Sapporo TV Tower is a sightseeing tower with an observation deck which is located in Sapporo’s Odori Park. The tower opened in 1957 and is 144 meters high. Sapporo TV Tower was designed by the architect Tachu Naito who also designed a number of other famous towers in Japan, including Tokyo Tower, Nagoya TV Tower, and the Tsutenkaku tower in Osaka. The tower in Sapporo also features large digital clocks on four sides of the tower which were installed at a height of about 60 meters in 1961.
Sapporo TV Tower
The tower is illuminated in the evening until midnight, with lighting times varying by date. To save energy, the digital clocks are turned off between 12.10 am and 5.00 am. Though the tower has shops and restaurants on its lower levels, its main attraction is the observation deck which stands over 90 meters above ground and offers fine views over the city and over Odori Park in particular.
Inside the Tower
Sapporo TV Tower has three lower floors and a basement level in addition to its observation deck. You can find a number of shops and eateries on these levels. The basement level features a gourmet court with a range of restaurants and cafes. Here you can find ramen and soba noodles, sushi and seafood dishes, as well as Hokkaido’s zangi style of fried chicken. This basement level also connects directly to the underground shopping street Aurora Town which is part of the wider Sapporo Chikagai underground network.
On the 1st floor there is a tourist information center, and outside at ground level is the Terebi Tosan souvenir shop, selling goods featuring the tower’s unofficial mascot, “Terebi Tosan” (“TV Dad”), along with other Hokkaido souvenirs. The 2nd floor is a multipurpose rental space, and the 3rd floor is a Sky Lounge which features another souvenir shop and THE GARDEN SAPPORO HOKKAIDO GRILLE, a restaurant serving seasonal Hokkaido ingredients with views over Odori Park. The 3rd floor is also the entry point for the observation deck. This is the location for both the ticket counter and the elevator for the observation floor.
A souvenir store in the tower
The Observation Deck
The observation deck stands at 90.38 meters above ground and offers splendid views over the city by day and night. Viewing the city from the tower’s observation deck is particularly popular during the Sapporo Snow Festival in February when Odori Park (one of the main festival locations) is transformed into a winter wonderland. Night-time views are also popular as the city is illuminated with twinkling lights. If you wish to enjoy the view twice in the daytime and at night then a special daytime/evening ticket is available that enables you to visit the observation deck twice.
A city view from the tower
The view over Odori Park
The view towards Mount Moiwa
Tickets for the observation deck are sold on the 3rd floor. During the Sapporo Snow Festival, follow staff directions for the admission queue and allow extra time for waiting. The elevator from the 3rd floor to the observation deck takes just 60 seconds. The observation deck has big windows all the way around offering panoramic views over the city. There are also telescopes dotted around the deck.
Telescopes in the observation deck
On the observation deck you can find a small souvenir shop, called the Sky Shop, and a small shrine. The shrine is unusual in that the guardian images on each side are small “Terebi Tosan” (“TV Dad”) and “Kaasan” (“TV Mom”) mascots. Despite this informality people do pray here for such things as success in business or exams, or for finding a suitable partner.
The tower shrine
Private Rental
The observation deck can also be reserved for private use after closing hours. This plan for couples and families costs 20,000 yen including tax for 30 minutes, with one booking accepted per day. It includes a half-size bottle of Champagne, special tower illumination, and a personalized display on the 1st floor. The usual rental time is 22.20-22.50, subject to operating arrangements, and the plan is unavailable during the Snow Festival. Apply through the online form at least ten days ahead; staff confirm availability by email. For more information on this plan and booking details please visit the official webpage (Japanese only).
The ticket office
Opening Hours
Observation Deck Opening Hours: 9.00-22.00
Last admission and ticket sales: 21.50
Hours may change during the Snow Festival and other events, so check the schedule for your visit.
The entire building, including the basement gourmet court, will be closed on November 11, 2026 and January 1, 2027.
Admission
Adults, including Senior High Students: 1,200 yen
Elementary and Junior High Students: 600 yen
Pre-school Children: Free
Daytime/Evening ticket:
Adults, including Senior High Students: 1,700 yen
Elementary and Junior High Students: 800 yen
The daytime/evening ticket allows two visits within three days of purchase. Buy it at the 3rd-floor ticket counter. An ordinary admission ticket does not allow re-entry.
Combination Ticket:
Adults: 1,300 yen
The combination ticket for Sapporo Clock Tower & Sapporo TV Tower saves 250 yen on the two standard adult admissions. It is sold at either tower and is valid from purchase through March 31, 2027. High school students and younger enter the Clock Tower free, with student ID required for junior high and high school students, so they should buy the appropriate TV Tower ticket separately.
The illuminated Sapporo TV Tower at night
Sapporo TV Tower Location
The tower is clearly visible in central Sapporo’s Odori Park. Odori Subway Station is served by the Namboku, Toho and Tozai subway lines; allow about five minutes from the Namboku and Tozai lines. If you are walking through the Aurora Town underground shopping street, follow signs for Exit 27, which is immediately beside the tower.
Article and original photos by Michael Lambe. All rights reserved. Last updated 09-Sep-2026.
