The Sapporo Clock Tower was built in 1878 as a demonstration hall for the Sapporo Agricultural School, the predecessor of Hokkaido University. The clock was added three years later to mark the beginning and end of classes. It’s an easy-to-access spot and one of Sapporo’s most famous landmarks.

Right across from the Sapporo Clock Tower, you’ll spot the blue sign of Yukijirushi Parlor Honten. Along with its classic ice cream made from an original recipe, the shop offers seasonal parfaits, cakes, and a variety of souvenirs to take home.

About a 5-minute walk from Yukijirushi Parlor Honten, you’ll find the Former Hokkaido Government Office, affectionately known as the Red Brick Building. Completed in 1888, it served as the government’s administrative center for 80 years before a new office was built.

Like the Clock Tower, it’s one of Sapporo’s signature landmarks. The surrounding gardens are filled with seasonal flowers, and the pond adds a touch of calm to this downtown oasis.

Take the Tozai Subway Line from Odori Station and get off at Miyanosawa Station, the last stop. From there, it’s about an 8-minute walk to Shiroi Koibito Park.

Here, you can tour the production line of the famous Hokkaido souvenir Shiroi Koibito, a beloved chocolate snack, and learn about its history while watching how it’s made. The garden, filled with colorful seasonal flowers, also features an hourly Karakuri Doll Show with charming animal figures from northern Japan.

Before you leave, stop by Café Restaurant Antwerp inside the park to enjoy its well-known original curry for lunch.

Take the Tozai Subway Line from Odori Station and get off at Maruyama Koen Station. Pass through the torii gate and make your way to Hokkaido Shrine. The peaceful atmosphere here invites quiet reflection and a sense of calm.

Hokkaido Shrine is known as a place to pray for happiness in marriage, success in business, safety in travel, and other blessings. Every year, many visitors come to offer prayers and experience this deeply spiritual site.

Take a break at Rokkatei Jingu Chaya by the shrine and try the “Hangan-sama” (The Judge), sold only in this store. It’s a delicious confection made by wrapping red bean paste with buckwheat flour mochi.

Take the bus from Maruyama Park Bus Terminal and reach Okurayama Observation Deck in about 20 minutes. This was the ski jump platform for the 1972 Sapporo Winter Olympics and is still used for international competitions today.

Ride the elevator up to the observation deck for sweeping views of Sapporo, the Ishikari Valley, and the bay from an altitude of 307 meters. From the end of July to the end of September, the lift operates at night, offering a different perspective of the city lights.

Located next to the observation deck, the Sapporo Olympic Museum showcases the history of winter sports through displays of valuable items and memorabilia. Visitors can also try hands-on simulators that let you experience the thrill of Olympic events up close.

Return to the Sapporo Clock Tower area for dinner at Kerapirika, a restaurant whose name comes from the Ainu word for “delicious.” The owner, Aki Imahiro, who has Ainu heritage, says he hopes many people will discover the warmth of Ainu home cooking.

The Ainu people traditionally relied on farming, hunting, and fishing, using ingredients such as salmon, venison, and wild plants gathered from the mountains. Kerapirika continues this tradition, serving dishes made with these same ingredients. The restaurant also occasionally hosts live performances that share aspects of Ainu culture.

Enjoying a parfait after having some drinks is the way of the Imadoki. “Parfaiteria Pal” is a bar where you can drink and have parfait. A perfect way to end your day.

On the east side of Odori Park, across the Sosei River, lies the Soseigawa East area, home to Nijo Market. Open from early morning, the market offers an array of fresh seafood, fruits, and vegetables. It’s the perfect place to start your day with a Japanese-style breakfast featuring a luxurious seafood bowl.

Take the Tozai Subway Line from Odori Station and get off at Shin-Sapporo Station, about 20 minutes away. From there, transfer to a JR bus and ride for another 20 minutes to reach the Hokkaido Historical Village (Hokkaido Kaitaku no Mura).

This open-air museum features 52 buildings from across Hokkaido, either relocated or reconstructed from the Meiji to early Showa eras, spread across a vast 54-hectare site. Visitors can also take part in traditional games and try hands-on activities that bring Hokkaido’s early days to life.

In the immediate vicinity, you will find the Hokkaido Museum, which displays valuable items from the pioneering era and of the Ainu culture. The exhibits change periodically, allowing you to have a unique experience every time you visit.

Head back to Shin-Sapporo Station for lunch. Shouyuya Honten, located inside the Sanpiaza shopping complex next to the station, serves ramen that preserves the taste once loved in Hokkaido’s coal mining towns of the 1950s.

The shop’s signature soup is made with a balanced blend of vegetable, chicken, and pork broths. It’s a nostalgic flavor that reminds many in Japan of classic, comforting ramen.

Take the train from JR Shin-Sapporo Station and get off at Naebo Station after about 10 minutes. From there, take a bus to Moerenuma Park, which you’ll reach in around 25 minutes.

The park was designed by sculptor Isamu Noguchi, who envisioned it as a single, large-scale sculpture. It features striking geometric shapes, grassy mounds, playgrounds, and fountains, creating a harmonious blend of art and nature.

Return to Naebo Station and walk to the Sapporo Beer Museum. The origins of Sapporo Beer date back to 1876, when the former government established a brewery here in Sapporo. Production was later moved to the Hokkaido Factory in Eniwa City, and the site was transformed into a commercial complex.

Inside the museum, you’ll find exhibits about the company’s history and the beer-making process. Visitors can also join a guided tour (1,000 yen) to sample limited-edition brews. Afterward, relax with a freshly poured beer and dinner in the adjoining beer garden.

From Naeho Station to Sapporo Station, transfer to the Airport Express and head to New Chitose Airport. The view from the car windows will be a great conclusion for your 2-day experience.

Sapporo is a city where metropolis and nature live in harmony. Many people come multiple times because of the beauty of the city. Come and visit Sapporo in different seasons to rediscover the city in every trip. Check out the video below for ideas on what else you can see in Sapporo!