Sapporo Dome

Though the Sapporo Dome is best known as the home ground of the Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters and the soccer team Hokkaido Consadole Sapporo, it is a tourist destination in its own right. Perfect for sports fans of all kinds and featuring the world’s first “hovering” soccer field, it is full of activities even on days when concerts or sports games are not taking place. Take a tour of the stadium, jog through the nearby grounds or go up to the observation deck and look out onto the rolling nearby hills.

Appreciate the atmosphere of a soccer or baseball game, two of Japan’s favorite sports. Stop at the on-site store to purchase team merchandise. Then join the roaring crowds as they cheer on their hometown teams. Pop into the small exhibit area near the West Gate for information on the Ham Fighters and Consadole. View some of the concert merchandise collected over the years.

During the day, come back to see some of the site’s other attractions. Ride the impressive 200-foot (60-meter) escalator up to the Observation Deck. Bring binoculars to look far out into the distance.

Get a behind-the-scenes look at the operation of the dome and its teams with a Guided Tour or work out like one of the athletes in the on-site gym. Otherwise, just stroll around the grounds, dotted with sculptures, and appreciate the stadium’s futuristic form.

Sapporo Dome is located southeast of downtown Sapporo, but is well connected to the city. Take the subway from downtown Sapporo to the closest stop in about 15 minutes and walk to the stadium in 10 minutes. Drive from JR Sapporo Station in 30 minutes. Get to the dome in 45 minutes by bus or 1 hour by subway from the airport. On game days, shuttle services provide shorter connections throughout the region. Limited metered parking is available, though not on concert nights. Parking must be booked in advance during soccer and baseball games.

The observation deck is open daily from mid-morning to early evening. Pay varying fees for most of the services offered at the dome.