Sit back, relax and enjoy the enchanting sounds of varied live music events when you visit the Sapporo Concert Hall, also known as Kitara. Built as the home of the Sapporo Symphony Orchestra, the building also hosts recitals by local and international musicians and symphonies.
The sleek glass-paneled facade of Sapporo Concert Hall is set against the green surroundings of Nakajima Park. Dine at the venue’s Terrace Restaurant Kitara and admire public art by a local sculptor.
The main hall has a 2,008-person capacity and is specifically designed to surround the stage on all sides. British conductor Sir Simon Rattle once described it as the best modern concert hall in the world.Huge sound-reflecting panels hang above the stage and serve to enhance acoustics for both the performers and stage-side audience. Other features include a 4,976-pipe organ inspired by the needle-shaped leaves of Hokkaido’s trees.
For a rich experience, book tickets for a concert by the Sapporo Symphony Orchestra. Alternatively, check the schedule for brass band shows, piano recitals and interpretations of classics by Beethoven and other composers. In July the hall is one of the host venues for the annual Pacific Music Festival. If you visit in November, attend the Sapporo Art Stage, which celebrates the city’s arts scene.
Three curving marble sculptures, collectively known as Sokyo (The Echoes),stand outside the main entrance and inside the venue’s lobby. They are the work of the Hokkaido-born artist Kan Yasuda. Complement your concert with food and drinks at an on-site restaurant with a terrace and views of the park.
Located on the western side of Nakajima Park, the venue is a 5-minute stroll from the Nakajimakoendori tram stop. Walk from Nakajima Koen or Horohirabashi metro station for 10 minutes to get here.
Events at Sapporo Concert Hall take place throughout most of the year. Visit the hall’s official website for an up-to-date schedule. Reserve tickets online or in person at the box office.
