Things to Do in Sapporo 2025: Local Guide to Must-Try Food, Attractions & Hidden Gems
Sapporo is one of Japan's most popular tourist destinations, packed with seasonal charm including exquisite gourmet cuisine featuring fresh seafood, historic sightseeing spots, and beautiful natural scenery.
In particular, Sapporo has developed its own unique food culture, making it a culinary city where you can enjoy local specialties such as Jingisukan (lamb BBQ).
Additionally, Sapporo offers an abundance of must-visit tourist spots, including historic landmarks and scenic viewpoints where you can take in panoramic views of Hokkaido's majestic nature and cityscapes.
In this guide, we'll introduce the various attractions you should experience to fully enjoy Sapporo, organized by theme, as part of your Sapporo Attraction 2025 travel planning.
Things to Do in Sapporo - Recommendations from Locals!
Sapporo overflows with attractions across various genres, including gourmet food, history, and nature. If you want to experience the authentic charm of Sapporo, the shortcut is to visit spots recommended by locals.
Below, we'll introduce in detail what you should enjoy in Sapporo, organized into five themes.
Main Attractions to Enjoy in Sapporo:
1. Exquisite Food in Sapporo:
Jingisukan, Seafood, Local Ramen, Ishikari Nabe, SOUP CURRY
2. Entertainment Districts for Bar Hopping and Nightlife:
Susukino, Tanukikoji Street
3. Must-See Spots to Experience Sapporo's History:
Sapporo Clock Tower, Hokkaido Prefectural Government Red Brick Building
4. Tourist Spots and Activities to Experience Sapporo's Beautiful Nature:
Sapporo Hitsujigaoka Observation Hill, Hiking at Mt. Moiwa/Mt. Maruyama
5. Scenic Spots to Enjoy Sapporo's Beautiful Cityscape and Night Views:
JR Tower Observatory T38, Sapporo TV Tower, Okurayama Viewing Point
The gourmet spots and tourist attractions we'll introduce include hidden gems and highlights that only locals know about. If you're planning a trip to Sapporo, please use this as a reference to experience the authentic local cuisine, entertainment districts, history, nature, and scenic views.
1. Indulge in Sapporo's Exquisite Food
When visiting Sapporo, one of Japan's premier culinary cities, tasting the exquisite gourmet offerings is essential. Sapporo boasts an abundance of delicious cuisine that makes the most of local ingredients, including fresh seafood, Jingisukan representing Hokkaido's regional cuisine, and unique local ramen.
Below, we'll introduce local favorites for Sapporo gourmet food and the renowned restaurants where you can savor authentic flavors.
Jingisukan
Source:Tabelog
Jingisukan is a Hokkaido-style BBQ where lamb and vegetables are grilled on a special dome-shaped pan, and it's a signature regional dish of Hokkaido.
Jingisukan enjoyed in Hokkaido has minimal gamey smell typical of lamb, with rich umami flavor spreading with every bite. There are many Jingisukan specialty restaurants throughout Sapporo, particularly concentrated in the entertainment districts.
Among them, "Genghis Khan Ishida," located about a 10-minute walk from the Sapporo Clock Tower, is a Jingisukan specialty restaurant popular with locals. It's recommended for those who want to taste high-quality Jingisukan made with Hokkaido's premium brand lamb.
Genghis Khan Ishida Store Information:
- Address: 2F Maruni Hashiba Building, 2-9 Kita 1-jo Nishi 8-chome, Chuo-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido
- Hours: 11:00-23:00 (L.O. 22:00)
- Closed: Irregular holidays
- Phone: 011-252-9708
- Official Website: https://www.instagram.com/atsushiishida0509/?__pwa=1
Seafood
Source:Tabelog
In Sapporo, seafood dishes made with fresh catches from the waters near Hokkaido are popular among both locals and tourists. Crab, sea urchin, scallops, and salmon in particular are iconic Hokkaido seafood, and you can enjoy exceptionally fresh fish and shellfish unique to sea-surrounded Hokkaido through sashimi, sushi, and seafood rice bowls.
