JR Tower is a skyscraper that rises 173 meters on the east side of JR Sapporo Station. This skyscraper is part of the station building and is directly connected to that building’s other facilities. On the top floor of the skyscraper there is an observation deck which is popular for its 360-degree views over the city.
JR Tower at Sapporo Station
JR Tower is the mixed-use complex integrated with Sapporo Station. It includes shops, a department store, a cinema, offices, a hotel, medical facilities, the observatory and parking. This article focuses on the 38-story high-rise and JR Tower Observatory T38.
Enjoying the view from Observatory T38
Inside JR Tower Sapporo Station
JR Tower opened in 2003. The high-rise has 38 floors above ground and rises 173 meters to its rooftop heliport. It was Sapporo’s tallest building until the 175.2-meter ONE Sapporo Station Tower was completed in December 2023.
The lower levels include Sapporo Stellar Place‘s East shopping zone. JR Tower Office Plaza occupies floors 7 to 20, with Pharmarise Medical Mall clinics on floors 7 and 8. JR Tower Hotel Nikko Sapporo uses floors 22 to 36: the spa is on 22, guest rooms are on 23 to 34, restaurants are on 35, and banquet rooms are on 36. JR Tower Observatory T38 occupies the 38th floor.
JR Tower Observatory T38
The observatory on the 38th floor is 160 meters high and offers unobstructed views to the north, south, east and west. This observatory closes quite late, so it is also popular for its night views over the sparkling city lights.
Looking north
On a clear day you can see the sea and even as far as Otaru from the north side of the tower.
Looking east towards Furano and Obihiro
The Hakodate Main Line is in the center of the picture above and Sapporo Factory can be seen on the right.
Looking south towards Odori Park and Susukino
Mount Moiwa can be seen on the right of the picture above.
Looking west towards Niseko
The Hakodate Main Line is in the center of the picture above. The green patch on the left is Hokkaido University Botanic Garden while the green patch on the right is Hokkaido University’s leafy campus.
A bilingual panel from a T38 exhibition that ended in 2022
The bilingual Sora no Tenji graphic-panel exhibitions pictured here ran from 2010 through 2022. Permanent features include artworks in the observatory, elevators and 6th-floor entrance, together with environmental music that changes between daytime and evening.
T’Café
T’CAFE on the south corridor serves soft drinks and light meals by day, and wine and cocktails as part of its evening bar menu.
The gentleman’s restroom
The gentlemen’s restroom in Observatory T38 is notable for having urinals in front of large clear windows, so that people using them can continue to enjoy the view.
Access
The T38 reception is on JR Tower East 6th floor. From JR Sapporo Station’s east gate or south exit, enter Sapporo Stellar Place Center and take the Center II elevator beside Starbucks to the 6th floor. Follow the T38 signs past Muji.
The Center II Elevator
The entrance to Observatory T38 on the 6th floor
Buy a ticket from the machines or information counter, then take a dedicated observatory elevator to the 38th floor. The elevator journey takes approximately 55 seconds.
The information desk on the 6th floor
Opening Hours
Observatory: 10.00 – 22.00 (Last Entry: 21.30)
T’CAFE: 10.00 – 22.00 (Last Orders for Food: 21.30, Drink: 21.45)
Events may change the regular hours, so check the operator’s current information before visiting.
Admission Fees
Adults: 740 yen
Junior & Senior High Students: 520 yen
Children Aged 4 & Older: 320 yen
Infants Aged 3 & Younger: FREE
JR Tower viewed from the east
JR Tower and Observatory T38 Location
JR Tower and Observatory T38 are part of the Sapporo Station building and so have immediate access to JR rail lines, limited express services and the Rapid Airport Service for New Chitose Airport. This location is also convenient for local bus services and for the underground network via Sapporo Subway Station.
Article and original photos by Michael Lambe. All rights reserved. Last updated 02-Sep-2026.
