19 Best Date Spots in Sapporo for Sightseeing, Food, and Night Views

Moerenuma Park is an art park created as part of the Circular Greenbelt Concept, a plan to surround central Sapporo with a belt of parks and green spaces.
The entire park was designed by sculptor Isamu Noguchi as a single sculptural work, showing visitors different expressions with each changing season.

Shiroi Koibito is one of Sapporo’s signature sweets.
Shiroi Koibito Park is a sweets theme park where you can tour the production line for Shiroi Koibito and other treats, learn about the history of chocolate, and even make your own original Shiroi Koibito.
Its British-style garden, filled with blooming roses in summer and snowy scenery and seasonal decorations in winter, is also a popular photo spot.

In 1950, a traveling zoo from Ueno Zoo in Tokyo was held in Sapporo and proved so popular that Maruyama Zoo opened the following year as Hokkaido’s first zoo.
One of its main highlights is the Polar Bear House, where you can watch polar bears swimming through an underwater tunnel.
There are also other excellent facilities, such as the Elephant House, where you can observe elephants swimming and learn about their behavior, offering plenty of chances to see animals living in a natural way up close.

Located within the city of Sapporo, this observation spot is loved for its sweeping views of nature. In spring, the fields glow with fresh green grass, and in summer, lavender blooms welcome visitors.
Autumn brings colorful leaves, while winter covers the landscape in a blanket of pure white snow. The grand scenery changes with the seasons, making it a perfect photo spot year-round.

The only beer museum in Japan, where you can learn about the history of Hokkaido’s development and the passion of the pioneers who devoted themselves to brewing beer in Japan.
When touring the museum, the guided Premium Tour (paid) is highly recommended.
In addition to the Premium Theater, which looks back on the history of Hokkaido’s development through 6K video, you can view valuable exhibits such as advertising posters and beer bottles from the time while listening to detailed explanations.

The Sapporo Agricultural College Drill Hall was originally built to train leaders for Hokkaido’s development. Under the direction of Kiyotaka Kuroda, Director of the Hokkaido Development Commission, who visited for its completion ceremony, what is now beloved as the Sapporo Clock Tower, one of the city’s landmarks, was completed.
The clock tower rings its bell every hour, so noon, when the first bell sounds, is a particularly recommended time to visit. Also, from 9:15am each morning for about 10 minutes, there are occasional demonstrations and explanations of the Howard tower clock mechanism on the second-floor hall, including winding its weights.

Sapporo Nijo Market is said to have opened in the early Meiji period, after fishermen from Ishikarihama began selling fresh seafood there.
Around 20 fish shops line the market, and true to Hokkaido’s reputation as a treasure trove of seafood, freshly caught fish and shellfish delivered that day fill the storefronts.
The market is also home to many restaurants, with plenty of places serving sushi, seafood bowls, grilled seafood, and more.

This former government office building served as the base and center of Hokkaido administration for Approx. 80 years until the current Hokkaido Government Office was completed. Nicknamed the Red Brick Office, the building was constructed using Approx. 2.5 million bricks, and features such as its slightly warped glass and American-style Neo-Baroque architecture give it a strong sense of history and charm.
The front garden is planted with tulips and other flowers, and together with the pond, the scenery feels almost like a painting.

Hokkaido University has a vast campus with a spacious, open atmosphere. It is easy to access and within walking distance of Sapporo Station, making it easy to enter the grounds. Not only students and faculty, but also outside visitors can tour and stroll around the campus.
One recommended first stop is Elm no Mori, the university’s information center. Here, you can learn about highlights around the university and upcoming events. Campus guide maps and historical asset guide maps are available, making it a great place to start your visit.
There are many other points of interest as well, including the Clark Statue and the Botanical Garden, making it one of the spots you’ll want to check out when visiting Sapporo.

Nakajima Park is located in central Sapporo yet surrounded by abundant greenery.
Because you can enjoy seasonal scenery throughout the year, it is one of the city’s most popular parks among tourists.
In spring, cherry blossoms and wisteria bloom, while summer brings yellow irises. Autumn foliage is another draw, and the park also features a Japanese garden.

Takino Suzuran Hillside National Government Park is the only national government park in Hokkaido.
Covering 400 hectares, the park is divided into four zones with colorful flower fields, large play equipment, three waterfalls, and forests where you can enjoy walking.
In winter, it becomes Takino Snow World and opens for the winter season, offering a variety of snow activities.

AOAO SAPPORO is an urban aquarium spread across the 4th to 6th floors of the mixed-use complex moyuk SAPPORO in central Sapporo.
Its diverse exhibit areas across three floors showcase Approx. 4,000 creatures from around 250 species.
Among its most popular attractions is the penguin exhibit, which uses the world’s first display system that can change the shape of the land area.
The Nature Aquarium, where you can enjoy beautiful underwater landscapes created by lush plant life and aquatic creatures, is another highlight.

