Kita 3-jo Plaza (Akapla), Sapporo - a building lit up at night in a city
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Kita 3-jo Plaza (Akapla) Sapporo

4.2
·876 reviews·Sapporo, Japan

A central Sapporo plaza renowned for its stunning winter illuminations and the iconic Akarenga building backdrop.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Winter evenings

Illuminations are at their peak

CrowdLow
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Kita 3-jo Plaza (Akapla), Sapporo - a building lit up at night in a city

Kita 3-jo Plaza (Akapla) Sapporo

Best Time

Winter evenings

Illuminations are at their peak

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A central Sapporo plaza renowned for its stunning winter illuminations and the iconic Akarenga building backdrop.

4.2
(876 reviews)

"The AkaPla Illumination offers a mystical display of light, surprisingly empty and beautiful."

Vertical photo
TIP

📸 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 .

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

AkaPla Illumination

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

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

Ginkgo Tree Avenue

Kita 3-jo Plaza

Hokkaido's oldest roadside trees are adorned with colorful LED lights, creating a mystical atmosphere.

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Planning Your Visit

Embrace the Winter Glow

Kita 3-jo Plaza (Akapla) transforms into a magical winter wonderland with stunning illuminations. Visit during the AkaPla Illumination period (late November to mid-March) for the full experience. While it can be cold, the visual spectacle is worth it.Reddit

Convenient Sapporo Hub

Located near Sapporo Station and Susukino subway, Akapla is a central point for exploring the city. Its proximity to shops and restaurants makes it an ideal spot to start or end your day of sightseeing.Reddit

Best Times

When
Winter evenings
Why
Illuminations are at their peak
Crowd
Low
When
Fall afternoons
Why
Pleasant weather, outdoor seating
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

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@almaaurelia
16.5K likes • 89.2K views

📸 Capture the Magic

The illuminations are incredibly photogenic, especially with the Akarenga building. Visit during the evening for the best light.Reddit

⛸️ Enjoy the Rink

A limited skating rink is often available, offering a fun activity and a picturesque scene with the lights.Reddit

JAPAN Travel & Food Guide✈️🍴Everything you need to do, places to visit, food you must try when you are planning to go Sapporo, Hokkaido Japan🇯🇵 Save this video or share to anyone who is planning or dreaming for Japan trip this year🥰 #travelguide #foodguide #japantraveltips #japantravelguide #japantravel #thisisjapan #hokkaido #sapporo #winterholiday #japanesefood #japanthings
@nickandhelmi
5.5K likes • 245.2K views
Sapporo itinerary! My hotel recommendation is📍Hotel Lifort Sapporo due to it's convenient location, park view and affordable price 😍Save money and use my klook code DIANAINJAPAN 🥰 Link in the comments @Klook Travel #sapporo #sapporoitinerary #sapporohotel #hokkaido #pr #klookkreator #klookkreatorsinjp
@_diana_pina
4.5K likes • 77.4K views

🍽️ 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.Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Explore Nearby

Akapla is a great starting point. Explore the shops and restaurants in the underground mall or head to Susukino.Reddit

DO NOT SKIP THIS WHEN TRAVELLING TO SAPPORO 🐧 ✅ Admission: ¥ 1,000 ⏰ Parade schedule: Late December to Feb (twice daily) 11:00 AM and 2:30 PM 〰️ Mid-March (once daily) 11:00 AM only 🐾 The penguins walk around 30 minutes (500 meters). ❗️Arrive Early to ensure a good view and avoid crowds. ❗️Before your visit, check the zoo's website for the up-to-date schedule and for any changes.  HOW TO GET TH...
@wonderwithlisa
4K likes • 76.3K views

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.Reddit

⛸️ Enjoy the Rink

A limited skating rink is often available, offering a fun activity and a picturesque scene with the lights.Reddit

🍽️ 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.Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Explore Nearby

Akapla is a great starting point. Explore the shops and restaurants in the underground mall or head to Susukino.Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.2
(876 reviews)

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

Magical winter illuminations
Historic building backdrop
Central and convenient location

What People Dislike

Can be very cold in winter

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.Reddit Many itineraries suggest it as a central point in Sapporo.TikTok

Yes, it's conveniently located near Sapporo Station and the vibrant Susukino entertainment district, which offers numerous shops and restaurants.TikTokReddit

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.Reddit

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.Reddit

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.Reddit

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.Reddit

Yes, Akapla hosts various events, including the winter illuminations and sometimes a seasonal skating rink.Reddit 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.Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

For the iconic illumination shots, evenings are best. During the day, the historic Akarenga building offers great photographic opportunities.Reddit

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.Reddit

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.Reddit

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.Reddit

You can find a wide variety of Japanese cuisine, from local Hokkaido specialties to international options. Many places offer views of the plaza.Reddit

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.TikTok

Yes, there's an extensive underground shopping and dining network accessible from the area, which is great for escaping bad weather.TikTok

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

Kita 3-jo Plaza can be a delightful stop for families, especially during the winter illuminations. While the plaza itself is more about visual appeal, the nearby skating rink offers a fun activity for children.Reddit The open space allows kids to move around, and the dazzling lights can capture their imagination. Consider visiting during the day for a more relaxed experience, or brave the evening chill for the full illuminated spectacle. The plaza's central location also means easy access to family-friendly dining options and other attractions.

📸 Photography Enthusiasts

For photographers, Kita 3-jo Plaza is a dream during the winter months. The AkaPla Illumination provides a stunning canvas with its lit-up ginkgo trees and the historic Akarenga building as a backdrop.Reddit Bring a tripod to capture the best low-light shots and experiment with long exposures to create magical images. The plaza's relatively uncrowded nature during off-peak times allows for ample opportunity to find the perfect composition. Don't forget to capture the dynamic element of the skating rink if it's operational.Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Budget Travelers

Kita 3-jo Plaza is an excellent free attraction for budget travelers. The illuminations are free to view,Reddit offering a significant visual experience without any cost. Its central location near major transport hubs also means you can save on travel expenses. While dining and shopping in the area can add up, the plaza itself provides a memorable experience that doesn't require spending money. You can easily incorporate it into a day of exploring Sapporo's many free or low-cost sights.

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Enchanting AkaPla Illumination

The AkaPla Illumination is the star attraction at Kita 3-jo Plaza during the winter months. Running from late November to mid-March, this event transforms the plaza into a breathtaking spectacle of light. The highlight is the display on the ginkgo trees, which are the oldest roadside trees in Hokkaido, adorned with a kaleidoscope of colorful LED lights.Reddit

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.Reddit 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.Reddit Remember to dress warmly, as Sapporo winters can be quite cold.

A Central Hub for Exploration

Kita 3-jo Plaza's strategic location makes it an ideal starting point for exploring Sapporo. It's just a short walk from Sapporo Station, the city's main transportation hub, and also conveniently close to the bustling Susukino district, known for its entertainment and dining.TikTokReddit This central positioning means you can easily access JR lines and subway networks to venture further into the city or even to nearby destinations like Otaru.TikTok

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.Reddit 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.TikTok

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.

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