10 Best Things to Do for Couples in Sapporo
What to Do on a Romantic Trip to Sapporo?
Sapporo is packed with romantic places that will appeal to couples visiting Hokkaido. This scenic Japanese city boasts a beautiful park where you can explore the inside of a glass pyramid filled with art and fountains, and another where you can stroll the paths at leisure while admiring vistas of historic buildings. If you and your partner are into sports, you can catch a match or go ice skating.
Planetariums, miniature movie theaters, and museums are ideal for date nights when the weather takes a turn. Alternatively, if you want to enjoy Hokkaido’s great outdoors, why not take a canoe trip along Toyohira River? At night, you can admire the spectacular night views of Sapporo, or warm yourself in a relaxing open-air bath with a stay at a traditional onsen. There are plenty of other activities too that are bound to delight.
What are the best things to do for couples in Sapporo?
1. Sapporo Art Museum
Peruse the collection or take part in workshops
Good for: Couples, Unusual
Sapporo Art Museum opened in 1986 and has helped solidify Sapporo as a city of art and culture. The museum houses a collection of about 1,500 works including pieces by artists who have connections to Hokkaido, art from Japan and overseas, and pieces related to the forest. Highlights include Hokkaido sculptor Sawazawa Biki’s Listen to the Wind and Sapporo-born painter Kataoka Kyoko’s Pose series.
It’s a good idea to check out the museum’s schedule of special exhibitions and, if you have time, why not take part in a pottery workshop at the Craft Studio? There’s also the museum shop, Prère, that stocks a range of original goods including ceramics, glass and textiles from the “Best Pocket” permanent exhibition. They make excellent gifts for friends and family.
Location: 2-75 Geijutsunomori, Minami Ward, Sapporo, Hokkaido 005-0864, Japan
Open: Daily from 9.45 pm to 5.30 pm
Phone: +81 (0)11-591-0900
Sapporo Art Museum
2. Glass Pyramid of Moerenuma Park
Beautiful greenspace that blends nature and art
Good for: Budget, Couples, Unusual
Moerenuma Park was designed by world-famous sculptor Isamu Noguchi. The iconic monument at the center of the park is the HIGAMARI glass pyramid, which opened in 2003. The sun shines throughout the atrium and makes the space feel really open. On weekends, the space hosts music and dance events, as well as art exhibitions.
The French restaurant on the ground floor, L’enfant qui rêve, is popular for its takeout boxed lunches, eat-in dinners, and wonderful evening views. Also, make sure you check out the Isamu Noguchi Gallery on the third floor. The ocean fountain in the middle of the park is an impressive spectacle, with jets that rise to 25 meters in height, four times a day. It’s lit up in the evening, so head here after sundown.
Location: 1-1 Moerenumakoen, Higashi Ward, Sapporo, Hokkaido 007-0011, Japan
Open: Tuesday–Sunday from 9 am to 5 pm (closed on Monday)
Phone: +81 (0)11-790-1231
Glass Pyramid of Moerenuma Park
3. Jozankei Onsen
For a truly relaxing romantic getaway
Good for: Adventure, Couples, Luxury, Unusual
If you’re looking for a relaxing getaway with someone special, head to Jozankei Onsen, a hot spring resort located 26 km south of downtown Sapporo. This picturesque town is set within Shikotsu-Toya National Park, which is renowned for its abundance of flora and fauna and collection of thermal hot springs. Accommodations range from large spa resorts to inns where you’re treated like one of the family.
Dinner can be enjoyed with other guests, in a private dining area, or in your very own room. Don’t forget to ask the hotel for surprises like cakes and flowers on special anniversaries. After meals, soak in the warm, mellow water and feel the minerals soothe your body. Rooms with exclusive open-air baths are also available. Jozankei Onsen is a 45-minute drive from Sapporo Station. There are also direct buses from Sapporo Station and New Chitose Airport.
Location: Jozankei Onsen, Minami Ward, Sapporo, Hokkaido 061-0232, Japan
Jozankei Onsen
4. Sapporo Starlight Dome
Share starry-eyed moments with your loved one
Good for: Couples, Unusual
Sapporo Starlight Dome is the only private planetarium in Hokkaido. It’s about a 5-minute walk from JR Teine Station. While the real night sky is spectacular, this awesome digital representation of the galaxy, accompanied by music, makes this enchanting planetarium a truly special place. This venue became a stage model for the anime series Kimi ni Todoke.
The dome, which is 15 meters in diameter and has a seating capacity for 160 people, hosts programs that span about 40 minutes, three to four times a day, complete with commentary based on themes like stars and the aurora borealis. Note that the reception opens 30 minutes before each program, and you can’t enter the museum halfway through a showing. On a special stage with a grand piano, there are planetarium concerts held from time to time. These are well worth checking out if you fancy live music and starry skies at the same time.
Location: 4-Chome Teinehoncho 2-Jo, Teine Ward, Sapporo, Hokkaido 006-0022, Japan
Open: Hours vary by season
Phone: +81 (0)11-691-2325
Sapporo Starlight Dome
5. Sapporo Dome (Daiwa House Premist Dome)
Catch a high-octane sports game
Good for: Couples, Families, Nightlife
Sapporo Dome (currently known as Daiwa House Premist Dome due to sponsorship reasons) is home to two professional teams: the Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters baseball team and the Consadole Sapporo soccer club. Don a scarf or hat to show your allegiance, then head off to the game. The Consadole Sapporo fans sing loudly for the full 90 minutes, making for a good-time atmosphere, so if you’re a football fan this should definitely be on your to-do list.