Sapporo has a variety of establishments, from izakaya (Japanese bars) where you can enjoy diverse seafood dishes at reasonable prices, to high-end sushi restaurants where you can savor authentic sushi.
In particular, "Sushi Miyakawa," which has earned three Michelin stars, is my recommended restaurant where you can indulge in supreme sushi made with high-quality seafood.
Sushi Miyakawa Store Information:
- Address: 1F Lichtrahle Maruyama, 2-2 Kita 4-jo Nishi 25-chome, Chuo-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido
- Hours: [Session 1] 17:00-19:15 [Session 2] 19:30-22:00
- Closed: Wednesdays *Additional irregular holidays
- Phone: 011-613-2221
- Official Website: https://www.sushi-miyakawa.com/
Hokkaido Ramen
Source:Tripadvisor
In Hokkaido, regional ramen that has evolved uniquely in each area is also considered soul food. Among them, Sapporo Ramen is a satisfying dish featuring rich and flavorful miso soup paired with medium-thick curly noodles. Locals typically enjoy it by adding toppings like corn and butter to experience different flavor variations.
At "Sapporo Ramen Yokocho," where more than 15 local ramen shops are gathered, you can experience diverse flavors ranging from classic Sapporo ramen to unique varieties made with salmon-based broth. It's also recommended for those who want to compare various popular ramen in Sapporo.
Sapporo Ramen Yokocho Store Information:
- Address: 1F N Grande Building, 8 Minami 5-jo Nishi 3-chome, Chuo-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido
- Hours: Varies by shop (many shops operate around 11:00-24:00)
- Closed: Varies by shop
- Phone: Varies by shop
- Official Website: http://www.ganso-yokocho.com/
Ishikari Nabe
Source:Official website
Ishikari Nabe is a hot pot dish where salmon and vegetables are simmered in miso-based soup. It's a regional dish unique to Hokkaido, a famous salmon-producing area, and is an exquisite dish where the umami of salmon and the sweetness of vegetables blend into the rich miso soup. Especially during the cold winter, it has been cherished by locals as a warming dish.
If you want to taste Ishikari Nabe in Sapporo, my recommendation is "Oga," a renowned restaurant that has been beloved by locals for many years. In addition to their exquisite Ishikari Nabe, you can also enjoy a variety of dishes made with premium Hokkaido seafood such as horsehair crab and Kichiji.
Oga Store Information:
- Address: 8F-9F Sanslee Building, 3-1 Minami 3-jo Nishi 3, Chuo-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido
- Hours: 17:00-23:00 (L.O. 22:00)
- Closed: Open year-round
- Phone: 011-242-3328
- Official Website: https://oga-sapporo.com/
SOUP CURRY
Source:Tabelog
SOUP CURRY is a soupy curry with high water content that originated in Sapporo, characterized by large ingredients such as vegetables and chicken legs. The umami of chicken or pork and the sweetness of locally grown vegetables create an exquisite harmony with the aromatic spice flavors.
For those who want to taste authentic soup curry in Sapporo, "SOUP CURRY GARAKU," located about a 5-minute walk from Odori Station on the subway, is recommended. You can enjoy delicious soup curry by choosing from various toppings ranging from classic chicken leg to Hokkaido pork belly.
SOUP CURRY GARAKU Store Information:
- Address: B1F Pleasant Minami 3 Higashi 2, 2-6-1 Minami 3-jo Higashi, Chuo-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido
- Hours: 11:30-15:30 (L.O. 15:00) / 17:00-21:00 (L.O. 20:30)
- Closed: Irregular holidays
- Phone: 011-252-9843
- Official Website: https://s-garaku.com/
For Authentic Sapporo Food Loved by Locals, Local Tourb is Highly Recommended
If you want to experience Sapporo's authentic food culture, a food tour led by guides who know the local area inside out is the perfect choice.
