Sapporo Travel Guide: Where History Meets Nature and City Views
Sapporo, the center of Hokkaido, is known both at home and abroad as a tourist mecca.
The city is dotted with particularly attractive tourist spots, all of which are worth a visit.
Here, we will unravel the charms of Sapporo’s iconic Sapporo Clock Tower, Odori Park and Sapporo TV Tower.
You will surely want to go on a trip to Sapporo as you reconfirm the charm of Sapporo that strikes a chord with Japanese and tourists alike.
Sapporo Clock Tower: A testament to history that marks time
Sapporo Clock Tower is a tourist attraction that has long been loved as a symbol of Sapporo.
Built in 1878, the clock tower originally served as the salt farm of Sapporo Agricultural College, the predecessor of Hokkaido University.
Designated a National Important Cultural Property, its value goes beyond mere architecture.
However, because of its appearance, it is sometimes mentioned as one of the three most disappointing spots in Japan.
This is said to be because of its small size compared to the surrounding modern skyscrapers.
However, every time I visit the clock tower, I am conversely impressed.
The Sapporo Clock Tower still exists today as if time has stopped, while maintaining its atmosphere.
The appearance of the clock tower gives visitors a sense of the history of Hokkaido’s development and conveys its breath to visitors.
For example, visitors come in all seasons to take pictures.
The Sapporo Clock Tower, especially in winter when it is covered with snow, is as beautiful and moving as a painting.
In addition, materials related to the Sapporo Agricultural College of the time are displayed inside the clock tower.
Through these, visitors can gain a lot of knowledge about the history of Sapporo and Hokkaido in the Meiji era.
Knowing this historical background, you will understand how the clock tower is not just a tourist attraction but a symbolic presence that is etched in people’s memories.
To that end, the next time you visit Sapporo, take a leisurely walk around the clock tower and feel the passage of time.
Take a moment to heal in the urban oasis Odori Park
Located in the heart of Sapporo, the narrow Odori Park stretches 1.5 km long and is an important place for Sapporo citizens and tourists.
More than just a park, it is the cultural center of Sapporo, where various events are held in each of the four seasons.
The cherry blossoms in bloom in spring, the flower festival in summer, the autumn leaves in fall, and the simple but magnificent snowy winter scenery, you can enjoy different attractions no matter what season you visit.
For example, the Sapporo Flower Carpet, held from late June to mid-August, covers the entire park with colorful flowers.
The Sapporo White Illumination is also held in December.
At night, countless lights illuminate Odori Park, warming the hearts of visitors.
Odori Park is also a great place to take a break in the city.
It is also a place to escape from the daily routine for a time, with people enjoying sandwiches at lunchtime while sitting on park benches, and office workers enjoying a lunchtime stroll.
This way of enjoying the park offers a unique and luxurious moment in Sapporo.
Next time you visit Odori Park, I recommend that you don’t just walk past it, but stop for a moment to fully appreciate its charm.
Panoramic view from the Sapporo TV Tower
The Sapporo TV Tower is located on a quiet hilltop away from the hustle and bustle of the city, and its observation deck offers a magnificent panoramic view of Sapporo City.
From a height of 90 meters above the ground, you can see not only the city of Sapporo, but also the Sea of Japan and the Ishikari Plain in the distance.
Many tourists come to enjoy the clear view during the daytime and the beautiful night view in the darkness at night.
Especially at night, the cityscape of Sapporo shines like a jewel.
In the winter season, the city is very popular because of the fantastic scenery of the city covered with snow.
Taking pictures with this night view in the background will be a memorable experience.
The TV Tower observation deck is also popular as a special spot to view the “first sunrise” at the beginning of the year.
This area is visited by many people throughout the year and is filled with a wide variety of enjoyment.
In this way, the scenery seen from the Sapporo TV Tower is a place where visitors can discover something new and inspiring every time they visit.
Please visit for a moment of unforgettable scenery.
Discover surprising ways to enjoy the clock tower
The Sapporo Clock Tower is often talked about as one of the three most disappointing places in Japan, in addition to its historical significance.
But if you think deeply about where that reputation comes from, it is not simply because of its small size.
There are many other hidden charms.
First of all, benches and lawns are provided by the clock tower, and tourists and locals alike can be seen relaxing and spending time here.
Gazing at the clock tower with a cup of coffee in hand, especially in the cool morning or evening, is a blissful experience.
The Sapporo Clock Tower also occasionally hosts concerts and events.
It is a great way to feel a new aspect of the clock tower through music, providing a new experience every time you visit.
In addition, visitors can learn more about the historical background of the clock tower and Hokkaido’s pioneering history by taking a guided tour of the area.
Looking at the clock tower while listening to a guide will give you a different perspective on its value.
In this way, Sapporo Clock Tower is a place where you can not only stop and look at the clock tower, but also experience it with all five senses to fully appreciate its charm.
Secrets of Odori Park with seasonal colors
If you visit Sapporo, Odori Park is one of the spots you cannot miss.
The entire park is alive with seasonal events and festivities constantly taking place.
The Sapporo Beer Garden in summer and the Sapporo Snow Festival in winter are especially famous nationwide and attract many tourists.
For example, the Sapporo Snow Festival, with its huge snow and ice statues, attracts many visitors who marvel at its scale and beauty.
Also, the summer Beer Garden is a lively place to enjoy Jingisukan (Japanese mutton barbecue over charcoal fire) on a summer evening.
As you can see, Odori Park is indispensable to citizens not only for events but also as part of their everyday lives.
There are many ways to enjoy the park in your own style, such as strolling around the surroundings or reading a book while soaking up the sun in the plaza.
When visiting Odori Park, it is recommended not to focus only on one event, but to enjoy the surrounding scenery and people’s activities as well.
In this way, you will better understand the charm of this place where the everyday and the extraordinary in Sapporo intersect.
A journey of new discovery at the Sapporo TV Tower
The Sapporo TV Tower is a place where you can enjoy the whole view of Sapporo to your heart’s content from a vantage point overlooking the city.
This landmark, which is deeply engraved in the hearts of not only tourists but also locals, has a special charm that only visitors can understand.
As one example, watching the sunrise and sunset from the observation deck is a supreme experience.
The winter morning glow in particular makes the entire city of Sapporo glow and gives you a sense of the beginning of a new day in its serenity.
The view of the mountains surrounding Sapporo and the Sea of Japan in the distance is so beautiful that it makes you want to take a deep breath.
In addition, new discoveries and impressions await you as you view the seasonally changing cityscape of Sapporo from above.
Every time you visit, you can feel the transition from the full greenery of early summer to the autumn leaves in fall.
The Sapporo TV Tower is more than just an observation deck.
We hope you will be captivated by the scenery at this place that brings new energy as the seasons change.
Touring the fascinating sights of Sapporo will bring a new perspective to your mind.
Enjoy the history, nature, and inspiring scenery as you create your own memories.
At the end of your trip, we invite you to share with us what you have gained and what impressions you have received.
We hope you will talk about that charm of Sapporo in your own words and encourage even more people to visit.
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