Meanwhile, baseball games come to life with special songs the crowd dedicates to each player. After a weekend match, you can even enjoy a game of catch outside. If there are no matches or events, you can take a behind-the-scenes tour of the locker room and bullpen instead. Visit the 53-meter-high Dome Observatory where you can enjoy spectacular views of the sprawling Sapporo cityscape and Mt. Teine, as well ariel glimpses of the magnificent dome interior.
Location: 1 Hitsujigaoka, Toyohira Ward, Sapporo, Hokkaido 062-0045, Japan
Open: Check the stadium’s event schedule to learn about the latest game times.
Phone: +81 (0)11-850-1000
Sapporo Dome (Daiwa House Premist Dome)
6. Horomitoge Observation Point
Fragrant lavender garden with stunning vistas
Good for: Couples, Nightlife, Photo
The Horomitoge Observation Point parking area boasts one of the best night vistas in the city. Sightseeing options in Sapporo don’t end when the sun goes down. In fact, Sapporo has long been considered one of Japan’s three Major Night Views, and Horomitoge takes the crown for its jaw-dropping after-dark scenery, including cinematic skyline views.
This site is famous for its bright purple lavender flowers in the summertime, and at night it turns into a parking area purely for enjoying post-twilight views of the city. Best of all, you can take your time and enjoy the scenes without even getting out of the car, so there’s nothing to worry about even in the colder weather.
Location: 471-110 Bankei, Chuo Ward, Sapporo, Hokkaido 064-0945, Japan
Open: 24/7 April–November. Closed December–March.
Phone: +81 (0)11-622-5167
Horomitoge Observation Point
7. Canoeing in Toyohira River
Enjoy Hokkaido’s wilderness together
Good for: Adventure, Couples, Photo
Head to Jozankei Onsen (Hokkaido’s largest hot spring town) to take a canoe down the Toyohira River. Put on a lifejacket and practice how to row, as instructed by an experienced mentor. When you’re ready, board a canoe for two. Guides will run alongside you, so you’ll be in good hands even if it’s your first time. In the summer, you can bring your swimsuit and splash about in the river, while in autumn you can admire the brightly colored autumn leaves as you canoe downstream.
Take advantage of set itineraries that include hot springs, safaris, and fruit picking, as well as collection/drop off services to and from your hotel.
Location: Jozankei, Minami Ward, Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan
Canoeing in Toyohira River
8. Ice Skating at Tsukisamu Gymnasium
Whizz around the rink all year round
Good for: Couples, Adventure
At Tsukisamu Gymnasium (a very short walk from Exit 3 of Tsukikan Central Station on the Toho Subway Line), you can enjoy ice skating year round. Ice skating is one of the most popular sports in Sapporo and it’s beloved by locals of all ages. Make sure you wear gloves, waterproof winter clothes, and long socks. Helmets and skates can be rented on the first floor of the gymnasium.
When you enter the skating rink, try to bend your knees and shift your weight forward. If this is your first time, it’s best to practice while grabbing onto the wall around the edge of the rink. Once you start feeling a bit more confident, you’ll be able to have a great time skating around while holding hands. There are plenty of events held here including ice skating shows and figure skating championships.
Location: 8 Chome-1 Tsukisamu Higashi 1 Jo, Toyohira Ward, Sapporo, Hokkaido 062-0051, Japan
Open: Daily from 9 am to 9 pm
Phone: +81 (0)11-851-1972
Ice Skating at Tsukisamu Gymnasium
9. Theater Kino
Screening unique foreign and Japanese films
Good for: Couples, Nightlife, Unusual
Big cinema complexes might screen the latest Hollywood blockbusters, but nothing beats a small indie movie theater for unique foreign and Japanese films. You’ll find Theatre Kino in Tanukikoji Shopping Street. It’s a unique movie house that shows arthouse and and alternative films that appeal to Sapporo film buffs. It screens whatever the owner wants to put on.
On the 2nd floor of the building, you’ll find two theatres with 63 and 100 seats. Mondays are special days for couples, where both of you can watch a film for ¥2,000. While waiting for your movie to start, you can relax at Kino Café on the same floor. At night, this transforms into Kino Bar where you can sip wine and read old books. It’s a 10-minute walk from Odori Station or Susukino Station.
Location: 2nd floor, Minami 3-Jo Grand Building, 6 Chome, Minami 3 Jonishi, Chuo Ward, Sapporo, Hokkaido 060-0063, Japan
Open: Visit the official website for the latest screening times.
Phone: +81 (0)11-231-9355
Theater Kino
10. Nakajima Park
Glorious greenspace that teems with attractions
Good for: Budget, Couples, Photo
Just a short walk from Susukino entertainment district in central Sapporo, Nakajima Park is one of the main places where locals like to relax. This tree-lined greenspace is lined with eye-catching sculptures, and benches edge the many paths. It’s an idyllic date spot. Take a tour of the Japanese garden and check out the quaint Hadoan tea room.
The park’s Hoheikan is a 19th century hotel built in the Meiji era, with striking white walls set between ultramarine blue columns and window frames. You can also take a row boat out onto Shobu Pond in the middle of the park. During the Yukiakari event in wintertime, endless snow candles light up the park, resulting in a magical atmosphere. And to top it all off, the park is home to the Sapporo Concert Hall Kitara where you can listen to live music. Don’t miss performances by the Sapporo Symphony Orchestra in the Great Hall.
Location: 1 Nakajimakoen, Chuo Ward, Sapporo, Hokkaido 064-0931, Japan
Open: 24/7, 365-days a year.
Phone: +81 (0)11-511-3924
Nakajima Park
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