If you're planning a trip to Sapporo during the snowy season, but are unsure which tourist spots to visit in winter, this might be the place for you.

This time, we'll introduce some recommended sightseeing spots and events in Sapporo that are perfect for visiting during the cold winter months.

Since traveling on winter roads can take a long time, I've compiled a list of places you can reach using public transportation such as subways and trams.

We will also introduce some recommended places for those who want to visit other spots besides Sapporo.

If you find a place you like after reading this, please do visit Hokkaido to see its pristine, snow-covered landscapes.

<Table of Contents>
1. Five recommended tourist spots in Sapporo during winter
1-1.Moiwa Mountain
1-2. Clock Tower
1-3. Sapporo Beer Museum
1-4. Okurayama
1-5.JRTower Observation Deck T38
2. Enjoy winter in Sapporo even more! Recommended events
2-1. Sapporo White Illumination
2-2. Munich Christmas Market in Sapporo
2-3. Sapporo Snow Festival
3. Recommended winter sightseeing spots to enjoy along with Sapporo
3-1. Otaru
3-2. Noboribetsu Onsen
3-3. Biei - Blue Pond
3-4. Asahiyama Zoo
4. Things to be aware of when sightseeing in Sapporo in winter
5. Conclusion

1-1.Moiwa Mountain

First, let me introduce you to Mt. Moiwa.
Mt. Moiwa is one of the mountains that Sapporo residents are familiar with, as they visit it for activities such as mountain climbing and skiing.

In 2011, the observation deck and other facilities were renovated. The newly renovated Mt. Moiwa focuses on environmental conservation and accessibility for people with disabilities.

With the ropeway gondolas being replaced with the latest models, you can experience Mt. Moiwa in a completely different way than before.

To reach the summit, head to the ropeway station (Moiwa Mountain Base Station). Here are some photos.
Here, you purchase your ticket, board the ropeway, and head to the mid-mountain station.

From the ropeway, you can enjoy a panoramic view of Sapporo and the surrounding area. If you're traveling by car, there's a parking lot near the ropeway station.
Alternatively, you can reach the middle of the mountain using the Moiwayama Scenic Road. From the mid-mountain station, you can take the Morris Car (a mini cable car).

You'll reach the summit in about 1 minute and 40 seconds. The view from the top is truly magnificent.

A beautiful world unfolds before you, so much so that you might feel as if you've stepped into a completely different realm.

And for good reason: Sapporo's night view was selected as one of the "New Three Great Night Views of Japan" in 2015 by a vote of night view enthusiasts.

In addition to the observation restaurant "THE JEWELS," this mountaintop also features "Star Hall," where you can enjoy a planetarium show.

I especially recommend the restaurant "THE JEWELS." Many people use it for important anniversaries, such as marriage proposals.

There's a souvenir shop at the mid-mountain station. They have a great selection of Hokkaido sweets and other souvenirs, but my top recommendation is the merchandise featuring Moiwa Mountain's mascot character, "Morris." It's so cute, just looking at it makes me happy.

Many Sapporo residents have commented that "Moiwa Mountain has become even more attractive and beautiful than it used to be."

This is a tourist spot that I highly recommend visiting, not only for those who have never been to Mt. Moiwa, but also for those who haven't yet seen it since its renovation.

【Related article】
・[Certified as one of Japan's New Top 3 Night Views!] The night view of Mt. Moiwa in Sapporo is a must-see!

★Travel with JAL! Classic Sapporo & Otaru Tour★

1-2. Clock Tower

Next, I'd like to introduce the Sapporo Clock Tower. It stands quietly amidst the buildings in the heart of Sapporo.

It's sometimes called one of Japan's three most disappointing tourist spots, but if you're visiting Sapporo, it's definitely a place you should stop by.

The clock tower was built as a martial arts training hall for Sapporo Agricultural College, the predecessor of Hokkaido University. It is a nationally designated important cultural property.

This is what it looks like from the outside.
After you've finished taking your commemorative photos, be sure to go inside the clock tower.
The history of the clock tower is clearly presented through panels, photographs, and documents.

