Sapporo: Explore All Must-See Landmarks in the City Center

Odori Park is a green ribbon stretching through the heart of Sapporo, dividing the city into north and south. Beloved by locals, it is a place of relaxation, seasonal flower displays, and cultural events. Each February, the park becomes the stage for the world-famous Sapporo Snow Festival, where giant snow and ice sculptures transform the city into a winter wonderland.

Rising at the eastern end of Odori Park, the Sapporo TV Tower was built in 1957 and has since become a symbol of the city. Its 90-meter-high observation deck offers panoramic views of Sapporo, with Odori Park stretching below and, on clear days, the mountains framing the horizon. Illuminated at night, the tower provides a striking backdrop to the city center.

The Sapporo Clock Tower (Tokeidai), constructed in 1878, is one of the oldest surviving wooden buildings in Hokkaido. Originally part of the Sapporo Agricultural College, the clock has continued to mark the passing hours for more than a century. Though modest in size, it is cherished as a symbol of Sapporo’s pioneering era and remains one of the city’s most photographed landmarks.

Known affectionately as the Red Brick Office (Akarenga Chosha), the Former Hokkaido Government Office was built over 120 years ago. Once the administrative center of Hokkaido, it now houses exhibitions on the island’s history, Ainu culture, architecture, and modern issues such as the Northern Territories. Its grand staircase and preserved red brick façade make it a proud reminder of Hokkaido’s pioneering spirit.