Things to do in Ishikari

Though the Sapporo Dome is best known as the home ground of the Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters and the soccer team Hokkaido Consadole Sapporo, it is a tourist destination in its own right. Perfect for sports fans of all kinds and featuring the world’s first “hovering” soccer field, it is full of activities even on days when concerts or sports games are not taking place. Take a tour of the stadium, jog through the nearby grounds or go up to the observation deck and look out onto the rolling nearby hills.

On an action-packed visit to Sapporo, Odori Park is both a destination and a space for relaxation. Stretched out over 1 mile (1.5 kilometers) or 12 city blocks down the center of the city, the park separates the northern administrative districts from the southern, residential and commercial districts. Stop here for a picnic lunch amid its 92 types of trees while visiting the city or come for one of the many festivals that set up on the plazas any time of the year. The famous Sapporo Snow Festival is one popular example.

Experience the joy of discovering new things as you wander through the stores and boutiques of Tanukikoji Shopping Street. With approximately 200 stores, this shopping district is a one-stop destination for all your shopping needs, whether you're looking for souvenirs or the hottest fashion trends. Since this is a covered arcade, you can browse no matter what is going on with the weather.

Take a step back in time at the picturesque Otaru Canal. This waterway was created in 1923 for the transportation of goods between cargo ships and storehouses. Modern shipping developments later rendered it obsolete; however, it got a new lease of life following a revitalization project in the 1980s.

Sapporo TV Tower stands in the background of many tourist pictures of Sapporo. Some of the most famous pictures of the city can be taken from the tower too. The iron structure, vaguely reminiscent of the Eiffel Tower, offers spectacular views of Odori Park, the skyline of the city and the snow-capped mountains rising in the distance. A landmark of the city since its construction in 1957, Sapporo TV Tower holds a beloved place in locals’ hearts. Bring a camera to take impressive photos.