The hall on the second floor is also impressive. Here are some photos.This is said to be a reproduction of the benches and desks used at Sapporo Agricultural College. It gives us a glimpse into the environment in which students spent their time back then.

The clock tower still operates using weights as its power source. There is also an exhibit that helps you understand how this clock works.

Be sure to listen to the clock tower bells that chime every hour. In 1996, it was selected as one of "Japan's 100 Soundscapes" (by the Environment Agency).

Listening to the music outside is nice, but the acoustics inside the clock tower are also quite charming. Looking at Sapporo from inside the clock tower offers a different perspective and allows you to enjoy sightseeing from a different angle.

1-3. Sapporo Beer Museum

Next, I'd like to introduce the Sapporo Beer Museum. This is the only beer museum in Japan.

It's located in a building that was constructed in 23 as a factory for the Sapporo Sugar Company. It has a very charming atmosphere. Here are some photos.

Enter the museum and complete the registration process. Entry is free and you can explore freely.
In addition, they offer guided tours that provide detailed explanations about the history of beer and how to pour a delicious beer.
If you have the time, I highly recommend taking a guided tour.

After the tour, you can enjoy freshly brewed beer for a fee. Here are some photos.

They also sell a set (500 yen) that allows you to compare three types of beer: Hokkaido-exclusive Classic, Kaitakushi Beer, and Sapporo Draft Beer Black Label. This set is quite generous in quantity, so I recommend sharing it with a few people.

In addition to beer, they also sold soft drinks and non-alcoholic beer-flavored beverages.

The museum shop sells merchandise that can only be purchased here.

My recommendation is Sapporo Beer Crackers. They're the perfect snack to go with beer. How about getting some as a souvenir?
Also, on the same grounds as the museum, there is a restaurant where you can enjoy draft beer and Genghis Khan (grilled lamb).

1-4. Okurayama

The fourth place I'd like to introduce is Okurayama in Sapporo.

Here you'll find the Okurayama Ski Jump, where ski jumping actually takes place, the Sapporo Winter Sports Museum, and the Okurayama Crystal House, which houses a shop and restaurant.
To reach the top of the ski jump, you take a lift. You can truly experience the amazing power of ski jumping as you soar down the steep slope. The view from the top is also stunning.

At the Sapporo Winter Sports Museum, you can learn about winter sports.

There are also areas where you can try out bobsleighing and cross-country skiing. My personal recommendation is the ski jumping experience.
Adults and children alike can enjoy themselves while experiencing the depth of winter sports, so please come and visit.

The shop at Okurayama Crystal House sells Hokkaido sweets and original goods.
At the restaurant "Lamb Dining Okurayama," you can enjoy delicious fresh lamb.

1-5. JR Tower Observation Deck T38

JR Tower, located at JR Sapporo Station, is a complex facility that houses a shopping mall, hotel, restaurants, cafes, and more.
Located on the 38th floor of this JR Tower is the JR Tower Observation Deck T38.

To get there, you need to go to the 6th floor of Stella Place and then transfer to a dedicated elevator.
On the floor where you buy admission tickets, you'll find the "Sapporo Style Shop."
Accessories and other items are sold here. I was able to find some products that I rarely see even though I live in Sapporo.

If you're looking for stylish souvenirs in Sapporo, I highly recommend stopping by.

You can reach the observation deck by taking a dedicated elevator. From there, you can enjoy views in all directions: east, west, north, and south.

From any direction, you can enjoy stunning views of Sapporo. Here are some photos.

On the south side, you'll find "T SHOP," which sells original merchandise, and "T CAFE," where you can enjoy coffee and other beverages.
The daytime atmosphere is nice, but the night view is also highly recommended.

"T CAFE" also sells wine by the glass and beer. You can sit in a chair and enjoy a drink while taking in the beautiful view of Sapporo.

I think you'll be able to relax and enjoy a special time in Sapporo.

【Related article】
Why Sapporo? The power of Sapporo's night view spots, which were selected as one of Japan's new top three night views.

2-1. Sapporo White Illumination

The Sapporo White Illumination celebrated its 38th anniversary in 2018.

