sapporo trip cost

SAPPORO ON A BUDGET: Travel Guide & Itinerary

The Japanese have a word for it – kogarashi . It means ‘leaf-wilting wind’, referring to the gust that blows the last leaves off the trees, announcing the arrival of winter. While locals who have to deal with the extreme cold dread the frost as much as the Starks do, tourists chase it. Of all the key Japanese cities, Sapporo has the longest winter, starting as early as October. And as someone who spent most of my life in the tropics, I find joy in saying, “Winter is coming.”

Many of us whose roots are planted near the equator once imagined ourselves in that snowglobe we shook dreamily when we were kids. Snow is a reward, something that we could only see if we work hard enough to afford it, after we had been burdened by life’s many responsibilities. While I’m aware that too much of it has a dark side, for the young, naive me, snow is not ice powder but fairy dust, the stuff that magical places are made of. So yes, Sapporo, and Hokkaido in general, is one of my most-loved destinations in Japan.

Our team has been here four times now, in an effort to keep this travel guide updated. It’s my second time. Just last year, I was in town to experience Sapporo Snow Festival. And boy, what difference a year makes! In between my visits, Kita Kita , a Filipino film set in Sapporo, became a blockbuster hit and introduced the city to more travelers. And then, Philippine Airlines launched direct flights, allowing them to reach Sapporo more easily. Last year, I did not meet a single Filipino traveler outside the airport. This year, I kept hearing Tagalog words everywhere: at the TV tower, at restaurants, inside cable cars. Even the guys from the Tourism Board told us they were happy that their tourism has grown tremendously over the past year.

WHAT'S COVERED IN THIS GUIDE?

UNDERSTANDING SAPPORO CITY

The northernmost prefectural capital in Japan, Sapporo requires a bit more effort to reach. Yet, it is the country’s fifth biggest city by population, which has significantly grown only in the past decades. Sapporo is one of the youngest urban areas Japan.

According to tourism officials we talked to during our stay, before development began to take over in 1857, there were only 7 people living here. And because it was built not too long ago, the design of the city didn’t come about organically. It was measured and developed according to plan. The city’s blueprint is an almost perfect grid, with the Ekimae Avenue (north to south) and Odori Park (east to west) as the main axes. Much of the public infrastructures, like the subway system, were built in preparation for 1972 Winter Olympics.

Here are a few more facts you need to know:

• Language : Japanese (Nihongo). English isn’t widely spoken, but it’s not difficult to get around. Menus, signs, and machines have English translations.
• Currency : Japanese Yen (JPY, ¥). JPY 1000 is roughly USD 9, EUR 7.85, SGD 12.5, PHP 476 (as of December 2018).
• Modes of payment : Cash is preferred. Some bigger establishments accept credit cards, but cash is still king in Sapporo (and Japan in general).
• Electricity Info : 100V. Type A sockets. Plugs have two flat pins. Type B is sometimes used but not that common.

BEST TIME TO VISIT SAPPORO

Winter , of course. Although the weather isn’t always comfortable, much of what Sapporo has to offer is best enjoyed in the cold months. It gets 6m of snow a year, and the first of the season usually falls in October. By December, the entire city is already a winter wonderland, and temperatures continue to drop as the season progresses. Here are more reasons to consider visiting when it’s covered in white blanket. (Warning, though: It can get really cold, with average nighttime temperatures reaching as low as -8C.)

• Sapporo Snow Festival , an annual week-long event held in early February, showcases giant ice and snow sculptures in many parts of the city, with the one in Odori Park getting the most attention. Last year alone, it attracted almost 2 million visitors.
• Sapporo International Ski Marathon , a cross-country skiing marathon, starts here.
• Sapporo White Illumination runs from mid-November to December.
• Sapporo is a popular choice for skiing and other winter sports.

April is when it gets warmer and snow begins to melt. Have you been dreaming of cherry blossoms but you’re always unable to travel in March or April? Sapporo to the rescue. The first bloom of sakura happens much later in Sapporo than in other major cities, usually in early May.

Autumn is good, too, if you wish to see its landscapes get painted bright red and orange. The Sapporo Autumn Festival happens in September, but make sure to bring a cardigan. If you plan to visit in October, you will need a jacket.

HOW TO GET TO SAPPORO

Sapporo is served by two airports, the new Chitose Airport and the Okadama Airport . If you’re flying to Sapporo from overseas, there’s a big chance you’ll be using Chitose. However, international flights are limited to China, Korea, Taiwan, Malaysia, Hong Kong, Macau, Honolulu, Guam, Australia, and most recently the Philippines. Most journeys make a connection in Tokyo or another major city.

MANILA TO SAPPORO

Starting December 7, 2018, Philippine Airlines has started flying nonstop from Manila to Sapporo! Their introductory price for a round-trip ticket is USD 399, inclusive of baggage allowance, meals, and other surcharges. This is great for those who also value their time. Flying directly will cut short the total travel time and skip the layover at another airport, which will give you more time to actually enjoy the destination.

Philippine Airlines also uses a brand new Airbus A321neo for their Sapporo flights. I’ve tried this aircraft many times now. Expect wider legroom, quieter journey, and a big screen with a great selection of movies!

The fare is also not far from the fares of flights with stops. Given that every PAL booking also comes with meals, seat selection, and 50-lb baggage allowance (something you might need in winter), PAL offers the best value for money.

TOKYO TO SAPPORO by Plane

The flight from Tokyo to Sapporo usually takes 1 hour and 40 minutes. JetStar offers round-trip flights for less than USD 100 (PHP 5000).

TOKYO TO SAPPORO by Train

Taking the train to Sapporo from other major cities outside Hokkaido is both time-consuming and expensive, which is why I don’t recommend it unless you’re on a multi-city tour around Japan.

• Take the Shinkansen Hayabusa to Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto Station . Travel time: 4.5 hours. Reserved seat fee: ¥11,130 ($100, P5000).
• Switch to Limited Express Hokuto Line and alight at Sapporo Station. Travel time: 3 hours, 40 minutes. Reserved seat fee: ¥1550 ($14, P700); Unreserved seat ¥1290 ($11.5, P580).

The whole journey takes over 8 hours, not counting the layover time. The total fare for 2 legs is ¥14,140. That’s on top of the seat fees. So the whole journey would cost you around ¥26,820 ($240, P12,000). That’s just one way!

OSAKA TO SAPPORO by Plane

Flights from Osaka takes around 2 hours but usually costs just a tad higher.

OSAKA TO SAPPORO by Train

To get to Sapporo from Osaka, you will need to make a transfer in Tokyo.

• From Shin-Osaka Station (not to be confused with Osaka Station), take the Shinkansen Nozomi to Tokyo Station . Travel time: 2 hours, 33 minutes. Reserved seat fee: ¥5700 ($51, P2550); Unreserved seat fee: ¥4870 ($44, P2180).
• Switch to Limited Express Hokuto Line and alight at Sapporo Station . Travel time: 3 hours, 40 minutes. Reserved seat fee: ¥1550 ($14, P700); Unreserved seat ¥1290 ($11.5, P580).

Total travel time is 10.5 hours , excluding the layovers. The total fare from Osaka to Sapporo is ¥18,140. Add the seat fees and you’ll have to shell out around ¥36,520 ($326, P16,400).

See now why we advise against it? Flying is faster and much, much cheaper.

But if you’re visiting multiple cities, then you will get great savings if you just book a JR Pass . This makes sense if you want to explore not just one or two cities. For example, if your itinerary includes Osaka, Tokyo, and Sapporo in 7 days.

Also, riding the bullet train across the Japanese countryside is quite an experience too.

NEW CHITOSE AIRPORT TO SAPPORO CITY CENTER

• From the New Chitose Airport, travel on foot to the New Chitose Airport Station.
• Take the JR Rapid Airport Line headed for Otaru or Sapporo.
• Get off at Sapporo Station.

Fare is ¥1070 ($9.6, P480). You may reserve a seat for ¥520 if you want, but you can simply hop on to the cars with unreserved seats (FREE).

Travel time: 37 minutes.

HOW TO GET AROUND SAPPORO

Thanks to grid design, it is easy to explore the city center of Sapporo even on foot. You can simply divide the map into four quadrants with the Ekimae Avenue (north to south) and Odori Park (east to west) as the main axes. Each block in the city measures 100 meters so it’s not difficult to keep track how far you are from where you came from. I thoroughly enjoyed walking around even in the cold, cold evenings. And if you’re walking along Odori, it’s literally a walk in the park!

For not-so-short distances, there’s always the subway. To make it even easier, go to Hyperdia.com on your web browser. Enter your origin and the station where you’re going. It will then display possible route options including how much the ride costs and transfers needed to get there. At the train station, you can double check the price. Just look at the route map, usually above the ticket machines. The map displays the price based on distance. Sometimes, the map is in Japanese characters only, which is why Hyperdia is useful. If you’re not familiar with Hyperdia, here’s our guide: How to Use Hyperdia .

JR Hokkaido Kitaca Card

The Kitaca Card is Hokkaido’s IC card. You can use this to skip purchasing tickets every time you use the the train or bus. It’s much like Tokyo’s PASMO or SUICA and Osaka’s ICOCA. You can also use it anywhere that accepts IC cards even outside Hokkaido.

You can buy a Kitaca card in advance online. It’s preloaded with ¥1500. You can pick it up at the airport or at Sapporo TV Tower, whichever is more convenient.

✅ RESERVE A CARD HERE!

If you’re visiting multiple cities in Japan and you’re staying for at least 7 days, you can save A LOT OF MONEY by getting a Train Pass. There are available JR Passes online. If you live in the Philippines, you’ll find offers that include delivery in 7 days.

Again, JR Pass is only ideal for those traveling from one city to another. If your itinerary involved only Sapporo or Otaru, you don’t need this. But if you’re also visiting other cities within or outside Hokkaido, this can mean great savings.

✅ CHECK JR PASS RATES HERE

Pocket Wifi Rental in Sapporo

One of the most convenient ways of getting connected to the Internet in Japan is renting a mobile wi-fi. It can accommodate multiple users so if you’re a group, you just need one and split the cost. You’ll find a lot of them around, even at the airport. However, based on experience, they are so in demand that every time I try to get one, there’s always none left. Fortunately, with KKDay, you can reserve one and just pick it up at the airport !

✅ CHECK RATES OR RESERVE HERE

Japan Unlimited Data eSIM

KKDay has a lot of options for unlimited data eSIM, too, good for 1 to 30 days!

PLACES TO VISIT IN SAPPORO

Sapporo beer museum and beer garden.

Explore the Sapporo Beer Museum and learn barrels about the Japanese beer culture! There is no entrance fee, but a guided tour costs ¥500. Afterwards, you may sample the beers or have what locals call the Genghis Khan , a dish composed of grilled lamb meat and vegetables. Housed in the Kaitakushi-kan building, a Hokkaido heritage site, it fosters a fantastic atmosphere too!

Tip: Make this your last stop of the day. Otherwise, prepare a change of clothes because the smell of smoke will stick with you for the rest of the day.

Here are the rates for Genghis Khan (lamb and fresh vegetables):

All-You-Can-Eat Adults (13+ yo): ¥2900 (¥3132 with tax) Students（7-12 yo): ¥1450 (¥1566 with tax)

All-You-Can-Eat + All-You-Can-Drink Adults (13+ yo): ¥3900 (¥4212 with tax) Students (7-12 yo): ¥1950 (¥2106 with tax)

If you’ve worked up an appetite after a day of sightseeing, you might want to avail of their Premium À-La-Carte Buffet. Not only will you get to try the Genghis Khan, you also get to dig into snow crabs, red king crabs, and other dishes that Hokkaido is famous for. For beer lovers, you get access to 6 types of beer too!

✅ RESERVE A TABLE HERE!

Mt. Moiwa Ropeway

Mt. Moiwa (Moiwayama) provides one of the most spectacular city lights views in Japan. It’s accessible via cable car.

If you’ve seen the movie Kita Kita, it’s that site on top of a mountain and the two characters are ringing a bell while they’re drunk.

Entrance Fee: ¥1700

✅ BOOK THIS ON KLOOK!

✅ BOOK THIS ON KKDAY!

Sapporo TV Tower

An icon of the city, the Sapporo TV Tower was built in 1957. It stands adjacent Odori Park, enabling a fantastic 360-degree vista not just of the park but of the whole city. From its observation deck perched 90 meters above the ground, you also get to see Ishikari Heigen and the Sea of Japan.

✅ BOOK TICKETS ON KLOOK!

✅ BOOK TICKETS ON KKDAY!

Hokkaido Tea Ceremony

Nothing feels better in a cold day than a good cup of hot tea. In Sapporo, you can get a better understanding of the traditional Japanese tea ceremony by experiencing it yourself. There will be an English-speaking guide who will teach you authentic Japanese ways while you’re dressed in a kimono. The session lasts 1.5 hours.

Other Sapporo Tourist Spots

Here are more attractions in Sapporo. We’ll be creating a more detailed article about these places in a separate post, so stay tuned. To see what they look like, check out this video:

• Historical Village of Hokkaido (aka Kaitaku no Mura), an open-air museum that showcases 60 Meiji- and Taisho-era buildings that were moved from different parts of the prefecture. Admission: ¥830.
• Hokkaido Shrine , built in 1869 in honor of the three pioneering gods of Hokkaido. Admission: FREE.
• Odori Park , at the heart of the city, offers a natural respite from the sprawling metropolis. It also hosts the Snow Festival in February. At the end of it stands the Sapporo Clock Tower.
• Moerenuma Park , a great destination for snow activities like sledding and snowboarding in winter. It’s a beautifully manicured park for the rest of the year. Admission: FREE.
• Shiroi Koibito Park , a recreational area that will remind you of your childhood dreams. The park is inspired by delicious sweets and confectionery. In winter, it’s best visited in the early evening when the illuminations are up. Just around the corner is Ishiya Chocolate Factory, where a guided tour will let you see how they make the famous Hokkaido white chocolate.
• Jozankei , which is an hour drive from the city center. Famous for its hot springs (onsen) and shrine.
• Sapporo Dome , where the biggest baseball and soccer (football) games are held. There’s also a small exhibit inside.
• Okurayama Ski Jump Stadium , which was the site of the 90m jump competition at the 1972 Olympics. A double lift system takes passengers to a viewing deck atop, for a wonderful vista. Fee: ¥500
• Mt. Teine (Teineyawa). Another 1972 Winter Olympics venue with slopes perfect for skiing for beginners and professionals alike. 7-hr lift access + Bus fares: ¥6700. Ski set rental: ¥4900

SAPPORO DAY TOURS

Aside from the city tours, we also listed down below some tours around Hokkaido. The links below will take you to tour packages with information about the tour.

Sapporo City Tour

We often advocate traveling DIY-style, but if for whatever reason you can’t do it on your own, you can also join a group or private tour of Sapporo. Joining a bus tour is convenient especially for those traveling with kids or more senior members of the family.

Some city tours are done in the morning; others are available in the afternoon. They have different stops and itineraries, although most make a stop at the Clock Tower and Government Building. The itinerary also varies depending on the date so always double check before making a booking.

Each booking already covers the bus fee and multilingual audio guides.

✅ RESERVE A SEAT on MORNING TOUR

✅ RESERVE A SEAT on AFTERNOON TOUR

Otaru City Tour

Otaru is one of the cities in Hokkaido that are easily accessible from Sapporo. It’s easy to reach Otaru on your own. At JR Sapporo Station, just hop into a train bound for Otaru and you’ll be there in less than 40 minutes. Fare: ¥640.

Otaru is most famous for its postcard-worthy canal. Most tourists go on a scenic boat cruise, riding down Otaru Canal and see the Western-style buildings that flank it. The city looks like it’s straight out of a steampunk anime. I was getting a lot of Fullmetal Alchemist feels while I walked around.

The city is also famous for its glass craftsmanship and music box industry! Hence, a visit to a glassware or musicbox store or museum is almost always part of the itinerary.

If you can’t do it DIY-style, you’ll find offers online of day tour to Otaru from Sapporo Station Bus Terminal. The tour guide speaks Japanese, but there are multilingual audio guides available for English-speakers.

INTERESTING EVENTS IN SAPPORO

Here are some of the biggest happenings in Sapporo that can help you decide when to visit.

• Sapporo Snow Festival, February
• Sapporo International Ski Marathon
• Jozankei Yukitouro (Snow Lanterns), a few days in winter (dates change)
• Sapporo White Illumination, mid-November to December
• Cherry Blossoms, late April to early May
• Sapporo Autumn Festival, September.

WHERE TO STAY IN SAPPORO

Top budget hotels under $60.

Below are the highest-rated budget hotels in Agoda as of writing.

• GRIDS SAPPORO HOTEL & HOSTEL Minami 3 Jonishi, 5 Chome-32, Sapporo Check Rates & Availability
• Iyasu Hostel Sapporo 3 Chome-1-１７ Minami 9 Jonishi, Chuo Ward, Sapporo Check Rates & Availability
• Spa Hotel SOLE Susukino Chuo-ku Minami 4-jo Nishi 6-chome 4, Sapporo Check Rates & Availability
• Hotel Relief Sapporo Susukino Chuo-ku Minami 8-jo Nishi 3-1-4, Sapporo Check Rates & Availability

Top Sapporo Hostels

• Guest House Yuyu Chuo Ward, Minami 3 Johigashi, 4 Chome−3-1 3, Sapporo Check Rates & Availability
• OCHO Guest House 1-2, South 13, West 8, Chuo-ku, Sapporo Check Rates & Availability

Search for more Sapporo Hotels

WHAT TO EAT IN SAPPORO

• Crabs ! Hokkaido is famous for its crabs including King Crabs, Hairy Crabs, and Snow Crabs.
• Kaisen Don (assorted sashimi on rice). Although widely popular all over Japan, Hokkaido’s specialty is seafood!
• Miso Ramen . Every city in Japan has its own signature ramen. For Sapporo, that’s the miso variety.
• Genghis Khan (grilled lamb with vegetables)
• Soup curry is also wildly popular in Hokkaido!
• Seafood hot pot

We’ll be creating a separate post about the best cheap food places in Sapporo soon!

SAMPLE SAPPORO ITINERARY

Here’s a sample 5-day 4-night Sapporo and Otaru itinerary. This assumes you’re flying in and out via Philippine Airlines and that you’re staying close to JR Sapporo Station.

As always, make the necessary adjustments to match your preferences.

Day 1: ODORI PARK & MT. MOIWA

• Arrival in Sapporo
• Board train to Sapporo City Center, ¥1070
• Walk to hotel, check in
• Lunch, ¥1000
• Sapporo TV Tower, ¥720 , DISCOUNTED HERE!
• Take train + streetcar to Ropeway Iriguchi Station, ¥320
• Take shuttle bus to ropeway station
• Mt. Moiwa Ropeway, ¥1700 , BOOK HERE!
• Travel back to Sapporo Station, ¥320
• Dinner at Ramen Shingen, ¥950

Day 2: SAPPORO CITY TOUR

• Take train to Soen or Nijuyonken Station, ¥250
• Check out Sapporo Central Wholesale Market
• Kaisendon Early Lunch, ¥2000
• Train back to Sapporo Station, ¥250
• Walk to Sapporo Station Bus Terminal
• Sapporo Afternoon Tour, ¥2700 , BOOK HERE!
• Okurayama Ski Jump Stadium lift fare and museum fee, ¥1000
• Drop off at Sapporo Station
• Dinner, ¥1000

Day 3: SNOW FUN DAY

• Take Toho Subway Line to Kanjodorihigashi Station, ¥250
• Bus 69 or 79 to Moerenuma Park, ¥210
• Explore the Glass Pyramid
• Sledding at Moerenuma Park
• Bus back to Sapporo, ¥210
• Soup Curry lunch, ¥900
• Shopping near Sapporo Station
• Miso Ramen Dinner at Shirakaba Sansou (inside Ramen Kyowakoku), ¥980
• Walk to hotel

If visiting outside winter, you can still enjoy the park. You can bike around. Rates start at ¥200.

