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20 Recommended Driving Spots Near Sapporo [2025 Edition]: From Classic Destinations to Hidden Gems for a Day Trip
The suburbs of Sapporo are full of wonderful driving spots for shopping, dining, hot springs, art, and more! Here are 20 recommended driving destinations near Sapporo (in Sapporo, Ebetsu, Eniwa, Kitahiroshima, and Chitose) that are perfect for families and couples.
- Mt. Moiwa Observation Deck (Sapporo): A Breathtaking View Overlooking Sapporo
- Maruyama Zoo (Sapporo): Learn About Animal Ecology in a Fun Way
- Jozankei Onsen Town (Sapporo): Sapporo's Hot Spring Retreat Known for Beautiful Nature
- Ebetsu Tsutaya Books (Ebetsu): Enjoy Reading with a Coffee in Hand
- ES CON FIELD HOKKAIDO
(Kitahiroshima): A New Kind of Entertainment Ballpark - Roadside Station Hana Road Eniwa (Eniwa): Where the Best of Eniwa, the 'City of Flowers,' Gathers
- Lake Shikotsu (Chitose): Superb Activities on a Crystal-Clear Lake
- Sapporo Hitsujigaoka Observation Hill (Sapporo): A Panoramic View of the City with the Dr. Clark Statue
- Shiroi Koibito Park (Sapporo): A Confectionery Theme Park with Factory Tours
- Moerenuma Park (Sapporo): A Park Combining Art and Play
- Sapporo Art Park (Sapporo): Enjoy Craft Experiences at an Arts Hub Rich in Nature
- Oku-Jozankei Kamuy no Mori
(Sapporo): An Orchard for Fruit Picking and Attractions - Horomi Pass Observation Parking Lot / Lavender Garden (Sapporo): A Scenic Point Popular for its Summer Lavender
- Ecorin Village (Eniwa): A Colorful Ecology Theme Garden Where You Can Also Learn About SDGs
- Hokuren Kururu no Mori (Kitahiroshima): Learn About Agriculture by Touching and Tasting
- Mitsui Outlet Park Sapporo Kitahiroshima (Kitahiroshima): A Full Lineup of Apparel and Hokkaido Gourmet
- Calbee Hokkaido Factory (Chitose): A Peek into the Manufacturing Process of Famous Snacks
- Roadside Station Salmon Park Chitose (Chitose): Enjoy Fresh Local Vegetables and Restaurants
- Chitose Salmon Aquarium (Chitose): Observe Chitose River Creatures in a Giant Tank
- Hakkenzan Winery (Sapporo): A Winery and Exquisite Restaurant in the Heart of Nature
1. Mt. Moiwa Observation Deck (Sapporo): A Breathtaking View Overlooking Sapporo
Located almost in the center of Sapporo City, Mt. Moiwa stands at an elevation of 531 meters. From the observation deck at the summit, you can get a panoramic view of Sapporo. By day, enjoy a 360-degree spectacle of the city's skyscrapers interwoven with lush nature. By night, a beautiful cityscape unfolds, so stunning it has been selected multiple times as one of 'Japan's New Three Major Night Views.' There are also five hiking trails that can be climbed in light gear, making it a popular spot for casual mountain climbing in the summer.
■Business Hours
・Mt. Moiwa Ropeway (Sanroku Station to Chufuku Station) *Last ascent 21:30 *Runs every 15 minutes
Summer (April–November) 10:30–22:00 / Winter (December–March) 11:00–22:00
・Mini Cable Car "Morris Car" (Chufuku Station to Sancho Station) *Last ascent 21:40 *Runs every 15 minutes
Summer (April–November) 10:30–21:50 / Winter (December–March) 11:10–21:50
■Closed: March 26 (Wed) – April 24 (Thu), 2025, December 31 (Wed), 2025
■Admission: Ropeway (Sanroku Station to Chufuku Station) + Mini Cable Car "Morris Car" (Chufuku Station to Sancho Station) Set
Round trip: Adults 2,100 yen / Children 1,050 yen
■Location: 5-3-7 Fushimi, Chuo-ku, Sapporo
Click here for details and map information for 'Mt. Moiwa Observation Deck (Sapporo)'
2. Maruyama Zoo (Sapporo): Learn About Animal Ecology in a Fun Way
Opened in 1951, this was the first zoo in Hokkaido. You can learn about animal ecology in an enjoyable way through facilities like the Polar Bear House, where you can watch polar bears swim dynamically from an underwater tunnel; the Elephant House, where you can see adorable parent-child elephants and learn about their lives; the Asia Zone, home to popular animals like cute red pandas and Amur tigers; and the 'Orangutans and the Forest of Borneo' exhibit, which opened on May 21, 2024.
