JR Tower Observation Deck T38 sits on the 38th floor of the tower above Sapporo Station, directly connected to the station and the shops below. It is the highest public viewpoint in central Sapporo, with floor-to-ceiling windows that look over the whole city, south toward Odori Park and Susukino and out to the mountains in every other direction. The deck is open in the daytime and into the evening, with listed hours of 10:00 to 22:00, and many visitors come after dark when the grid of streets glows below. A cafe and a small bar area let you stay with a drink, and the lift ride from the station is short. On a cold or snowy day it is a good indoor stop, since you can reach it without stepping outside. The ticket desk is on the sixth floor of JR Tower East, and tickets can be bought in advance.
The view
From this height the layout of Sapporo is obvious. The straight lines of the grid run in all directions, Odori Park is a green band to the south, and the mountains frame the city. At night the view is the draw, with the lights of the streets and towers spread out below. In winter, falling snow under the lights is especially atmospheric. Windows are large and low, so photographs are easy, though reflections can be a problem at night, and pressing a lens to the glass helps.
Practical details
The deck is part of the JR Tower complex, so you reach it from inside Sapporo Station without going outside. Hours listed on the ticket page run from 10:00 to 22:00 each day, but check the operator's schedule for any changes. The deck is indoors and heated, which makes it a good plan for bad weather or when you are waiting for a train. Weekday evenings are quieter than weekends, and the best light for a sunset visit is in the hour before dusk, with the city coming alive during your visit.
Making a plan
Pair the deck with dinner in the station complex or in the underground shopping areas. If you also plan to visit the TV Tower, go to one by day and the other at night to compare them. The deck is a short visit of 30 to 60 minutes, so it works well on arrival day, before the hotel check-in, or on a departure day when your luggage is stored. Anyone staying at a hotel in the tower, such as the Nikko, can reach it in moments.
What to expect
The experience
A lift ride to the 38th floor, an indoor deck with floor-to-ceiling windows on all sides, and a cafe and bar area.
Best time
The hour before dusk through the evening, when the city lights come on below.
How long
About 30 to 60 minutes, longer with a drink.
Tips
Collect your ticket at the JR Tower East desk, go on a clear evening, and press your camera lens to the glass to cut reflections.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Night-view lovers and anyone who wants a dry, heated viewpoint in bad weather.
- Families
- Easy and indoors, though bedtime-friendly timing is earlier in the evening.
- Couples
- A drink at the window after dark, with snow falling in winter.
- Pair with
- The TV Tower, Odori Park and dinner in the station complex.
- Time needed
- Allow about an hour including the lift ride.
Good questions
How high is the JR Tower observation deck?+
The deck is on the 38th floor of the JR Tower above Sapporo Station. It is the highest public viewpoint in central Sapporo.
What are the opening hours?+
The ticket page lists 10:00 to 22:00 each day. Hours can change, so check the operator before you go.
Where do I collect or buy tickets?+
The ticket desk is on the sixth floor of JR Tower East. You can buy in advance and bring your confirmation.
Is it better by day or by night?+
Night is the most popular for the city lights, and dusk gives you both. A clear day shows the mountains around the city.
Is it connected to the station?+
Yes, the tower sits directly above Sapporo Station, so you can reach it without going outside. That makes it a good choice in snow.