Day 4: OTARU DAY TOUR

• Train to Otaru Station, ¥640
• Walk to Otaru Canal
• Otaru Canal Cruise, ¥1500
• Lunch at Otaru Tatsumi Sushi, ¥1500
• Walk around Otaru, see music box and glass stores
• Train to Higashi-kuyakusho-mae Station, ¥840
• Sapporo Beer Museum, FREE
• Dinner at Sapporo Beer Garden, ¥4212
• Walk back to hotel

Day 5: DEPARTURE

• Early check out
• Train to New Chitose Airport Station, ¥1070

If you follow the above itinerary, prepare to shell out ¥28,000 (USD 252, SGD 345, EUR 220, PHP 13,400) , excluding airfare, accommodations and shopping budget. But we added a ¥2000+ allowance to cover miscellaneous expenses and anything that we might have missed.

If you’re able to book a dorm bed for only ¥2400 per night, the total cost of this itinerary falls at around ¥37,600 (USD 338, SGD 464, EUR 295, PHP 17,950) , excluding airfare.

Here are more ways to further reduce the cost:

• Instead of joining a guided tour of the city, do it DIY-style. This will save you at most ¥2700.
• Skip the Sapporo Beer Garden dinner. The biggest chunk of the food budget is spent on an all-you-can-eat dinner here (which costs ¥4200+). You can just visit the museum and eat elsewhere.
• Food budget is around ¥1000 per meal. I have indicated some of my recommended food places in the itinerary. If you want to cut food expenses, you can opt to eat at cheaper restaurants or buy food from the supermarket. Onigiri (rice balls) sold at convenience stores can be quite filling too. But I still highly encourage you to eat out and try to experience local cuisine.

MORE TIPS FOR THE POOR TRAVELER

• Snow can be dangerously slippery . A good sign that the snow is good to be stepped on is if it’s white and powdery. If it’s gray or blackish and looks compact because a lot of people have stepped on it, there’s a big chance they’re slippery. So be careful. You can also buy those anti-slip… uhm… things (I don’t know what they’re called, haha) that you can attach to your shoes, just not the metal ones. (The metal ones have to be removed when you go inside an establishment.)
• Make time allowance for the traffic . Sapporo’s best attractions are so far apart, and while the subway is there, some can only be reached by bus or by car. If that’s the case, consider the time you’re gonna spend in traffic.
• Japanese chocolates and biscuits are a bit cheaper at the New Chitose Airport than in Haneda or Narita . For example, Royce’s Nama Chocolate costs ¥720 per box in Chitose and ¥780 in Haneda. I know that’s not much, but savings are savings.
• If you have low cold tolerance, purchase a heat pack from a convenience store and keep it near your body (inside your jacket). This will make your trip more comfortable.
• Tipping is not common in Sapporo . To settle your bill, you are expected to approach the cashier on your way out. The cashier is usually stationed by the entrance/exit.
• Many vending machines serve both cold and hot drinks . Most people are surprised to learn about the hot options. Really helpful when you’re out in the cold.
• Japanese bills look alike (same color). What varies is the size of the bill. The ¥1000 and ¥10,000 can be confusing so be careful. However, the Japanese are highly UNLIKELY to take advantage. They will even be the first to tell you.
• When using the escalator , keep left if you’re not moving.
• Learn a few Japanese phrases. The most useful would be Sumimasen (Excuse me, sorry) and Arigatoo gozaimasu (Thank you).

2️⃣0️⃣1️⃣8️⃣ • 1️⃣2️⃣ • 2️⃣1️⃣ – last update 2️⃣0️⃣1️⃣7️⃣ • 2️⃣ • 2️⃣6️⃣ – first up

More Tips on YouTube ⬇️⬇️⬇️

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• FUKUOKA TRAVEL GUIDE: Budget Itinerary, Things to Do
• ONOMICHI TRAVEL GUIDE with Budget Itinerary
• How to Get from NEW CHITOSE AIRPORT to SAPPORO & OTARU

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Nice topic I liked it. Thanks author for this great post. Knew many things about japan

Awesome job! You covered the information quite well–practical and useful for travelers. Keep up the great work!

Thank you, Rochelle! I hope our blog inspire more people to travel.

Very nice and comprehensive guide. Gracias.

Hi! is the train included in JR unli pass or it’s a different train?

The trains from Tokyo to Sapporo? Yep, covered.

Hi. Very useful guide, thanks for compiling info from your travels. Would you recommend the same itinerary for May or June travel? Our group plans to go around that time. Also, are there travel guides whom we can hire to help us around? Thank you!

Hi Grace, yes, except maybe the ski jump and Mt. Teine. Also try to visit a flower farm since you’ll be there in spring/summer. We didn’t get to see any coz they were covered in snow haha

hi! this is a very nice and detailed blog about hokkaido.. im trying to check for flights on china airlines, but cant seem to make it work, when i type manila as my origin city, sapporo won’t come out as a destination city. thanks!

Hi! Nice post very helpful since we’re also planning to visit Japan next year! We’re planning on doing Winter/Spring itinerary by going to Sapporo first then Tokyo. What would be the best dates to that? We initially plan on Feb 26 up until March 4. Hoping to get the best of both the winter wonderland in Sapporo and the cherry blossoms in Tokyo.

Hi Benes, okay sana if maexperience nyo ung snow festival in Sapporo, but it’s usually Feb Week 1, which is too far from Tokyo cherry blossoms na usually late March/early April.

So depende ano mas gusto nyo maexperience. For me though, mas maganda yung cherry blossoms than snow festival, so I would suggest na late March kayo mag-start,

Hi! I’m planning a trip to Sapporo via plane only. I just wanted to know if I need to indicate both flights (Manila-Tokyo and Tokyo-Sapporo) in my Japan Visa application form? Or do I only put the international flight (Manila-Tokyo)? Thanks!

Hi Jaime, ako I just put the Manila-Tokyo flight number when I applied. Not sure if that’s the right thing to do, but that’s what I did. haha. Naapprove naman.

Thanks! Should I already be prepared for snow around late November? What are the chances of snowfall during my trip?

I dunno how long your stay is gonna be, but there is a good chance. Sapporo is said to have at least 10 snow days in November.

Hi! Thank you so much for this article. I think it’s the most helpful & complete i found so far. I’m planning to visit last week of November for just about 4-5 days so you. Think it’s best to go via plane?

Yep! Best by plane :)

Hi! Thanks for another informative post. I have not seen you recommend going to Sapporo in July. How’s the weather there pag ganung time? We plan to hike Mt. Fuji kasi kaya July-Sep ang target dates namin.

Hi Arnel, I haven’t been to Sapporo in July because I dislike traveling in summer in general. haha. But according to climate websites, summer in Sapporo is mild and it doesn’t get too hot, so it should be fine.

Hi:) i enjoyed reading your blog. Very informative. I just wanna ask if is it okay to travel DIY in sapporo? No travel agencies or anyone. Just wanna explore the city and some tourist spots you had in your blog. Just by train or bus. Thank you and God bless. Going there on february next year.

Hi Mharj! Yep, it’s possible to explore Sapporo DIY-style. :)

Thank you so much for the reply.

No problem!

what month did you go to sapporo?

late January – early February

Hi, Can i still use my PASMO IC card in Sapporo?

Within Sapporo or Hokkaido, yes.

Hello ..can you help me ? my wife and i are planning to go to japan for 11 days in february 2021 .. we are planning to visit sapporo for 4 days and spend overnight in shirakwa-go and the rest in tokyo …..we already have a RT to narita . is it cheaper to buy a 7 days JR pass and local plane ticket ( narita-sapporo-narita ) or should we buy a 14 day JR pass ? Thank you in advance.

Your itinerary would be like this, right?

Day 1 – Arrival in Narita/Tokyo > Sapporo Day 2 – Sapporo Day 3 – Sapporo Day 4 – Sapporo Day 5 – Sapporo > Shirakawago Day 6 – Shirakawago > Tokyo Day 7 – Tokyo Day 8 – Tokyo Day 9 – Tokyo Day 10 – Tokyo Day 11 – Departure

If so, you DON’T need the 14-DAY JR PASS at all.

Note that the closest major airports to Shirakawago are Nagoya and Komatsu, NOT Tokyo/Narita/Haneda.

If you’re OK with the travel time, you can use a 7-DAY JR PASS to cover Narita > Sapporo > Toyama/Takayama/Nagoya (jumpoff points to Shirakawa). No need for plane tickets.

If the long travel time is an issue, then no need for a JR Pass. Just book flights to cover Narita > Sapporo > Nagoya/Komatsu. Then, instead of a JR Pass, book city or regional passes instead.

Either way, the 14-Day JR Pass is out of the picture.

Thank you Yoshke. your advice certainly sounds very logical ..ill also follow your sample itinerary in sapporo ..Thanks again

Hi, thank you for your comprehensive travel guide, it help us a lot & enjoyed an exciting tour, live like a local in a foreign country and not a conventional tour packages.

We are planning to visit Osaka & Sapporo this coming January 02 – January 08, 2023 because its my kids(12y/o is the youngest) vacation, we are 8 in our group, what itinerary do you suggest coming from Manila.

Since its winter, can you please recommend a hostel wherein we can stay near the train station which is less expensive and comfortable with heater.

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Cost of a Trip to Sapporo, JP & the Cheapest Time to Visit Sapporo

The average price of a 7-day trip to Sapporo is $1,386 for a solo traveler, $2,489 for a couple, and $4,667 for a family of 4 . Sapporo hotels range from $52 to $185 per night with an average of $60, while most vacation rentals will cost $120 to $360 per night for the entire home. Average worldwide flight costs to New Chitose Airport ( CTS ) are between $801 and $1,405 per person for economy flights and $2,514 to $4,409 for first class. Depending on activities, we recommend budgeting $28 to $64 per person per day for transportation and enjoying local restaurants.

See below for average , budget , and luxury trip costs. You can also look up flight costs from your airport for more tailored flight pricing.

The Cheapest Times to Visit Sapporo, JP

On average, these will be the cheapest dates to fly to CTS and stay in a Sapporo hotel:

• January 1st to March 11th
• August 20th to December 9th

The absolute cheapest time to take a vacation in Sapporo is usually mid to late September .

Average Sapporo Trip Costs

Average solo traveler.

The average cost for one person to visit Sapporo for a week is $1,030-$2,060 ($147-$294 per day)

Food, Travel, and Sightseeing : $28 to $64 per day for one person’s daily expenses

Flights : $486 to $1,138 for economy

Lodging : $58 to $62 per night for one 2 or 3-star hotel room

or $65 to $79 per night for a 1-bed vacation rental

Average Couple’s Trip

The average cost for a couple to visit Sapporo for a week is $2,342-$4,180 ($335-$597 per day)

Food, Travel, and Sightseeing : $56 to $128 per day for two people’s daily expenses

Flights : $972 to $2,276 for economy

Average Family Vacation

The average cost for 4 people to visit Sapporo for a week is $3,274-$7,088 ($468-$1,013 per day)

Food, Travel, and Sightseeing : $112 to $256 per day for four people’s daily expenses

Flights : $1,944 to $4,552 for economy

Lodging : $116 to $124 per night for two 2 or 3-star hotel rooms

or $91 to $111 per night for a 2-bed vacation rental

Traveling Cheap to Sapporo

How cheap can you make a vacation to Sapporo? The cheapest trip to Sapporo is about $102 per person per day for travelers willing to take standby flights, deal with inconvenience, and otherwise limit travel expenses. About 1% of rentals are available in the $0 to $100 range for an entire place, and vacation rentals can be booked for as low as $20 per night. These inexpensive rentals must be booked as early as possible and may not be in the most desirable areas. 1-star hotels are more likely to be available, with rooms starting at around $43.

Even cheaper trips are possible depending on where you live and whether you can drive. Check the cheapest times to fly for more saving ideas.

Budget Solo Traveler

The lowest cost for one person to visit Sapporo for a week is $711-$1,667 ($102-$238 per day)

Food, Travel, and Sightseeing : $15 to $31 per day for one person’s daily expenses

Lodging : $43 to $52 per night for one 1-star hotel room

or $20 to $40 per night for a 1-bed vacation rental

Budget Couple’s Trip

The lowest cost for a couple to visit Sapporo for a week is $1,302-$3,022 ($186-$432 per day)

Food, Travel, and Sightseeing : $30 to $62 per day for two people’s daily expenses

Budget Family Vacation

The lowest cost for 4 people to visit Sapporo for a week is $2,556-$6,044 ($365-$863 per day)

Food, Travel, and Sightseeing : $60 to $124 per day for four people’s daily expenses

Lodging : $86 to $104 per night for two 1-star hotel rooms

or $32 to $60 per night for a 2-bed vacation rental

Overall it is easy to travel to Sapporo cheaply.

The Cost of a Luxury Sapporo Trip

There is no true ceiling on the cost of a luxury trip, so our estimates are based on what most people do in Sapporo.

Luxury Solo Traveler

The high-end price for one person to visit Sapporo for a week is $2,047-$8,633 ($292-$1,233 per day)

Food, Travel, and Sightseeing : $59 to $122 per day for one person’s daily expenses

Flights : $1,166 to $3,243 for first class

Lodging : $78 to $185 per night for one 4 or 5-star hotel room

or $360 to $756 per night for a preferred vacation rental

Luxury Couple’s Trip

The high-end price for a couple to visit Sapporo for a week is $3,626-$12,730 ($518-$1,819 per day)

Food, Travel, and Sightseeing : $118 to $244 per day for two people’s daily expenses

Flights : $2,332 to $6,486 for first class

Luxury Family Vacation

The high-end price for 4 people to visit Sapporo for a week is $7,252-$23,192 ($1,036-$3,313 per day)

Food, Travel, and Sightseeing : $236 to $488 per day for four people’s daily expenses

Flights : $4,664 to $12,972 for first class

Lodging : $156 to $370 per night for two 4 or 5-star hotel rooms

or $504 to $1,134 per night for a preferred vacation rental

Sapporo Hotel Prices

The cost of staying in Sapporo is lower than the average city. On average hotels are less expensive than vacation rentals. Luxury vacation rentals are more expensive in Sapporo due to very high property costs. The graphs below show how much cost can vary depending on the type of experience you’re looking for.

Sapporo Lodging Cost by Star Status

The average price for the class of hotel is on the (y) axis. The hotel class (out of 5 stars) is on the (x) axis.

Prices are based on Sapporo hotel averages and may not reflect current prices. In some cases, we extrapolate prices to estimate costs, and hotels with your desired star rating may not be available.

Vacation Rental Prices

The percent of vacation rentals in the price range is on the left (y) axis. Price range is on the bottom (x) axis.

There are a healthy amount of vacation rentals serving all budgets in Sapporo.

Flight Costs to Sapporo

Averaging flights around the world, prices go from a high of $1,405 average in early to mid July to a low of $801 in mid to late September. Median flight price is $912. These prices are based on millions of flights. For Sapporo our data includes 118 originating airports, and 97 airlines. The area has more variance in price compared with other locations. Flying to Sapporo from an airport like Shevchenko ( SCO ) in Aktau (Kazakhstan) for an average $3,045 trip fare will obviously cost a lot more than from an airport like Hyakuri ( IBR ) in Tokyo (Japan) at an average of just $171.

Average Flight Cost by Season

Average flight cost by day of week.

The cheapest day to fly in is typically Tuesday, and the cheapest day to fly back is usually Tuesday. Click here to see data for the cost of flights from your airport. In Sapporo, the difference between the cheapest and the most expensive week is about $604, so you can easily save about 75% simply by using our free flight guides and booking in advance.

Daily Expenses Budget

Daily vacation expenses vary more based on what you’re interested in doing. A fine dining restaurant with drinks around Sapporo can easily cost $230 per person or more, while a standard nice meal might be about $15 per person. Private tours can cost $462 per day, but self-guided tours to see the outdoor sights can be free. Costs vary wildly, so recommendations are made based on the cost of living and averages we see for this type of vacation.

Other Sapporo Guides

Travel costs nearby.

• Kitahiroshima, Japan
• Ebetsu, Japan
• Shinshinotsu, Japan
• Chitose, Japan
• Shikotsu-Toya National Park, Japan
• Otaru, Japan
• Akaigawa, Japan
• Iwamizawa, Japan
• Tomakomai, Japan
• Shiraoi, Japan

Travel Costs in Popular Places

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Sapporo Travel Guide with Itinerary for First Time Visitors

• Post author By Project Gora
• Post date January 5, 2024
• 4 Comments on Sapporo Travel Guide with Itinerary for First Time Visitors

Sapporo is one of my absolute favorite cities in Japan. I’ve traveled to many places in the country, but Sapporo is one of those cities I could visit year after year. The city has struck me as a place where you will never run out of things to do and see. You can sense the history just by walking down the street. It’s a foodie’s paradise with numerous dining options offering authentic Hokkaido dishes. If you are traveling to Sapporo for the first time, here’s my Sapporo Travel Guide with a 5-day Itinerary. Happy trip planning!

PS: Get ready, this is quite a long read!

Explore the top attractions and activities in SAPPORO and beyond!

Table of Contents

Sapporo Travel Guide: When to Visit Sapporo

How to get to sapporo, how to get around sapporo, sapporo travel guide: where to stay in sapporo, sapporo snow festival, winter activity at moerenuma park, climb up to moiwayama observatory deck, visit the sapporo clock tower, former hokkaidō government office building, take a stroll at odori park, walk around hokkaidō university, go skiing or snowboarding, private ski or snowboarding lessons, visit maruyama park and hokkaidō shrine, pay respect at sapporo fushimi inari shrine, otaru day trip from sapporo, arrival in sapporo (day 1), sapporo teine ski resort (day 2), otaru day trip from sapporo (day 3), sapporo city tour (day 4), last day in sapporo (day 5).

The best time to visit Sapporo depends entirely on what you want to do and experience. To avoid the crowds it’s best to go during off season. If you want to experience the winter season, December is a great time to go as prices for hotels and flights will be affordable during this month. May and October are also good months to avoid the crowds. January, March and April are the busiest month for tourism in Sapporo because of the Sapporo Snow Festival and Cherry Blossom Season.

If it’s your first time in Japan to visit during winter, check out this guide on how to survive winter .

There are two options to get to Sapporo – fly or take a Shinkansen (bullet train) from Tokyo. Most people would think that taking a train is cheaper but that’s not necessarily the case in Japan. A one-way ticket from Tokyo to Sapporo with a transfer at Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto costs around 28,000 yen and takes 8 hours. If you have a JR Pass , it is fully covered. If you don’t have a JR Pass, it is more economical and faster to fly. When I flew last December from Tokyo to Sapporo, my round trip tickets cost around 10,000 yen or around 5,000 pesos.

Many of Sapporo’s main tourist attractions are within walking distance from the city center. The city was designed with an American-style grid system, which makes navigation fairly easy even for a first-time visitor. Some attractions are a little bit further away but Sapporo an efficient transportation system for that. You can use the three subway lines, Sapporo streetcar and numerous bus companies to get around. Prepaid cards like Kitaka and Sapica can be used for taking subways and buses. Even prepaid cards purchased outside of Sapporo can be used like ICOCA, Suica and PASMO.

For a first-time visit to Sapporo, stay near Sapporo Station for convenience, Susukino for nightlife, Odori Park for food and shopping, or Nakajima Park for tranquility. These central locations offer easy access to transportation and a variety of attractions to explore during your stay. Here are some of the best hotels in Sapporo:

Solaria Nishitetsu Hotel Sapporo Address: 5-chōme-1-2, Kita 4 Jōnishi, Chuo-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido Nearest Train Station: 5-minute walk from Sapporo Station

Mitsui Garden Hotel Sapporo West Address: 6-2-4 Kita 5 Jonishi, Chuo-Ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido Nearest Train Station: 5-minute walk from Sapporo Station

Hotel Vista Sapporo Odori Address: 5-16 Minami 3-Jo Nishi, Chuo-Ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido Nearest Train Station: 5-minute walk from Odori Subway Station

Best Western Sapporo Odori Koen Address: Chuo Ku Odori Nishi 8-2-36, Sapporo, Hokkaido Nearest Train Station: 1 minute walk from Odori nishi 8 chome bus stop

Ibis Styles Sapporo Address: 3-10-10 Minami 8-Jo Nishi, Chuo-Ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido Nearest Train Station: 9 minute walk from Susukino Station

Top Tourist Spots and Things To Do in Sapporo

Known as one of the best winter destinations in Japan , Sapporo attracts thousands of both local and international visitors each year because of Sapporo Snow Festival. It is a very popular winter event which features spectacular snow and ice sculptures. The festival usually begins first week of February and last for about one week. The best collections of ice sculptures are mainly exhibited in Odori Park, Susukino, and Tsu Dome.

