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Winter in Sapporo begins with the light reflecting off the snow. But no matter what season I visit, I always find myself looking up at that old friend standing at the end of Odori Park—the Sapporo TV Tower. During the day, it outlines the city’s silhouette like a pencil sketch; at night, it becomes a beacon of memory bathed in lights. Looking down from the tower, the streets we’ve walked, the ramen we’ve eaten, and the snowy landscapes we’ve seen all unfold like a meticulously laid-out tapestry of life.
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The Sapporo TV Tower was built in 1957, designed by renowned Japanese architect Tadao Ando—the same architect behind the Tokyo Tower. It was not only Hokkaido’s first tall tower structure but also a witness to Sapporo’s transformation from post-war reconstruction to an international metropolis. The tower stands 147.2 meters tall, with the ground-level observation deck located at 90.38 meters. Though it no longer stands out in terms of height, the city memories and emotional depth it carries are irreplaceable.
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Notably, it was not only an observation tower but also a broadcast transmission tower until 1971, when its television signal functions were relocated. Today, it resembles a retired veteran, quietly standing in its original location, witnessing the changing seasons and the joys and sorrows of its people.
The Sapporo TV Tower also serves as a fixed backdrop for various festivals and events due to its geographical location. Whether it's the winter Sapporo Snow Festival or the summer Odori Beer Festival, the TV Tower quietly participates like an old friend, setting the tone for the city amidst the lights and laughter.
Though not very tall, the observation deck of the Sapporo TV Tower still offers a breathtaking view. Taking the elevator to the observation deck, Sapporo unfolds before your eyes. The most striking view is of Odori Park from the tower, with streets stretching out in shades of green or snow-white, like brushstrokes on a canvas. In spring and summer, the greenery flows freely; in autumn, the maple leaves blaze with color; and in winter, it’s a fairy-tale-like world of pure white.
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The indoor space of the observation deck is not large, but it is warmly decorated, with free binoculars and a simple introduction to Sapporo. If you want to take home a souvenir, you can purchase various TV tower-shaped keychains, stickers, and plush toys at the souvenir shop on the first floor below the tower. Outside the tower stands a statue of the mascot “Tower-kun,” a popular spot for tourists to take photos.
At night, the Sapporo TV Tower illuminates with different colored lights, sometimes pink, sometimes blue-purple, in line with seasonal festivals or event themes. For example, around Valentine's Day, it glows in romantic red tones, while during summer fireworks festivals, it may feature a vibrant color cycle, bringing the entire tower to life.
When is the best time to visit Sapporo TV Tower? Actually, any season is suitable, but each has its own charm.
Winter (December to February) is the most famous season, especially during the “Sapporo Snow Festival” in February, when the TV Tower faces the main snow sculpture venue in Odori Park. Looking down from the tower at the entire snow sculpture exhibition, the awe-inspiring feeling of seeing fantasy brought to life is something that cannot be experienced on the ground. Combined with the nighttime lighting effects, it feels like entering another world.
Spring (April to May) sees cherry blossoms in full bloom. While Sapporo's cherry blossom season is later than Tokyo's, the view of the blooming Odori Park from the tower offers a unique charm; Summer (June to August) is the peak season for outdoor activities, and the beer garden at Odori Park is highly recommended; and in autumn (September to October), the autumn foliage is even more vivid from the tower, with layers of colors that are truly breathtaking.
The only thing to note is that during winter, be mindful of strong winds and low temperatures when ascending the tower. Waiting for the elevator outside may be a bit chilly, so it is recommended to wear a windproof jacket and bring a hat and gloves.
In terms of transportation, the convenience of the Sapporo TV Tower is unparalleled. It is located near Odori Station, where the North-South Line, East-West Line, and Toho Line intersect. From Exit 9 of the subway, it is less than a 3-minute walk. Odori Park itself is a central hub in Sapporo, with various department stores (such as Marui Imai and PARCO), restaurants, and convenience stores nearby.
The TV Tower is equipped with accessible facilities, including a wheelchair-accessible entrance to the observation deck elevator, as well as elevators and escalators at the base of the tower, making it suitable for visitors traveling with children or the elderly.
Additionally, the first floor of the TV Tower features a café and resting area, providing a pleasant spot to relax. If you opt for a combined ticket (such as the Sapporo TV Tower + Odori Park Underground Passage guided tour ticket), you can spend extra time exploring the surrounding area before or after your visit, maximizing your time and route.
The ticket price is also very affordable, with adults paying 1,000 yen and children and students receiving a discount. We recommend visiting the tower in the evening to see both the daytime and nighttime views, which is excellent value for money.
If you plan to include Sapporo TV Tower as part of a one-day tour, here is a relaxing and scenic route suggestion:
Morning: Depart from Sapporo Station and walk or take the subway to the Sapporo TV Tower. Ascend the tower to overlook the entire Odori area, then stroll through Odori Park to appreciate the beauty of flowers and sculptures.
Noon: Enjoy lunch at the Tanuki Koji Shopping Street near the tower, where you can choose between Sapporo ramen or Genghis Khan barbecue.
Afternoon: Head to Sapporo Clock Tower and Hokkaido Old Government Building (red brick government building) for a cultural and historical tour. In the evening, return to Odori Park to wait for the night lights to come on, or participate in seasonal festivals.
Evening: Relax with a drink at an izakaya or restaurant near the tower to end your day in this city on a gentle note.
This route centers around the TV tower, extending to the surrounding classics and surprises, with a comfortable pace, making it ideal for first-time visitors to Sapporo.
The Sapporo TV Tower is not the kind of awe-inspiring landmark that takes your breath away, but precisely because of its approachability and integration into the city, it feels more like a warm reference point during your journey. You can climb the tower for the views, or simply sit on the benches below, watching the world go by, daydreaming under the lights, writing postcards, or enjoying an ice cream. The meaning of urban travel, perhaps, lies in these unintended pauses that slowly settle into your soul. So next time you visit Sapporo, don’t forget to look up at that tower—not tall, but steadfast—and it will tell you, in its northern way: the story here has only just begun.
