Visiting the Sapporo Olympic Museum (札幌オリンピックミュージアム) with kids is like stepping straight into Japan’s snowy sporting history, where fun and learning glide side by side. This Sapporo winter sports museum, nestled beside the Okurayama ski jump (大倉山ジャンプ競技場) that once echoed with cheers from the 1972 Winter Olympics, turns athletic achievement into hands-on play. Inside the Sapporo Olympic Museum, vibrant displays, playful simulators, and even vintage tickets from the 1972 Games bring Olympic stories to life across every exhibit and timeline of opening hours.
As you plan your trip to Sapporo, this guide is a great place to start! Begin with our Best Things to Do in Sapporo with Kids guide for hands-on museums, winter fun, local neighborhoods, and seasonal highlights. You can also explore our Sapporo with Kids Hub to find all our guides, adventure stories, and age-specific tips in one easy place. For broader inspiration across Japan, don’t miss our Ultimate Guide to Family Attractions in Japan with Kids for theme parks, cultural treasures, nature adventures, and unique experiences across the country.
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Why Sapporo Olympic Museum is Great for Families with Kids
- Hands-on simulators let kids experience the rush of ski jumping, bobsleighing, and speed skating in a fun, safe environment.
- The interactive exhibits turn Olympic history into play, letting children explore medals, uniforms, and torches from Japan’s 1972 Winter Games.
- Located beside the Okurayama Ski Jump Stadium, families can easily pair a museum visit with a ride up the ski lift for panoramic city views.
- The museum’s modern design and family-friendly layout make it easy for kids to explore at their own pace, no long waits or strict order needed.
- Seasonal displays and rotating activities keep things fresh, making it worth a revisit during different times of year.
Parent Insight: Sports museums like the Sapporo Olympic Museum are a wonderful way to help children understand the value of perseverance, teamwork, and resilience. Trying a simulator where they fall or “miss the landing” becomes a natural lesson in learning through play, and reminds families that every athlete, just like every child, starts with curiosity and courage before skill.
Best Things to Do at Sapporo Olympic Museum with Kids
- Ski Jump Simulator: Step into the shoes of a real athlete and feel the thrill of launching off the Okurayama jump, kids can test balance, timing, and bravery in this fun, safe digital challenge.
- Bobsleigh and Speed Skating Games: Race against the clock in motion-based simulators that get the whole family laughing and cheering together.
- Ice Hockey Goalie Simulator: Slip on virtual goalie gloves and see if you can block fast-flying pucks in this quick-reflex challenge.
- Cross-Country Skiing Race Simulator: Glide through snowy trails in a timed race that gets hearts pumping and laughter going, great family competition!
- Timing the Takeoff Simulator: Test your coordination as you match the perfect moment for a ski jump takeoff, just like real Olympic athletes.
- Winter Sports Theater: Sit back in a mini theater to experience the highlights of Japan’s Winter Games through immersive video and sound.
- Olympic Memorabilia Gallery: Explore medals, uniforms, and 1972 Sapporo Winter Olympics memorabilia that show how Japan’s first Winter Games came to life.
- Interactive Learning Zone: Younger visitors can press buttons, lift panels, and see how snow, ice, and physics combine to make winter sports possible.
- Panoramic Chairlift Ride: Combine your visit with a lift ride up Okurayama Ski Jump Stadium for breathtaking city and mountain views.
Practical Tips for Visiting Sapporo Olympic Museum with Kids
- Cost: ¥ – Adults ¥670; free for junior high school students and younger.
- Best Age Range: Ages 5+, school-age kids will love the simulators, while younger ones can still enjoy watching and exploring.
- Stroller-Friendly?: Yes, the museum is fully accessible by elevator.
- Rest Areas: Seating available inside the museum and near the entrance hall; shaded benches outside the Okurayama Ski Jump area.
- Food: No restaurant inside, but a small café and vending machines are nearby.
Best Time to Visit Sapporo Olympic Museum with Kids
The best time to visit Sapporo Olympic Museum with kids is during the morning or early afternoon, when crowds are lightest and simulators are easier to access without long waits. Visiting in the winter season adds extra magic, with real snow on the surrounding Okurayama Ski Jump hill making the whole experience feel like a live Olympic scene.
Spring and autumn offer crisp, clear views from the ski lift and milder temperatures for outdoor exploring, while summer brings longer daylight hours and comfortable indoor fun if you want a break from the heat.
Arriving early helps kids enjoy the simulators at their own pace, and if you pair your visit with the ski lift, aim to go before noon for the clearest panoramic views of Sapporo.
For year-round planning, explore our Japan Seasonal Guides for Families, including detailed resources for spring, summer, autumn, winter, and our full Best Time to Visit Japan with Kids guide.