Odori Park , the main site of Sapporo Snow Festival, is where you will find the biggest ice sculptures. It also hosts concerts and events, many of which use the sculptures as their stage.

Susukino , Sapporo’s biggest and liveliest entertainment district, also hosts over a hundred snow and ice sculptures each year. I would suggest this area if you want to party or drink all night after the snow festival.

Tsu Dome , also known as Sapporo Community Dome, is mostly geared toward families with kids. It features snow slopes, snow sculptures and other winter activities.

Moerenuma Park is a huge park located in the outskirts of Sapporo. Designed by the renowned landscape sculpture artist Isamu Noguchi , the park features a large playground, sports field, picnic area, the iconic glass pyramid called “Hidamari,” and many more. Moerenuma Park is very memorable for me. It was where I almost got frostbite because I wasn’t wearing a proper protective footwear. Nevertheless, Moerenuma Park is definitely one of the best parks I have been in Japan.

To get there from Odori or Susukino , take the Toho Subway Line to Kanjodori-higashi Station (one way fare is 250 yen and travel time is about 15 minutes) and then local bus number 69 or 79 to get to the east gate (one way fare is 210 yen and travel time is about 25 minutes).

Aside from sightseeing, you can also try snowshoeing in Moerenuma Park . It’s a unique way to explore the vast, white grounds of the park.

Standing 531 meters above sea level on the peak of Moiwayama (Mt. Moiwa in English), the observatory deck boasts a breathtaking view of the streets of Sapporo and the forested mountains southwest of the city. Many people come to the observatory deck thru the Mount Moiwa Ropeway before sunset, so be sure to arrive in advance to get the best vantage point for taking photos.

To get there, take Sapporo streetcar to Ropeway Iriguchi station from Susukino (one way fare is 200 yen and travel time is about 25 minutes). From there, take the free shuttle bus to get to the lower ropeway station.

For convenience, you may also avail a package with a round trip hotel pick up in Central Sapporo, admission to Mt. Moiwa ropeway and mini cable car round-trip ticket.

Built in 1878, Sapporo Clock Tower is one of the city’s most iconic attractions. Although small in size in comparison with other buildings in Sapporo, it still attracts a lot of local and international tourists. Originally, it was built as a place for student education and military training. Today, it now houses a museum showing the history of Sapporo. In the Filipino movie, Kita Kita, Lea took an old couple to see the Clock Tower as part of her Sapporo City Tour.

To get there, just walk for about 10 minutes south of JR Sapporo Station or about 5 minutes north of Odori Park . It’s quite easy to spot so I’m pretty sure you won’t miss it.

Also known as the Red Brick Office, the former Hokkaidō Government Office Building served as the government office of the whole Hokkaidō prefecture for about 80 years. Functioning now as conference venue and tourist information center, the building has seen its share of history. Inside it, you will find a museum dedicated to Hokkaidō development and rich history. Aside from this iconic building, I personally love the pond which is located in front of it.

To get there, take the west exit of JR Sapporo Station and walk for about 10 minutes.

Odori Park is Sapporo’s most famous park. Located in the heart of Sapporo, it hosts to the Annual Sapporo Snow Festival. The park is about one kilometer and provides a tranquil escape from the busy urban center around it.

To get there, take a short walk from JR Sapporo Station or Odori Subway Station .

Hokkaidō University or Hokudai is probably the prettiest university I have ever seen in Japan. Its garden is one of the best gardens of its kind in Sapporo and you will find various attractions here as well. When I visited last winter, I saw a lot of local families spending time together in the garden and pond surrounding the campus’ buildings. The kids were sledding down the frozen pond, which looked really enjoyable.

To get there, walk for about 20 minutes from JR Sapporo Station . Alternatively, take the Nanboku Line Subway and get off at Kita 12-jo Station .

The are a couple of ski resorts in and around Sapporo. Sapporo Teine Ski Resort , one of the most famous ski resorts on the outskirts of the city, is well suited for beginners to experts, with a variety of gentle slopes, intermediate and advanced courses. It is only about 40 minutes from Central Sapporo and one of the ski resorts you can easily take a day trip to.

To get to Sapporo Teine Ski Resort from Sapporo, take a JR train from JR Sapporo Station and get off at Teine Station (one way fare is 340 yen and travel time is about 10-15 minutes). At Teine Station, board a JR bus (number 70) bound for Teine Highland and get off at Sapporo Teine Ski Resort (one way is 400 yen and travel time is approximately 30 minutes).

For a more memorable experience in Sapporo, you can avail a 1-day private ski or snowboarding lessons . This package includes the following:

• English or Chinese-speaking instructors
• Private round trip hotel pick-up
• Private ski/snowboarding lessons at Sapporo Teine (Olympia Ski Center)
• Equipment and clothing

Travel Tip: Book your ski lessons with Klook and get up to 5% off when you use my code PROJECTGORAKLOOK .

Maruyama Park is my favorite park in Sapporo. Located about 20 minutes from JR Sapporo Station, the park features huge lawns, gardens and ponds. It is extremely popular during the cherry blossom season and equally fascinating during the winter. Within the massive Maruyama Park, you will also find Hokkaidō-jingu Shrine, which is home to the soul of Emperor Meiji and the gods protecting Hokkaidō.

To get there, take the subway to Maruyama Koen Station on Tozai subway line (one way fare is 250 yen and travel time 15 minutes).

Sapporo has a Fushimi Inari Shrine too! Famous for its 27 vermilion torii gates, the shrine is an important spiritual ground dedicated to Inari, the Shinto god of rice. TripAdvisor says this place is quite crowded but luckily I had it all to myself when I visited last winter. It was definitely one of the best places I’ve seen in Sapporo!

To get there, take the loop 50 City bus from Maruyama Subway Station , and get off at Jikeikaimae bus stop (one way fare is 210 yen and travel time 15 minutes).

One of the best day trip destinations out of Sapporo is Otaru, a small harbor city located northwest of Sapporo. I visited it last winter and wished I had stayed overnight because there are many amazing sights this city has to offer. If you are pressed for time like me, a day trip would definitely suffice. You can also join a group tour of Jozankei Onsen and Otaru Day Tour from Sapporo .

Some of the attractions you must see are the Otaru Canal, Otaru Sankaku Ichiba (market), Kitaichi Glass, Otaru Music Box Museum, LeTao, Sakaimachi Dori Shopping Street, and Tanaka Sake Brewery Kikkougura.

The fastest and easiest way to get to Otaru from Sapporo is by taking a rapid train along the JR Hakodate Main Line. From JR Sapporo Station , take  the train and get off at Otaru Station (one way fare is 750 yen and travel time is about 35 minutes).

5-day Sapporo Itinerary

• Arrival at New Chitose Airport
• Lunch at Soup Curry Suage+ Honten*
• Sapporo Clock Tower
• Odori Park Site (Sapporo Snow Festival)
• Beer Tasting and Jingisukan (Genghis Khan) at Sapporo Beer Museum*
• Susukino Site (Sapporo Snow Festival)
• Whole day Ski or Snowboarding lessons
• Sunset viewing at Sapporo TV Tower
• Snow crab dinner at Hyosetsu no Mon*
• Canal Plaza Tourist Information Center
• Otaru Canal
• Stained Glass Museum
• Former Mitsui Bank Otaru Branch
• Bank of Japan Otaru Museum
• Sakaimachidori Shopping Street
• Lunch at Isezushi (sushi) or Yabuhan (soba)*
• Kitaichi Glass Otaru No. 3 Bldg.
• LeTao Flagship Store*
• Marchen Crossroads
• Otaru Music Box Museum
• Back to Otaru Canal
• Travel back to Sapporo
• Jingisukan (Genghis Khan) dinner at Drama Honten*
• Maruyama Park
• Hokkaido-jingu Shrine
• Fushimi Inari
• Lunch at Sapporo Ramen Haruka*
• Sunset at Moiwayama Observatory Deck
• Dinner at Ebisoba Ichigen Honten*
• Nightcap at Gotsubo*
• Hokkaido University or Moerenuma Park
• Lunch at Nemuro Hanamaru JR Tower Stellar Place*
• Souvenir shopping at Sapporo Underground Shopping (Aurora Town and Pole Town)
• Early dinner at Ramen Dojo*

Note: Those with * are some of the BEST places to eat in Sapporo and Otaru.

If you’re planning to visit some off-the-beaten destinations in Hokkaido , click the link.

If you’re planning to explore other destinations, here’s my post to help first time visitors in Japan .

Did you find this Sapporo Travel Guide helpful? Share your experience and tag #projectgora . Follow my social media accounts for more trip updates: Instagram , Facebook  and  Pinterest

By Project Gora

Hey there! My name is Milet Miranda, and I'm a full-time corporate employee during weekdays and a traveler during weekends (and holidays...you get the picture). I'm a foodie at heart and I love joining food tours. When I'm not traveling, you'll find me walking my dogs or biking around my neighborhood.

4 replies on “Sapporo Travel Guide with Itinerary for First Time Visitors”

Hi. Going to Sapporo next year. Travelling with my husband, teenager daughter and my senior mother who both love to shop. May I know your recommendation for the best and most convenient location? I found this nice and reasonable hotel in Susukino but I am having thoughts because I know it’s mostly for the active night life, which we aren’t really into. Hope you can help.

Hello Kim! Susukino is a great place to stay in Sapporo. It is certainly the liveliest part of the city but not that loud and super crowded like Shinjuku or Shibuya in Tokyo. Lots of food and shopping places in this area.

Comments are closed.

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Destinations

• Plan Your Trip

Hub of Hokkaido

Whether for a road trip during the summer or for a frozen winter adventure , many people who travel to Hokkaido are oblivious to the charm of Sapporo. This is a shame, but it’s also not surprising, given how great a percentage of Hokkaido attractions are outside the prefecture’s capital.

Indeed, many of the activities you’re likeliest to do during your trip are basically day trips from Sapporo . Walk along the icicle-lined canal of Otaru in the dead of December, or traipse amid Furano’s rolling fields of lavender in July.

Or stick to the city center, either during the winter winter when the annual Sapporo Snow Festival takes place, or in the Japanese summer when colorful flowers bloom in front of the Former Hokkaido Government Office. My Sapporo travel guide starts here.

Where to Stay in Sapporo

Regardless of which things to do in Sapporo appeal most to you, it’s important to find a convenient, comfortable (and, if possible, chic) place to base yourself in the city. Sapporo is much larger than you might imagine if you’ve never been there, which is a bit part of why centrally-located properties such as the Tokyo Stay Sapporo Odori and Hotel Relief are so appealing, especially if you plan to take a lot of day trips.

On the other hand, while these mid-range Sapporo hotels are perfectly functional, there are other options on both ends of the spectrum. More luxury oriented travelers will love the opulence of Sapporo Grand Hotel , while Iyasu Hotel caters to Hokkaido travelers on a stricter budget.

My Favorite Things to Do in Sapporo

Enjoy the view.

Although Sapporo’s skyline doesn’t get a lot of love, taking in different views of it has actually been one of my preoccupations, in terms of what to do in Sapporo. The most famous Sapporo skyline picture to take is probably the one picture above, which is Odori Park (where winter’s Sapporo Snow Festival takes place) seen from the Sapporo TV Tower . Another option is to ride the ropeway up to Mt. Moiwa, where the extent of Sapporo’s really becomes clear. Sapporo might not have the famous shape of its southern neighbor Hakodate , but its cityscape is still impressive.

Trace Hokkaido’s (Brief) History

Although Hokkaido has been inhabited (by Japanese people, anyway) for less than 200 years, you can find several Sapporo attractions of the historical sort. First among these is the Former Hokkaido Government Office , whose now-iconic red brick facade dates back to 1888. Other heritage buildings in Sapporo include Sapporo Clock Tower , which was also built in the late-19th century, and the open-air Historical Village of Hokkaido .

Say “Kanpai”—and Sing?

Not surprisingly, many of the things to do in Sapporo have to do with the city’s eponymous beer—and not just if you visit during the Summer Festival I mentioned above (or during the Snow Festival, when beer and a variety of other libations also abound—it’s a great way to stay warm!). Indeed, whether you take a tour of the Sapporo Beer Museum , enjoy a sake as you watch sunset over Sapporo’s perfect grid from Sapporo JR Tower or hop around the many karaoke bars of Susukino to get your drink on, it’s fun to say “Kanpai” to Sapporo.

Travel With Your Tastebuds

Sapporo is a delicious place to travel, and not just because of the famous Hokkaido “hairy” crab on offer, both in many a Sapporo restaurant as well as at the colorful Nijo Market . Sapporo is also famous for its unique miso ramen, and for various Hokkaido beef concoctions as well. Some of the day trip destinations, I’m about to mention have their own specialties, too, namely the lavender-flavored soft cream in Furano.

Get Out of Town

Speaking of Furano , its lavender fields are perhaps the most popular destination for day trips from Sapporo in summer, especially when combined with the nearby Blue Pond in Biei . If you’re visiting in winter, on the other hand, you’ll either go to Otaru (to walk beside its historical canal and its giant icicles), to Niseko to ski, to Noboribetsu for a hot springs bath or to hike amid “Hell Valley” or to Asahikawa , which is especially nice in winter when the penguin parade comes through town.

When is the Best Time to Visit Sapporo?

In general, the best time to visit Hokkaido is whenever you have time to go. Although most travelers come between January-February to visit the Sapporo Snow Festival and/or ski, or during the month of July to experience the lavender fields of Furano, Sapporo’s spring and autumn seasons are lovely. This is especially true in late April and early May, when the sakura bloom , and in late September or early October when the hillsides around the city blaze in the colors of fall.

To put it another way, once you’ve decided what to do in Sapporo and which of these things are most important to you, you can schedule your visit. If you want to have a variety of seasonal experiences, however, accept that you’re going to need to take multiple trips. (I say that as if it’s a bad thing—every subsequent trip to Japan is like visiting a new galaxy for the first time!) Obviously, this is easier to do if you’re an expat traveling from Tokyo to Sapporo, than someone flying in from far overseas.

How Many Days Should You Spend in Sapporo?

How many days in Sapporo you spend likewise depends upon which of the city’s many activities you plan to enjoy, as well as the number of day trips you plan to take. Or not: You could visit some destinations (most likely Niseko, but also potentially Biei and Furano) as weekend excursions, and roll that time into your itinerary for Hokkaido outside of Sapporo. Not everywhere in relatively close proximity to Sapporo needs to be part of your plan for Sapporo travel!

For most travelers, I’d say that 3 days in Sapporo should suffice, though there are some assumptions I’m making with this number. First, that you’ll take at least one day trip—Sapporo’s city center, while very large and somewhat underrated, is not really worth more than two full days on any single visit. Second, as I stated above, this assumes that you will come back at some point, and get a different perspective on the city. The issue of how many days to spend in Sapporo shouldn’t really be limited to a single trip!

Other FAQ About Things to Do in Sapporo

Is sapporo worth visiting.

Sapporo is definitely worth visiting, although in my experience it wasn’t love at first sight. I developed affection for Sapporo over the years, after having visited in multiple seasons (winter, summer and spring so far), and also after I’d used the hub for my various of journeys around Hokkaido. Sapporo isn’t my favorite Japanese city, as a destination, but coming back here after an expedition in wilder environs feels good.

What is Sapporo known for?

Sapporo is known for its namesake beer, for the nearby Niseko ski slopes and for being the largest city of Hokkaido island. Increasingly, it’s associated with summer travel in Hokkaido, namely the lavender fields of not-so-nearby Naka-Furano .

Is Sapporo cheaper than Tokyo?

Although people who live in Sapporo might find the cheaper rents and larger apartments beneficial, you are unlikely to notice a huge cost differential between the two cities as a tourism. As is the case in Tokyo, you should expect to pay a minimum of ¥10,000 per person, per night to stay in Sapporo, and will likely spend much more in the city. It can also be expensive to travel from Tokyo to Sapporo, depending on how you get there.

The Bottom Line

Whether you plan to use Hokkaido’s capital as a hub for day trips or focus on the things to do in Sapporo proper, I hope the work I’ve done to condense this Sapporo travel guide helps you plan your trip. I’ve grown fonder of Sapporo with every trip, so whether it’s your first time here or your fifth, and regardless of your decision about how long to spend in Sapporo, I hope you’ll commit to coming back and digging deep, be that by having a beer in Odori Park as Sapporo TV Tower gleams above, or frolicking through Furano’s lavender fields on a day trip. Consider commissioning a custom Japan itinerary if you still need help planning your trip.

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Sapporo Travel Guide – Sightseeing, What To Wear, Local Food, And More!

Sapporo - the capital of Hokkaido. Enjoy rich nature, great cultural and historical sites, and amazing food regardless of the season. Use this travel guide to find the best places to visit in Sapporo, information on local weather and other travel tips.

Sapporo - Travel Guide to Hokkaido's Capital City

Sapporo Snow Festival – a famous Sapporo event.

Hokkaido is Japan's northernmost region. Sapporo is the center of this island’s politics, economy, and culture. The charms of this city include amazing gourmet foods such as fresh seafood, ramen, and Jingisukan (grilled mutton) as well as picturesque scenery that enchants visitors each season.

In this article, we’ll give you a thorough guide on essential information for your Sapporo travels - from 15 spots you must visit when going to Sapporo to recommended foods and what to wear each season!

Sapporo Sightseeing Guide

Sapporo Area Guide 15 Recommended Sightseeing Spots in Sapporo 4 Must-Eat Sapporo Foods How to Get to Sapporo Transportation for Sightseeing in Sapporo Temperature and Clothing Sapporo Events Recommended Sightseeing Course Accommodations in Sapporo Sapporo Souvenirs

Sapporo Area Guide

Sapporo is a vibrant city whose charms include historical attractions, an entertainment district bustling with people, and a famous public park and more!

In the area near Odori Park , which extends across the central east-west part of the city, there are structures with a long and fascinating history such as the Red Brick Office (Former Hokkaido Government Office Building), Clock Tower, TV Tower, and more.

The Susukino area nearby is a nightspot nicknamed the “district that doesn’t sleep.” The district also has food spots where you can eat the Sapporo specialties such as ramen, Jingusukan, and zangi (fried chicken).

When you gaze at the streets of Sapporo at night from Mt. Moiwa , which is located a slight distance from the city center, you’ll have your breath taken away by the beautiful night view that spreads out before you. You can also soak in hot springs surrounded by the beautiful scenery of the seasons by making a visit to Jozankei Onsen .

15 Recommended Sightseeing Spots in Sapporo

1. sapporo clock tower.

Photo by Pixta

The Sapporo Clock Tower is a building considered the landmark of Sapporo. It was been built in 1878 as a lecture hall for Hokkaido University (known as Sapporo Agricultural College at the time) and is currently a designated Important Cultural Property of Japan.

The Clock Tower, from which the sounds of the chiming bell will echo across the city every hour and is beautifully illuminated come nighttime, has been adored for a long time as a symbol of the city that silently watches over the citizens.

Sapporo Clock Tower

2. Red Brick Office (Former Hokkaido Government Office Building)

The Red Brick Office is also a landmark that represents Sapporo. It is a building that had previously been used as the former Hokkaido Government Office Building.

The building was constructed in 1888 and is characterized by a design made in the Neo-Baroque style , which is modeled after the Paris Opera, in an American-like fashion. The building is open to the public for free and exhibits historical records.

Hokkaido Government Red Brick Government Building (Former Main Go...

3. Nijo Market

If you come to Hokkaido, then definitely please try the fresh seafood! At Nijo Market , a market with over 100 years of history, you can thoroughly enjoy seafoods such as freshly caught sea urchin, salmon roe, and crab to your heart’s content.

The atmosphere of the market, recommended shops, and more are introduced in detail in this article: Sapporo’s Nijo Fish Market – Easy Access And Tasty Seafood!

Nijo Market

4. Horomitoge Lavender Garden

Horomitoge Lavender Garden in Sapporo is famous as a garden where 5000 lavender flowers are sweetly in full bloom.

The best time to see the flowers are within the one month period between the middle of July to the middle of August. You can also experience harvesting the lavenders in the garden (price: 500 yen).

