Fantastic Sapporo Travel Attractions

Sapporo may not be one of Japan’s most beloved cities – Osaka, Kyoto and Tokyo take that honor – but it does possess its own special charm.

No visitor to Sapporo should miss these must-see tourist attractions. From the iconic 147 metre Sapporo Clock Tower to Maruyama Zoo, here are some of the most popular spots. The next time you go to Sapporo with your Cathay Pacific flight, make sure to consider those highlighted below. The attractions are definitely to die for. 

Maruyama Zoo

Sapporo is a city packed with attractions for travelers, from an exciting nightlife to traditional breweries and mountain slopes. In wintertime, Sapporo hosts its famous Sapporo Snow Festival which takes place every February. Plus, Sapporo boasts an exciting art scene including ice and snow sculptures.

Sapporo Maruyama Zoo, situated in Maruyama Park, is the first zoo of Hokkaido and home to over 170 animal species. As well as exotic visitors from around the world, Maruyama Zoo also houses many native Japanese creatures like bears, deer and squirrels.

Visitors to Sapporo Zoo can also explore Maruyama Wild Forest, a designated wildlife sanctuary that offers more species than what can be observed inside its gates. With its convenient location close to nature yet within city limits of Sapporo, this zoo makes for an easy day trip.

The zoo is open daily from 9:00 to 19:00, with extended hours during the Sapporo Snow Festival. It has become a popular destination for families and children alike, boasting plenty of attractions to keep them occupied.

In addition to the many exhibits, there are also educational programs and events offered. The zoo has become a popular destination for tourists interested in discovering more about wild animal lives as well as conservation efforts made to safeguard these unique creatures.

Zoos have long been an important force in conserving biodiversity by breeding wild animals and disseminating knowledge on them gleaned through research. However, in Japanese society the role of zoos has not been fully appreciated and existing laws and regulations don’t clearly specify how they should operate. As a result, management at these establishments tends to be uncertain and inconsistent. Zoos have faced difficulties in effectively operating, which is essential for their sustainability. Therefore, this Ordinance seeks to clarify the role and responsibilities of zoos while setting forth a framework that encourages sound development within them and their contributions towards biodiversity conservation.

Sapporo Clock Tower

Sapporo Clock Tower, commonly referred to as “the city clock in the sky,” is home to Japan’s largest municipal art museum and Hokkaido University – its most renowned occupant. Hokkaido University itself is a hub of scholarship and innovation with the nation’s largest Kodak photo lab. Furthermore, Sapporo Clock Tower houses one of Japan’s largest libraries for rare books and special collections with more than 160,000 items across 70,000 titles.

All that is left of the drill hall of the former Sapporo Agricultural College was completed in 1878, and it is the tower (now Hokkaido University). The structure was among the first to be constructed in Sapporo, which was chosen to serve as the new administrative hub of Hokkaido in 1868, the year that the city was formally proclaimed to have its “birth.”

The oldest structure still surviving in Sapporo is this one.

The clock was mounted in July 1881 by E. Howard & Co. of Boston, Massachusetts, USA (headed by a co-founder of what would ultimately become the Waltham Watch Company). And on August 12, 1881, Japan used its clock tower for the first time.

The Sapporo Clock Tower received the designation of Important Cultural Property in 1970.

Mount Moiwa

Mount Moiwa (known as Moiwayama) stands tall above Sapporo and offers stunning views of the city and its surrounding mountains. Reachable via cable car or aerial tramway, this majestic peak has become a favorite destination for nature enthusiasts and photographers alike.

At night, climb to the summit for stunning panoramic views of Sapporo and its environs. It has been named one of Japan’s New Top Three Night Views and a popular tourist destination for both locals and visitors alike.

To reach the summit, you can take either a ropeway or Morris Car that runs every fifteen minutes. A round-trip ticket to the top costs 1700 yen for adults and 850 yen for children.

Another fantastic Sapporo attraction is the Ishiya Chocolate Factory. If you have a sweet tooth, be sure to visit this facility where you can watch white chocolate being made and sample some of their signature treats. Plus, enjoy an impressive cake buffet as well as watch an entertaining robot show!

Are you searching for an exciting activity to do with the kids? Look no further than Sapporo Art Park. This stunning municipal park boasts an incredible collection of sculptures designed by some of the world’s renowned artists.

At the Sapporo Beer Museum, you can explore Japan’s beer making heritage and sample freshly brewed draft beer straight from the brewery.

Other popular attractions in Sapporo include the zoo, which houses some of Hokkaido’s most exotic animals. You may also visit the historic Hokkaido Shrine – a revered religious site visited by many pilgrims.

Sapporo boasts several shopping arcades where you can pick up souvenirs and gifts to take back home. With many unique shops located here, it’s worth spending some time exploring this area of the city.

Sapporo’s cuisine is renowned for its seafood production and local delicacies. You must try the famous Sapporo ramen and soup curry dishes, as well as dairy products and mutton barbecue.

Sapporo boasts many shopping and entertainment districts with neon lights, delicious food, games, clubhouses and more. Some establishments stay open late so you can spend your entire evening here if you choose to party!

Final Thoughts

Make sure that you take your time when you look at what Sapporo has to offer. This is because what was highlighted above was just a small part of everything. You are going to see so many interesting options that are perfect for absolutely all tastes. This ranges from those interested in traveling with the entire family to solo travelers.