Sapporo TV Tower

Just nice to have a view but on top level just a small souvenir shop and walk around. A bigger souvenir shop is located at the lower level. Also a bar & restaurant at the same level with a really small menu for lunch and it is not possible to have just a drink. Bar for drinks is only at evening times...

On Friday 22/11/2025 at 4pm, as the snow started to fall and the sky darkened, we went to 札幌テレビ塔 Sapporo TV Tower. At 4:30pm, we watched the lights-on ceremony of the annual Sapporo White Illumination Festival. It was magical seeing the lights came on fron the Sapporo TV Tower observatory deck. I learnt that a Japanese Band called Hamburger Boys actually sang a song on Sapporo TV Tower. Pretty cute song and music video. Afterwards, we walked to Odori Park for the German Christmas Market and witness the breathtaking さっぽろホワイトイルミネーション Sapporo White Illumination, a spectacular light festival that celebrates the coming winter with dazzling LED displays. This Tower is 147.2 meters (483 feet) high, with an observation deck located at 90.38 meters above the ground. It was built in 1957 by architect Tachū Naitō, who also designed Tokyo Tower. The tower stands at the eastern end of Odori Park in central Sapporo, Hokkaido, serving as both a broadcasting tower and a popular tourist attraction. Its significance lies in its role as an iconic landmark of Sapporo. It was originally built as a TV transmission tower and now functions primarily as a repeater for local radio stations. The observation deck offers panoramic 360-degree views of Sapporo city and Odori Park, making it popular both day and night, especially during the Sapporo Snow Festival when the park is a winter wonderland. The tower also features large digital clocks visible from afar, enhancing its cityscape presence. It is a symbol of post-war modernization and the growth of Sapporo as a modern city.

Sapporo TV Tower is a must-visit landmark in the heart of Sapporo that offers a perfect blend of history, views, and convenience. Located at the edge of Odori Park, the tower stands tall and immediately catches your eye, making it an easy meeting point or sightseeing stop while exploring the city. The observation deck provides stunning panoramic views of Sapporo and the surrounding landscape. From up high, you can see the grid-like city streets, Odori Park stretching out with seasonal beauty, and even the mountains in the distance. It’s especially beautiful at sunset or in the evening when the city lights start to sparkle, creating a magical atmosphere perfect for photos. The tower area is surrounded by shops and cafes, so you can easily grab a snack or souvenir before or after your visit. The staff are friendly, and the experience is smooth and enjoyable from the moment you enter. Whether you’re traveling solo, with friends, or with family, Sapporo TV Tower offers a great way to get a bird’s-eye view of the city without spending too much time or money. Overall, Sapporo TV Tower is a fantastic and iconic stop that adds charm and memorable views to your Sapporo itinerary.

Sapporo TV Tower is one of the most recognizable landmarks of the city and an important symbol of post-war Sapporo. The tower was completed in 1957 and designed by Japanese architect Tachu Naito, often called “the father of Japanese towers.” He was also responsible for the design of Tokyo Tower and several other broadcast towers across Japan. The structure is made mainly of steel, following the engineering style typical for the 1950s. It stands 147.2 meters tall, and the observation deck is located at a height of about 90 meters. From there, visitors can enjoy panoramic views over Odori Park, downtown Sapporo, and, on clear days, even the surrounding mountains. An interesting detail is the large digital clock on the tower’s façade – installed in 1961, it became one of the first big outdoor electric clocks in Japan and remains a familiar meeting point for locals. Although the tower is no longer used for major television broadcasting, it has kept its role as a tourist attraction and city landmark. The interior has a slightly retro feel, which actually adds to its charm. At night, the tower is beautifully illuminated, and during events such as the Sapporo Snow Festival it becomes an important visual focal point of Odori Park. Overall, Sapporo TV Tower may not be spectacular compared with newer skyscrapers, but it offers a pleasant view, a touch of history, and a classic, nostalgic atmosphere that fits perfectly with the character of the city.