Located on the northern side of the Maruyama Primeval Forest, Maruyama Park has long been loved as one of Sapporo’s famous cherry blossom spots. Approx. 120 cherry trees, including Ezoyamazakura and Somei Yoshino, are planted in the park, and in spring it fills with visitors enjoying hanami.
The park also has cedar groves and large katsura trees, making it ideal for observing squirrels, wildflowers, and wild birds.
In addition, the autumn leaves of katsura and Japanese maple usually reach their best around mid-October each year.

Tanukikoji Shopping Street is one of Hokkaido’s oldest shopping streets, with a history of over 145 years.
Located in central Sapporo, it stretches Approx. 900 meters east to west and is lined with around 200 shops.
Because the street is covered by an arcade, you can enjoy shopping, strolling, and dining even on bad-weather days.

A large mixed-use commercial complex built on the former site of the Sapporo Beer factory, whose roots go back to the Kaitakushi Beer Brewery established in 1876.
Across seven buildings, including preserved brick structures from the factory days and a huge atrium, you’ll find a shopping mall, amusement facilities, restaurants, a fitness club, a hotel, and more.

Sapporo Art Park is an arts complex spread across a vast Approx. 40-hectare site in Sapporo, bringing together a museum, ateliers, craft studios, an outdoor stage, and other creative facilities.
It also features an outdoor museum where art blends with nature and can be enjoyed alongside the changing seasons, as well as rental facilities with rehearsal spaces and accommodations, making it popular not only with tourists but also with performers.

Hoheikyo Onsen is the only hot spring in Sapporo where water flows directly from the source into the baths. Its 100% free-flowing spring water, with no temperature adjustment or added water, is rare even in Japan, a country known for hot springs. It is popular as a bath where you can expect the natural benefits of the spring water itself.
The spring water at Hoheikyo is said to leave skin feeling smooth thanks to the effects of travertine and cyanobacteria, which is why it is especially loved by women as a beautifying hot spring.
This hot spring is also famous for having one of the largest open-air baths in Japan. Surrounded by unobstructed nature, you can soak in pleasantly warm water while taking in the great outdoors.

A historic hot spring town in Minami Ward, Sapporo, Hokkaido, often described as the inner retreat of the big city of Sapporo. With a history of over 150 years since its opening, it lies within Shikotsu-Toya National Park, and the hot spring town spreads along riverbanks carved by the Shirai River and the Toyohira River.
Beginning with Jozan Gensen Park, the hot spring town also has free footbaths and hand baths.
Nearby Futami Suspension Bridge is one of Jozankei’s noted spots for forest bathing and autumn leaves.

One of the world’s three major snow festivals, the Sapporo Snow Festival is a major winter event held every February in Sapporo, Hokkaido. Its appeal goes far beyond simply viewing snow and ice sculptures. The venue is packed with Hokkaido specialties, where you can enjoy outstanding dishes such as seafood and local cuisine. The official shop also sells limited-edition goods, perfect for picking up a memorable souvenir from your trip.
It is a winter-only event, but it truly symbolizes Sapporo and is well worth visiting at least once.

JR Tower is a mixed-use complex directly connected to JR Sapporo Station, and its observatory on the top floor, the 38th floor, is JR Tower Observatory T38.
From the observatory 160 meters above ground, you can enjoy panoramic views of Ishikari Bay New Port to the north, Mt. Teine to the west, and central Sapporo laid out in a grid pattern to the south, along with Sapporo Dome and more. After sunset, the sparkling night view of the city is especially beautiful.
Another attraction is the attached café, T’ CAFE, where you can take your time enjoying the scenery from a window seat with a glass of wine or a cocktail in hand.

Built in 1956 at Nishi 1-chome, the starting point of Odori Park, Sapporo TV Tower has watched over the city’s growth ever since. It is beloved by both locals and tourists as one of Sapporo’s iconic landmarks.
The observation deck, Approx. 90 meters above ground, offers superb views not only of Sapporo but also, on clear days, of the Ishikari Plain and the Sea of Japan. The night view is just as appealing as the daytime scenery.
Recognized as part of the Japan Night View Heritage, it offers sweeping views of Odori Park and Sapporo’s sparkling cityscape.
For anniversaries and other special occasions, the Private Observation Deck Plan is recommended.
After regular business hours, you can reserve the observation deck for 30 minutes and enjoy a romantic time together.

Located Approx. 20 minutes from central Sapporo by public transportation, this 531-meter mountain is still protected by primeval forest. Its easy access has also made it a beloved relaxation spot for locals.
From the summit observatory, you can look down over the Ishikari Plain and, farther beyond, enjoy panoramic views of Ishikari Bay.
The daytime view is impressive, but the nightscape is especially stunning, and Sapporo’s lights, selected as one of Japan’s New Top Three Night Views, can be enjoyed in a full 360-degree panorama.