The "Sapporo Bar Hopping Food Tour," where you visit three hidden gem izakayas with a local guide, allows you to fully enjoy appetizers made with Hokkaido's fresh seafood and local sake.
What I recommend about this tour is that you can choose from establishments handpicked by the guide according to your preferences, ranging from classic izakayas to hidden bars beloved by locals. With advice from local guides, you can enjoy authentic Sapporo food at renowned restaurants not found in guidebooks, rather than tourist-oriented fare.
On this tour, you will walk through Sapporo's entertainment district to visit each establishment.
Sapporo experiences significant temperature variations depending on the season, with summer highs exceeding 30°C and winter lows around minus 5°C, so please dress appropriately for the season when participating.
This is one of the must-try Sapporo Attraction 2025 experiences for food lovers.
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- Meeting point: Under the giant NIKKA Sign outside of Susukino station
- Tour area: Around Susukino
- Start time: From 18:00
2. Enjoy Bar Hopping and Nightlife in the Lively Entertainment District That Comes Alive at Night
To fully enjoy Sapporo's nighttime scene, bar hopping and nightlife experiences in the vibrant entertainment district are essential. The entertainment district at night offers a lively atmosphere different from daytime sightseeing, providing a special experience where you can feel the local food culture and drinking customs firsthand.
Below, we introduce two areas that represent Sapporo: an entertainment district boasting one of the highest popularity rankings in Japan, and a historic shopping street with a charming retro atmosphere.
Susukino
Susukino is Sapporo's premier entertainment and pleasure district, one of the largest in Japan. Along with Tokyo's Kabukicho and Fukuoka's Nakasu, it is called one of "Japan's Three Major Entertainment Districts."
The glittering streets illuminated by neon signs are lined with approximately 3,500 restaurants and bars.
Susukino offers a diverse range of establishments for enjoying nightlife, including izakayas where you can taste local gourmet food, stylish bars, nightclubs, and karaoke venues.
Many places stay open until late at night, allowing you to enjoy Sapporo's nightlife at your own pace to your heart's content. This makes it a top Sapporo Attraction 2025 destination for those seeking vibrant evening entertainment.
Tanukikoji Street
Tanukikoji Street is one of Hokkaido's oldest shopping streets, boasting a history of approximately 145 years. This arcade shopping street stretching about 900 meters is lined with approximately 200 restaurants, karaoke venues, game centers, and more.
What I love about it is the unique charm created by the fusion of retro atmosphere and modern shops.
At Tanukikoji Street, you can savor Sapporo's exquisite food at Jingisukan specialty restaurants and Sapporo ramen shops. Additionally, since most of this shopping street is covered by an arcade, you can leisurely enjoy the streetscape and nightlife even during the intense summer sun or heavy winter snow.
3. Visit Must-See Spots in Central Sapporo Where You Can Feel the City's History
Central Sapporo is filled with sightseeing spots where you can feel the history of Hokkaido's prosperity firsthand.
What I also recommend is that Sapporo's representative historical spots are within walking distance from JR Sapporo Station and the entertainment district, which serve as bases for Sapporo tourism, making them easy to drop by while strolling through the city.
Below, we introduce two cultural landmarks where you can feel the history of Sapporo's development, including a symbol of Sapporo with a retro atmosphere and Western-style architecture that blends into Sapporo's cityscape.
These are essential stops for anyone exploring Sapporo Attraction 2025 highlights.
Sapporo Clock Tower
The Sapporo Clock Tower is a symbol of the city that conveys Sapporo's history to the present day, built in 1878. It was originally constructed as Sapporo Agricultural College's "Embujo" (military drill hall) and was used as a facility for military drills, physical education classes, entrance ceremonies, and graduation ceremonies.
The Sapporo Clock Tower features an attractive Western-style exterior characterized by its red roof and retro white walls. What I particularly love is that it is illuminated at night, allowing you to enjoy a fantastic view that lights up Sapporo's cityscape.
