70 Carefully Selected Locations in Hokkaido: Map, History, Nature, and the Best Times for Photography

Introduction to Instagrammable Photos from Central Hokkaido

In central Hokkaido, Sapporo City is home to iconic landmarks such as the Sapporo TV Tower and the historic Sapporo Clock Tower. Susukino, known for its vibrant nightlife and neon lights, is also famous for its ramen street, making it the perfect spot to capture delicious ramen photos.
A must for photography in Sapporo City is the night view from Mount Moiwa. The view from the observation deck is breathtaking. Nearby Otaru City also offers charming spots. The canal-side scenery is romantic, and the old warehouses illuminated at night are particularly beautiful. Riding the Tenguyama Ropeway offers a panoramic view of Otaru City.
Moreover, Sapporo City hosts various events throughout the year. The YOSAKOI Soran Festival in summer is lively, while the Sapporo Snow Festival in winter features stunning ice and snow sculptures. The Sapporo White Illumination decorates winter nights, creating a magical spectacle.
These photo spots and events are ideal for taking Instagrammable photos, leaving a lasting impression on visitors.

Susukino Ramen Yokocho

Located in the Chuo Ward of Sapporo City, “Susukino” is famous as the northernmost entertainment district in Asia. Alongside Tokyo’s Kabukicho and Fukuoka’s Nakasu, it is one of Japan’s three major entertainment districts. Particularly notable is the “Sapporo Ramen Yokocho,” renowned as the birthplace of the nationally famous miso ramen. In 1951, eight ramen shops gathered in this area, marking the beginning of Sapporo ramen’s popularity. Today, there are two separate ramen alleys in this location: “Original Sapporo Ramen Yokocho” (opened in 1971) and “Sapporo Meisho Shin Ramen Yokocho” (opened in 1976), each independently located.

Instagrammable: ★★★★★
Photo Opportunities: All seasons
Location Information:▶Map,Hours,Routes
Transportation Information: Frequent public transportation

Tanukikoji

This shopping street in the Chuo Ward of Sapporo City is the oldest in Hokkaido. Covered by an arcade, it offers a comfortable shopping experience regardless of the weather. About 200 shops are lined up along a 900-meter stretch divided into seven blocks, making it a popular spot bustling with many shoppers.

Instagrammable: ★★★★★
Photo Opportunities: All seasons
Location Information:▶Map,Hours,Routes
Transportation Information: Frequent public transportation

Nijo Market

The Sapporo Nijo Market originated in the early Meiji era when local fishermen began selling fresh fish. Over time, it evolved into its current form with the addition of fruit and vegetable shops and izakayas. Today, it serves as a beloved kitchen for the locals and a popular spot for tourists seeking Hokkaido souvenirs. Surrounded by the sea, Hokkaido boasts an abundance of seafood, and fresh seafood gathers in Sapporo. About 15 seafood companies and fishmongers at Nijo Market sell a variety of fresh seafood, including crabs, salmon, and scallops. Each store offers different types of seafood, including dried and processed products, and many provide shipping services, ensuring a hassle-free shopping experience even during travel.

Instagrammable: ★★★★★
Photo Opportunities: All seasons
Location Information:▶Map,Hours,Routes
Transportation Information: Frequent public transportation

Sapporo Hitsujigaoka Observation Hill

A famous tourist spot in Sapporo, “Sapporo Hitsujigaoka Observation Hill,” is known for the statue of Dr. Clark and its cute sheep. The statue of Dr. Clark overlooks the city from the hill, symbolizing “eternal truth in the distant future” with his right hand pointing forward. Various seasonal events are appealing, with expansive lavender fields in summer and free harvesting experiences.

Instagrammable: ★★★★★
Photo Opportunities: All seasons
Location Information:▶Map,Hours,Routes
Transportation Information: Frequent public transportation

Sapporo Clock Tower

The Sapporo Clock Tower was built in 1878 as part of the Sapporo Agricultural College, the predecessor of Hokkaido University. This building has been used for various purposes, including as an educational facility, military facility, and library. The red-roofed, white-walled clock tower, which was once green, is now a beloved symbol of Sapporo, located about a 10-minute walk from Odori Station. On the first floor, visitors can learn about the clock tower’s history, while the second floor showcases its historical ambiance as a martial arts hall and clock mechanism. The bell-ringing times are also worth a visit.

Instagrammable: ★★★★★
Photo Opportunities: All seasons
Location Information:▶Map,Hours,Routes
Transportation Information: Frequent public transportation

Sapporo TV Tower

Located at the eastern end of Odori Park in central Sapporo, the “Sapporo TV Tower” is a landmark with over half a century of history. Completed in 1956, the observation deck at approximately 90 meters above ground offers a panoramic view of Sapporo City. Events held at Odori Park and seasonal changes can be enjoyed from the tower. On clear days, the Ishikari Plain and the Sea of Japan are visible. The view from the observation deck during the winter White Illumination and Snow Festival is particularly stunning. Additionally, there is a special plan where the observation deck can be rented for 30 minutes, popular among couples and married couples.

Instagrammable: ★★★★★
Photo Opportunities: All seasons
Location Information:▶Map,Hours,Routes
Transportation Information: Frequent public transportation

Mount Moiwa

To climb Mount Moiwa, 531 meters high in central Sapporo, you can take a ropeway or car to the halfway point and a mini cable car to the summit. There are five hiking trails for light climbing, attracting many hikers on weekends.

Instagrammable: ★★★★★
Photo Opportunities: All seasons
Location Information:▶Map,Hours,Routes
Transportation Information: Frequent public transportation

Mount Moiwa Night View

From the summit observation deck of Mount Moiwa, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the Ishikari Plain and Ishikari Bay. At night, the beautiful night view of Sapporo City can be seen. Since 2015, Sapporo has been recognized alongside Nagasaki and Kobe as one of Japan’s new three major night view cities.