A new art installation called "Snow Crystal" has appeared in the 3rd block of the Odori venue.

The sparkling snow looks beautiful. Here are the photos.

Additionally, a rest area called "Hot Square" has been set up in the 5th block of the Odori venue, where hot drinks and other items are sold.

There will also be an event where you can experience the illumination lighting, so why not participate?

For details on how to apply, please refer to the free app "Sapporo Gourmet Coupon".

The Minami 1-jo Street venue is located at Minami 1-jo West 1-3 chome, and the Ekimae-dori venue is located from Kita 4-jo to Minami 4-jo. In these locations, the trees are decorated with LEDs.

The sparkling light and snow combine to create a romantic atmosphere throughout Sapporo.

In 2018, it was reported that 83 light bulbs were in use.

Why not take a look at the expanded Sapporo White Illumination?

The main venue, Odori Park, will be open until December 25th.
The venue on Ekimae-dori will be open until February 11, 2019, and the venue on Minami 1-jo-dori will be open until March 14, 2019.
The lights will be on from 16:30 to 22:00 (until 24:00 from December 23rd to 25th).

【Related article】
• Highlights and attractions of Sapporo White Illumination [2015-16 Edition]!

2-2. Munich Christmas Market in Sapporo

The "Munich Christmas Market in Sapporo" started in 2002.

The venue, Odori Park 2-chome, is lined with booths offering Christmas goods as well as German food such as mulled wine and sausages.

Just looking at these gorgeous Christmas decorations is enough to make you feel happy.

We also recommend the limited-edition merchandise that can only be obtained at this venue.

Masking tape (2 rolls for 550 yen), mugs (500 yen), and other items are also available. Please feel free to take a look.

During the event, we will be holding various events, including a workshop on how to make mulled wine.
The "Munich Christmas Market in Sapporo" is open daily from 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM until Tuesday, December 25th.

【Related article】
・Munich Christmas Market in Sapporo | Enjoy Christmas in Sapporo!

2-3. Sapporo Snow Festival

Finally, let me introduce the Sapporo Snow Festival, one of Sapporo's most representative winter events.

This event started in 25 when local junior and senior high school students created six snow sculptures in Odori Park.

Works of art, such as historical buildings and anime characters, are created using snow and ice.

The art created from snow and ice has captivated many people. Last year, approximately 235 million people visited.

Many people, not only from Japan but from all over the world, are looking forward to this event.

The Sapporo Snow Festival will be held at three venues: Odori Park, Susukino, and Tsudome. Here are some photos of the Odori Park venue.

Odori Park will be lined with large snow sculptures and snow sculptures made by citizens.
The Susukino venue will feature ice sculptures.

While it's great to see the artwork during the day at this venue, I also recommend seeing it at night when it's lit up.

The ice sculptures, bathed in dazzling light, are truly breathtaking. The Tsudome venue is located here.

With snow slides and other play equipment available, both adults and children can enjoy getting to know the snow.

The event will be held at the Odori and Susukino venues from February 4th (Monday) to February 11th (Monday), 2019.

The Tsudome venue will be open from January 31st (Thursday) to February 11th (Monday), 2019. Please note that the Tsudome venue has a longer duration.

【Related article】
Six things you should know to avoid making mistakes at the Sapporo Snow Festival
How to choose a Sapporo Snow Festival tour more affordably and wisely [2016 Edition]

3-1. [Otaru]

First, a tourist spot I'd like you to visit along with Sapporo is Otaru.
Since JR trains and buses run frequently from Sapporo to Otaru, a day trip is possible.

The Otaru Canal is a symbol of Otaru. In winter, you can enjoy a magical atmosphere there.

These are photos of the Otaru Snow Light Path event taking place along the Otaru Canal.

The Otaru Snow Light Path event will be held from Friday, February 8th to Sunday, February 17th, 2019.

Otaru will be illuminated by candlelight. If you're visiting during this time, why not check out this event?

Around the Otaru Canal, you can find Kitaichi Glass and the Otaru Music Box Museum.