The Sapporo Clock Tower is within walking distance from JR Sapporo Station and various entertainment districts, so please feel free to visit.
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- Address: Kita 1-jo Nishi 2-chome, Chuo-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido
- Business hours: 8:45–17:10 (Last admission 17:00)
- Closed: January 1–3
- Phone number: 011-231-0838
- Official website: https://sapporoshi-tokeidai.jp/
Hokkaido Prefectural Government Red Brick Building
The Hokkaido Prefectural Government Red Brick Building is a historic structure representing Sapporo, constructed in 1888. This building was actually used as the Hokkaido Government Office for approximately 80 years until the move to the new government building.
What I love about it is the Western-style brick architecture made using Hokkaido's soil, stone, and wood.
Currently, it is a popular tourist spot featuring not only the precious cultural property building itself but also exhibition spaces about Hokkaido's history and restaurants.
There is also a souvenir shop inside the facility, so please be sure to check out the Hokkaido-exclusive sweets and goods available only here.
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- Address: Kita 3-jo Nishi 6-1, Chuo-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido
- Business hours: 8:45–21:00 (Last admission 20:30)
- Closed: December 29–January 3, and other facility inspection days
- Phone number: 011-206-8390
- Official website: https://www.hokkaido-redbrick.jp/
4. Spend a Relaxing Time at Spots Where You Can Feel Sapporo's Beautiful Nature
In addition to urban areas like the downtown district, Sapporo also has many attractive spots where you can fully enjoy the beauty of nature. At these spots where you can quietly immerse yourself in Sapporo's nature, you are sure to experience a healing time away from the hustle and bustle of the city.
Below, we introduce two spots where you can experience beautiful nature in Sapporo, including an observation deck where you can view Hokkaido's magnificent natural scenery and hiking courses where you can enjoy nature throughout the four seasons.
These are must-visit Sapporo Attraction 2025 destinations for nature lovers.
Sapporo Hitsujigaoka Observation Hill
Source:Official website
Sapporo Hitsujigaoka Observation Hill is a popular spot located about 30 minutes by car from central Sapporo, where you can enjoy panoramic views of vast pastures and the Sapporo cityscape.
In summer, you can leisurely watch sheep grazing on the lush green pastures, while in winter, you can take in the mystical scenery of the entire area covered in snow.
When I visited this spectacular spot, taking a commemorative photo in the same pose as the bronze statue of Dr. Clark, known as the "Father of Hokkaido Development," is a must-do. Please enjoy the magnificent scenery of Hokkaido and feel his powerful words "Boys, be ambitious." at this unique location.
- Address: 1 Hitsujigaoka, Toyohira-ku, Sapporo-shi, Hokkaido
- Business Hours: [October to May] 9:00–17:00 / [June to September] 9:00–18:00
- Closed: None
- Phone: 011-851-3080
- Official Website: https://www.hitsujigaoka.jp/
Hiking at Mt. Moiwa / Mt. Maruyama
Source:Mt.Moiwa Ropeway
For those who want to easily experience Hokkaido's deep nature in Sapporo, hiking at Mt. Moiwa or Mt. Maruyama, which have been beloved by locals since ancient times, is highly recommended.
Both mountains are located within the urban area of Sapporo, yet they are famous as primeval forests where approximately 150-year-old katsura trees and Hokkaido's unique cherry trees grow naturally.
The two mountains have elevations of approximately 531m for Mt. Moiwa and approximately 225m for Mt. Maruyama, making them easy to climb even for beginners.
Not only can you enjoy hiking while surrounded by beautiful nature, but please also take in the spectacular views overlooking the Sapporo cityscape from the summit of either mountain.
