JR Tower Observation Deck T38

Sapporo’s JR Tower is the city’s tallest building, standing 173 m tall.

The observatory on the top floor — the 38th floor, hence the name T38 — has 360-degree views over central Sapporo and to the mountains beyond. It’s open late, too, so you can choose between a day or night view. Or time it around dusk and go for both.

What to see

Besides the stunning panoramic view, you can browse the artwork and the gift shop. There’s also a café where you can sit and have a drink while admiring the view.

How much are T38 tickets?

Tickets can be purchased online or from the ticket counter on the sixth floor of JR Tower. Same-day admission is ¥740 for adults, ¥520 for junior high and high school students, and ¥320 for children from age 4 through elementary school. Kids aged 3 and under are free, and seniors aged 60 and over get ¥100 off with ID. Visit on your birthday, or the day before or after, and you get in free.

Is it cheaper to book in advance? Not for admission alone. T38’s official web tickets are bundles: entry plus a soft drink for ¥1,050 (normally ¥1,240), or entry plus a cake set for ¥1,250 (normally ¥1,440). That ¥190 saving only counts if you were going to buy something at the café anyway. You can also purchase tickets online through Klook. Compare its price with the ¥740 counter rate before you book.

Is T38 worth it?

For the money, T38 is one of the better-value views in Sapporo. At ¥740, it costs less than Sapporo TV Tower (¥1,200), and its viewpoint is 160 m up, compared with about 90 m at the TV Tower’s deck. The only free option in the city center is the rooftop observation walkway at Sapporo City Hall, and that’s open only on weekdays from late April to October 31, 9:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m., so it’s no help for a night view.

Getting to JR Tower T38

JR Tower is attached to JR Sapporo Station — Sapporo’s main train station. That part is easy enough, although navigating the station can be a little tricky. If you’re in the station’s basement, look for signs pointing to Sapporo Stellar Place; from there you can take the elevator to the sixth floor, which is where you get the special elevator to the 38th floor.

Coming from the first floor, head for JR Tower Hotel Nikko Sapporo, which occupies floors 22 through 36 of JR Tower.

Heading off on travels around Hokkaidō? Find out how to ride the rails for cheap with a JR Hokkaidō rail pass.