Furthermore, as a port town, Otaru boasts numerous restaurants where you can enjoy fresh seafood. You can also savor Hokkaido's unique ingredients, such as mantis shrimp.

・[2018 Edition] Locals teach you how to navigate the Otaru Snow Light Path!
・[First Time in Otaru] A digest of Otaru's sightseeing and highlights!

3-2. [Noboribetsu Onsen]

Next, I'd like to introduce Noboribetsu Onsen.

Noboribetsu Onsen, one of Japan's leading hot spring resorts, boasts a variety of spring types, including sulfur springs and radium springs.

Day trips to the hot springs are available, but if you have the time, I highly recommend staying overnight.

Taking a relaxing soak in a hot spring during the cold season will surely melt away the fatigue of everyday life.

Around the Noboribetsu Onsen bus terminal, there are tourist attractions such as Jigokudani (Hell Valley), the source of the hot springs, and Noboribetsu Bear Park, where you can see Hokkaido brown bears.

You can get from Sapporo to Noboribetsu Onsen by bus or JR train.
Image source:Free stock photos from Hokkaido: DO PHOTO

3-3. [Biei - Blue Pond]

Next, I'd like to introduce the Blue Pond in Biei. Here are some photos.Despite being an artificial pond, it displays a remarkably beautiful and mystical appearance.

The blue pond looks different in each of the four seasons: spring, summer, autumn, and winter.

This year, the illumination event, which allows you to enjoy the Blue Pond at night, has started again.

The hours are apparently from 5 PM to 9 PM, although this may vary depending on the situation, such as sunset.

The light-up event is scheduled to run from November 1, 2018 (Thursday) to April 30, 2019 (Tuesday).

Dress warmly and enjoy the blue pond, a sight you can only see now.

【Related article】
・A snowy landscape as far as the eye can see! What are the charms of Biei, a place you'll want to visit in winter?
・[A breathtaking sight you must see at least once!] The seasonal charm of Biei's Blue Pond and how to get there!

3-4. [Asahiyama Zoo]

Lastly, we'd like to introduce Asahiyama Zoo, which is popular for its behavioral exhibits.
You can see the cute penguins walking around the park during the snowy season at "Penguin Walk," andDuring the harsh winter months, you can even see seals peeking their heads out from the ice in the "Drift Ice Plaza," which recreates the sea of ​​drift ice.

There are many animals besides penguins and seals that thrive during the winter.

Why not discover a new side to these animals?

The park will be open for the winter season until Sunday, April 7, 2019 (closed from December 30, 2018 to January 1, 2019).
The hours are from 10:30 AM to 3:30 PM.

Here are some things to keep in mind when sightseeing in Sapporo during the winter.

When going out, a thick coat or down jacket, gloves, and a scarf are essential.
Please be sure to take precautions against the cold when walking outside.

Underground shopping areas, subways, and department stores in Sapporo are equipped with heating.
If you're spending a lot of time indoors, you might feel too hot in a coat, so we recommend layering your clothes so you can easily take them off or put them back on.

Another thing to be careful of when walking on winter roads is icy patches.
Even if you try to walk on snow-covered areas, there may still be patches of ice.

Even if you walk carefully and cautiously, there's still a risk of falling. Even after living in Sapporo for many years, walking on icy roads is still frightening.

Since spikes that can be attached to shoes are also sold, it's important to prepare waterproof, non-slip shoes.

Also, travel by bus or car during the winter months takes longer than in the summer. We recommend planning your trip with plenty of time to spare.

So, what did you think? We introduced Sapporo's tourist spots and events recommended by locals, such as Mt. Moiwa and the JR Tower Observation Deck T38, as well as other tourist spots like Otaru that we hope you'll enjoy along with Sapporo.

Sapporo offers a variety of delicious cuisine, including dishes made with fresh seafood such as oysters, as well as ramen, soup curry, and Jingisukan (grilled lamb).

In Sapporo, there are also shops where you can enjoy a parfait as a "dessert after drinking alcohol," a popular pastry.

After enjoying sightseeing in warm clothing, be sure to fully savor Sapporo's delicious cuisine.

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