For details on how to access the garden and more, please read the following article: Sapporo’s Horomitouge Lavender Garden Is Just Too Beautiful! .

Horomitoge Lavender Garden (Yume Kobou Sato)

5. Mt. Moiwa Ropeway

Sapporo is so famous for the beauty of its night views that it has been recognized as one of Japan’s Three Major Night View Spots.

Among those is the view from Mt. Moiwa , a mountain that looks over central Sapporo.

You can visit the summit of the 531-meter-high mountain by using the ropeway and cable cars. Definitely please enjoy the beautiful Sapporo night view which is often described as a “ carpet of light. ”

A combined ticket for the ropeway to Mt. Moiwa and the TV tower observation deck is available for a discount price via Klook. Click here to see details and to reserve .

Sapporo Mount Moiwa Ropeway

6. Susukino

Susukino is an entertainment district that represents Hokkaido and is an area crowded with restaurants, recreational facilities, hotels, and more. It has also been described as the “district that doesn’t sleep” and is overflowing with as much as 80,000 people at night. There are no problems with public safety in this area but be sure to be careful of pickpockets and panderers.

Susukino may have a strong night image, but the area is also home to a shopping district called Tanukikoji Shopping Arcade where you can enjoy shopping in the afternoon.

Susukino intersection

Tanukikoji Shopping Street

7. Shiroi Koibito Park

Shiroi Koibito is a well-known Hokkaido confectionery made with white chocolate sandwiched between two cookies.

Factory tours are held for tourists at the Sapporo Shiroi Koibito Park.

Shiroi Koibito Park

8. Hokkaido Jingu Shrine

Hokkaido Jingu , built in 1869, is known as a representative shrine of Hokkaido. Here is where the gods that protect the land of Hokkaido are enshrined.

Approximately 1400 cherry blossom trees have been planted on the grounds, making the shrine a flower-viewing spot in the spring. If you’ll be visiting Sapporo during the spring, why not try enjoying a flower viewing together with a shrine visit?

Hokkaido Jingu Shrine

9. Moerenuma Park

Moerenuma Park , designed by master sculptor Isamu Noguchi, is a park full of artistic qualities built on the former site of a waste treatment plant.

This special space unites nature with art and has charms that vary each season. For details, please read the following article: Moerenuma: A Beautiful Park Designed by Isamu Noguchi .

Moerenuma Park

10. Jozankei Onsen

Jozankei Onsen , located in the outskirts of Sapporo, is one of Hokkaido’s representative hot spring districts.

You can spend your time comfortably and luxuriously by staying at a hotel or ryokan (traditional Japanese inn). There are also spots where you can find day trip hot springs, free footbaths, or make onsen tamago (eggs boiled in hot springs) using the spring source.

This spot is also famous for its autumn leaves. You can enjoy the leaves while riding a canoe come autumn (canoe activities are available from the end of June to October 31st).

Jozankei Onsen

11. Sapporo Beer Museum

The Sapporo Beer Museum offers insights into the history and production process of Sapporo Beer. Housed in a retro beer factory building, the museum showcases historical brewing equipment and exhibits about the evolution of Sapporo Beer. Visitors can enjoy beer tastings in the beer hall, where they can sample various brews and receive advice on food and drink pairing. The museum also features a shop with beer-related goods and books. Regular events and special exhibitions further enhance the experience, making it a must-visit for beer enthusiasts.

Address: Sapporo city, Higashi Ward, Kita 7 Jo Higashi, 7-9 Access: About a 15-minute walk from JR Sapporo Station or a 7-minute walk from Toho Line "Higashi-Kuyakusho-Mae" Station. Hours: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM (Last admission at 5:30 PM) Admission Fee: Free (Tastings are paid)

12. Sapporo Art Park

Sapporo Art Park is a vast cultural facility where art and nature intersect. The park features outdoor sculptures designed by renowned artist Isamu Noguchi and offers various art exhibits and workshops. Visitors can enjoy beautiful seasonal landscapes, with spring flowers and autumn foliage enhancing the experience. The park also includes galleries, studios, and art-related events, providing a relaxing environment to engage with art. It’s a great spot for families and couples to explore art in a natural setting.

Address: Sapporo city, Minami Ward, Geijutsunomori, 2-75 Access: About a 30-minute bus ride from JR Sapporo Station to "Geijutsunomori" bus stop, then a 5-minute walk. Hours: 9:30 AM - 5:00 PM (Hours may vary by season) Admission Fee: Adults 800 yen, University students 500 yen, High school students 300 yen, Junior high school students and younger are free

13. Maruyama Zoo

Located in Sapporo, Maruyama Zoo is ideal for families and animal lovers. The zoo showcases a diverse range of animals, including popular species like the giant panda, Asian elephant, and red panda. The zoo’s open enclosures provide naturalistic habitats for the animals, enhancing the visitor experience. Educational exhibits on animal behavior and conservation efforts are also featured. Regular feeding sessions and animal shows add to the enjoyment. With ample rest areas and a café, it’s a perfect destination for a day out with family.

Address: Sapporo city, Chuo Ward, Miyagaoka, 3-1 Access: About a 15-minute walk from Maruyama-Koen Subway Station or directly accessible via the "Maruyama Zoo-mae" bus stop. Hours: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM (Hours may vary by season) Admission Fee: Adults 620 yen, Junior high school students and younger are free

14. Sapporo Hitsujigaoka Observation Hill

Sapporo Hitsujigaoka Observation Hill offers panoramic views of Sapporo and its surroundings. The observation hill is famous for the statue of Dr. William S. Clark , a symbol of the pioneering spirit of Hokkaido. The expansive lawn area around the observation deck provides a relaxing space for visitors. The on-site restaurant and café serve local dishes and sweets, adding to the visit’s enjoyment. The observation hill is an ideal spot to appreciate the city's scenery and nature while reflecting on the historical significance of the site.

Address: Sapporo city, Kiyota Ward, Hitsujigaoka, 1 Access: About a 40-minute bus ride from JR Sapporo Station to "Hitsujigaoka Observation Hill" bus stop. Hours: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM (Hours may vary by season) Admission Fee: Adults 820 yen, Elementary and junior high school students 410 yen

15. Hokkaido Historical Village

Hokkaido Historical Village is an open-air museum that recreates the pioneer era of Hokkaido in the Meiji period. The large grounds feature restored historical buildings, including homes, shops, and other structures from the early days of Hokkaido’s development. Visitors can experience historical lifestyles through exhibits and hands-on activities. The museum also offers workshops on traditional crafts and hosts historical events. It’s an excellent opportunity to immerse in Hokkaido's past and see how early settlers lived and worked.

Address: Sapporo city, Atsubetsu Ward, Atsubetsu-cho, 50-1 Access: About a 40-minute bus ride from JR Sapporo Station to "Kaitaku-no-Mura" bus stop. Hours: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM (Hours may vary by season) Admission Fee: Adults 800 yen, University and high school students 600 yen, Junior high school students 400 yen

Find Activities in Sapporo

Crab and Lamb BBQ Buffet at Sapporo Beer Garden

Crab hot pot reservation for Kaniya in Sapporo

Discover more activities for Hokkaido

4 Must-Eat Sapporo Foods

Sapporo is a place famous for its delicious local foods. These include not only fresh seafood, but also ramen and Jingisukan. Here, we’ll introduce four representative Sapporo foods.

1. Seafood and Sushi

As one of Sapporo’s gourmet foods, we must not forget about seafood . You can taste fresh and fatty seafoods in Hokkaido where they boast the highest fish catch in the country.

You can eat fresh seafood bowls made with abundant amounts of sea urchin and salmon roe from around 6:00 in the morning at markets such as Nijo Market and Jogai Market . We recommend visiting these markets in the morning due to the long lines at shops during lunch.

2. Sapporo Ramen

Sapporo is where a huge number of ramen shops are located, enough that it is not an overstatement to say that it is the second most competitive ramen market in Japan after Tokyo.

What Sapporo is particularly famous for is their miso ramen (pictured above). Miso , vegetables, as well as dashi stock are poured into a wok and are then stir-fried at a high heat to create a uniquely flavored miso ramen.

3. Jingisukan

Jingisukan (named after Genghis Khan), a specialty Sapporo gourmet food, is a grilled mutton dish made with a special nabe pot. The most common style of the dish is to fry various vegetables together with the meat.

Jingisukan is nutritious and can be enjoyed at a reasonable price; it’s one dish you definitely must try when you visit Sapporo.

4. Soup Curry

There are countless types of curry dishes around the world, but soup curry was created in Sapporo.

It features include a thin, clear soup and a large serving of vegetables. Depending on the curry, you might also receive large pieces of meat like chicken with a satisfying substantiality to the dish. Its spicy aroma will stimulate your appetite.

How to Get to Sapporo

It’s most convenient to travel by plane from Tokyo to Sapporo.

It will take one hour and 40 minutes to two hours one-way from Haneda or Narita Airport in Tokyo to New Chitose Airport in Sapporo. Prices start from about 6,000 yen (will depend on the time period and airline) one-way.

It takes around 40 minutes by Rapid Airport from New Chitose Airport to Sapporo Station and will cost 1,680 yen. It takes approximately 65 minutes by bus and will cost 1,030 yen.

Transportation for Sightseeing in Sapporo

If you’ll be traveling around sightseeing spots in Sapporo, we recommend taking the Sapporo Municipal Subway that connects central Sapporo to other parts of the city. The cost of each section covered by the subway is around 200 to 370 yen, but if you purchase the “One-Day Ticket for Subway Use”, you will have unlimited rides on the subway for an entire day at 830 yen for adults and 420 yen for children.

Additionally, a more advantageous unlimited ride ticket called “ Donichika ” is also sold for those that are visiting Sapporo on Saturdays, Sundays, national holidays, and during the New Year’s holidays (December 29th – January 3rd). This ticket allows unlimited rides for the entire day at 520 yen for adults and 260 yen for children. Do utilize this ticket if you’ll be traveling to Sapporo on a holiday.

Aside from subways, there is also rail transport, buses, and trams that are in operation in the outskirts of Sapporo. It is useful to utilize the tram (city streetcar) in the area to the west of central Sapporo where the subway does not run.

If you’ll be traveling to the outskirts of the city, please take in and enjoy the nature of Sapporo from the windows of the train.

Temperature and Clothing

Sapporo in the spring still remains quite chilly when compared to Honshu (the main island of Japan). As such, we recommend bringing outer garments such as coats and clothing to protect against the cold like a muffler and gloves. In March , the snow will begin to melt and the snow will have mostly melted away once it’s April .

Meanwhile, there will be days during July and August when the temperature exceeds 30°C. However, it would be best to prepare long-sleeved clothing even in the summer due to the dropping temperature at night.

When it’s October , the average temperature will fall below 12°C and come early November the snow will begin to fall. From November to February , the days where it is below freezing will increase and roads covered in snow will become slippery. If you’ll be visiting Hokkaido in the winter, make sure to protect yourself against the cold and prepare boots that are easy to walk in.

Sapporo Events

When you think of the most famous event in Sapporo, the Sapporo Snow Festival held in early February each year will come to mind. Art creations made by carving and sculpting snow is something you must definitely try to see at least once.

Tourists from all around the world gather for this event where warm Hokkaido foods perfect for the cold season are also offered. The main venues will be at Odori Park and Susukino in central Sapporo.

Recommended Sightseeing Course

We will introduce a recommended course for those who would like to enjoy the best things to see and do in Sapporo.

Day One Morning: Visit the Red Brick Office, Clock Tower, and TV Tower (Odori Park) Afternoon: Factory tour at Shiroi Koibito Park Night: Mt. Moiwa, then eat ramen at Susukino

Day Two Morning: Eat a seafood bowl at Nijo Market Afternoon – Night: Moerenuma Park or Jozankei Onsen

In other words, how about going around the main sightseeing spots in Sapporo on day one, then spending a relaxing day on day two by healing through nature and hot springs?

Accommodations in Sappro

There are various types of lodging facilities available in Sapporo from the typical hotel to well-established Japanese inns and guest houses.

Sapporo Grand Hotel , a hotel right by Sapporo Station and Odori Park, has a convenient location and is reputed for their high-quality services.

All rooms at Nakamuraya Ryokan , an established Japanese inn founded in 1903, are Japanese-style rooms. The inn has garnered popularity among foreign visitors as a Japanese inn brimming with a historic atmosphere. We recommend this inn to everyone who will be sightseeing within the city for its close location to Sapporo Station.

At SappoLodge , a representative Sapporo guesthouse, you’ll find various types of rooms such as dormitories and private rooms. You can also interact with other travelers or enjoy a drink in the adjacent café bar on the first floor.

Sapporo Souvenirs

Royce’s chocolate potato chips.

ROYCE’s Chocolate Potato Chips are super popular as a Sapporo souvenir. It is a chocolate-coated potato chip snack with the perfect balance of sweetness and saltiness.

Shiroi Koibito

Shiroi Koibito , a confectionery of white chocolate sandwiched between two cookies, is one of Sapporo’s staple souvenirs. You can easily buy this product at souvenir shops in department stores and stations. Its aqua-colored packaging is a trademark known by every Japanese person.

Enjoy Your Trip to Sapporo!

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SAPPORO TRAVEL GUIDE 2023: Itinerary, Things to do, How to get there and More

The ultimate sapporo vacation travel guide.

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2023 Travel Guide to Sapporo: The Capital City of Hokkaido, Japan

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S apporo, the capital city of mountainous Hokkaido, is the fifth-largest city in Japan. Sapporo is famous for three things: beer, ramen, and snow. Sapporo Beer is one of Japan’s oldest brands: there’s even the Sapporo Beer Museum, a museum dedicated to Sapporo’s finest produce—beer. In this Sapporo Travel Guide Blog, we listed some tips for making a DIY trip to Sapporo, Japan.

Sapporo’s city center is a veritable paradise for ramen lovers, with many ramen shops all within a stone’s throw of each other. So why not take a stroll and explore the delicious variety of ramen?

Finally, Sapporo is known for its freezing winters and snow that actually pile up. This is why it hosts several festivals like the Sapporo Snow Festival or Yuki Matsuri every February, the coldest month of the year.

Regardless of the season, however, or whether or not you’re up for a mug of frothy beer and some warm ramen, there are many more things to do here in the fifth-largest city in Japan.

How to get there from Manila, Philippines

Philippine Airlines, or PAL, offers flights from Manila to Sapporo. The carrier stops at Tokyo International Airport or Tokyo Haneda Airport (HND) before proceeding to New Chitose Airport (CTS), just south of mainland Sapporo.

You can get to central Sapporo from New Chitose Airport by riding buses. Bus fares cost around ¥1,030 (US$ 9, Php 454) and take 70 minutes ride. Most of these buses also stop at major hotels. Another alternative mode of transportation is rapid airport trains. These are a bit costlier, with a fee of ¥1,070 (US$ 9.45, Php 471), but they will take you to the JR Sapporo Station in 36 minutes. Taxis are also an option but are very expensive since they can cost up to ¥10,000 (US$ 88, Php 4,409) for a one-way ride to central Sapporo.

Like PAL, most carriers land on CTS. However, smaller flights also land at Okadama Airport (OKD). OKD is located in Sapporo, so traveling to the city’s business center takes about 20-30 minutes. Airport Shuttle buses are a famous mode of transportation here, with a fare of just ¥400 (US$ 3, Php 176). A taxi to a major hotel in the city center will cost you at least ¥2,500 (US$ 22, Php 1,102).

Getting around

Getting around Sapporo is relatively easier for first-time travelers because of the city’s organized grid plan roads. Since Sapporo is about the size of Hong Kong, the preferred mode of transportation here are buses and trains.

Buses generally have the most affordable fare rates and travel most frequently. Bus fares start from ¥1,850 (US$ 16, Php 815) and travel as frequently as 30 minutes. On the other hand, trains are also a standard mode of transportation, especially for longer distances. Train fares start from ¥2,360 (US$ 28.5, Php 1,040) and depart at least hourly. However, getting a taxi ride may be the best deal for short distances inside the city since they can be taken from nearly anywhere and anytime.

Klook.com also sells JR Passes ( click here ). Visit Klook to avail yourself of the current JR Pass Promotion for the Philippines.

Where to eat in Sapporo

Soup Curry & Dining Suage+.

Location: 7 Chome-1-1 Maruyama Nishimachi, Chuo-Ku, Sapporo

Curry was first introduced to Japan by the British during the Meiji Era. Since then, Japan has had its own version of curry. Soup Curry & Dining Suage+ is known for serving some of the best bowls of curry in Sapporo, so make sure to…scurry to this place. If you don’t like eating spicy stuff, you can tell the waiters to serve you otherwise.

Nemuro Hanamaru JR Tower Stellar Place

A trip to Japan won’t be enough without having some sushi. This restaurant in Sapporo is well-known for serving sushi and other local seafood dishes that are fresh and flawless. For the ultimate experience, grab a seat by the serving conveyor belt and watch your sushi get made before you.

Sapporo Beer Garden

Located next to the centuries-old Sapporo Beer Museum, Sapporo Beer Garden houses several restaurants. The restaurant on the second floor of Kessel Hall is a grill restaurant that serves tender lamb meat, seafood, and vegetables. Of course, beer is the primary drink here.

Rokkatei, Sapporo Honten Restaurant

If you’re a sweet tooth, you’ll be pleased to know that Sapporo has some excellent cafes. Rokkatei, Sapporo Honten Restaurant, serves cake slices and other bite-sized sweets delicately arranged on your plate.

What to do and see in Sapporo

Ski, Sled, and Snowboard at Sapporo International Ski Place

This should be the first destination for sports enthusiasts or travelers wanting to try something new. Snowboarding and skiing are the most popular activities in this ski place. Sledding can also serve as an excellent experience for groups of friends.

Visit Mt. Okura Observatory

Mt. Okura Observatory is one of the few tourist attractions that can be appreciated in all four seasons. Since it’s very high, you’ll need to take a long escalator ride up to the main area to enjoy the breathtaking view of Sapporo.

Sightseeing in the winter wonderland Yuki Matsuri

The Sapporo Snow Festival, or Yuki Matsuri, is held annually in Odori Park, Susukino, and Tsudome. The festival consists of towering, glowing snow and ice sculptures that will force you to freeze in awe in the middle of the winter temperature.

Have a bowl of ramen.

Regardless of the season, a bowl of ramen is a classic treat. The Sapporo Ramen Republic and Sapporo Ichiryuan are some ramen shops in central Sapporo clusters. Ramen stalls close as late as 3 AM, and some also serve sake.

Ishiya Chocolate Factory  

The chocolate factory offers a fun and educational tour inside the actual Chocolate Factory. During the tour, tourists can see how the chocolates are being made. Apart from the factory, the place also has a chocolate museum. Also, there are two restaurants, a souvenir store, and an hourly robot show. It is famous for its white chocolate, sold under “White Lovers,” and only available in Hokkaido. 

Also Read: Sapporo City Guide: Satisfy your Wanderlust in Sapporo

Beautiful Parks and Gardens in Sapporo

• The Odori Park
• The Nakajima Park
• The Maruyama Park is next to the Hokkaido Shrine and houses the Maruyama Zoo.
• The Moerenuma Park
• Nishioka Park is a location of rich nature that centers around a pond and consists of marshland and the forest of the Tsukisamu River and its upper river basin. This park also serves as one of the main habitats in Hokkaido for many types of wild birds.
• The Asahiyama Memorial Park offers excellent views of the city.
• The Hokkaido University Botanical Gardens and The Chizaki Rose Garden
• The Hitsujigaoka Observation Hill has a farm with sheep and attracts visitors with a statue of William S. Clark.

Registered Tangible Cultural Properties in Sapporo

• The former Hokkaido government office building
• The Sapporo Clock Tower
• The Hokkaido Shrine
• Nishino Shrine
• Hokkaido Museum
• Historical Village of Hokkaido
• Sapporo Buried Cultural Property Center
• The Sapporo City Archive Museum (Former Sapporo Court of Appeal)
• The Edwin Dun Memorial Hall
• The Hokkaido University & Hokkaido University Museum
• The Sapporo Beer Museum & Sapporo Factory
• The Sapporo TV Tower
• The Sapporo Convention Center
• The Sapporo Salmon Museum in Makomanai Park
• The Sunpiazza Aquarium

Where to Stay in Sapporo

Note: The majority of big hotels in Sapporo have multilingual staff, so there is no need to worry about language barriers. Here are three of the most recommended hotels, budget- and accessibility-wise.

