV Tower Observation Deck. Viewing The Sapporo TV Tower from outside is also highly recommended as a sightseeing activity.
The Sapporo TV Tower, which stands tall behind colorful flowers that can be seen from Odori Park, is also very beautiful and makes for great photography!
As a night view enthusiast, I want you to visit during the nighttime illumination and enjoy the different faces of day and night. The illumination content changes depending on the season, so it's a recommended spot for those who want to visit multiple times!
Visit "TV Tousan Shrine," the Shrine Located at the Highest Point in Sapporo
Source:Official website
The Sapporo TV Tower has even more different attractions! One of them is TV Tousan Shrine, which is located at the highest point in Sapporo. TV Tousan Shrine is a shrine where TV Tousan (Tousan=Father), a cute character shaped like The Sapporo TV Tower, is enshrined.
It appeared in 2002 when The Sapporo TV Tower reopened after renovation. Despite being an unofficial character, it is very popular and has been protecting The Sapporo TV Tower Observation Deck for 23 years!
TV Tousan Is the Unofficial Character of The Sapporo TV Tower Observation Deck
Source:Official website
In addition to the main TV Tousan (Tousan=Father), there are many cute companions including Kaasan (mother), son Taro, and daughter Hanako. When you see their relaxed, gentle smiles, you somehow find yourself smiling too. Of course, merchandise is also sold, so please visit the shop as well!
My recommendation is the "amulet stickers" that can be easily placed anywhere. It's recommended for those who want to make various wishes, such as succeeding in love or achieving results in studies!
For those who want to experience a thrill, try viewing the streets of Sapporo from Kowaso
Source:HOKKAIDO LOVE!
The Sapporo TV Tower has some unique attractions. One of them is an observation spot called Kowaso (Terrible Window). Surprisingly, at this spot, the windows are tilted at an angle, and it's OK to lean against the glass.
When you lean against the glass that extends down to your feet and look down, you'll feel as if you might fall from the Observation Deck! Sometimes you might even hear sounds like the glass is cracking... (Don't worry, it won't break!)
If you want to experience a thrill that you can't find elsewhere, I highly recommend visiting The Sapporo TV Tower Observation Deck!
When you come to The Sapporo TV Tower Observation Deck, you should also check out Sapporo souvenirs
Many people think, "Since I'm traveling, I want to buy wonderful souvenirs to take home." For those people, I'll introduce some wonderful souvenirs that can only be obtained at The Sapporo TV Tower Observation Deck!
The Sapporo TV Tower Observation Deck Related Merchandise
Source:Official website
What I recommend among merchandise related to The Sapporo TV Tower Observation Deck are the cute local character goods unique to this place. As someone who travels around various places researching local characters, I personally recommend "Sapporo TV Tower Syoboon."
It's a cute merchandise item featuring a slightly troubled expression, motif based on an emoticon that was commonly used in Japan in the past.
There's also The Sapporo TV Tower Observation Deck version of "Kewpie," which boasts over 100 years of history, so if you love local characters, please be sure to check them out on-site!
Jaga Pokkuru
Source:Official website
Jaga Pokkuru is a snack that could be called the representative of Hokkaido, and it's a snack I love so much that I buy it for myself every time!
It looks like french fries in shape, but the texture is completely different. It's crunchier and crispier than french fries, with a satisfying texture! What's even more surprising is its fine-textured dough.
Made from 100% Hokkaido-produced potatoes, they've succeeded in creating a dough with a pleasant mouthfeel. And after enjoying the texture, your mouth is filled with a gentle salty flavor.
This delicate texture and gentle taste seasoned with carefully selected salt are a deliciousness you can't experience anywhere else, and I was amazed by its deliciousness too. Please try buying it for your loved ones, and also for yourself!
Summer only! If you can make a reservation, it's possible to rent out the observation deck
Source:Sapporo Tourist Association
For those who want to enjoy a travel experience one rank higher, I'll introduce a slightly luxurious plan. Amazingly, you can rent out The Sapporo TV Tower Observation Deck!
Here, you can enjoy champagne while admiring Sapporo's beautiful night view. Spend time as you wish - with your precious lover, relaxing with family, or lively with friends. The exquisite time with Sapporo's beautiful night view will surely become an unforgettable memory.
I've been there, and amazingly, the TV Tower lights up in the color you order! I felt like a first-class celebrity with the feeling that "This observation deck view is ours alone right now!" With staff greeting and seeing you off, it's recommended for those who want a special experience different from usual!
The private rental is summer-only, and reservations are possible on The Sapporo TV Tower's official homepage. It's limited to one group per day, and reservations can be made from 10 days in advance (except during the Sapporo Snow Festival period).