- Address: Miyagaoka, Chuo-ku, Sapporo-shi, Hokkaido
- Business Hours: Open 24 hours
- Closed: None
- Phone: 011-211-2522
- Official Website: https://www.city.sapporo.jp/ryokuka/midori/shizen/rute/index.html
5. Enjoy Sapporo's Beautiful Cityscape and Night Views
Sapporo, where urban cityscape and beautiful nature blend together, has many spots where you can enjoy spectacular views looking down from high-rise building observation decks or mountaintops.
Below, we have carefully selected and introduce three scenic viewpoints in Sapporo, including landmarks in central Sapporo and mountain observation decks surrounded by nature. Each is a remarkable Sapporo Attraction 2025 highlight.
JR Tower Observatory T38
Source:Official website
JR Tower Observatory T38 is a spectacular spot where you can enjoy panoramic views of Sapporo from the 38th floor at a height of 160m. The observation room has 360-degree glass windows, allowing you to enjoy different spectacular views during the daytime, at dusk, and at night.
In particular, my recommendation is the night view where the building lights shine in colorful splendor. JR Tower Observatory T38 is open until late at night and has excellent access as it is directly connected to JR Sapporo Station.
Therefore, please visit at least once during your trip to Sapporo and enjoy the beautiful cityscape of Sapporo.
- Address: 2-5 Kita 5-jo Nishi, Chuo-ku, Sapporo-shi, Hokkaido
- Business Hours: 10:00–22:00 (Last entry 21:30)
- Closed: December 31, January 1
- Phone: 011-209-5500
- Official Website: https://www.jr-tower.com/t38
Sapporo TV Tower
Standing at the eastern end of Odori Park, Sapporo TV Tower was built in 1956 and is a landmark of Sapporo.
From the observation deck at approximately 90m above ground, you can enjoy panoramic views of the beautiful Odori Park where flowers bloom throughout the four seasons, as well as the distant sea.
Additionally, Odori Park, which can be viewed from Sapporo TV Tower, hosts various events throughout the seasons, including winter illuminations. Why not experience the changing of Sapporo's four seasons through the cityscape and events?
- Address: 1-chome Odori Nishi, Chuo-ku, Sapporo-shi, Hokkaido
- Business Hours: 9:00–22:00 (Last entry 21:50)
- Closed: Irregular holidays (equipment inspection days)
- Phone: 011-241-1131
- Official Website: https://www.tv-tower.co.jp/
Okurayama Viewing Point
Okurayama Viewing Point is the venue where ski jumping competitions were held during the 1972 Winter Olympics. Not only are ski jumping competitions still held here today, but it is also popular as a spectacular spot where you can enjoy panoramic views of Sapporo's cityscape, including Odori Park.
To reach the observation deck, you ride the lift used by ski jumpers. Please enjoy not only the spectacular views of Sapporo's urban cityscape but also the thrilling experience of feeling like a ski jumper yourself.
- Address: 1274 Miyanomori, Chuo-ku, Sapporo-shi, Hokkaido
- Business Hours: [April 26 to October 31] 8:30–18:00 / [November 1 to April 25] 9:00–17:00 *Night hours available from July 1 to September 30 (18:00–20:30). Lift ticket sales end 30 minutes before closing.
- Closed: December 30 to January 3
- Phone: 011-641-8585
- Official Website: https://okurayama-jump.jp/facility/jump/
To Deeply Enjoy Each City in Japan, Let a Local Guide Who Knows the Area Inside Out Show You Around!
For those who want to enjoy Japanese cities more deeply, participating in tours led by guides who are familiar with the local area is highly recommended.
Magical Trip, which offers English-language tours for foreign visitors, operates a wide variety of tours in popular tourist destinations in Japan such as Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, Sapporo, and Hiroshima.
What I recommend about Magical Trip is that they not only provide detailed English explanations of tourist spots but also carefully teach you about Japan's unique etiquette when experiencing shrines, temples, and local cuisine. Even first-time visitors to Japan can enjoy sightseeing with peace of mind without feeling any language barriers.
Magical Trip offers a variety of tours to enjoy shrines and temples, local cuisine, and nature. Please check the URL below for more details.
