Kita 3-jo Plaza (Akapla) Sapporo
A central Sapporo plaza renowned for its stunning winter illuminations and the iconic Akarenga building backdrop.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Illuminations are at their peak
Kita 3-jo Plaza (Akapla) Sapporo
Best Time
Illuminations are at their peak

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A central Sapporo plaza renowned for its stunning winter illuminations and the iconic Akarenga building backdrop.
"The AkaPla Illumination offers a mystical display of light, surprisingly empty and beautiful."
📸 Capture the Magic
The illuminations are incredibly photogenic, especially with the Akarenga building. Visit during the evening for the best light .
⛸️ Enjoy the Rink
A limited skating rink is often available, offering a fun activity and a picturesque scene with the lights .
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

AkaPla Illumination
Kita 3-jo Plaza
Mesmerizing light displays on ginkgo trees and the Former Hokkaido Government Office Building. A truly enchanting winter spectacle.

Former Hokkaido Government Office Building
Adjacent to Kita 3-jo Plaza
This iconic red brick building, also known as Akarenga, serves as a stunning backdrop for the plaza's light shows.

Ginkgo Tree Avenue
Kita 3-jo Plaza
Hokkaido's oldest roadside trees are adorned with colorful LED lights, creating a mystical atmosphere.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Winter Glow
Convenient Sapporo Hub
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
📸 Capture the Magic
The illuminations are incredibly photogenic, especially with the Akarenga building. Visit during the evening for the best light.
⛸️ Enjoy the Rink
A limited skating rink is often available, offering a fun activity and a picturesque scene with the lights.
🍽️ Dine with a View
Several restaurants and cafes overlook the plaza, providing a cozy spot to enjoy a meal or drink while taking in the views.
🚶♀️ Explore Nearby
Akapla is a great starting point. Explore the shops and restaurants in the underground mall or head to Susukino.
Tips
from all over the internet
📸 Capture the Magic
The illuminations are incredibly photogenic, especially with the Akarenga building. Visit during the evening for the best light.
⛸️ Enjoy the Rink
A limited skating rink is often available, offering a fun activity and a picturesque scene with the lights.
🍽️ Dine with a View
Several restaurants and cafes overlook the plaza, providing a cozy spot to enjoy a meal or drink while taking in the views.
🚶♀️ Explore Nearby
Akapla is a great starting point. Explore the shops and restaurants in the underground mall or head to Susukino.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Kita 3-jo Plaza for its enchanting winter illuminations and its picturesque setting, especially with the historic Hokkaido Government Building as a backdrop. Its central location and the availability of nearby dining and shopping options are also frequently highlighted as positives. Some find the plaza surprisingly empty, allowing for a more serene experience.
"The famous winter illuminations in Sapporo Kita 3-jo Plaza, only a short walk from a Sapporo Station. The illuminations itself is now a nightly visual and audio show that surprisingly empty when I visited."
Justin Y
"Sapporo Kita 3-jo Plaza is located nearby susukino subway station where can reach anywhere in sapporo through JR and subway and so on!
when we were here, we felt here is looked somewhere in Europe especially Nederlands as similar as we experienced!
and, the famous Hokkaido government building decorated of background of plaza so beautifully!
isn't it so modern? as you see my photos?
we took the photos and felt so much freely!
oh, and there are so many shops and restaurants, cafe if you go down subway!
our experience was so special!"
SeongHo Cheon
"Limited skating rink there. Even you don't do skate there is nice outlook with illumination, rink and skating people."
No. 212
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Kita 3-jo Plaza is very accessible. It's a short walk from Sapporo Station and also near the Susukino subway station, making it easy to reach via JR or subway lines.
Many itineraries suggest it as a central point in Sapporo.Yes, it's conveniently located near Sapporo Station and the vibrant Susukino entertainment district, which offers numerous shops and restaurants.
The Sapporo subway system is efficient for getting around. Akapla's proximity to major stations means you can easily access different parts of the city.
While the subway is the most direct and recommended method, Sapporo has an extensive bus network. Check local bus routes for options if you prefer bus travel.
There are several parking garages in the vicinity of Sapporo Station and Susukino, but public transport is generally more convenient for accessing the plaza.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Kita 3-jo Plaza itself is a public space and generally free to enter. However, specific events or attractions within the plaza, like the skating rink, might have separate fees.
The AkaPla Illumination typically runs from late November to mid-March. Specific daily hours can vary, so it's best to check the official Sapporo tourism website for the most up-to-date schedule.
The main illumination display at Kita 3-jo Plaza is usually free to enjoy. This makes it a popular and accessible attraction for all visitors.
Yes, Akapla hosts various events, including the winter illuminations and sometimes a seasonal skating rink.
Keep an eye on local event listings.Absolutely! While the illuminations are a nighttime highlight, the plaza is pleasant to visit during the day, especially in warmer months when outdoor seating is available.
📸 📸 Photography
For the iconic illumination shots, evenings are best. During the day, the historic Akarenga building offers great photographic opportunities.
A tripod is highly recommended for low-light photography to capture sharp images of the illuminations. A camera with good low-light performance will also be beneficial.
The ginkgo trees lit up at night and the Akarenga building are prime subjects. Experiment with different angles to capture the scale and beauty of the displays.
Yes, as long as you are respectful of their privacy. The skating rink adds a dynamic element to your photos, especially with the festive lights in the background.
Generally, personal photography is allowed. However, always be mindful of other visitors and avoid using flash in a way that might disturb them.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, the area around Akapla is packed with dining options. You'll find numerous restaurants, cafes, and eateries, including those with outdoor seating during warmer months.
You can find a wide variety of Japanese cuisine, from local Hokkaido specialties to international options. Many places offer views of the plaza.
Definitely. The proximity to Sapporo Station and Susukino means there are plenty of cafes perfect for a warm drink and a break from the cold.
Yes, there's an extensive underground shopping and dining network accessible from the area, which is great for escaping bad weather.
While Nijo Market is the famous seafood hub, you can find excellent seafood restaurants in the broader Sapporo city center, including areas accessible from Akapla.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
🚶♀️ Budget Travelers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Enchanting AkaPla Illumination
Complementing the trees, color-changing spotlights illuminate the Former Hokkaido Government Office Building (Akarenga), creating vivid and ever-changing scenes. This combination of natural elements and artistic lighting makes for a truly magical and modern experience, often drawing comparisons to European cityscapes. The visual and audio shows add another layer to the immersive atmosphere.
Visitors often find the plaza surprisingly empty during the illuminations, allowing for a more personal and relaxed experience. It's a perfect spot for a romantic evening stroll or for capturing stunning photographs. Remember to dress warmly, as Sapporo winters can be quite cold.
A Central Hub for Exploration
The plaza itself is surrounded by amenities. You'll find a variety of shops and restaurants nearby, and during warmer months, outdoor seating offers a pleasant way to enjoy the surroundings. For those seeking shelter from the elements, an underground shopping street connects to the area, providing access to more retail and dining options, perfect for rainy or snowy days.
Its accessibility and proximity to key areas make Akapla a practical and enjoyable stop for any Sapporo itinerary. Whether you're looking for a quick photo opportunity, a place to relax, or a convenient transit point, this plaza offers it all.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit