Top 10 Best Things to Do in Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan [Sapporo Travel Guide 2025]

Top 10 Best Things to Do in Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan [Sapporo Travel Guide 2025]

[Music] Welcome to Saporro, the vibrant capital of Hokkaido, Japan’s northernmost island, where urban sophistication meets natural beauty. Famous for its snow-covered winters, lush summer landscapes, and warm hospitality, Saporro offers an unforgettable blend of culture, cuisine, and scenic wonders. Whether you’re exploring its stunning parks, indulging in local delicacies, or admiring its iconic architecture, this travel guide will take you through the top 10 best things to do in Saporro, Japan in 2025. Number 10, Odori Park. Located in the heart of downtown Saporro, Odori Park is the city’s green oasis stretching over 1.5 kilometers. This beautifully landscaped park is the venue for some of Saporro’s most famous events, including the Saporro Snow Festival and the Summer Beer Garden. Each season brings its own charm. In spring, tulips and lilacs bloom across the lawns. In summer, fountains sparkle under the sunshine. In autumn, golden leaves paint the park. And in winter, it transforms into a dazzling snow sculpture wonderland. Odori Park is surrounded by cafes, shops, and local landmarks, making it a perfect starting point for any Saporro adventure. Number nine, Hokkaido Shrine. Nestled within Maruyama Park, Hokkaido Shrine is a serene Shinto sanctuary that offers a glimpse into Japanese spirituality and tradition. Built in 1869, this shrine honors the deities of Hokkaido’s pioneering spirit and emperor Magi, visitors can experience the peaceful atmosphere by walking along its toy lined path surrounded by ancient cedar trees. During the cherry blossom season, the shrine’s grounds come alive with soft pink petals, creating one of the most picturesque scenes in all of Saporro. It’s a place where locals come to pray for good fortune and visitors can find a moment of quiet reflection amid nature. Number eight, Maryama Park. Adjacent to the Hokkaido Shrine lies Maruyama Park, one of the city’s most beloved recreational spaces. Known for its stunning cherry blossoms in late April and early May, this park attracts visitors from all over Japan. The park features scenic walking trails, ponds, and picnic spots that make it perfect for families and nature enthusiasts. In winter, the snow-covered trees and tranquil atmosphere create a magical landscape ideal for photography. Maruyama Park also serves as a gateway to Mount Maruyama, where a gentle hiking trail leads to a panoramic view of Saporro’s skyline. Number seven, Shikatsutoya National Park. For those who crave natural beauty, Shikatsutoya National Park offers an escape into Hokkaido’s untamed wilderness. Located just outside Saporro, this national park is home to stunning crater lakes, geothermal hot springs, and volcanic mountains. Lake Shikatu with its crystal clearar waters is one of Japan’s deepest and purest lakes perfect for kayaking or scenic boat cruises. Lake Toya, meanwhile, is surrounded by volcanic peaks and nearby you’ll find the famous No Borabetsu hot springs. This park is a paradise for outdoor lovers. Whether you’re hiking through lush forests, soaking in an onen, or capturing the everchanging beauty of nature. Number six, Moronuma Park. Designed by the world-renowned Japanese American artist Asamu Naguchi, Moronuma Park is an artistic masterpiece blending sculpture, nature, and modern design. This vast park was once a landfill and has been transformed into a breathtaking space of geometric hills, glass pyramids, and interactive art installations. The glass pyramid, known as Hidomari, serves as the park’s cultural hub, hosting exhibitions and offering stunning views of the surrounding landscape. Morinuma Park is beautiful year round from spring’s cherry blossoms to winter snow-covered sculptures. A true testament to the harmony between art and environment. Number five, Isia Chocolate Factory. If you have a sweet tooth, the Ashia Chocolate Factory, home to the famous Shereoy Kibido Cookies, is a must- vvisit attraction. This whimsical Europeanstyle building is filled with chocolate making displays, dessert shops, and enchanting decorations that make you feel like you’ve stepped into a fairy tale. Visitors can watch the production process through glass windows, enjoy hands-on cookie making experiences and savor delightful sweets at the on-site cafe. Outside, the garden is beautifully landscaped with flowers, fountains, and even a mini steam train that delights visitors of all ages. It’s a deliciously fun experience you’ll never forget. Number four, Saporro Snow Festival. Every February, Saporro transforms into a winter wonderland during the world famous Saporro Snow Festival. This extraordinary event attracts millions of visitors who come to marvel at enormous snow and ice sculptures crafted by artists from around the globe. The main venue at Odori Park features intricate creations ranging from castles and monuments to beloved anime characters. At night, colorful lights illuminate the sculptures, creating a magical spectacle against the snowy backdrop. The festival also includes snow slides, ice bars, and delicious food stalls serving hot ramen and local specialties, making it a true celebration of Hokkaido’s winter spirit. Number three, Saporro TV Tower. Standing proudly at the eastern end of Odori Park, the Saporro TV Tower is one of the city’s most recognizable landmarks. Built in 1957, it rises 147 m high and offers panoramic views of the city and surrounding mountains from its observation deck. Whether you visit during the day to see the urban grid of Saporro or at night when the city sparkles under the lights, the view is always breathtaking. The tower also hosts a souvenir shop and a restaurant where visitors can enjoy a meal while overlooking Odori Park. It’s an essential stop for anyone exploring downtown Saporro. Number two, Hokkaido University Botanical Garden. A peaceful retreat in the city center, the Hokkaido University Botanical Garden showcases the diverse flora of Hokkaido and the northern regions of Japan. Established in 1886, this botanical garden spans 13 hectares and features over 4,000 plant species. Visitors can stroll through manicured lawns, wooded areas, and green houses filled with alpine and arctic plants. The garden also includes a small museum that displays artifacts related to Anu culture, the indigenous people of Hokkaido. During autumn, the garden turns into a kaleidoscope of colors, making it a perfect spot for quiet walks and photography. Number one, Joani. Nestled in a lush valley just an hour from central Saporro, Jozeni is one of Hokkaido’s most famous hotring resorts. Surrounded by the scenic beauty of the Shikatsutoya National Park, this tranquil area is known for its healing mineral-rich waters and breathtaking landscapes. The town is dotted with rayokans, traditional ins, foot baths, and scenic river walks. In autumn, Jozeni’s hills are ablaze with fiery reds and golds, creating one of the most stunning seasonal displays in Japan. It’s the perfect destination to unwind, soak in an on an onen, and experience the true essence of Hokkaido’s natural beauty. Conclusion: Saporro is a destination that truly offers something for everyone. From the excitement of its festivals and cityscapes to the serenity of its parks and hot springs, each attraction captures a unique facet of Hokkaido’s charm, art, nature, culture, and warm hospitality. Whether you visit in winter for the snow, in spring for the blossoms, in summer for festivals, or in autumn for colorful foliage, Saporro welcomes you with open arms. Discover Saporro in 2025, where every season tells a new story and every corner reveals something unforgettable.

Discover the top 10 best things to do in Sapporo, Japan! Explore Odori Park, Hokkaidō Shrine, Maruyama Park, Moerenuma Park, Ishiya Chocolate Factory, Jozankei Onsen, and more in this ultimate 2025 travel guide.

▬Contents of this video▬

00:00 Introduction
00:46 Odori Park
01:31 Hokkaidō Shrine
02:15 Maruyama Park
02:55 Shikotsu-Tōya National Park
03:42 Moerenuma Park
04:27 Ishiya Chocolate Factory
05:11 Sapporo Snow Festival
05:56 Sapporo TV Tower
06:38 Hokkaido University Botanical Garden
07:22 Jozankei

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Music credit:

Fredji – Happy Life (Vlog No Copyright Music) : https://youtu.be/KzQiRABVARk?si=j2KGM2GreRklmZbN