Vessel Inn Sapporo Nakajima Park

Location: 1-2, Nishi 4, Minami 9, Chuo-ku, Nakajima Park, Sapporo, Japan, 064-0809

Check Rates and Book Online via Agoda

A well-known hotel that offers affordable accommodation, Vessel Inn Sapporo Nakajima Park has cozy, warm rooms overlooking Sapporo’s cityscape. This hotel is perfect not just for lone travelers but for families as well.

JR Tower Hotel Nikko Sapporo

Address: 2-5 Kita 5Jou Nishi, Chuo-Ku, Sapporo Station, Sapporo, Japan, 060-0005

This luxury hotel in Sapporo’s heart offers high-speed Wi-Fi and a business center with Internet access. All rooms are air-conditioned and include a refrigerator, perfect for longer-staying tourists. There are designated smoking rooms in the hotel.

Ibis Styles Sapporo

Location: Nishi 3chome 10 10, Minami 8jo Chuo Ku, Nakajima Park, Sapporo, Japan, 640808

Check for the Lowest Rates and Book Online via Agoda

This accommodation offers breakfast packages, which is perfect for couples traveling together. The elegant rooms in this hotel are warm and cozy and are not too bright. The hotel has an extensive restaurant and a bar where guests can spend time in. Ibis Styles Sapporo is also known for having affordable accommodation rates.

Sapporo Park Hotel

Location: 1-1, Minami-10, Nishi-3, Chuo-ku, Nakajima Park, Sapporo, Japan, 064-8589

Affordable Rates and Book Online via Agoda

Sapporo Park Hotel is situated near Nakajima Train Station, which overlooks Sapporo Park’s lake on one side and the cityscape on the other. This four-star hotel has a restaurant that serves exquisite Japanese cuisine.

Check out our complete list of recommended Hotels in Sapporo , or you may also see available Airbnb properties in the city.

Shopping in Sapporo

Sapporo factory.

Sapporo Factory is a big mall that sells international and local brands. There are also souvenir shops, like the Souvenir Shop Mina Mina. The Sapporo Drug Store isn’t a souvenir shop, but it sells various items that you can only find in Japan, so you might find something interesting there! Even if you don’t intend to buy anything, walking in Sapporo Factory will be an excellent immersive cultural tour.

Sapporo Jyogai Market / Sapporo Central Wholesale Market

This is a farmer’s market that sells the freshest seafood in Sapporo. Of course, there is no way to bring a crab home, but seeing Sapporo’s version of the wet market is fascinating. You may also buy Japanese snacks, dried fish flakes, and other spices from here, and you can take those home.

Aurora Town

Aurora Town is an underground shopping street connected to the Odori Subway. There are plenty of stalls here that sell souvenirs and local items, and there are plenty more restaurants here that you won’t find anywhere else in Sapporo.

Sapporo Travel tips

• Sapporo has very extremely hot summers, reaching up to 97 Fahrenheit, and freezing winters when temperatures drop from as low as 20.1 to even as low as -19 Fahrenheit. March to June and September to October have calmer temperatures. However, if you’re after the Yuki Matsuri , be prepared to conquer the cold of February.
• If you visit during the winter, you might notice scattered sand on the icy roads. This is to prevent slippage. You can purchase your own bag of sand from the nearby “grit bin” and scatter them as well—it’s a tradition in the snowy city of Sapporo.
• If you feel you’re up for a more immersive tour, rent a bike in Sapporo. Several bike rentals only require a passport. The city has many bicycle parking areas, and you’ll also be provided with a lock upon rental.
• Sapporo has a vigorous campaign against smoking, so avoid smoking in public areas and even in restaurants unless given permission beforehand. Signs that are dedicated to smoking have signs that indicate that they are, so be on the lookout for those.

Important Contact Info for Tourists

• Sapporo City Call Center | 011-222-4894, 8:00 ~ 21:00 Open all year
• Sapporo Citizen Contact Center – 011-222-4894
• Injury, sudden illness, fires – 119
• Hospitals and Hotline Catering to Foreign Nationals during
• Nighttime Hours and on Holidays – 011-722-1110?
• Emergency Relief Center Sapporo is a 24-hour telephone health hotline – 7119
• Traffic accidents and crimes – 110

Many thanks to Sapporo City Tourism Office for letting us experience the Sapporo Snow Festival in Hokkaido Prefecture.

Sapporo Travel and Tour Packages

To help you plan your visit to Sapporo, we listed places and other amazing Sapporo, Japan. We also listed some of the best travel deals, tour packages, and excellent flight deals and accommodation.

Searching for the best hotels, resorts, and affordable flights in the nearby Cities? Check out our list of affordable Sapporo hotels and resorts via Agoda  and Booking , or you may also see available Airbnb properties in the city.

Want more updates about new package tours and tourist spots in Sapporo, Japan? Follow #TeamOutofTown,  on  Facebook , Twitter ,  Instagram , Bloglovin, and Pinterest  for more travel ideas.

Read: Top 15 Best Things to Do in Sapporo, Japan

Written by Melo Villareal

Melo Villareal is the Online Publisher of Outoftownblog.com. He is an Accountant by profession who left the corporate world at the age of 23 to explore his beautiful country and the rest of the world. Today, Melo works as a part-time Social Media Manager for local and international clients. His full-time work focuses on discovering interesting culture, explore different cuisines and take memorable photos from local and international destinations he's visiting.

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The Ultimate Sapporo City Guide: 18 Things To Do-See-Eat In The Gateway To Hokkaido

Promo : Get 5% off your accommodations  in Hokkaido using < TTI5 > under coupon code!

When visiting Hokkaido, most people begin their journey in Sapporo, a modern city with enough attractions to keep you occupied for a couple of days. As part of our 8-day Hokkaido road trip , we thought Sapporo deserved a post on its own. Here’s our ultimate Sapporo city guide, so you never run out of things to do in the gateway to Hokkaido.

Pre-trip Essentials:

4G SIM Card:  Stay connected by pre-booking your SIM card and collecting it at Narita airport upon arrival. SIM Card packages range from 1GB to unlimited use, valid from 6 to 8 days with prices starting from ~S$12. Definitely cheaper than getting them direct from the airport counter.

Accommodation:  Being a city, you’ll want to have your accommodation relatively near a train station. We booked ourselves 2 nights at the  HOTEL MYSTAYS Sapporo Nakajima Park   which is just 350m away from Horohirabashi subway station and 4 stops from the Sapporo station. More on this place later!

*Pro-tip:  Get 5% off your accommodation at  HOTEL MYSTAYS Sapporo Nakajima Park   by using < TTI5 >   under coupon code or booking through the link here ! 🙂

Getting around Sapporo

JR Hokkaido IC card: Get around Sapporo with a JR Hokkaido IC card (¥2507) which makes travelling by public transport a breeze. The card can be used in other parts of Japan too — just look for IC marked rail and bus services. Pre-book and pick up your card from New Chitose airport or at Sapporo TV Tower.

Subway pass:  Planning to hit up multiple attractions in a day? Consider getting a one-day subway pass, which costs ¥830 on weekdays and ¥520 on weekends. Each subway ride costs at least ¥200, so a total of five rides (or 3 on weekends) with the subway pass would make your money’s worth.

Best things to do in Sapporo

1) go up sapporo tv tower.

Take the minute-long elevator ride to the observation deck of Sapporo TV Tower  for a 360-degree view of Sapporo. On a clear day, you can see as far as the Sea of Japan and ski resort Ishikari Heigen. We recommend visiting just before sunset to catch the city in both daylight and nightfall.

Cost: ¥720 (or ~S$8 via Klook) Opening Hours: 9AM – 10PM How to get there: 5-minute walk from Odori station

2) Explore Odori Park and its surrounding attractions

Sapporo TV Tower overlooks vibrant Odori Park, which makes for a relaxing stroll once you’ve returned to the ground. The 1.5km-long park cuts through the city, so you can pop in and out of malls, cafes and convenience stores for a snack.

Alternatively, take short detours to check out some of Sapporo’s other iconic sights, which are about 8-10 minutes away on foot. Built in 1878, the Sapporo Clock Tower (¥200) is a two-storey building that looks positively quaint among the city’s glass-and-steel facades. Cross the street for a sweet photo spot outside Tony Roma’s.

The Old Hokkaido Government Building nearby is more stately and impressive. It’s also known as Akarenga, or red brick building — in fact, 2.5 million red bricks were used in the construction of this neo-baroque structure. The surrounding lawn and gardens are well manicured, with blooming magnolias and cherry blossom trees in spring. Admission is free.

3) Sip on Sapporo’s most famous export

You can’t come to Sapporo and not have its beer — and what better place to sample the famous brew than at Sapporo Beer Museum , where you can learn about your favourite drink in an, ahem, educational setting.

Guides lead premium tours (¥500) which include samples of two beers, but we recommend a free, self-guided tour instead. Exhibits about the history and founders of Sapporo Beer are informative and come with English explanations. Finish off with a flight of three beers (¥600) and a BBQ and snow crab buffet meal at one of the adjoining restaurants.

Entrance Fee:  Free Opening Hours:  11AM – 8PM How to get there: 10-minute walk from Higashi-ku station

4) Jingu Shrine in Maruyama Park

Jingu Shrine is the largest Shinto shrine in Hokkaido, and isn’t just spiritual — it’s scenic too, with cherry blossoms lining the main walkway to the temple in May.

The shrine is located within Maruyama Park, a sprawling compound that also houses the Maruyama Zoo and Maruyama Baseball Stadium.

Entrance Fee:  Free Opening Hours:  Park is open 24hr; Jingu Shrine opens 9AM – 4PM (Last entry at 3:30PM) How to get there: 15-minute walk from Maruyama-Koen station

5) Shiroi Koibito Park (White Lover Park)

This theme park pays tribute to one of Japan’s best-loved souvenirs, the white chocolate sandwich cookie known as Shiroi Koibito. Snap a photo (or five) at the kitsch, cutesy outdoor area, then head into the Tudor-styled buildings to find out how the cookies are made.

The production line is closed to the public until May 2019, but on the upside, admission (usually ¥600) is free! Interactive exhibits depict the history of chocolates and explain how the cookies are made, and you can also sign up for a course (from ¥972) to decorate (and take home) your own creations.

Cost:  Free Opening Hours:  9AM – 7PM  How to get there: 10-minute walk from Miyanosawa station

Day trips from Sapporo

1) moerenuma park.

You can easily spend half a day at lush Moerenuma Park , which was once a waste disposal centre. Today there’s no sign of it’s trashy past in green lung located about 45 minutes from downtown Sapporo. Rent a bicycle to explore the 189-hectare park, a modern playground for both adults and children.

Highlights include dome-like Mt Moere which can be climbed from three different directions, a sleek Glass Pyramid and even a man-made beach paved with coral that’s only open in summer.

Cost:  Free; bicycle rental ¥100 per hour Opening Hours:  Park is open 24h; Bicycle rental 9AM – 4PM (Bikes must be returned by 5PM) How to get there: Take bus 69 or 79 from Kanjodori-Higashi subway station and alight at Moerunuma-koen Higshiguchi (East entrance). The ride takes about 25 minutes.

2) Historical Village of Hokkaido (Kaitaku-no Mura)

History comes to life at the Hokkaido Historical Village, an outdoor museum of relocated and restored buildings that represent life in Hokkaido from 1868 to the 1920s. Peer into businesses such as an old soba shop, travellers inn and candy store, all recreated in great detail.

The village is spread out over 54-hectares — to cover it more quickly, hop on a horse and cart ride (¥250) down the village’s main thoroughfare.

Entrance Fee:  ¥800 Opening Hours: October to April, 9AM – 4:30PM (Last entry at 4PM). May to September, 9AM – 5PM (Last entry at 4:30PM) How to get there: Take the JR Hakodate line to Shinrinkoen station, then take bus  新２２(bus stop name:  開拓の村行)  to 開拓の村.

3) Noboribetsu Onsen

Need a break from the city? Retreat to peaceful Noboribetsu, an area known for its hot springs and onsens. Steam erupts from the earth at photogenic Jigokudani , where easy walking trails lead you amidst the craters and sulphuric plumes.

Afterwards, refresh tired feet with a refreshing soak in the pleasantly warm Oyunuma foot onsen .

How to get there: There are multiple ways to reach Noboribetsu , depending on your schedule and budget. Limited express trains between Sapporo and Noboribetsu take about an hour and cost ¥4000 (one way). Alternatively, a 100-minute bus ride operated by Donan Bus costs ¥1950 (one way). From Noboribetsu station, local buses connect to Jigokudani and Oyunuma foot onsen.

4) Otaru

At just 40 minutes from downtown Sapporo, the small port town of Otaru is an easy hop away, with more than enough to keep you occupied during a day trip. Explore the picturesque canal district by foot or boat, and check out multiple shops selling music boxes and glass trinkets which Otaru is known for.

How to get there: Multiple trains per hour run between Sapporo and Otaru along the the JR Hakodate Main Line. The one way trip costs ¥640 and takes 30 minutes by rapid train or 45 minutes by local train.

For more things to do in Noboribetsu, Otaru and the rest of Hokkaido, check out our 8d Road Trip Around Hokkaido .

Best things to eat (and drink) in Sapporo

1) affordable sushi at  nemuro hanamaru.

Tuck into cheap and tasty sushi at  Nemuro Hanamaru , where you can grab sushi off a conveyor belt or have it made to order. The tourist-friendly spot comes with an extensive English menu, including an etiquette guide on how to mix green tea from powder, and the correct way to season your sushi with soy and wasabi.

Everything on the conveyor belt glistens tantalisingly, but we recommend the minced fatty salmon belly with a raw, wobbly quail’s egg (¥140), aburi salmon belly (¥280) and scallop sushi that’s fresh, sweet and thickly sliced (¥453). Our generous meal for four sets us back at ¥1375 each (~S$17/pax).

Cost:  From ¥140 per serving; budget about ¥1400 per person for a hearty meal Opening Hours: 11AM – 11PM Address: Japan, 〒060-0005 Hokkaidō, Sapporo-shi, Chūō-ku, Kita 5 Jōnishi, 2 Chome, ステラプレイス. Hanamaru Sushi is located within Sapporo Stellar Place, one of the many malls connected to Sapporo JR station.

*Pro-tip:  Hanamaru sushi is perennially crowded, so dine during off-peak hours for a shorter queue. We arrived at 3pm and waited 15 minutes for a table for four.

2) Kinotoya Bake cheese tarts

Pick up a one (or a few!) of these famous tarts, with mild, oozy cheese set in the centre of crumbly, fragrant pastry. For more variety, Kinotoya Cake shop is located just one floor below at the Daimaru basement food hall and sells a variety of cakes and pastries in addition to the original tart.

Cost:  ¥183 per tart or ¥1080 for six Opening Hours:  10AM – 8PM  Address: 3 Chome Minami 1 Jonishi, Chuo, Sapporo, Hokkaido 060-0061, Japan. Look for the East exit at JR Sapporo station.

3)  King crabs and lamb BBQ at Sapporo Bier Garten

If you only splurge on one meal in Sapporo, this is it. Get your hands dirty with a buffet featuring snow and king crabs and a traditional Genghis Khan hotplate featuring lamb, chicken and pork.

The menu also includes seafood such as scallops, salmon and squid, but we say save your stomach space for the crab. It’s chunky, sweet and well worth the indulgence.

Cost:  ¥5680 for a crab and BBQ buffet. For more price options including a drinks buffet, check out the Sapporo Bier Garten menu . Opening Hours:  11:30AM – 10PM Address: 9-2-10, Kita7Jo, Higashi-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido, 065-0007

*Pro-tip:  The buffets fill up fast, so call 0120-150-550 at least a day in advance to   make reservations for your preferred time slot or make your booking online via Klook .

4) Miso Ramen at Ramen Shingen

Come early for this tiny ramen stall that draws long queues throughout the day. The no-frills 15-seater joint serves up hulking bowls of miso-based ramen — regular servings are easily double the size of what you might find elsewhere.

Small eaters can consider sizing down to a half-sized ramen, which is still a substantial portion.

Cost: ¥540 for a half-size ramen, ¥760 for a regular serving Opening Hours:  11:30AM – 1AM Address: ８丁目-8-2 Minami 6 Jōnishi, Chūō-ku, Sapporo-shi, Hokkaidō 064-0806, Japan

*Pro-tip:  Needless to say, come early. We arrived at 11:15AM and there were five people in the queue ahead of us.

5) Drinks with bartending performance at Flair Bar Es

Located in the heart of Susukino entertainment district, Flair Bar Es is part watering joint, part after dinner show. Bartenders juggle bottles, breathe fire and serve refreshing cocktails such as a fruity yet strong pineapple daiquiri (¥750) and a dainty floral lavender highball (¥550).

Performances run at 7:30PM and 10:30PM nightly, but if you arrive in between, ask nicely and the bartender may oblige with a mini performance when pouring your drink.

Cost: ¥550 to ¥750 for drinks (excl. ¥300 cover charge per pax) Opening Hours:  6PM – 2AM Address: 4 Chome-16 Minami 4 Jōnishi, Chūō-ku, Sapporo-shi, Hokkaidō 064-0804, Japan

*Pro-tip: Seats at the bar are the best for photos, while seats near the windows offer an impressive night view of Susukino street.

6) Japanese soup curry at Suage Curry Soup And Dining

Japanese soup curry gets an inventive spin at Suage Soup Curry and Dining , which offers a squid-ink rendition of the popular dish. Meals are highly customisable — choose from a variety of toppings including oysters, Hokkaido fried chicken and Furano pork. Then pick your amount of heat (we went for the spiciest level and found it both manageable and tasty), add veggies, and decide how much rice you need to go with your curry.

Cost: ¥980 to ¥1150 for mains Opening Hours:  11:30AM – 10:30PM Address: Japan, 〒064-0804 Hokkaidō, Sapporo-shi, Chūō-ku, 南４西５ 都志松ビル

7) Singapore-style Kopitiam

We’ll be honest — we visited the Singapore-style Kopitiam out of sheer curiosity, rather than any desire to eat hawker food. Would Sapporo’s rendition of our well-loved cuisine be any good? And what would the locals make of our favourite foods?

The decor in this bar-cum-restaurant is on point, right down to waitresses in Tiger Beer tees and aprons, and coffee-shop cutlery on each table. The raucous all-Japanese crowd (on a weeknight, too) seemed to love it.

The food, however, can’t compare to what we get at home — chicken rice lacked a pandan aroma, and bak kut teh was a confusing mix of herbal and peppery. Come without expectations, enjoy the atmosphere, and you won’t leave disappointed.

Cost: ¥820 to ¥1500 for mains Opening Hours:  6PM – 2AM Address: Japan, 〒060-0063 Hokkaidō, Sapporo-shi, Chūō-ku, Minami 3 Jōnishi, 7 Chome−5 (狸小路7丁目)

8) Kaisendon from Sapporo central wholesale market (Jyogai Ichiba)

For glistening bowls of sashimi on rice, head to Sapporo outside market, located just next to Sapporo central wholesale market.

Shops sell produce such as ikura (salmon roe), mentaiko (salted pollock roe) and dried cuttlefish, and many offer samples to graze on as you browse. Most shops have a sit-down restaurant and a menu of raw and cooked dishes. Chirashi bowls start from about ¥1580, but if you’re on a budget, a mini bowl (diameter 10.5cm, pictured above) will only set you back ¥980.

Cost: ¥980 for a mini bowl, ¥1580 to ¥4000 for regular sized bowls Opening Hours:  7AM – 3PM Address: Japan, 〒060-0011 Hokkaidō, Sapporo-shi, Chūō-ku, Kita 11 Jōnishi, ２２丁目4-1

9) Sapporo’s Best Gyoza Joint at Chao Chao Gyoza

Come in a group to sample the assortment of gyoza flavours available at ChaoChao Gyoza, including curry, mentaiko, egg and cheese and garlic.

We didn’t think fried chicken could get any better, but they even serve chicken wings stuffed with gyoza fillings! A total of 25 varieties are available — eat them plain or dipped in sauces such as vinegar soy and miso.

