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Odori Park and the Sapporo TV Tower

No. 50 Top 100 City Destinations 2025

Sapporo

Japan

Hokkaido's capital: the Snow Festival, miso ramen, beer and easy access to mountains and ski slopes.

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Photo: ノボホショコロトソ, CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Overview

Sapporo is No. 50 in Euromonitor International's Top 100 City Destinations Index 2025. The capital of Hokkaido, Japan's northernmost main island, was laid out in the late 19th century on a grid of wide streets.

It is famous for its winter Snow Festival, for miso ramen, seafood and beer, and as a gateway to the ski resorts, hot springs and national parks of Hokkaido.

Visitors among the snow sculptures at the Sapporo Snow Festival
Visitors among the snow sculptures at the Sapporo Snow Festival. Photo: 禁樹なずな, CC BY-SA 4.0, source

Best time to go

The Sapporo Snow Festival, held in early February, fills Odori Park with huge snow and ice sculptures; book early. December to March is ski season.

June to August is mild and pleasant, with lavender fields in nearby Furano in July. Autumn colours peak in October.

Top sights

  • 1

    Odori Park

    The long park through the city centre hosts the Snow Festival and summer events; the Sapporo TV Tower stands at one end.

  • 2

    Sapporo Clock Tower

    A wooden building of 1878, one of the city's oldest, with a small museum.

  • 3

    Sapporo Beer Museum

    A red-brick former brewery building telling the story of Japan's oldest beer brand, founded in 1876.

  • 4

    Mount Moiwa

    A ropeway and mini cable car climb to the summit for one of Japan's best night views.

  • 5

    Nijo Market

    A central market for seafood breakfasts of crab, sea urchin and salmon roe.

  • 6

    Susukino

    The nightlife district, with ramen alleys, izakayas and bars.

  • 7

    Moerenuma Park

    A huge park designed by the sculptor Isamu Noguchi.

Getting there

New Chitose Airport (CTS) is about 40 km south-east of the city. JR Rapid Airport trains reach Sapporo Station in about 40 minutes.

Trains link Sapporo with Otaru, Hakodate and the rest of Hokkaido.

Getting around

Three subway lines and a streetcar loop cover the centre; IC cards such as Kitaca and Suica can be used.

The grid layout makes the city easy to navigate on foot, with underground walkways in the centre for winter.

Practical tips

Currency
Japanese yen (JPY). Cards are widely accepted, but carry some cash for small restaurants, shrines and markets.
Language
Japanese. English signs are common on transport.
Safety
Sapporo is very safe. In winter, wear shoes with good grip on icy pavements. The emergency numbers are 110 (police) and 119 (fire and ambulance).
Visa & entry
Citizens of many countries, including the US, Canada, the UK, Australia and EU countries, can visit Japan visa-free for short stays. Register on Visit Japan Web (vjw.digital.go.jp) before you fly to get QR codes for immigration and customs. Check Japan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs website for the rules that apply to your passport.
Power
100 V, 50 Hz; plug types A and B.

Official information: Sapporo Travel (official tourism website). Check opening hours, prices and entry rules there before you go.

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