■Business Hours: March–October 9:30–16:30 / November–February 9:30–16:00 *Last admission is 30 minutes before closing time
*Closing days vary by season, so please check the official website.
■Admission: Adults 800 yen / High school students 400 yen / Junior high school students and younger Free
■Location: 3-1 Miyagaoka, Chuo-ku, Sapporo
Click here for details and map information for 'Maruyama Zoo (Sapporo)'
3. Jozankei Onsen Town (Sapporo): Sapporo's Hot Spring Retreat Known for Beautiful Nature
Jozankei Onsen Town is a popular hot spring resort in Hokkaido, accessible in just under an hour by car from central Sapporo. Jozankei is also famous as a scenic spot where you can encounter beautiful landscapes in every season. There are several bridges offering views of the rich national forest and valley. In autumn, many tourists visit to see the fall foliage reflected on the water's surface, with the bright red Futami Tsuribashi (suspension bridge) being a particularly popular photo spot.
■Location: 3-chome Higashi, Jozankei Onsen, Minami-ku, Sapporo
Click here for details and map information for 'Jozankei Onsen Town (Sapporo)'
4. Ebetsu Tsutaya Books (Ebetsu): Enjoy Reading with a Coffee in Hand
Based on the concept of a 'slow life in a garden city,' this is a large, lifestyle-oriented complex of three buildings focused on food, knowledge, and living. Here, visitors can enjoy their time in their own way, whether it's through the 'BOOK & CAFE' where you can relax with a coffee and a book anywhere in the store, the 'HOKKAIDO FOOD PARK' featuring up-and-coming restaurants that represent the next generation of Hokkaido, or the 'Kids Park' where children can play.
■Business Hours: 9:00–22:00
*Business hours and closing days differ for each tenant shop, so please check the official website for details.
■Location: 14-1 Makibacho, Ebetsu
Click here for details and map information for 'Ebetsu Tsutaya Books (Ebetsu)'
5. ES CON FIELD HOKKAIDO (Kitahiroshima): A New Kind of Entertainment Ballpark
At ES CON FIELD HOKKAIDO, you can enjoy watching baseball in ways that defy convention, such as from a hot spring and sauna, or from a craft beer brewery. The facility also features restaurants offering cuisine from all over Japan, not just Hokkaido, as well as entertainment, a children's playground, and glamping facilities, ensuring there's plenty to enjoy even without a baseball game.
■Business Hours: *Please check the official website for details on gate opening times and individual store hours.
■Location: 1 F Village, Kitahiroshima
Click here for details and map information for 'ES CON FIELD HOKKAIDO
6. Roadside Station Hana Road Eniwa (Eniwa): Where the Best of Eniwa, the 'City of Flowers,' Gathers
Known as the 'City of Flowers,' Eniwa is home to Hana Road Eniwa, a roadside station themed around flowers, water, greenery, and rural landscapes. Located roughly halfway between Sapporo and New Chitose Airport on the national highway, it boasts excellent access. In addition to eateries serving skillet curry, freshly baked bread, and a tea stand, there are also shops selling cosmetics, miscellaneous goods, and local specialty products.
■Business Hours: April–October 9:00–18:00 / November–March 9:00–17:00
*Last order for the skillet curry restaurant 'Konayuki Tonton' is 30 minutes before closing.