Cost: From   ¥300 for a serving of three gyozas Opening Hours:  11:30AM – 2PM, 5PM – 2AM Address: 2 Chome-38 Kita 2 Jōnishi, Chūō-ku, Sapporo-shi, Hokkaidō 060-0002, Japan

Accommodation

Hotel mystays sapporo nakajima park.

There are multiple MYSTAYS branches located across Sapporo (and the rest of Japan), but we like HOTEL MYSTAYS Sapporo Nakajima Park for its peaceful environment, expansive lobby and even a selection of coffee table books for browsing. It’s located just 350m away from Horohirabashi subway station and room rates begin at ¥5093 for a Standard Double.

Selected rooms overlook the park, such as our large Deluxe Family Room with wall-to-wall bay windows and a view of cherry blossom trees coming into bloom.

Other rooms are just as spacious. The Superior Twin comes with a large bathroom, couch and coffee table — perfect for late-night sake sessions.

Booking a MYSTAYS hotel also meant we barely had to unpack our suitcases. The hotel provides a set of pyjamas for each guests, and  a full range of toiletries including makeup remover, facial cleanser, toner and moisturiser. There was even a range of men’s facial products too. Guests help themselves from a chest in the lobby, so there’s no need to feel  paiseh about asking for extras. Just don’t  tapao all  the skincare home!

There are 86 MYSTAYS hotels in 19 cities across Japan, which you can use as a base to explore popular destinations such as scenic Hokkaido , or the underrated Chiba area . No matter where you go in Japan, a good night’s rest is never too far away.

Address:  1-20 Nishi 1-chome, Minami 14-jo, Chuo-ku, Sapporo-shi, Hokkaido 064-0914 Japan

Booking a night or 2 at the   HOTEL MYSTAYS Sapporo Nakajima Park ?   Key in < TTI5 > under coupon code to enjoy 5% off your stay 🙂

Flights to Sapporo

The nearest airport to Sapporo city is New Chitose Airport. Check flight prices for your dates of travel here:

Can’t see the widget above? Check out flight prices from Singapore to Sapporo here!

This post was brought to you by MYSTAYS Hotel .

Like what you see? Follow us on  Facebook , Instagram , and YouTube   for more travel updates!

  A post shared by The Travel Intern (@thetravelintern) on May 10, 2018 at 2:38am PDT

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• Tokyo Cheapo (繁體中文)

Japan’s Northern Soul: 2- and 3-Day Itineraries for Sapporo

Sapporo is Japan’s newest city. Up until a little over 150 years ago, the northernmost island of the archipelago was not inhabited by the Japanese. It was still home to the Ainu, the indigenous people of Hokkaido. In fact, a mere seven people held up the Edo outpost called “Sapporo” back in those days.

That all changed with the modernization of Japan at the turn of the last century—and voila! Now we have a city of almost 2 million people. It’s neatly laid out on a grid, much like North American cities, which makes getting around really easy. So let’s take a look at where exploring Hokkaido’s capital can take you with this Sapporo sightseeing itinerary.

Arrive in the morning after a 90-minute flight from Tokyo . The airport to the city is not exactly close, so see our guide on how to travel from New Chitose Airport to Sapporo . Once, you’ve arrived, drop off your luggage at your accommodation (see below for hotel recommendations).

Next, rent a bicycle to explore the city. There are rental stations conveniently located around most of the popular tourist spots, so pick one close to your hotel or get your bike at your first stop: the famous clock tower of Sapporo, which is within walking distance of Sapporo Station. Get this must-see photo op in the bag right away so you can feel like an accomplished traveler early on in your exploration.

• Sapporo Clock Tower (Tokeidai)

From here, head north for a few hundred meters until you reach Nakajima Park. This surprisingly vast expanse of greenery in the middle of the city is famed in spring for its cherry blossoms and in autumn for koyo , the changing of leaves.

Top tip : Pick up a bento on the way here, and turn this exploration into a picnic lunch in the warmer months.

• Nakajima Park

For those with boundless energy, make your way over to Mt. Moiwa. It’s one of the most celebrated night views in Japan, and getting here before dusk lets you soak up first the natural scenery, then, after nightfall, the glittering lights of Sapporo stretching all the way to the Sea of Japan.

A ropeway will take care of most of the ascent for you. From there you can switch to a small cable car that covers the last stretch. The automated climb sets you back ¥ 1,700 for the round trip.

• Mount Moiwa Ropeway

For those who want to save the cost of the ropeway or just enjoy a hike, there’s a not-so-well-advertised hiking path. Mt. Moiwa is 531 meters high and the trail is 2.9 kilometers long, so most people make it up in an hour max. But take your time and smell the flowers! The trail leads you through a beautiful forest, and small Buddhist statues called ogizo-san line the path (the numbers on them tell you how much farther you have to go).

Top tip : The second half of the path gets steeper and a bit rocky/potentially slippery after rain, so bring sturdy footwear, preferably proper hiking boots.

To find the trailhead, take a streetcar to South 14 West 15, which means getting off two stops before the ropeway station. From here, it’s a 20-minute walk to find the start of the path which is located behind a temple, but is clearly marked with a trail map at the start. The easiest way to find it is to punch in these GPS coordinates: 43.036617, 141.322055.

Time to go where the action is—Susukino is the Kabukicho -slash- Shibuya of Sapporo, all rolled into one. The area’s rather questionable establishments add to the overall buzzing atmosphere of blinking neon signs advertising an endless array of bars, clubs and restaurants.

Don’t get distracted. Head straight for Ramen Alley and sample one of Sapporo’s signature dishes. The street is called Ganso Sapporo Ramen Yokocho in Japanese, and pretty much guarantees you a tasty and reasonably priced fix. The original Sapporo-style miso ramen was conceived here. A bowl will cost you under a ¥ 1,000 , depending on how elaborate you like your toppings to be. There are 17 shops to choose from.

• Ganso Ramen Yokocho (Ramen Alley)

For those looking for some serious craft beer to rival that of Sapporo’s sister city Portland, Oregon, stop by Beer Bar North Island after dinner, also located in the Susukino district. Here, you can savor some unusual and excellent brews, including their coriander black beer. Prices start at ¥ 600 for a small glass.

• Beer Bar North Island

Rise and shine for the Nijo fish market that’s said to rival Tsukiji ! Though much smaller, Hokkaido is famous for its exceptionally tasty and high-quality seafood, owing to its cold waters that produce fatty, delicious fish. Sample some here or just enjoy checking out what is on display. (Check out our guide to eating sustainable seafood in Japan .)

Added bonus : The seafood is not only described as the best quality throughout Japan, but it’s also cheaper on average than in Tokyo. A donburi (rice bowl dish with various toppings) with sea urchin and salmon roe would be the classic choice for a seafood breakfast. Winning on all fronts, and it’s only 9 am. Free admission.

• Nijo Fish Market

Sapporo Art Park is basically a theme park for art lovers. It houses ateliers, studios, exhibitions, a museum and an outdoor sculpture park. It was conceived to celebrate the artistic expressions of Northern Japanese artists.

The admission to the park is free, but the sculpture park has a ¥ 700 entrance fee. The museum’s admission fee varies depending on the exhibition. Please note that during the winter months some of the facilities are closed, so check ahead.

• Sapporo Art Park

If history is more your thing, don’t miss out on Pirka Kotan Ainu Cultural Promotion Center. It’s about an hour bus ride from the city center, but well worth the effort. The Ainu people are Hokkaido’s (and parts of Northern Honshu’s) indigenous inhabitants. The park is a great display of their culture and traditions, which were greatly diminished due to colonization. The center showcases a small Ainu village outside and exhibitions inside. Admission is ¥ 200 for adults.

On some days, there are also events, workshops and performances, so check their website before going.

The bus that takes you there continues further on to Jozankei Onsen, so make a day trip out of it and soak in the spa after. Take bus #7 or #8 for Jozankei Onsen from Odori Nishi 1-chome in the center. Get off at Koganeyu Onsen and walk for 5 minutes. Buses run about twice an hour.

• Sapporo Pirka Kotan (Ainu Cultural Promotion Center)

It’s (probably) Saturday night, and even if not—you’re on vacation and Susukino never sleeps. Experiencing the Hokkaido equivalent of the Tokyo’s Kabukicho red light district and Shibuya clubs and bars all rolled into one is a must on your trip here. It’s up to you how much of the dirty underbelly you want to explore, but may we suggest you start your night with some Genghis Khan?

Yep, that’s right. Spelled jingisukan in Japanese, it’s one of Hokkaido’s most famed dishes and in essence a mutton version of yakiniku . Try Menyotei Gojo, located in the heart of Susukino. As it’s quite spacious, they usually have a table available. Dinner is around ¥ 2,500 per person.

• Menyōtei Gojo Store

Appetite satisfied? Explore the bars and clubs of Susukino at your leisure.

Depending on the state and size of your hangover, decide to sleep in or head over to Saturdays Chocolate Factory Café. This modern and stylish space opened in 2015 and houses a Scandinavian-style café. Enjoy a sweet breakfast of chocolate drinks, whoopie pies, and other delicious creations or take a tour of the in-house bean-to-bar factory.

The shop sells well-designed and stylish chocolate bars that make great souvenirs. The café shouldn’t set you back more than ¥ 1,000 . It has just 16 seats so it can get a bit crowded on weekends.

• Saturdays Chocolate Factory Café

Otaru day trip

You can finish your Sapporo adventures here or add a day trip to Otaru.

This port town on the Sea of Japan is famous for its beautiful canal that especially shines during the winter months—quite literally so during the Snow Light Path Festival when the canal is decorated with snow lanterns and small illuminated snow sculptures. Conveniently, it’s held each year at the same time as the Sapporo Snow Festival .

The former warehouses lining the canal were repurposed and now house shops, galleries and restaurants and are worth checking out at any time of the year.

The picturesque town is a 45-minute train ride from Hokkaido Station with a JR express train leaving every 20 minutes or so.

Budget around 4–6 hours to get there, enjoy the scenery, have lunch and get back.

After your return, wrap up your Sapporo trip with either an evening flight back to Tokyo—90 minutes will get you into Haneda in a breeze—or head to your next Hokkaido destination (may we suggest Hakodate , the prefecture’s third largest city, or Niseko for some skiing ?

Accommodation options in Sapporo

Below are some Sapporo hotels to suit every budget.

The capsule hotel

Spa Safro has separate floors for men and women and is located right in the center. The onsen facilities are beautifully designed in a minimalist modern Japanese style that mixes wood with unfinished concrete. The spa is open 24 hours and there is free wifi in the property. Nights start from around ¥ 3,600 , making this a perfect option for solo travelers.

The budget option

A good option for couples or small groups of friends is Hotel Mystays Sapporo Susukino . A modern, clean business hotel in the center with single, double and triple rooms. Guests get a special deal on a nearby spa too. Nights start from ¥ 4,300 .

The northern and cozy option

Hotel Unwind is a unique hotel located just a bit out of the center. Its theme is that of an urban lodge—with sleek but warm wooden elements, atmospheric lighting and sheepskins casually thrown onto the sofas in the lounge.

The 10th floor bar offers free wine for guests every day during happy hour from 5 pm to 7 pm. In summer, enjoy the rooftop terrace.

Prices start from a little under ¥ 10,000 per person in a double room.

Enjoyed this Sapporo itinerary? Try this Kyoto weekend itinerary next.

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2 Days Sapporo Itinerary: A Complete Travel Guide Blog

Last updated on September 14th, 2024

While making your trip to Hokkaido, there are many things to do in Sapporo. This Sapporo travel guide blog with introduce my 2-Days Sapporo itinerary and all the must-visit best sights in town.

Sapporo is located in the northern Prefectures of Japan. It is the fourth largest city in Japan by population and the largest city in Hokkaido. Sapporo offers so many things to do, places to visit, and food to eat here. It is best to give yourself at least 1 day to 2 days in Sapporo to explore this charming city. You will be delighted by its attraction, food, and drink, shopping as well as nightlife in this wonderful city.

If you are to visit Sapporo during winter, remember to include Sapporo Snow Festival. This Japan’s greatest winter festival is usually held in February at Sapporo. I can imagine it would be super cold though.

Sapporo is our last visited city before leaving Japan. It is the closest city to the international airport, New Chitose Airport. My visit is at the end of May. This is not a peak season for the flower blooming in Hokkaido. However, we enjoyed our trip to Hokkaido.

In this Sapporo travel guide blog , we will show you how to plan your Sapporo itinerary with top things to do, where to stay and food to eat, and transportation for getting around in Sapporo. And some of the money-saving tips and travel guides. Let’s check it out.

Table of Contents

Pre-Trip Essential: Transport

By Air : New Chitose Airport (CTS) is the largest and busiest airport in Hokkaido. However, this international airport is limited to direct flights from certain Asia countries including China, Korea, Malaysia, Thailand, Taiwan, and Hongkong. Most journeys are flying domestic from Tokyo or Osaka which is served by Japan Airlines (JAL) and All Nippon Airways (ANA).

Use Skyscanner to find the Best Flight Deal

By Rail : Sapporo is accessible by rail from other major cities in Hokkaido and even Tokyo. However, it is advisable to book a JR pass if you are planning to get to Sapporo from Tokyo. You may include Hakodate into your Hokkaido itinerary before visiting Sapporo.

JR Pass will save you a lot of money if you are traveling from Tokyo to Sapporo by rail. The JR Whole Japan Pas s and JR East South Hokkaido Rail Pass are great options.

To save on transportation, Klook offers the cheapest JR pass with free delivery to your home.

From New Chitose Airport to Sapporo City

From New Chitose Airport, the JR train is the easiest way to get to the city center. Rapid Airport Express has connected to Sapporo from New Chitose Airport Station. The train station is located on the first floor of the domestic terminal building. Follow the well-marked sign that will get you to the train station. The fare is ¥1,070 for one way and an additional ¥520 for reserved seats. But you can just simply hop on to the train with unreserved seats. Travel time is approximately 37 minutes. 

Alternatively, you can use the Airport Buses to Sapporo downtown including Susukino, Odori Park, and Sapporo Station. Bus fare at ¥1,030 with 80 minutes.

Getting Around in Sapporo City

It is easy to explore the city center on foot. Else, the subway is a great option for long-distance. One way of a subway ride is about ¥200 depending on the distance. Get the one-day pass if there is more than three subway ride per day. The Subway 1-Day pass costs ¥830 and Donichika Ticket, only weekends costs ¥520 for unlimited use of Sapporo’s subway line within one day.

Alternatively, it is advisable to get the IC card to skip the ticket purchasing process. Kitaca Card is Hokkaido’s IC card, similar to Tokyo’s Pasmo or Suica and Osaka’s ICOCA. All the IC cards can be used within Japan for It can be used for both train and bus rides.

You can book your Kitaca card via Klook and pick it up at the airport or Sapporo TV tower. The card is preloaded with ¥1,500.

Planning on Sapporo itinerary

There are plenty of things to do in Sapporo and nearby for your Sapporo itinerary. It is always a great base to travel around within Hokkaido. Here are the suggested places for getting around in leisure within 1 or 2 days. Some of the attraction is not centrally located in the city area and required traveling time. So please allow on some buffer time when you planning on your itinerary.

Day 1 Sapporo Itinerary:

• Seafood feast in Sapporo Central Wholesale Market or Nijo Market (1-2 Hours)
• Visit Shiroi Koibito Park (2 Hours)
• Hitsujigaoka Observation Hill (2 Hours)
• Know the history and beer testing at Sapporo Beer Museum (2 Hours)
• Dinner with Sapporo local specialties (2 Hours)

Day 2 Sapporo Itinerary :

• Relaxing stroll at Odori Park, Sapporo TV Tower, Former Hokkaido Government Office, and Sapporo Clock Tower (1-2 Hours)
• Pray in Hokkaido Shrine and Maruyama Park (2 Hours)
• Sapporo Night Life: Susukino and Tanukikoji Shopping Street (2 Hours)

All the attractions are only a suggestion and can be visited all year long. You are free to squeeze and adjust into a day Sapporo itinerary. But taking account of the time to taste Sapporo’s best food, we make it into two days Sapporo itinerary for a leisure trip.

Day 1 Sapporo Itinerary

I’ve put together some of Sapporo’s must-visits on the first day but some of the attractions are not located in the central town. You can adjust your trip by choosing which sights you want to visit on the first day.

Day 1 in Sapporo : Sapporo Central Wholesale Market, Shiroi Koibito Park, Hitsujigaoka Observation Hill, Sapporo Beer Museum.

Sapporo Central Wholesale Market

It is so interesting to see the local daily life through a visit to the local market. We love to include a market visit when traveling to a new country.

Sapporo Central Wholesale Market (札幌市中央卸売市場 ) is the central market hub in Hokkaido. It has over 60 stores in 2 lines, selling fresh ingredients, live seafood, and fruits at a cheaper price. The best place to eat fresh seafood, sashimi, and local product here.

It was interesting to walk around and enjoy the sights of customers negotiating prices with vendors at the stalls in Japanese.

We love to check on the different types of crab such as king crab, hairy crab, and snow crab. All are very famous and signature in Hokkaido. While the price is not cheap even in the wholesale market.

Don’t forget to try Hokkaido’s most famous fruit, the Yubari melon. The expensive Yubari Melon is sold here and it cost about ¥300 on a single slide. We have a great visit to the wholesale market.

Next, we proceeded to Curb Market. The Curb Market, or called Jogai Ichiba (札幌場外市場) is the ideal place for yummy local breakfast. It is just located beside the wholesale market, served freshly cooked food.

Our breakfast is ended with a big bowl of seafood don (Kaisendon) in one of the famous restaurants (海鮮食堂 北のグルメ亭). It is the seafood market where you can get some fresh seafood to go. But you can opt to purchase and ask the kitchen to serve fresh or cook it for you. The fresh sashimi rice bowl is one of the best kaisendon in Sapporo. The taste was not too bad but we still preferred the one in Otaru. The Kaisendon costs about ¥3,200.

Nijo Market

If the Sapporo Central Wholesale Market is not convenient for you, consider visiting the Nijo Market. The Nijo Market (二条市場, Nijō Ichiba) is a public fish market in Central Sapporo. It is easy to access in Sapporo downtown and nearby the Tanukikoji shopping street. So, it is more commercial compared with Sapporo Central Wholesale Market. It is not too big with shops that occupy about one or two city blocks. Majority of shops sell both fresh and dry seafood, and local produce.

The location is easily accessible and convenient located in the city center. So most of the time it is crowded with tourists from all around the world. But it is worth spending some time wandering around to check on any local products and souvenirs.

It was not too bad during our visit. We got the fresh crab for snacks at a cheaper price in the late morning. If you are interested, Nijo Market is a great place to know more about the fish market in Sapporo. Crabs line up in front of the stores with a unique taste of the market.

There have many small stalls where you can choose your live crab cooked for you immediately. We bought a king crab from one of the seafood stalls and have a taste of it. Fresh!

Shiroi Koibito Park

Next, we proceeded to Shiroi Koibito Park (白い恋人パーク). Shiroi Koibito Park is a mini theme park, run by Ishiya Company with a beautifully decorated tin toy exhibition and flower garden.

The company’s flagship product is the famous Shiroi Koibito cookie, which consists of a layer of white chocolate sandwiched by two thin butter cookies. Many people are craving this sweet dessert and it is one of the famous souvenirs from Hokkaido.

The park entrance is free but you can join the factory tour which costs ¥600. The tour will show you how the Shiroi Koibito cookies are made from assembly into the packaging.

Make sure to reserve the cookie-making class in advance if you wish to make your own Shiroi Koibito cookies. We did not join the class and enjoyed taking photos in the park. (Click for booking here )

Do try their soft serve ice cream after walking and taking photos. A good cup of coffee or a blended white chocolate ice cream visits sweet memory. The selling price of the Shiroi Koibito cookie is the same at other places. So, no need to purchase here unless you are getting the exclusive cookies.

Hitsujigaoka Observation Hill

Our next stop is Hitsujigaoka Observation Hill (羊ヶ丘展望台) which is located 40 minutes away from the city center. We took the subway to Fukuzumi station (Toho Subway Line). Next, change to the bus (No. 84) that will take you to the hill. 

