Standing proudly above Odori Park in the centre of the city, the 150-metre TV Tower acts as a compass point for visitors to Hokkaido. It's one of Hokkaido's tallest buildings and is beautifully illuminated after dark, making it unmissable from almost anywhere in the city. An observation deck is located at 90 metres and is a prime place to come during the Sapporo Snow Festival.
Sapporo TV Tower is often visited for its view. While the new Sapporo JR Tower observation deck is much higher, there's something iconic about gazing over Sapporo from this 1950s tower. Odori Park stretches out below, with the modern cityscape extending towards Mount Okura. Ice sculptures fill Odori Park for one February week during the Sapporo Snow Festival and the observation deck provides an excellent aerial view. From 90 metres up, visitors can appreciate both individual sculptures and the grand scale of the festival. From spring to autumn, the Odori Park below the tower offers a serene green space in the heart of the city.
Sapporo TV Tower can't be missed in the centre of Sapporo, on the east of Odori Park. It's a 15-minute walk south of Sapporo Train Station, as well as being just 200 metres from the Odori subway station. Tickets to the observation deck can be purchased at the base of the tower and the most popular time to visit is around dusk.
Sapporo TV Tower was one of Japan's most famous buildings when it was built in 1957 with its Eiffel Tower-inspired lattice design. Flashing lights on the tower have attracted visitors' eyes since 1961 when an electronics manufacturer donated bulbs and digital clocks to showcase their products.