[Classic Route] Sapporo Sightseeing Spots | Your First Trip to Sapporo ♪ Hokkaido Lab ~A Hokkaido Travel Guide to Enjoy Gourmet Food, Nature, and Culture~

A classic Sapporo sightseeing route | Your first trip to Sapporo!

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: Last updated: September 11, 2018

Table of contents

1. The must-see classic Sapporo sightseeing course

3. Once you've mastered the classic route...

Former Hokkaido Government Building If you're visiting Hokkaido, Sapporo is an absolute must-see. Many people probably find themselves wondering where to go, even with a travel guide in hand. This time, we'll introduce four major tourist spots in Sapporo that you should definitely visit at least once. This is a must-read for anyone who wants to efficiently visit famous landmarks!

1. The must-see classic Sapporo sightseeing course

One of Sapporo's main tourist attractions is that they are concentrated within walking distance of Sapporo Station and Odori Station. Let's make the most of your city sightseeing by learning efficient routes and highlighting the key sights of each location!

Model Route

2. Highlights of each

① Former Hokkaido Government Office Building

Former main building

The former Hokkaido Government Office building, commonly known as the Red Brick Building, displays the "red star," the symbol of the Hokkaido Development Commission, on its exterior wall.

The former main building, which housed the prefectural government for approximately 80 years until the current new building was constructed, is an American-style Neo-Baroque building built in 1888 (Meiji 21). This red building, which suddenly appears when walking around Sapporo, is a popular tourist spot that catches the eye of many visitors.
Inside the former main building
The museum is open to the public free of charge and displays materials that trace the history of Hokkaido.

And what's particularly noteworthy is this red star. Why is a red star incorporated into the exterior wall...?

The flag used by the Hokkaido Development Commission, known as the "Hokushin Flag," featured a red star representing the North Star. This led to the use of stars in the construction of buildings, and as a result, you can see red stars not only at the Red Brick Government Building but also at several other Sapporo tourist spots. Whether you're looking for the red stars while carefully observing the architectural styles or learning about Hokkaido's history, it's a place you should definitely visit if you're in Sapporo.

Former Hokkaido Government Office
Address: Kita 3-jo Nishi 6-chome, Chuo-ku, Sapporo City TEL: 011-204-5019
Opening hours: 8:45 AM - 6:00 PM Parking: None
Closed during the New Year holidays.

② Sapporo Clock Tower

The Sapporo Clock Tower is a historic building that has watched over the development of Sapporo for generations.

The clock tower, standing small amidst the skyscrapers, is often easily overlooked. Recently, it's become an underrated spot, having gained a reputation as one of Japan's three most disappointing tourist attractions. However, it's a must-see if you're visiting Sapporo.

Built in 1878 (Meiji 11) based on the concept of the first headmaster, Dr. Clark, as a martial arts training hall for the Sapporo Agricultural College, the predecessor of Hokkaido University, this building has a distinguished history, having been used as a place for military training for agricultural college students, physical education classes to cultivate mind and body, and as a central auditorium for entrance and graduation ceremonies.
Clock Tower 1F A view of the first floor. Historical materials related to the clock tower are on display.
Clock Tower 2F On the second floor, a performance hall has been recreated, and visitors can also view clock mechanisms.

Taking photos at the photo stand outside the clock tower is popular with tourists, but since you can enter for 200 yen, it's a place you should definitely see properly inside, rather than dismissing it as a disappointing spot.

Sapporo Clock Tower
Address: Kita 1-jo Nishi 2-chome, Chuo-ku, Sapporo City TEL 011-231-0838
Opening hours: 8:45 AM - 5:10 PM (Last entry at 5:00 PM) Parking: None
Closed: Fourth Monday of the month (or the following Tuesday if it's a public holiday), New Year holidays

③ Odori Park

Odori Park is packed with events throughout the year.

From spring to summer, Sapporo's official tree, the lilac, blooms profusely, and the park becomes lively with events like the Yosakoi Soran Festival and beer gardens. In autumn, the approximately 4700 trees in the park change color, and in winter, many people visit to enjoy the Christmas market in Munich, Sapporo's sister city, and the White Illumination. It's a place of relaxation for citizens located in Sapporo's business district. Check here for annual events!Odori Park Event

Also, although it might be hard to imagine from the name Odori Park, it is actually a road. It plays an important role as a central point that divides Sapporo into east and west.
Lilac
During the Lilac Festival, Odori Park is filled with a riot of colorful flowers.

④ Sapporo TV Tower

TV Tower

Within Odori Park stands the Sapporo TV Tower, a symbol of Sapporo. From the observation deck of the TV Tower, you can enjoy a spectacular panoramic view of Odori Park, the heart of Sapporo that divides the city into east and west. It's highly recommended to visit while taking a stroll through the park. Regarding the Sapporo TV Tower,"A must-see for any trip to Sapporo! Information to help you enjoy Sapporo TV Tower to the fullest!"Please take a look.

★Travel with JAL! Classic Sapporo & Otaru Tour★

3. Once you've mastered the classic route...

The main tourist spots can be visited in as little as two hours if you're quick. So, planning your next steps in advance will definitely make your sightseeing more fulfilling. If you visit in the morning, you could go to Sapporo Central Market or Nijo Market for a seafood rice bowl for lunch. You could also spend your time looking for souvenirs, or even venture out of Sapporo to Otaru.

[Gourmet Edition]
Kikusui 3-Color Donburi If you want to master the art of seafood rice bowls, click here ⇒[Sapporo Central Wholesale Market: Popular Shops Recommended by Locals and Smart Shopping Tips]
Sapporo Gourmet Top Image (520x280)
If you want to explore Sapporo's hidden culinary scene, click here ⇒[7 Hidden Gems in Sapporo]
BARNES
If you want to conquer Sapporo's classic sweet treat, soft serve ice cream, click here ⇒[Top 5 Soft Serve Ice Creams in Sapporo]

[Souvenir Edition]
Jaga Pokkuru
Here are some must-buy souvenirs from Sapporo that you should definitely take home.[Recommended souvenirs from Sapporo]

4. Conclusion

If you visit Sapporo's must-see tourist spots, your trip is sure to be fulfilling. With a plan in advance, you can efficiently tour Sapporo in one day, and even visit areas outside of Sapporo. If you're going to Sapporo, you should definitely check these places out!

↓↓Click here for great deals on tours to enjoy Sapporo↓↓