Sapporo City Center

Coexistence of city functionality and relaxation

A convenient area for shopping and business

The city center which revolves around JR Sapporo station to Odori Park is where commerce and businesses gather in Hokkaido. Major commercial facilities such as department stores, shopping centers, brand shops, hotels, restaurants, movie theaters and banks are located here. Along with Odori Park which crosses the center of the city, Sousei River Park and Nakajima Park add color to the city landscape. The parks, which are beautiful in every season, host many events and festivals during the year. There are many historical buildings, museums and galleries located in this area so that visitors have an opportunity to experience the history and culture of Hokkaido.

Sapporo Northern Area

Various facilites with large grounds dot this area

Beauty created by the fusion of nature and art

The northern area of Sapporo is known for its expansive flatland and facilities with large grounds. The campus of Hokkaido University situated to the north of JR Sapporo is the size of 38 Tokyo domes (approximately 1.8 square kilometers). There are many buildings that give visitors a glimpse into the history of Hokkaido amongst the ginkgo, poplar and white birch trees. The public can take a walk around the campus. Moerenuma Park situated on the northeast part of the city was designed by the sculptor Isamu Noguchi. The concept behind his creation is the fusion of nature and art. Maeda Forest Park and Sapporo Satoland, an agricultural theme park, also boast one of the largest grounds in Sapporo. Visitors will enjoy the magnificent landscape which characterizes Hokkaido.

Sapporo Southern Area

A tourist resort full of nature, including hot springs

A place to enjoy sports and outdoor activities

At the bottom of the mountains which stretch across the southern part of Sapporo, there are parks where visitors can go camping and a museum situated amidst a forest. Visitors can enjoy being in nature and taking advantage of the various facilities at the same time. There are also great sports facilities such as the one at Makomanai Parkwhich was the main venue fo the Sapporo Winter Olympics in 1972. You can go see a professional baseball or a J-League soccer games at the Sapporo Dome. If you drive about 40 minutes from the city center, you have access to hot springs resorts, such as the Jozankei Hot Springs and Koganeyu Hot Springs. There are walking paths and ski areas around the hot springs, so that visitors can enjoy the hot springs and take in the beautiful scenery.

Sapporo Eastern Area

Many places to eat, play and shop, An area enjoyable for both children and adults

In the eastern part of the city, people can enjoy beer and Genghis Khan (Mongolian barbecue) at the Sapporo Beer Garden, visit the Sapporo Beer Museum or go shopping at one of the large-scale shopping malls.Shin-Sapporo is considered the subcenter of Sapporo and is accessible by a wide variety of transportation such as the subway, JR and bus. There are many commercial facilities and shopping zones, including an aquarium and a science center for the enjoyment of both children and adults. If you go a bit further, there is an immense nature park with valuable animals and plants. Within the park, there is a place where visitors can go to learn about the history of Hokkaido’s pioneer days.

Sapporo Western Area

An educational district comprised of various cultural facilities

Many restaurants populated by visitors as well

The western part of Sapporo is a quiet residential area with art museums, museums, botanical gardens and a zoo. Along with these cultural facilities, western-style buildings such as the Governor’s Houseand Lloyd’s Coffee Former Oguma Residenceare located in this area. This area is also the home to buildings which support the daily life of Hokkaido citizens such as the Hokkaido Shrine, revered as local deity by the citizens, and the Sapporo Central Wholesale Market outdoor market. There are many restaurants and cafes around the Maruyama district, which centers on the back pathway of Hokkaido Shrine. While enjoying the local cuisine, visitors can also view the panorama of the city from the lookout at Mt. Moiwayama and Asahiyama Memorial Park.

Sapporo Neighboring Area

Going a bit further is fun

We recommend a day trip from Sapporo

If you take an hour to two hours drive from Sapporo, there are many areas for sightseeing and leisure around the neighboring areas. In the gardens which are built on expansive ground, visitors can see a wide variety of flowers and plants during each season, from spring to the fall. Furthermore, you can experience harvesting on a agricultural farm or working at a dairy farm, engage in outdoor activities in the forest or mountains, or challenge yourself to winters sports at the scenic ski resorts. Visitors will be able to enjoy sightseeing, various activities and sports in this area throughout the year.