How Long to Spend at Sapporo Olympic Museum with Kids
Plan to spend about 1–2 hours at the Sapporo Olympic Museum with kids, enough time to explore the interactive simulators, browse the exhibits, and watch a short film in the Winter Sports Theater at a relaxed family pace.
Families with toddlers or younger kids may finish in under an hour, focusing mainly on the hands-on areas and colorful displays. School-age children and older kids often stay longer, especially those who love testing their skills on the ski jump, bobsleigh, or cross-country race simulators.
If you’re combining your visit with the Okurayama Ski Jump observation deck, add another 30–45 minutes for the chairlift ride and time at the top for photos and city views.
How to Get to Sapporo Olympic Museum with Kids
- By Train and Bus: Take the Tozai Subway Line to Maruyama Koen Station, then transfer to a local bus toward Okurayama Ski Jump Stadium. The ride takes about 10 minutes, followed by a 10-minute walk to the museum.
- By Taxi: The museum is approximately 10 minutes from Maruyama Koen Subway Station and around 20 minutes from central Sapporo, depending on traffic.
- Accessibility Note: The final uphill stretch from the bus stop to the museum can be slippery in winter.
Luca & Nico’s Tip: Ski jumping events are still held at the real Okurayama hill, so check ahead, if your visit lines up with one, you might catch athletes soaring through the air just like in the Olympics!
If your trip includes bullet trains, don’t miss our Shinkansen With Kids guide for tips on seats, luggage, and navigating stations with little travelers. Parents comparing rail options can also see our Japan Rail Pass Guide to understand when the pass is worth it for families. And if you want stress-free station transfers, our Japan Luggage Delivery Guide explains how to send suitcases ahead so your family can travel light and move easily between cities.
Family-Friendly Hotels Near Sapporo Olympic Museum
- Luxury
- JR Tower Hotel Nikko Sapporo – About 20 minutes by car from the museum. A top-tier family stay offering spacious rooms, on-site onsen baths, and panoramic city views directly above Sapporo Station.
- Hotel Sosei Sapporo MGallery Collection – Roughly 15–20 minutes by car. A stylish blend of art and comfort with thoughtful family services, elegant interiors, and convenient access to central Sapporo attractions.
- Vessel Hotel Campana Susukino – Around 15 minutes by car. Modern, comfortable, and welcoming for families with large baths, kid amenities, and free children’s breakfast.
- Mid-Range
- Vessel Inn Sapporo Nakajima Park – About 20 minutes by car. Cozy and practical for families, with park access and complimentary breakfast ideal for early starts.
- KEIO PRELIA HOTEL Sapporo – Around 15 minutes by car. Known for its clean, quiet rooms and family-friendly service close to Sapporo Station.
- La’gent Stay Sapporo Odori Hokkaido – Roughly 15 minutes by car. A comfortable mid-range option featuring a public bath, family rooms, and easy access to Odori Park.
- Cross Hotel Sapporo – About 20 minutes by car. Trendy yet kid-friendly, with spacious bathrooms and proximity to shopping and restaurants.
- Budget
- JR East Hotel Mets Premier Sapporo – Approximately 20 minutes by car. Offers reliable comfort, family-sized rooms, and direct access to Sapporo Station.
- Karaksa Hotel Sapporo – About 15 minutes by car. Designed for family travel with connecting rooms and an excellent breakfast buffet.
- Tokyu Stay Sapporo Odori – Around 15 minutes by car. Features in-room washers, kitchenettes, and a convenient downtown location perfect for longer family stays.
Finding the right base can make exploring Hokkaido easier and more enjoyable with kids. Our Best Family Hotels in Japan guide highlights family-friendly stays across the country, from modern hotels with spacious rooms to cozy ryokan and hot spring retreats. If you’re still choosing which Hokkaido destinations to include in your trip, explore our family guides to Sapporo, Otaru, Hakodate, Asahikawa, Furano & Biei for ideas on what to see, do, and experience with kids.
Family-Friendly Attractions Near Sapporo Olympic Museum
- Maruyama Zoo – One of Sapporo’s most beloved family attractions featuring polar bears, red pandas, and interactive learning exhibits perfect for younger children.
- Maruyama Park – Ideal for a relaxed picnic, playground time, or cherry blossom viewing in spring.
- Hokkaido Shrine – A peaceful cultural stop where families can stroll through tree-lined paths and make a wish together at the main hall.
- Mt. Moiwa Ropeway – Take the cable car up for one of Sapporo’s best panoramic views, especially beautiful at sunset.
