When visiting Sapporo City, must-see landmarks include the Sapporo TV Tower and the Clock Tower

After driving from Biei in Hokkaido to the New Otani Inn Sapporo in the afternoon, it was already close to evening. We checked in first and left our luggage, then headed out for dinner at Daruma Honten to enjoy Genghis Khan barbecue. On the way, we passed by the Sapporo Clock Tower and Odori Park to take a look at Sapporo’s famous landmark, the Sapporo TV Tower.

By the time we arrived at the Sapporo Clock Tower, it was already past 6:00 p.m. There weren’t many people taking photos, and the lights had started to turn on. Nearby stands the Sapporo City Civic Charter monument, which states that in addition to the preamble, there are five pledges—symbolizing the commitment of local citizens to preserve and improve their environment.

People were constantly walking in front of the Sapporo Clock Tower, so we waited for a moment when there were fewer people to take photos. This building was originally the drill hall of the former Sapporo Agricultural College and has now become a symbol of Sapporo as well as an Important Cultural Property of Japan.

There is an excellent photo spot on the side of the Clock Tower. Standing there allows you to capture both sides of the clock at the same time. After taking photos, we left the Clock Tower and headed to Odori Park, which is located right next to it. As soon as we entered the park, we saw many sculptures. The first one was the “Mother of Pioneering” statue for international exchange, which honors the strong rural women who lived resiliently during the pioneering era.

There is also the Benson Fountain, donated in 1966 by Sapporo’s sister city, Portland in the United States, along with beautiful flowers planted throughout the park. Different flowers bloom in each season.

The most eye-catching landmark is the Sapporo TV Tower. Since it was summer, at 6:27 p.m. the sky was not yet completely dark.

↑ Watching the golden, glowing elevator of the Sapporo TV Tower moving up and down from Odori Park

Odori Park is extremely spacious and also features fountains. Visiting here is not only about enjoying a leisurely stroll, but also about clearing your mind and appreciating the urban beauty of Sapporo.