■Location: 817-18 Minamishimamatsu, Eniwa
Click here for details and map information for 'Hana Road Eniwa (Eniwa)'
7. Lake Shikotsu (Chitose): Superb Activities on a Crystal-Clear Lake
Boasting the best water quality in Japan, Lake Shikotsu is a caldera lake located within Shikotsu-Toya National Park. It is also famous for being Japan's northernmost ice-free lake. Along its shores, you'll find hot springs and a shopping street where you can eat the local specialty, kokanee salmon. You can also enjoy activities like camping, canoeing, and boating amidst the beautiful natural surroundings.
■Location: Shikotsuko Onsen, Chitose
Click here for details and map information for 'Lake Shikotsu (Chitose)'
8. Sapporo Hitsujigaoka Observation Hill (Sapporo): A Panoramic View of the City with the Dr. Clark Statue
This popular tourist spot, symbolized by the statue of Dr. Clark, welcomes visitors with adorable sheep. The view of the Sapporo Dome seen past the Dr. Clark statue is one of Sapporo's iconic landscapes. With events to enjoy throughout the year, delicious food, and a museum where you can learn about the history of the Sapporo Snow Festival, this facility is packed with attractions.
■Business Hours: June–September 9:00–18:00 / October–May 9:00–17:00
■Admission
・Until March 31, 2025: Adults 600 yen / Elementary & junior high school students 300 yen / Preschoolers Free
・From April 1, 2025: Adults 1,000 yen / Elementary & junior high school students 500 yen / Preschoolers Free
■Location: 1 Hitsujigaoka, Toyohira-ku, Sapporo
Click here for details and map information for 'Sapporo Hitsujigaoka Observation Hill (Sapporo)'
9. Shiroi Koibito Park (Sapporo): A Confectionery Theme Park with Factory Tours
This facility allows you to tour the manufacturing process of 'Shiroi Koibito,' one of Hokkaido's most famous confections. There's a tour where you can learn the secrets behind the delicious chocolate, and a corner where you can create your own original 'Shiroi Koibito' as a souvenir. Outdoors, you'll find a rose garden in full bloom and stone buildings, offering plenty of great photo opportunities.
■Business Hours: 10:00–19:00 *Please check the official website for last admission to paid areas.
■Admission: Paid Area Admission: High school students and older 800 yen / Junior high school students and younger 400 yen / Children 3 and under Free *Separate fees required for other paid experiences.
■Location: 2-2-11-36 Miyanosawa, Nishi-ku, Sapporo
Click here for details and map information for 'Shiroi Koibito Park (Sapporo)'
10. Moerenuma Park (Sapporo): A Park Combining Art and Play
Designed by sculptor Isamu Noguchi with the entire park conceived as a single sculpture, this popular park attracts art lovers from all over the world. Its majestic appearance as one of Sapporo's representative art parks is called the 'Sculpture of the Earth,' and it shows different expressions depending on the time of day and season. It's also a great spot for recreation, with cherry blossoms in spring, water play in summer, fireworks by top pyrotechnicians in autumn, and snow play in winter.
■Business Hours: 7:00–22:00 *Gate opening times vary by area.
■Admission: Free
■Location: 1-1 Moerenuma Koen, Higashi-ku, Sapporo
Click here for details and map information for 'Moerenuma Park (Sapporo)'
11. Sapporo Art Park (Sapporo): Enjoy Craft Experiences at an Arts Hub Rich in Nature
This is an arts hub featuring an art museum, craft studios, an outdoor stage, and music practice facilities. Dotted throughout the forest are the Sapporo Art Museum, which hosts various exhibitions; the Outdoor Museum, where you can enjoy art that integrates with nature and changes with the seasons; and various craft studios, such as wood and glass workshops, where you can enjoy hands-on creative experiences. It's a place that will stimulate your curiosity just by visiting.