- Shiroi Koibito Park – A chocolate-themed wonderland where kids can watch sweets being made and decorate their own treats, one of Sapporo’s sweetest stops.
- Sapporo Waterworks Memorial Museum – A fun, educational stop where children can explore how water travels through the city. Exhibits and models make science come alive in a hands-on way.
- Sapporo Fushimi Inari Shrine – This small shrine features rows of bright red torii gates reminiscent of Kyoto’s Fushimi Inari, a great photo spot and peaceful walk for families.
- Sapporo TV Tower & Odori Park – Families can enjoy sweeping city views from the tower and seasonal events in the park below.
If you’re mapping out your wider Japan route, start with our Japan 14-Day Family Itinerary for a balanced mix of major cities, culture, and kid-friendly highlights. Families comparing trip lengths often find it helpful to look at multiple options, including classic 7-day and 10-day Japan itineraries that show how to pace Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka with kids.
For even more support planning your trip, our Japan Family-Friendly Travel Hub brings together every city guide, attraction, and resource in one place, while our Planning a Family Trip to Japan and Japan Budget Family Travel Tips guides help parents navigate budgets, routes, and practical details.
FAQs: Visiting Sapporo Olympic Museum with Kids
Here are quick answers to common questions families ask when visiting the Sapporo Olympic Museum with kids, covering everything from location and cost to simulators, stroller access, and the best time to visit. For more details, visit the official websites of the Sapporo Olympic Museum and Okurayama Ski Jump.
A: The Sapporo Olympic Museum is open from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM between May 1 and October 31, and from 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM between November 1 and April 30. Last admission is 30 minutes before closing, and hours may change during special events at the Okurayama Ski Jump Stadium.
A: Admission to the Sapporo Olympic Museum is ¥670 for adults, while junior high school students and younger children can enter free of charge. This makes it one of the most affordable indoor attractions in Sapporo, perfect for families looking for interactive fun on a budget.
A: To reach the Sapporo Olympic Museum from downtown, take the Tozai Subway Line to Maruyama Koen Station, then transfer to a local bus toward the Okurayama Ski Jump Stadium. The ride takes about 10 minutes, followed by a 10-minute walk to the museum entrance. Taxis take around 20 minutes from central Sapporo.
A: The Sapporo Olympic Museum features several interactive simulators that let kids experience real Olympic action, including the ski jump timing simulator, ice hockey goalie challenge, and cross-country skiing race simulator. Families can also enjoy the Winter Sports Theater, where dynamic visuals bring Japan’s 1972 Winter Olympics to life.
A: Yes, the Sapporo Olympic Museum is stroller-friendly, with elevators and wide walkways throughout the building. The nearby Okurayama Ski Jump area includes ramps and paved paths, though families should note that some outdoor areas can be steep or slippery in winter.
A: Yes, ski-jumping events are still held at the Okurayama Ski Jump Stadium, located right beside the Sapporo Olympic Museum. If your visit coincides with a competition or practice day, you might see athletes training on the jump, an exciting bonus for families visiting this historic Olympic site.
A: The best time to visit the Sapporo Olympic Museum with kids is in the morning or early afternoon, when crowds are smallest and simulators are easiest to enjoy. For extra excitement, visit during winter, when the Okurayama Ski Jump hill is covered in snow and occasional events bring the Olympic atmosphere to life.
A: Most families spend about 1–2 hours at the Sapporo Olympic Museum, enough time to enjoy all the simulators, exhibits, and the Winter Sports Theater. If you plan to ride the nearby Okurayama Ski Jump lift, add another 30–45 minutes for views from the observation deck.
A: Yes, tickets for the Sapporo Olympic Museum and the Okurayama Ski Jump lift can now be purchased online through platforms like Klook and KKday, or directly on-site at the ticket counter. Buying online in advance is convenient for families, especially during busy weekends or winter events, to skip lines and secure entry.
A: The Okurayama Ski Jump observation deck sits about 307 meters above sea level and offers panoramic views of Sapporo’s skyline, surrounding mountains, and even the Ishikari Plain on clear days. Families can reach the top by chairlift, located right beside the Sapporo Olympic Museum.
Until Next Time…
The Sapporo Olympic Museum isn’t just a collection of medals and memories, it’s a place where kids can feel the thrill of winter sports and imagine their own Olympic moments. From ski jump simulators and cross-country races to the stunning views at the Okurayama Ski Jump, every experience invites families to play, laugh, and learn together. Whether you visit in the quiet of summer or the sparkle of winter, it’s a celebration of courage, teamwork, and the joy of discovery that every young traveler can carry home.
Stay curious, stay adventurous, and keep dreaming!
~ The LuNi Travels Family ~