Hitsujigaoka Observation Hill is the last stop of the bus ride.  The bus stops conveniently just outside the ticket booth.

Hitsujigaoka Observation Hill is an important historical place and was very important for agriculture. This place will make you feel like in the countryside with sheep in the gated fields.

Check out the famous bronze statue of Dr. William S. Clark and his famous quote “Boys, Be Ambitious”. Overall, the view was nice but nothing special. It is good to have one hour of relaxing time here. We spend about 1 hour before heading to the next destination.

Book Your Hitsujigaoka Observation Hill from Klook to speed up the ticketing process.

Sapporo Beer Museum

Built on the grounds of a former brewery during the Meiji Period, the Sapporo Beer Museum has been registered as a Hokkaido Heritage Site since 2004.

Visit Sapporo Beer Museum to know more about the history of Sapporo Beer. Sapporo beer and Asahi are the two famous beer producers in Hokkaido.

We choose to visit Sapporo Beer Museum as it is the only beer museum in Japan. However, the tour is only offered in Japanese. So we did the self-guided tour through the displays for a free beer factory tour.

Don’t forget to get the full experience with beer tasting at the end of the tour. Just purchase the tasting ticket at the vending machine and stand in line for the beer. You can have 3 different types of beer at ¥800. The Sapporo black label is my favorite!

Additionally, you may also enjoy the all-you-can-eat buffet with over 20 types of local specialty dishes, including king crab, snow crab, and Genghis Khan pot at Trommell Hall dinner. Additionally, you can pair your food with a free flow of Sapporo beer, and sake. It is one of the popular buffets in Sapporo. Reservation is highly recommended as it is always fully booked. ( Prebook your unlimited crab and Lamb BBQ dinner here )

Day 2 Sapporo itinerary

Our second day in Sapporo is more focusing on the city center. Some of the attractions are approximately close to each other within walking distance.

Day 2 in Sapporo : Odori Park, Sapporo TV Tower, Former Hokkaido Government Office, Sapporo Clock Tower, Hokkaido Shrine, Susukino, and Tanukikoji Shopping Street.

Odori Park And Sapporo TV Tower

The Odori Park (大通公園, Ōdōri Kōen) is lovely and well-kept in the heart of the city. It is a popular picnic and relaxation spot for locals and visitors. Enjoy the relaxing stroll and stop to admire the flowers or feel the wind in your hair.

The Sapporo TV Tower is located at one end of the Odori Park in central Sapporo. This iconic tower is hard to miss when you are getting into Odori Park. It was once the tallest building in Sapporo until replaced by Sapporo Station in 2003.

Nowadays, Sapporo TV Tower is the prime viewing location above Odori Park. Added, you will get to see a 360-degree view of Sapporo City from above. The best viewing time is during the evening. So do expect a queue at the ticket booth. Alternatively, you can purchase tickets online to skip the queue.

Klook offers a discounted ticket for Sapporo TV Tower. Instant confirmation on Sapporo TV Tower and present the e-voucher at the Observation deck entrance. ( Sapporo TV Tower from Klook )

While Odori Park is the place for many Sapporo Festivals such as Sapporo Snow Festival during winter If you are coming in February, Odori Park is the biggest of the venues, hosting the Sapporo Snow Festival for a 7-days celebration. Snow and ice sculptures emerge at a handful of sites around Sapporo, creating a lovely winter wonderland scene. Don’t forget to include Odori Park in your Sapporo itinerary if you are coming during the festival season.

During Summer and Autumn, there is also a seasonal festival with massive food and drink stalls will be run inside the park. Locals enjoy their time to relax and unwind with family and friends.

Former Hokkaido Government Office

There is also the Former Hokkaido Government Office located nearby Odori Park. Nowadays, this historical building has been preserved as a museum and is open to the public for free. It holds and displays a lot of information and the history of Sapporo.

The Baroque style red brick house is one of the popular attractions for visitors. Get in your step to wander around in the beautiful garden and enjoy the unique red building. A lot of photo opportunities and worth to detour to take some nice photos here.

Sapporo Clock Tower

A few blocks away is another iconic Sapporo attraction. The Sapporo Clock Tower (時計台, Tokeidai) is one of the symbols of Sapporo. This wooden building was constructed in 1878 but still functions today.

It is now served as a museum with the first floor exhibited about Sapporo’s history. While the second floor hosts a music hall and an exhibition about the clock itself. The entrance fee is ¥200. We did not visit inside, instead, take a look at the building outside.

Hokkaido Shrine

Build-in 1869 after the Meiji Emperor, Hokkaido Shrine (北海道神宮, Hokkaidō Jingū) is the most important Shinto shrine in the city.

Get down at Maruyama Koen station and take exit 3 to Maruyama Park. The 10 minutes walk through the Maruyama Park to Hokkaido Shrine was lovely and beautiful. The path grew with a tall cedar tree and lovely foliage.

Hokkaido Shrine is located in the central park after walking through the tranquil cedar forest. It is a magnificent example of simplicity shrine yet impressive.

A good place to feel the peace and make the Japanese pray is a traditional temple in Hokkaido.

Sapporo Night Life: Susukino and Tanukikoji Shopping Street

If you have more time and looking for some entertainment at night, Susukino is the one that you looking for. This entertainment district is packed with stores, bars, restaurants, karaoke shops, pachinko parlors, and “adult-friendly” places with bright light welcoming you. Just like the busy street in Tokyo, it is very safe walking around even with kids.

Added, there are also a lot of restaurants if you are hunting for food. The  Ramen Yokocho is hidden in the narrow lane in Susukino. It is lined with shops serving the famous miso ramen here.

Nearby the Susukino with less than 5 minutes walking distance, Tanukikoji shopping street is where you want to do shopping in your Sapporo itinerary. This covered shopping street is the best place for last-minute shopping as it sells almost everything. The 1km-long arcade with around 200 shops including eatery and retail shops. A wide range of products is gathered on this street including souvenirs, clothes, skincare, and cosmetics.

More Days in Sapporo?

Sapporo is a great base when visiting Hokkaido. Some travelers even plan for 3 days to 5 days Sapporo itinerary and travel to attractions nearby for a day trip. Below are a few popular attractions that easily adjust to your Day 3 Sapporo itinerary.

Day trip from Sapporo :

• Day trip to Otaru: A charming canal city for a relaxing stroll.
• Jozankei Onsen: Hot Spring town with 1-hour driving journey from Sapporo
• Mount Moiwa: Best place to enjoy the Sapporo city view.
• Asahiyama Zoo: Popular family activities for animal encounters.

Day Trip to Otaru Located just 30 minutes away by train, Otaru is one of the charming canal cities that you hardly can miss. The picturesque town is perfect for a relaxing stroll along the historical canal and tasting the absolute fresh seafood and sushi. It is also home to famous Japanese desserts such as Letao, Kitakaro, Rokkatei, and more. Getting there : 30 minutes by JR train from Sapporo Station

Related Article : Otaru Itinerary: A Guide To Explore Otaru in 1-Day

Jozankei Onsen Hokkaido is famous for its hot spring bath. The Noboribetsu and Lake Toya are particularly popular among locals and tourists for an onsen bath. If you have limited time, consider getting to Jozankei Onsen which is located only a 1-hour driving journey from Sapporo city. Imaging soaks in the natural hot spring in majestic mountains view. It is also one of the best places to view colorful maple leaves for fall foliage during Autumn. Getting there : 1 hour by bus from Sapporo

Mount Moiwa For a glimpse of Sapporo from above, consider spending some at Mt. Moiwa. At an altitude of 531 meters, Mount Moiwa is the best place to enjoy the beautiful night view in Sapporo. Just recently, Sapporo has been selected as New Top Three Best Night Views in Japan. It is easily reached using a ropeway and mini cable car up to the observation deck. Ring the famous Bell of Happiness. It is said the couple will flourish together with ring the bell together.  Getting there : 30 minutes by subway from Sapporo Station

Asahiyama Zoo For animal encounters, consider visiting the Asahiyama Zoo. It offers a uniquely immersive experience compared to most zoos. It is especially popular during winter with adorable Penguin Walk and sees these flightless birds up close. Highly recommended for families with young children and spend some time at the zoo. Getting there : about 3 hours from Sapporo. For easy arrangement, consider taking the Asahiyama Zoo Day Tour from Klook . The bus departs from Sapporo Station and you can visit the Zoo freely.

Where To Stay in Sapporo?

Choosing where to stay in Sapporo is not too hard. There is a large selection of hotel, hostel or family stay available with a fairly decent price and quality. Depending on your Sapporo itinerary, we preferred to stay nearby Sapporo Station or Tanukikoji shopping street. It is a great base to get around and look for food and shop in Sapporo.

Here are a couple of the best hotels in Sapporo :

Hotel Mystays is a chain hotel company in Japan. And we are highly recommended to stay in Hotel MyStay. The rooms are clean and bigger compare with other business hotels in Sapporo. Few Mystays hotels are widely available at Sapporo Station, Susukino, Nakajima Park, and more. Choose the hotel based on location and price. We preferred Hotel MyStays Sapporo Station and Hotel Mystays Sapporo Aspen which excellent locations near the Sapporo Station.

For budget travelers, consider the Grids Sapporo Hotel&Hostel . The location is perfect and exactly located in the Tanukikoji shopping street. It provides a spacious dormitory room, single, double, triple, and family room to choose from. Newly build and clean with helpful staff willing to help.

Read on our full list of Where To Stay in Sapporo: The Best Accommodation Guide .

What To Eat in Sapporo?

Sapporo is one of the food paradises and the center food hub in Hokkaido. A wide variety of local delicacies are available. Don’t miss the top 5 must-eat food: fresh crab, kaisendon, miso ramen, soup curry, and Genghis khan. We love to spend time food hunting in Sapporo.

• #1: Crabs : King Crabs, Hairy Crabs, and Snow Crabs 
• #2: Soup curry: Garaku, Samurai, Suage+, PICANTE, and more
• #3: Miso Ramen: Sapporo is famous for miso broth. Have a hot bowl of miso ramen at Ramen Kyowakoku, Ramen Mokuren, Yugeya. 
• #4: Genghis Khan  (grilled lamb with vegetables)
• #5: Kaisen Don, literally “seafood bowl” with a wide range of seafood on rice.

Sapporo Food Guide: Where and What To Eat in Sapporo

• Nemuro Hanamaru: Best kaiten belt sushi restaurant in Sapporo
• Kani Honke Sapporo: Best Crab Restaurant
• Gotsubo Oyster Bar: Best Cheap Eat in Sapporo
• The Best Soup Curry Garaku Food Review

Overall: My 2-Days Sapporo itinerary

My 2-Days Sapporo itinerary is very relaxed. We utilized the 1-Day transportation pass and visited most of the attractions which required transportation during the first day. The next day is more concentrated in the city area. And we choose to get around on foot.

You can complete your visit to Sapporo city within 1 fulfilling day. But we choose to separate it into 2 days so that we can explore the charming city at a more relaxed pace. We tasted the yummy local delicacies including fresh seafood at the local market, miso ramen, soup curry, and more. Besides, we allocate more days to explore the attractions nearby Sapporo.

Winter is the most popular season to visit Sapporo but it’s a great city to visit all year. The snow festivals in the winter and Sapporo Beer Festival in the Summer are the peak season for visiting Sapporo.

Similar to Japan’s city, the thing to do is quite similar to Tokyo or Osaka. If you only have limited time, just visit the attraction that you would like to see. And we love to spend more time on food, especially fresh seafood.

The most convenient way to get around in Sapporo is by subway with about ¥200 per ride depending on the distance. Alternatively, it is easy to explore the Sapporo city center on foot.

Definitely worth it! Sapporo is a city full of cultural diversity, natural beauty, and most importantly mouthwatering food. There are many wonderful attractions to visit regardless of the season.

Continue Read On

Lastly, thanks for stopping by my Sapporo travel blog. Sapporo is one of the main highlights of a visit to the island of Hokkaido. This amazing place is a must-visit for many tourists to Hokkaido and worth adding to your itinerary. We had a great time during our trip to Sapporo and would love to come back again!

If you need more help planning your Hokkaido trip, check out our travel blog below:

How To Plan Your Hokkaido Trip On Budget: Travel Guide, Itinerary & Money Saving Tips!

For more detail on the best place to visit in the Hokkaido travel blog:

• Best Hokkaido itinerary in Summer
• Hakodate, the historical city in Hokkaido
• Lake Toya Itinerary: Mt Usu, Onsen, Firework And More
• Noboribetsu itinerary: The Best Therapeutic Onsen in Japan
• Day trip to Otaru and Nikka Whisky Distillery
• Furano-Biei Cycling Trip ,  visit to Blue Pond by public bus

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2 Days in Sapporo Travel Guide & Itinerary

Sapporo is the largest city on the northern Japanese island of Hokkaido and is famous for its annual  Sapporo Snow Festival which takes place every February.  However, Sapporo is a great destination year round and worthy of a visit any time of the year.  Sapporo makes a great base for exploring the rest of Hokkaido but make sure to spend some time exploring this underrated Japanese city.

Essentially, one can cover the major sites in Sapporo in a day. For more comprehensive coverage, two days would be much better. Here is my guide to the best things to do in Sapporo if you have 2 days (if you only have a day in Sapporo you can fit most of these in one long busy day).

2 Days in Sapporo Itinerary

Best Things to Do in  Sapporo – 2 Days in Sapporo Itinerary

Below is a 2 day Sapporo itinerary covering the best things to do in Sapporo. If you want a good introduction to the city, you can also join a private customized tour that covers all the highlights.

Day 1 –  Odori Park – Sapporo TV Tower – Sapporo Clock Tower – Hokkaido Government Office – Shiroi Koibito Park – Maruyama Park (Hokkaido Shrine, Maruyama Zoo)

1) Odori Park

Odori Park lies in the heart of Sapporo. It is a long stretch from Sapporo TV Tower to Sapporo City Archive Building. Several events are held here throughout the year and the noteworthy one is the Sapporo Snow Festival. On a clear day and at night, you can even see the Mt Okurayama Ski Jump Stadium as the park separates the city into two parts and there are absolutely no tall buildings in the entire stretch. For a better view, visit the TV Tower!

To get to Odori Park, catch a metro to Odori Station or Nishi juitchome Station at the other end.

2) Sapporo TV Tower

To get a view of Sapporo, head to the observatory deck to soak in the view of Sapporo. You do not have to pay to head to the third floor of the TV tower, but to head up to the observation deck, the admission ticket costs 1,000 yen. For travellers who wish to visit the day and night view, purchase the daytime/evening ticket for an additional 500 yen so that you can visit the observatory twice!

3) Sapporo Clock Tower

Located about a ten minute walk away, visit the Sapporo Clock Tower. It is a historical landmark built in the 1980s which is now a symbol of Sapporo. There is also a museum in the clock tower that provides information about the history of the clock tower and Sapporo.

4) Hokkaido Government Office

Continuing walking from the clock tower towards Sapporo Station and you’ll be able to see the Red Brick government office. It no longer is used as a government office and now displays exhibits that tell people of the history of Hokkaido.

5) Shiroi Koibito Park

The Ishiya Chocolate Factory is easy to get to. Take the subway Tozai Line to the end of the line, Miyanosawa station . From there, follow the signs throughout the station and it is a 10 minute walk to the factory. You will have to cut through Sapporo Lifelong Learning Research Center Chieria and the road towards the Park is extremely scenic.

There is just so much to do at Shiroi Kobito Park. You can tour the factory, decorate your own cookies, enjoy Shiroi Koibito desserts and confectionary, and also purchase souvenirs for your friends and family. Besides the museum, there are also some photo spots in the Rose Garden that looks absolutely beautiful be it during winter, or the summer months.

Read More:   How I spent below 900 SGD (including air tickets) on a 5D4N trip to Hokkaido

6) Maruyama Park

Also on the subway Tozai Line,  you can get to Maruyama Park by getting off at the  Maruyama-Koen station . It is then a short walk to the park.

The Muruyama Park is a huge park and do be prepared to do a lot of walking! Inside the Muruyama Park, you can find the Hotaki and Hokkaido Shrine, Muruyama Zoo, and the Maruyama Stadium.

7) Hotaki and Hokkaido Shrine

Follow the signs (or people) within the park and you’ll be able to see a large Torii gate.

Shrines are erected for Shinto devotees that are characterised by the entrance torii gate. The torii gate marks the boundary between the secular world as well as the holy ground. Entering through the torii gate signifies that you have entered holy ground. Shinto devotees will have to bow at the side of the torii gate. The middle portion is set aside for the deity to pass. Travellers should try not to enter through the middle, and should enter via the side where the walkway can be found.

Hotaki Shrine, Sapporo, Hokkaido

Continue walking into the park and you’ll spot the Hotaki Shrine! The Hotaki Shrine is a smaller shrine and if you do not wish to visit it, continue along the pathway to head to the Hokkaido shrine!

Outisde the Hokkaido shrine, you’ll see a temizuya water pavilion outside the shrine. The water here is NOT for consumption! Instead, water is used as a ritual to purify your minds and bodies before entering the sacred shrines.

Despite the cold gloomy weather, the golden ornaments on the shrine still stands out. At the shrine, you can also purchase amulets for different purposes. Some shrines also allow you to check your fortunes.

Maruyama Zoo, Sapporo, Hokkaido

The Maruyama Zoo is located within Maruyama Park and it is the oldest zoo in Hokkaido. Yet, the zoo was very well-maintained and it provides an immensely immersive experience. You can actually watch the animals up close!!

Even though many websites and sources say that the polar bear exhibit is the highlight – given that Maruyama Zoo has successfully raised 4 out of the 5 cubs in the nation – we felt that the best was the brown bear and lion! Imagine looking directly at these huge creatures walking and prancing just a glass away. The brown bear was so intrigued by visitors and kept banging on the glass which gave its visitors an extremely good scare.

Admission to the zoo costs 800 yen per person .

To get to Maruyama Zoo,

• Walk: Take a 10-minute walk from the shrines in Maruyama Park .
• JR Bus Dobutsuen Line number 15 from the bus terminal by Maruyama-Koen station and alight at the Dobutsuen-mae stop  or
• JR Bus Araiyama Line number 14 and alight at Sogo Ground mae  or
• Bankei Kanko Bus Araiyama Line and alight at Sogo Ground mae
• The bus stop is located close to the west entrance of the zoo.
• Shuttle Bus (on weekends only): Take the shuttle bus from Maruyama-Koen subway station that is bound for Okurayama Ski Jump Stadium and alight at Dobutsuen-mae .
• Taxi: You can take a taxi from Maruyama-Koen station to the Maruyama zoo. The price is about 1200 yen.

Day 2:  Sapporo Station – Sapporo Factory – Sapporo Beer Museum – Ario Sapporo – Mt. Moiwa – Susukino

1) Sapporo Station

Outside Sapporo Station, Sapporo, Hokkaido

If you’ve seen Tokyo Station, you’ll understand why Sapporo Station is a landmark of its own. It houses the JR trains, a variety of other malls and departmental stores, and a whole lot of delicious restaurants. It is so massive that you’ll get lost in it!

2) Sapporo Factory

Sapporo Factory isn’t quite the Sapporo Beer Factory that you are imagining. Although it was once a beer factory, it has now become a shopping complex. The shopping complex is made up of several interconnected buildings. This red brick Akarenga building is one that reminds visitors of the original brewery. There is a small brewery that can be observed in this building, and you can also taste some beer at the Akarenga beer hall.

3) Sapporo Beer Museum

This is the real beer museum! You do not have to pay to enter the beer museum. You can walk around and read about the history of Sapporo beer. For those who want a guide, pay 1000 yen for the tour , with two complimentary glasses of beer. Be sure to try the  Beer Sampler (1000 yen) . It comes with three glasses of the  Black Label, Classic, and Kaitakushi Beer . They also offer a complimentary packet of nuts!

4) Ario Sapporo

Right next to the beer museum, there is a shopping mall that you can head to before you head to the next stop. Have your lunch here and visit the Uniqlo on your way out!

5) Mt Moiwa

Mt Moiwa provides a wonderful view of Sapporo and it is relatively easy to get to (unlike Mt Okurayama Ski Jump Stadium). The alternative is to head to Mt Okurayama Ski Jump Stadium but it is much trickier to get to! The way up to Mt Moiwa is also an experience in itself – you’ll have to take a ropeway, followed by a mini cablecar up.  

