Sapporo Odori Park & Sapporo TV Tower

Category: Urban Park & Metropolitan Landmark | Location: Odori Nishi 1-chome to 12-chome, Chuo-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido

Stretching gracefully for 1.5 kilometers through the heart of central Sapporo from east to west, Odori Park divides the city into northern and southern sectors. Originally laid out in 1871 during the Meiji era by the Kaitakushi colonial commission as a municipal firebreak, this expansive 7.8-hectare green boulevard has evolved into Sapporo’s most cherished civic sanctuary, shaded by 4,700 trees across 92 species and adorned with vivid flowerbeds and dancing fountains. At the eastern terminus of Odori Park stands the iconic 147.2-meter Sapporo TV Tower, erected in 1957 and designed by renowned tower architect Tachu Naito. The tower and surrounding parklands host Hokkaido’s premier four-season festivals: the fragrant Sapporo Lilac Festival in May, the massive outdoor Sapporo Summer Beer Garden in July and August, the gastronomic Hokkaido harvest extravaganza Sapporo Autumn Fest in September, and the world-renowned giant snow sculptures of the Sapporo Snow Festival beneath the dazzling White Illumination in winter. The tower’s observation deck at 90.38 meters delivers an unrivaled 360-degree panoramic vantage over Sapporo’s American-style geometric grid, looking down the full verdant corridor of Odori Park toward the snow-capped peaks of Mount Teine and Mount Okurayama. Deck admission is approximately ¥1,000 for adults. Located directly above Odori Subway Station (the junction of the Nanboku, Tozai, and Toho lines), it is an easy 5-minute stroll to the historic Sapporo Clock Tower (Tokeidai) and Tanukikoji Shopping Arcade.