■Business Hours: 9:45–17:00 *Until 17:30 from June to August
■Admission: Park entry is free
・Sapporo Art Park Outdoor Museum: Adults 700 yen / Seniors (65+) 560 yen / Junior high school students and younger Free
・Sapporo Art Museum: *Varies by exhibition
■Location: 2-75 Geijutsunomori, Minami-ku, Sapporo
Click here for details and map information for 'Sapporo Art Park (Sapporo)'
12. Oku-Jozankei Kamuy no Mori (Sapporo): An Orchard for Fruit Picking and Attractions
Oku-Jozankei Kamuy no Mori (formerly Jozankei Farm) is an orchard located near Sapporo's Hoheikyo Dam. Starting with strawberries in June, you can enjoy picking various fruits like cherries and grapes until early November. In addition to fruit picking, there are various attractions such as a fishing pond, tree trekking, and a zip line, making it a great spot for the whole family to enjoy.
■Business Hours: Late April–End of September 10:00–17:00 / October–Early November 10:00–16:00
■Admission: Entrance Fee: Junior high school students and older 600 yen / Ages 4 and up 500 yen / Ages 3 and under Free
■Location: 832 Jozankei, Minami-ku, Sapporo
Click here for details and map information for 'Oku-Jozankei Kamuy no Mori
13. Horomi Pass Observation Parking Lot / Lavender Garden (Sapporo): A Scenic Point Popular for its Summer Lavender
This scenic spot is located close to the city center, about a 10-minute drive from Maruyama Koen subway station. The observation parking lot, open from April to November, offers a panoramic view of Sapporo's cityscape and is also famous as one of the city's night view spots. Furthermore, the lavender garden is bustling with people in the summer, allowing you to enjoy different iconic Sapporo views depending on the season and time of day.
■Hours: April–November, open 24 hours
*Motorcycles and bicycles are not allowed due to the automated gate payment system.
*Entry on foot is permitted from 9:00 to 17:00.
■Fee: 3:00–17:00 500 yen / 17:00–3:00 800 yen
■Hours: Annually from early July to late July, 9:00–17:00
■Fee: Horomi Pass Lavender Garden admission is free / 500 yen per car (includes parking fee)
*Harvesting fee starts from 500 yen (varies by plant size)
■Location: 471-110 Bankei, Chuo-ku, Sapporo (Horomi Pass Summit)
Click here for details and map information for 'Horomi Pass Observation Parking Lot / Lavender Garden (Sapporo)'
14. Ecorin Village (Eniwa): A Colorful Ecology Theme Garden Where You Can Also Learn About SDGs
This ecology theme garden boasts a total area of 150 hectares. With up to 1,000 sheep grazing on vast farmland and an English-style garden that blooms with flowers in every season, there is plenty to see. The 'Tomato Forest,' certified as the world's largest tomato plant, is a must-see. The entire facility is a spot where children can learn about SDGs initiatives together with their families.
■Business Hours
・Welcome Center: April–October 9:30–17:00 / November–March 10:00–17:00
・Restaurant Rakudaken: 10:00–18:00 (Last order 17:00)
・Sheep sheep camping field: Spring season scheduled to start from April 29 (Tue)
・Tomato Forest: From late April
■Admission: Free entry to Ecorin Village *Separate fees for restaurant and campsite use.
■Location: 277-4 Makiba, Eniwa
Click here for details and map information for 'Ecorin Village (Eniwa)'
15. Hokuren Kururu no Mori (Kitahiroshima): Learn About Agriculture by Touching and Tasting
At Hokuren Kururu no Mori's farming and cooking workshops, you can experience the entire process of how the food you eat gets from the fields and rice paddies to your table. It's packed with the fun and excitement of connecting with agriculture, from observing crops and participating in cooking classes to tasting freshly picked vegetables. The on-site restaurant serves dishes that make the most of fresh Hokkaido ingredients.
■Business Hours: Restaurant 11:00–15:30 (Last entry 14:20) / Workshops held on weekends and holidays only
■Location: 377-1 Omagari, Kitahiroshima
Click here for details and map information for 'Hokuren Kururu no Mori Farming & Cooking Workshops (Kitahiroshima)'
Click here for details and map information for 'Hokuren Kururu no Mori Farm Restaurant (Kitahiroshima)'
16. Mitsui Outlet Park Sapporo Kitahiroshima (Kitahiroshima): A Full Lineup of Apparel and Hokkaido Gourmet
This is Hokkaido's largest all-weather outlet mall, with a retail space of approximately 30,000 square meters housing a wide variety of stores. Here you can find everything from brand-name shopping to the latest popular gourmet foods, souvenirs, and even Hokkaido's agricultural and marine products. Events for children are held regularly, making it a spot where the whole family can enjoy shopping and dining at once.
