Sapporo TV Tower

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 (Note 2). 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.

Entrance fee is only 1,000 yen per adult, which is very worth it. No need to buy tickets in advance—you can purchase them directly at the counter on the spot. From the top, you get a beautiful 360° view of Sapporo City. I went during late autumn, with just a little snow on the ground, and the view was already stunning. I can imagine it being even more breathtaking in winter when everything is completely covered in white. There’s a souvenir shop at the top and another one on level 2 or 3 (I can’t remember exactly). They also have four stamp stations, and if you collect all of them, it forms a complete picture—fun if you like small activities like that. The tower is also located very close to Odori Park and the Sapporo Clock Tower, so it’s easy to include this in your itinerary if you’re visiting the nearby spots.

The Sapporo TV Tower is such a fun and iconic landmark right in the heart of Odori Park! 🗼✨ The view from the observation deck is amazing – you can see the whole stretch of Odori Park, the city skyline, and on a clear day even the surrounding mountains. Both day and night views are beautiful, but the evening lights of Sapporo are especially magical. The tower itself is well maintained, easy to access, and has a friendly staff that makes the experience smooth and welcoming. The little shops at the base also have some nice souvenirs unique to Sapporo. It’s not just about the view – visiting here feels like checking off a must-do cultural landmark of Hokkaido. Highly recommend adding it to your Sapporo itinerary – whether for sightseeing, photography, or simply enjoying the city from above! 🌆📸

A must visit when you're in Sapporo, centrally located in Oodori Park. It's probably the most iconic feature in the city where you can get a 360 degree view of the area. Crucially, the Sapporo Tourist Information Center is located in the 1st floor and it's the meeting point of all Hokkaido tours from Sapporo. Entrance fee is pretty cheap. You can also buy souvenirs.

Sapporo TV Tower Park Area – Sapporo, Hokkaido A nice, clean area perfect for a relaxed walk and to soak in the city’s vibe. The park around the TV Tower is well-maintained and lively, offering great views and a pleasant atmosphere both day and night. 🌆🌿