Instagrammable: ★★★★★
Photo Opportunities: All seasons
Location Information:▶Map,Hours,Routes
Transportation Information: Frequent public transportation

Mount Moiwa Observation Deck

The Mount Moiwa observation deck can be reached by a combination of a ropeway and a mini cable car. The observation deck has a restaurant and shops. Additionally, there is a “Bell of Happiness” at the observation deck, where couples can ring the bell and attach a “love padlock” with their names to the railing, symbolizing eternal love. The love padlocks can be purchased at the ropeway station, and you can borrow a marker to write a commemorative message along with your names.

Instagrammable: ★★★★★
Photo Opportunities: All seasons
Location Information:▶Map,Hours,Routes
Transportation Information: Frequent public transportation

Mount Moiwa Autumn Leaves

Mount Moiwa in Sapporo is a famous spot for autumn leaves. You can reach the summit in 15 minutes using the ropeway and mini cable car. During the day, you can enjoy the beautiful autumn leaves, and at night, the stunning night view, which has been selected as one of Japan’s new three major night views.

Instagrammable: ★★★★★
Photo Opportunities: Autumn
Location Information:▶Map,Hours,Routes
Transportation Information: Frequent public transportation

Otaru Canal

Otaru Canal, about a 30-minute train ride from Sapporo, is a representative tourist spot in Otaru City. Completed at the end of the Taisho era, the canal once served as Hokkaido’s gateway, transporting many goods. Today, it is characterized by its wooden warehouses, many of which have been repurposed as restaurants and other establishments. The stone-built warehouse groups along the canal exude a nostalgic atmosphere, and the warehouses illuminated at dusk create a different, romantic scene compared to the daytime. These warehouses are now used as restaurants, and exploring the interiors is also recommended. Additionally, a 40-minute canal cruise is available, allowing you to enjoy the scenery from the water.

Instagrammable: ★★★★★
Photo Opportunities: All seasons
Location Information:▶Map,Hours,Routes
Transportation Information: Frequent public transportation

Sakaimachi Street

“Kitaichi Glass” on Sakaimachi Street is a long-established glass manufacturing and sales company in Otaru that began with the production of oil lamps. Popular with tourists, Kitaichi Glass has several stores, with Kitaichi Glass Third Store offering a variety of glass products on three floors: country, Japanese, and Western. A wide range of products, including stained glass and glass tableware, is available. Additionally, “Otaru Music Box Museum” on Sakaimachi Street is one of the largest music box specialty stores in Japan, with over 25,000 items. Marked by a steam clock, this store provides a soothing space with the beautiful sound of music boxes. Various shapes of music boxes, such as sushi, jewelry boxes, and stuffed animals, make for perfect souvenirs. These stores are ideal places to find interior items and souvenirs.

Instagrammable: ★★★★★
Photo Opportunities: All seasons
Location Information:▶Map,Hours,Routes
Transportation Information: Frequent public transportation

Tenguyama Ropeway

Mount Tengu, located in Otaru City, Hokkaido, has an altitude of 532.5 meters. It is situated southwest of the city center and is connected by a ropeway to the Otaru Tenguyama Ski Resort and the summit. There are four observation decks at the summit, offering magnificent views of Otaru City, Otaru Port, Ishikari Bay, and even the Shakotan Peninsula on clear days. At night, the view from the observation decks is also beautiful, making it a popular night view spot.

Instagrammable: ★★★★★
Photo Opportunities: All seasons
Location Information:▶Map,Hours,Routes
Transportation Information: Frequent public transportation

YOSAKOI Soran Festival

The YOSAKOI Soran Festival began in Sapporo, Hokkaido, in 1992, inspired by the Yosakoi Festival in Kochi Prefecture by Hokkaido University students. This festival combines the Yosakoi Festival with Hokkaido’s folk song “Soranbushi” (Soranbushi) and is held in June in Sapporo’s Odori Park and other city locations. Dancers in colorful costumes perform to the rhythm of Soranbushi, filling the city with the festival’s energetic and lively atmosphere.

Instagrammable: ★★★★★
Photo Opportunities: June
Location Information:▶Map,Hours,Routes
Transportation Information: Frequent public transportation

Sapporo Snow Festival

The Sapporo Snow Festival, alongside Canada’s Quebec Winter Carnival and China’s Harbin Ice Festival, is one of the world’s three major snow festivals. Started in 1950 by Sapporo City and the Sapporo Tourist Association, this festival is held annually in early February, with Odori Park in Chuo Ward of Sapporo City serving as the main venue. Featuring beautiful snow and ice sculptures, this festival attracts approximately 2 million tourists from around the world each year, making it a representative large-scale event of Hokkaido.

Instagrammable: ★★★★★
Photo Opportunities: Early February
Location Information:▶Map,Hours,Routes
Transportation Information: Frequent public transportation

Sapporo White Illumination

The “Sapporo White Illumination” is a winter illumination event that beautifully decorates Sapporo. This event began in 1981 with about 1,000 light bulbs at Odori Nishi 2-chome Square and has grown into a major event representing Japan. The main venue is Odori Park, featuring special symbol objects. Other venues include Sapporo Ekimae-dori, Kita 3-jo Plaza, Sapporo Station South Entrance, and Minami 1-jo Dori, all adorned with fantastical light decorations. This event offers a must-see enchanting scenery for tourists visiting Sapporo in winter.

Instagrammable: ★★★★★
Photo Opportunities: Winter
Location Information:▶Map,Hours,Routes
Transportation Information: Frequent public transportation