■Business Hours: Shops 10:00–20:00 / Restaurants 11:00–21:00 / Food Court 10:30–21:00 (Last order 20:30)
■Location: 3-7-6 Omagari Saiwaicho, Kitahiroshima
Click here for details and map information for 'Mitsui Outlet Park Sapporo Kitahiroshima (Kitahiroshima)'
17. Calbee Hokkaido Factory (Chitose): A Peek into the Manufacturing Process of Famous Snacks
This facility offers a tour of the manufacturing process for the familiar Calbee Potato Chips and the popular souvenir 'Jaga Pokkuru.' With a guide, you can enjoy watching how raw potatoes harvested in Hokkaido are turned into potato chips. Don't miss the impressive sight of potato chips flowing down the production line like a waterfall.
■Business Hours: Factory tours Mon–Thu (excluding holidays) 9:30– / 13:30– (Duration approx. 90 minutes)
■Admission: Free
■Location: 779-4 Kitashinano, Chitose
Click here for details and map information for 'Calbee Hokkaido Factory (Chitose)'
18. Roadside Station Salmon Park Chitose (Chitose): Enjoy Fresh Local Vegetables and Restaurants
This roadside station features shops where you can buy products made with Chitose's specialty salmon, a direct sales market for fresh Hokkaido vegetables and fruits, as well as restaurants and a food court. Inside the facility, there is also a kids' space with play equipment for young children. In the adjacent Chitose River, an Indian water wheel, which operates solely on water power, is installed from mid-July to early December, and you can watch the salmon being caught as they swim upstream from the bridge.
■Business Hours: 9:00–17:00 *Hours may vary by facility.
■Location: 2-4-2 Hanazono, Chitose
Click here for details and map information for 'Roadside Station Salmon Park Chitose (Chitose)'
19. Chitose Salmon Aquarium (Chitose): Observe Chitose River Creatures in a Giant Tank
The Chitose Salmon Aquarium has one of Japan's largest freshwater tanks. Inside, you can observe the ecology of salmon and various other freshwater fish from the northern regions, as well as the creatures of the Chitose River throughout the seasons. The schools of salmon heading upstream to spawn are a particularly spectacular sight. The aquarium also hosts many events, such as salmon fry release programs, and special exhibitions.
■Business Hours: Regular hours 9:00–17:00 / Winter short hours (December–February) 10:00–16:00
■Admission: Adults 800 yen / High school students 500 yen / Elementary & junior high school students 300 yen / Infants Free
■Location: 2-312 Hanazono, Chitose
Click here for details and map information for 'Chitose Salmon Aquarium (Chitose)'
20. Hakkenzan Winery (Sapporo): A Winery and Exquisite Restaurant in the Heart of Nature
Located at the foot of Mt. Hakken, one of Hokkaido's 100 famous mountains, this winery features a striking red brewery set against a backdrop of lush greenery and vineyards. At the on-site 'Hakkenzan Kitchen & Marche,' you can savor dishes made with local Hokkaido ingredients and purchase various wines and fruit jams. With a park golf course, a horse riding club, and Jozankei Onsen nearby, it's a perfect stop for a scenic drive.
■Business Hours
・Hakkenzan Kitchen & Marche: 9:00–16:00 (L.O. 15:30)
・Hakkenzan Gallery: 10:00–16:00 (December–March: Fri, Sat, Sun & holidays only)
■Closed
・Hakkenzan Kitchen & Marche: Thursdays
■Hakkenzan Gallery: Wednesdays & Thursdays / December–March: Mondays–Thursdays (excluding holidays)
■Location: 194-1 Toyama, Minami-ku, Sapporo
Click here for details and map information for 'Hakkenzan Winery (Sapporo)'
*All information is current as of March 2025.
*All information is subject to change. Please check the official websites for the latest details.