People make reservations for their special anniversaries, so you're lucky if that day is available. Also, since reservations are made via email, please check the official website before making a reservation. It's a popular event, so please make your reservation early!
<Information>
Address: 1 Chome Odorinishi, Chuo Ward, Sapporo
Regular holidays: Irregular holidays
Phone number: 011-241-1131
Business hours: 9:00-22:00
*Last admission to the observation deck is 21:50
Business hours may be extended or changed due to events, etc.
Official website: https://tv-tower.co.jp/
Tourist Attractions to Enjoy Around The Sapporo TV Tower Observation Deck
The Sapporo TV Tower Observation Deck has many tourist attractions in its surrounding area. There are various types of places, from lively and exciting spots to places where you can relax and take a breather. Here, I will introduce some of my favorite places that my foreign friends were delighted to visit.
Sapporo Clock Tower
The place I especially want you to visit is the Sapporo Clock Tower. The Clock Tower has over 130 years of history and is a venerable building that was once cherished as a place for entrance ceremonies, graduation ceremonies, and training at the former Sapporo Agricultural School that stood here.
After enjoying many lively tourist attractions and delicious food, I stop by here to deeply experience Sapporo's history. I particularly recommend this to those who want to spend a calm moment during their sightseeing.
<Information>
Address: Chuo Ward, Kita 1-jo Nishi 2-chome, Sapporo
Closed: New Year holidays (January 1 to January 3)
Phone: 011-231-0838
Business hours: 8:45 - 17:10 (Admission until 17:00)
Official website: https://sapporoshi-tokeidai.jp
Odori Park
Odori Park is loved as both a tourist attraction in Sapporo and a place of relaxation for Sapporo citizens.
Odori Park is a long, narrow promenade that runs through the center of downtown Sapporo. It is also famous as the venue for the Sapporo Snow Festival, where large snow sculptures line up in winter. The flower beds where you can see different flowers depending on the season and the beautiful street trees illuminated at night are also worth seeing!
Under the wide open sky of Odori Park, I take photos with the seasonal plants using souvenirs I've purchased. Taking Instagram-worthy photos freely is also fun!
<Information>
Address: Odori Nishi 1 to 12 chome
Phone: 011-211-2376 (Tourist Information Center)
Business hours: Open 24 hours
Official website: https://odori-park.jp
Sapporo Nijo Market
Walk about 5 minutes from Odori Park and you'll see Sapporo Nijo Market. Under the arcade with its continuous blue roof, the finest seafood is displayed. Fresh seafood is lined up throughout the entire arcade.
What I want to introduce is Marudai Suosan. You can fully enjoy boiled crab, and amazingly, you can eat the most delicious crab of the season depending on the time of year!
This is a specialty shop that will satisfy both those who say "This is my first time eating crab" and those who say "I've eaten lots of crab before." Please visit it!
<Information>
Address: Chuo Ward, Minami 3-jo Higashi 1 to 2 chome, Sapporo
Closed: New Year holidays (January 1 to January 3)
Phone: 011-222-5308
Business hours: Around 7:00 to 18:00 (Varies by store)
Official website: https://nijomarket.com
Susukino
Susukino is a famous entertainment district that thrives near Sapporo. Susukino has long prospered as a place where common people's entertainment gathers, and it remains a very popular place as an entertainment district today.
The recommended point is, without a doubt, the rich variety of restaurants! From casual izakayas where you can enjoy drinks in a lively atmosphere to bars with unique atmospheres, there are colorful shops lined up.
When I go to Susukino, I sometimes enjoy drinks and fresh seafood in a lively casual izakaya, and then leisurely enjoy playing darts at a darts bar. I recommend this to those seeking something extraordinary who want to "experience Sapporo's popular culture!"
If You Want to Enjoy Sapporo, Let a Local Guide Show You the Shops Loved by Locals
Among those reading this article, I think many are visiting Sapporo for the first time. There may be people thinking, "I want to visit izakayas, but I don't know where to go." Please rest assured.
Sapporo has unique local tours offered by MagicalTrip, which provides local tours nationwide.
Here, you can be guided to three izakayas in Sapporo. Moreover, three drinks and three to four types of dishes are included. Furthermore, during the tour, the guide will take photos of you enjoying yourself and send them to you by email later!
When I requested a local guide, the guide was a very fun person. They taught me about Hokkaido's history while keeping the atmosphere lively and taking photos, making it a wonderful memory!
This is recommended not only for those who want to smoothly visit Sapporo's izakayas, but also for curious people who want to hear various stories about Sapporo from local people!
<Information>
Meeting Place: Susukino Station
Tour Area: Hokkaido, Japan
Start time: 18:00, 19:00