Okurayama Ski Jump Stadium, located on the summit of Mt. Okura, was one of the venues for the 1972 Sapporo Winter Olympics.
The view from the observatory is also one of its biggest draws. As a one-of-a-kind observation facility, it is the only place where you can overlook Sapporo beyond a ski jump slope, with views of the city and the Ishikari Plain from an elevation of 307 meters.
After sunset, the night view spreading along the mountain ridgeline like a carpet of lights is a scene unique to Okurayama.

Asahiyama Memorial Park was created in 1970 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Sapporo’s founding.
Centered around an observation plaza with panoramic views of the city, this vast park covers Approx. 20.3 hectares and features terraced steps, a picnic area, and more.
It is lively with families during the day, while at night many couples visit, giving it a romantic atmosphere.
Sit together on the terrace and enjoy a peaceful moment while looking out over Sapporo’s night view, with the illuminated fountain in the foreground.

Located Approx. 30 minutes by car from central Sapporo, Horomitoge Observation Parking Lot sits at the top of Horomi Pass.
It is the only parking lot in Japan dedicated exclusively to night views and is open each year from April 1 to November 30.
In July, Approx. 5,000 lavender plants bloom in full glory, spreading a vivid purple flower field across the area.
One of its charms is enjoying the city view surrounded by the scent of lavender.
Because you can enjoy the night view from inside your car, renting a car also lets the two of you share a private, intimate space.

Norbesa is a mixed-use commercial facility where you can enjoy shopping, karaoke, bowling, restaurants, and more all day long. On its rooftop sits Noria, the only rooftop Ferris wheel in Hokkaido.
One of the gondolas is even equipped with karaoke, making it a fun way to sing your heart out in an unusual setting.
As the Ferris wheel slowly rises, the entertainment district of Susukino spreads out below, and before long the cityscape and night view of Sapporo come fully into view.
Enjoy a romantic moment together as you watch the night scenery change with the height, all in a space just for the two of you.

Sapporo Beer Garden is instantly recognizable by the red star painted on its brick chimney. The red star, a symbol of Hokkaido’s development, is now beloved as the symbol of Sapporo Beer Garden as well. In Sapporo, the birthplace of Japanese beer, this is a place where you can enjoy not only the beer itself but also the atmosphere of the location.
Sapporo Beer Garden has five restaurants, and among them, Kessel Hall on the 2nd and 3rd floors of the Kaitakushi-kan is considered the main floor. In this spacious hall stands the grand Kessel, a huge beer brewing kettle made in 1912. It is especially recommended for those who want to enjoy fresh draft beer and jingisukan, the classic Hokkaido beer hall pairing.

This historic Western-style building was originally the Hokkaido Government Library and was reborn in March 2016 as Kitakaro’s Sapporo Main Store. With a retro-modern design that blends the old structure with new ideas by world-renowned architect Tadao Ando, both the exterior and interior are sure to delight.
On the 1st floor, you’ll find a wide variety of Japanese and Western sweets, including Hokkaido Kaitaku Okaki rice crackers and Baumkuchen that has gained attention in the media.
To reach the café space on the 2nd floor, taking the stairs is recommended. One of the signature menu items is Kitakaro’s Proud Omurice.

Night parfait specialty shops have been increasing in recent years, and the original shop that started the trend is Yoru Parfait Specialty Shop Parfaiteria PaL in Sapporo. Inspired by the owner’s feeling of wanting something sweet after drinking alcohol, the shop serves luxurious adult parfaits that are more than just sweet.
Every component of the parfaits is handmade using carefully selected seasonal ingredients from Hokkaido. Great care is taken with the balance of sweetness, acidity, and bitterness, as well as the story a parfait tells from first bite to last, creating pairings that stay delicious until the very end.

Hotel Monterey Edelhof Sapporo is located Approx. 7 minutes on foot from Sapporo Station and opened in March 2022.
The hotel’s name means “aristocratic mansion” in German, and guests can spend the day in rooms designed with late 19th-century Vienna in mind.
The top floor, the 22nd floor, offers a luxurious space that blends Japanese elements into its core design.

Opened in 1934 as Hokkaido’s first full-scale Western-style hotel, this long-established hotel welcomes guests with a hospitality-first spirit.
From cozy 21-square-meter standard rooms with warmth and calm to the finest 162-square-meter super suite room, it offers relaxing stays suited to a variety of needs.
The hotel also features four restaurants and two bars, making it suitable for many occasions, from celebrations to business entertainment.

A luxury hotel standing in a nature-rich setting along the Toyohira River. Inside, art pieces including paintings by Salvador Dalí, stained glass depicting Hokkaido landscapes, and fireplaces create a soothing, high-quality atmosphere.
All guest rooms are over 36 square meters in size and offer a relaxing stay with calm designs based on European classic style.