To get to Mt Moiwa, take the only   streetcar from Susukino subway station to Rope Iriguchi streetcar stop . From there, take a   shuttle bus   to get to the ropeway station. Otherwise, make your way there   by foot (5 minutes) . 

6) Explore Susukino

Susukino, Sapporo, Hokkaido

​​Before you end your day, head to Susukino. Susukino is Japan’s largest entertainment district. Other than the glitzy bars, pachinko slot machines and the red-light districts, Susukino is home to several popular restaurants and stores. The popular 24 hour Don Quixote and the Ramen Yokocho can also be found here! (Looking for more food suggestions? Here are 7 foods you have to eat in Sapporo .)

To get to Susukino, take the Nanboku Line to Susukino station (two stops from Sapporo Station, and one stop from Odori Park Station).

How to Get to and Around Sapporo

The closest major airport to Sapporo is New Chitose Airport Sapporo (CTS) which is approximately 53 km away. You can book a private transfer from the airport here .

You can easily get around Sapporo and the surrounding area using public transportation (including subway , streetcar/tram , bus ) as well as taxis.

If you enjoy guided tours, this private customized tour covers all the best attractions.

Where to Stay in Sapporo

Sapporo has no shortage of places to stay. These are my top picks for where to stay in Sapporo:

JR Tower Hotel Nikko Sapporo   If you are looking for a luxury hotel, JR Tower Hotel Nikko Sapporo is one of the best hotels in Sapporo.  It is conveniently connected to JR Sapporo Station which makes it very convenient for travel to/from the airport and day trips. There are also numberous shopping and dining options in the same complex of shops underneath the hotel. Click here to see the latest prices .

Sapporo Grand Hotel   Sapporo Grand Hotel is another great luxury hotel option with an excellent location only a 5-minute walk from JR Sapporo Station via a connecting tunnel. Amenities include a shopping arcade, a gym, a spa center, 7 dining options, free Wi-Fi and in room refrigerator. Click here to see the latest prices .

Ibis Styles Sapporo  is a good value hotel with free breakfast and wi-fi.  It is close to the Nakajima Koen station and walking distance to Susukino and Odori Park. Click here to see the latest prices .

Mercure Hotel Sapporo.  Excellent location in the heart of the Susukino restaurant and entertainment district and walking distance to the famous Ramen Alley makes it walking distance to many food options. Click here to see the latest prices .

Daiwa Roynet hotel Sapporo Susukino.  This is a clean and modern hotel in an excellent location close to shopping malls and restaurants and walking distance to most places of interest such as Sapporo TV Tower, Odori Park, Sapporo Clock Tower. Click here to see the latest prices .

Toyoko Inn Sapporo-eki Kita-guchi.  Excellent value with free breakfast, wi-fi and in room refrigerator and walking distance from JR Sapporo station.  Click here to see the latest prices .

JR Inn Sapporo.  New hotel with a convenient location close Sapporo station (through Daimaru mall) to the hotel. Click here to see the latest prices .

Day Trips from Sapporo

If you have more time in Sapporo and want to explore more of Hokkaido, take a look at these great tours to explore the rest of the island:

• Day trip visit to Blue Pond in Biei, Shikisai-no-Oka and Furano to see beautiful flowers.
• Visit the harbor town of Otaru as well as a sake brewery with this day trip .
• See the highlights of Hokkaido including Shakotan Cape Kamui, Otaru, and Shiroi Koibito Park.

Read More:   When is the best time to visit Hokkaido?

These are my top choices for the  best things to do in Sapporo if you have only 2 days .  Have you visited Sapporo? If so what would you recommend first time visitors see?

Consumed by wanderlust, Michelle loves trying delicious food, reading, and sharing her experiences! If she is not out snapping photos of yummilicious food, you can find her planning for her next holiday. She writes at  www.themunchingtraveller.com .

Also visiting Tokyo on your way to Sapporo? Check out our 2 day Tokyo itinerary with the best things to do and see according to a resident.

Related Posts

savvyglobetrotter

I for some reason, never actually realized how much snow Japan gets! These photos are just gorgeous, i love snow photos! And what a great itinerary! I sadly, haven’t made it to Japan yet but it is on my bucket list!

Everything looks so beautiful because of the snow. I’m also surprised that the temple doesn’t have snow on it. Makes it seem more magical.

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One Day In Sapporo Itinerary – Top Things To Do In Sapporo, Japan

S apporo is a brand name that’s recognized all over the world as a deliciously smooth lager. But did you know that the world-renowned beer company is named after one of the oldest cities in Japan? Sapporo is the biggest city north of Tokyo and is located on the island of Hokkaido. It’s famous for hosting multiple winter Olympics, crafting delicious beer, and the breathtaking mountain range that surrounds the populous city. A must-see destination for travelers seeking the full Japanese experience. Therefore, in this one-day itinerary, we will explore the charming city of Sapporo and its top attractions and local gems.

What’s The Best Time To Visit Sapporo?

The absolute best time to visit this winter island city is during the month of February when Sapporo hosts its annual snow festival . The annual event pulls in millions of local and foreign tourists each year. Artists who are adept at creating snow and ice sculptures make their way up to construct phantasmal statues, designs, and even structures made from snow and/or ice.

The city of Sapporo also organizes some more interactive activities during the snow festival like the snow slides. Reminiscent of tobogganing, families can get inflatable toboggans to slide down the large hills that have hollowed-out lanes.

A Few Facts About Sapporo

Settled over 15,000 years ago by indigenous people known as the Ainu , the city of Sapporo grew over the centuries. It is now Japan’s 5th most populated municipality despite how far north Sapporo is compared to the rest of the island nation’s cities.

However, for hundreds of years, the area where Sapporo was located was known as the Ishikari Plain. It was only near the end of the Edo period (1603 – 1867) that the Ishikari Plain was transformed into Sapporo village, and later into the bustling city that it is today.

One Day Sapporo Itinerary

Follow the guide below to make the most out of a one-day Itinerary when visiting Sapporo, Japan.

Enjoy An Early Morning Coffee and Breakfast

Fuel up with an early morning cup of joe at Miyakoshiya Coffee . This is a local Sapporite favorite that opens at 7:00 AM. It’s widely praised by the locals because there are several of these cafes around the city, the coffee is brewed with high-quality beans, and the prices are very affordable. Coffee beans are also available for purchase – the cafe offers both single-origin and blended.

If you’re interested in a sit-down breakfast. The gourmet cafe Yoshimi (which opens at 7:30 AM) has super-fluffy Japanese-styled pancakes topped with soft-serve ice cream that’s made from Hokkaido’s high-quality milk. The Japanese fluffy pancakes are also served with apricot slices and apricot syrup. Guests can also treat themselves to Hokkaido delicacies such as their north islander curry with sauteed vegetables and rice for an authentic cuisine experience.

Sapporo Beer Museum

After you’ve had a coffee and a bite to eat. It’s time to visit Sapporo’s most appealing tourist attractions, starting with the Sapporo Beer Museum . The tour brings you on a trip through the history of the global beer brand going back to 1876. The museum has finally resumed its tours after not being open to the public for two years due to the threat of COVID-19.

Inside, guests can be treated to several different beer tastings, delicacy beers, and non-alcoholic beer if you have minors traveling with you. In Japan, the legal age for drinking is 20 years old. So, you will want to have your ID with you if you’re young in appearance and want to try some of the exquisite beer.

Tourists can see the inner workings of the original Sapporo brewery and dine at Trommel Hall and other restaurants that have a la carte menus. The museum opens at 11:00 AM, with the tours running until 6:00 PM. However, the gift shop is open until 7:30 PM.

Botanical Gardens

After your museum tour and a beer (or two), enjoy a stroll through the surreal botanical gardens near the city’s center. Owned and maintained by the Hokkaido University, this beautiful park offers pathways full of exotic trees, vibrant flowers, and even wetland plant gardens near the center.

Within the botanical gardens is a small museum that focuses on the Ainu people mentioned earlier. The museum preserves artifacts from the indigenous people, along with intergenerational stories passed down for centuries. Hours of availability range with each season. Admission costs 420 yen ($3.21 as of June 2022).

Sapporo TV Tower

Similar to the Tokyo Tower, Sapporo has its own iconic structure that’s visible from anywhere in the city! Open from 10:00 AM to  8:00 PM, the Sapporo TV Tower is best known for being a former signal receiver to help broadcast television from the late 50s to the early 2000s.

Now, the tower is a major tourist attraction. It holds multiple shops on its ground floor, an observation deck, and a fortune gacha (bubble-gum) machine at the very top of the tower. Admission costs the equivalent to $7.54 for adult tickets (16 years+), and the equivalent of $3.77 for children between 6 and 15 years. Kids younger than that have free admission.

End your one-day Itinerary in Sapporo with a visit to the city’s entertainment district. There’s something for every kind of traveler within Susukino. If you enjoy gambling, you can find pachinko parlors around. Several bars with colorful cocktails and highballs if you’re looking to enjoy a drink out with friends. 

An overabundance of restaurants serving traditional Japanese cuisine and dishes that were originally made in Hokkaido. For instance, Ishikari nabe, which is a miso-based hot pot recipe that involves veggies grown in the winter, seafood, and tofu. Or a dish dubbed “Genghis Khan” that consists of grilled mutton, lamb, pumpkin, and cabbage that’s served on a cast-iron dish.

Susukino also has ramen shops that are famous throughout the nation of Japan for their rich & umami taste. They even feature Sapporo’s well-known ramen on the critically acclaimed Netflix original Aggretsuko! Check out Ganso Ramen or Ramen Shingen, each has over 1000 positive reviews on their Google business profile.

Where To Stay In Sapporo Japan

Premier Hotel -Tsubaki- Sapporo

062-0904 Hokkaido, Sapporo, Toyohira-ku Toyohira 4-jo 1-1-1

Premier Hotel -Tsubaki- Sapporo really deserves its five stars for a number of reasons. First, the location is wonderful, right on the bank of the Toyo-Hiragawa River which you can enjoy by renting out a bike. The rooms are very big and well equipped (minibar included), and you are close to a subway station, although you can reach the city center on foot in less than 15 minutes. The wonderful and classy interior is the icing on the cake, and you can bet you will enjoy every minute you spend here.

BOOK A ROOM HERE

The Knot Sapporo

060-0063 Hokkaido, Sapporo, 16-2,Nishi 3-Chome,Minami 3-Jo,Chuo-Ku

A very modern and elegant hotel, The Knot also boasts a great location given that it’s in the city center and close to a subway station, so you can easily get around town. Furthermore, the food they serve here is excellent, the rooms are well equipped with plenty of amenities, and you can get all of that for a very reasonable price. Not to mention that the upper floors of the building provide a fantastic view of the city. A great choice for a stay in Sapporo!

Onsen Ryokan Yuen Sapporo

060-0001 Hokkaido, Sapporo, Chuo-Ku Kita1Jo Nishi7Chome 6

Spend your night in Sapporo being treated like royalty at Onsen Ryokan Yuen . This hotel offers indoor and outdoor hot springs that are the perfect way to wind down after a long day of exploration. The hotel serves breakfast using seasonal ingredients that are locally grown in Hokkaido. Laundry and massage services are also available at Onsen Ryokan Yuen. Average prices for one night go for around $151.64.

Grids Sapporo Hotel & Hostel

060-0063 Hokkaido, Sapporo, Chuo-ku Minami 3jo Nishi 5 cho-me 32

For more affordable options on where you can spend the night in the city. Try Grids Sapporo Hotel & Hostel . The interior is quite lovely, and the location is excellent – in the City Center district and close to the Sapporo Station. There’s baggage storage available, free wifi, private bathrooms, and even laundry machines (you’ll need coins for these, though). Spending one night at this hotel & hostel can be as inexpensive as $27.79

Day trips from Sapporo

The island of Hokkaido has a whole lot to offer, which makes Sapporo a great base for organizing day trips. If you’re staying more than one day here, you really should set some time aside to get to know the island better, and here are a few places you really should consider.

Jozankei and/or Noboribetsu

Hot springs (onsen in Japanese) are inextricably linked to the Japanese way of life and visiting one of them is quite an experience for any traveler. You can do that too because Jozankei and Noboribetsu are about an hour away by car, but you can just as easily hop on a bus from Sapporo, too. Definitely an excellent choice for a day trip.

Shikotsu-Toya National Park

Nature lovers can set up an amazing day trip by heading out to the Shikotsu-Toya National Park. Not only is the nature here incredible, with plenty of amazing views and trails, but you can also climb Mt. Yotei, an inactive volcano! You’ll fall in love with Hokkaido here for sure.

Historic Village of Hokkaido

You don’t have to travel very far to visit the Historic Village of Hokkaido because it’s right on the edge of Sapporo, but coming here will definitely be like stepping into a whole other world. It’s an open-air museum that showcases the history of this island in the latter half of the 19th century and the beginning of the 20th. And you get to ride a horse-drawn trolley!

This coastal town is only about 45 minutes away from Sapporo by car, but it has a completely different vibe and will provide you with a profoundly different experience. Great seafood, intricate canals, loads of shops, and generally a much calmer mood will help you recharge your batteries.

Extra Tips For Visiting Sapporo

Bring a towel! If you plan on visiting Sapporo during the summer, it gets pretty hot. Despite it being located on the northern isle of Hokkaido, July and August can see temperatures rise up to over 30 degrees Celsius (over 86 degrees Fahrenheit). So why bring a towel? Because you will be sweating as you explore the great city of Sapporo due to the heat and humidity.

Learn some basic, navigational Japanese. Unlike Tokyo, which somewhat caters to English speakers, there are far fewer image-based menus, as well as fewer locals who speak English.

Have trouble finding a reliable source to learn some Japanese? Preply is an easy-to-use platform where you can book individual tutoring sessions for an affordable price.

Always carry around your passport! This is the law for foreign travelers within all of Japan. If law enforcement asks you to present your passport and you forgot, there’s a chance you can receive a fine up to the equivalent of $764!

Make sure you have everything you need

What to pack for your next trip.

Make your next trip as simple and as enjoyable as possible by packing smart. It’s amazing how much stress top travel items can save you, so choose carefully. Things like lightweight travel backpacks, for example, are ideal for short trips and allow you to move around with ease, and a passport holder will make sure you keep your documents safe at all times. Check our travel checklist guide for 2021 to make sure you haven’t missed anything, and travel to your next destination in style and with maximum comfort.

Related posts:

Jonathan Cohen

Jonathan Cohen is one of two co-founders of Travelling With Abundance. A new travel blog that focuses on affordable vacation tips, and post-pandemic travel & tourism. In his spare time, Jonathan loves to adventure around the world, try exotic food, and play with his cat named Shibuya. Jonathan is born and raised in Toronto Canada and soon plans to move to a different country to start a new chapter in his life.

Great! It’s so relax for summer

Always carry around your passport!

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• Travel Planning Guide

Should You Visit Sapporo?

• Is Sapporo Worth Visiting?
• Reasons to Visit Sapporo
• In the Summer?
• In the Autumn?
• In the Winter?
• In the Spring?

What is Sapporo most famous for?

• What is Sapporo most known for?

What is the most famous sight in Sapporo?

• How touristy is Sapporo?

How long should I spend in Sapporo?

Is sapporo worth visiting.

Yes, Sapporo is absolutely a city that any traveler should visit. During our time here, we had so much fun.

Whether you're a traveling as a family, a couple, or a backpacker, this city has a lot to offer. Any local will tell you what makes it special is the terrific skiing and great museums & sights.

Sapporo is the capital of Hokkaido, and it's a popular winter destination with skiing and other winter sports in the area. You'll also find many parks, viewpoints, and hot springs nearby. There are many places to explore outdoors, whatever the season.

5 Reasons to Visit Sapporo

2. Museums & Sights

4. Nightlife

5. Shopping

Is Sapporo worth visiting in the Summer?

Summer is the high season for travel in Sapporo, so expect more visitors and higher prices. This destination is quite touristy, so in the high season it's busier than usual. You'll see larger crowds and longer lines, as well as higher prices. On the other hand, there's plenty to see and do at this time of year because everything is open.

The warm weather in summer is one of the reasons people visit at this time of year. Temperatures average around 21°C (69°F) with daily high temperatures often more than 25°C (77°F).

The activities of the city are numerous, and this is a great time of year to explore all of them. From family-friendly attractions to romantic getaways, as well as budget-friendly things to do, there's something for everyone. Famous landmarks, museums, tours, and more are all available. You'll also find it quite easy to get around on foot, because this is a very walkable city, especially in the nice weather. You'll find plenty to do during summer, as you'll be able to browse through museums, discover the big city activities, and enjoy the evening activities.

Is Sapporo worth visiting in the Autumn?

This is the shoulder season for travel in Sapporo. This destination is quite touristy, so in the shoulder season you'll still come across plenty of touriss. However, the prices tend to be a little cheaper.

Keep in mind that it can be fairly rainy during autumn, and temperatures hover around 11°C (52°F).

Autumn is a great time of year to explore the numerous museums and landmarks around town. They are fun for the whole family as well great for couples. During this season it's fun to experience the famous sights and museums and the big city activities.

Is Sapporo worth visiting in the Winter?

The weather in Sapporo can be quite cold during winter, and averages around -5°C (24°F). But be prepared for much lower temperatures, too.

The peak season for travel is winter in Sapporo, so expect to see more tourists than usual. This destination is quite touristy, so in the high season it's busier than usual. You'll see larger crowds and longer lines, as well as higher prices. On the other hand, there's plenty to see and do at this time of year because everything is open. There are many winter activities that you can enjoy around town as well as the world famous Sapporo Snow Festival.

Most visitors come during the winter for the terrific skiing and snowboarding, as it's the main activity here. You'll like that you can take public transit easily in the winter, too. You can get around quickly while avoiding bad weather if needed. This is a great time of year to hit the ski slopes, browse the museums, and taste delicious cuisine. Also, you can check out the nightlife and the big city activities.

Is Sapporo worth visiting in the Spring?

Spring is the shoulder season for travel in Sapporo. This destination is quite touristy, so in the shoulder season you'll still come across plenty of touriss. However, the prices tend to be a little cheaper.

The weather in Sapporo can be quite cold during spring, and averages around 7°C (44°F). But be prepared for much lower temperatures, too.

You'll find plenty to do during spring, as you'll be able to find the best deals at the shops, spend time at the museums, and grab some drinks at a bar.

Sapporo is most famous for its skiing, winter activities, and the yearly Sapporo Snow Festival. It is often described as park-filled, snowy, vibrant, and laid-back.

The most popular sight in Sapporo is Odori Park . You can see prices and costs for this and other sights in Sapporo on our travel costs page .

Or, see tickets, activities, and tours for Odori Park and other attractions here .

How touristy is Sapporo? Is it a popular city to visit?

Sapporo is a popular city for tourists and travelers. Here are some of the most popular activities and tours. (Prices in US Dollars)

• Full Day Private Skiing / Snowboarding Tour in Sapporo Viator $ 57
• Full Day Private Skiing / Snowboarding Tour in Sapporo: $57
• Sapporo Afternoon Walking Tour 2h 30mins: $57
• Sapporo Custom Full Day Tour: $251
• Sapporo Night Tour: $44
• Otaru Canal Private Sightseeing Tour from Sapporo Station: $185
• Half-day (4 hours) Sapporo city Tour: $200
• Sapporo 4hr Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide: $121
• Snowshoe Hike Tour from Sapporo: $271

The ideal length of time for a trip to Sapporo is two to three days. Since Sapporo has activities such as skiing, museums & sights, dining, and nightlife, many visit for up to three days.

If you have a specific amount of time for your trip, see our advice about how much time to spend here: Should I spend 1, 2, or 3 days in Sapporo? , Should I spend 3, 4, or 5 days in Sapporo? , and Should I spend 1 or 2 weeks in Sapporo? .

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Hotel Sapporo Garden Palace

Solaria Nishitetsu Hotel Sapporo

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Sapporo - the estimated travel expenses for food, public transport, attractions entrance and accommodation., how much does a trip to sapporo cost.

Currency in Sapporo is Japanese Yen

Sapporo prices guide., if you are travelling alone to sapporo, depending on your expectations, you will pay for an overnight stay from 15 usd (2,100 jpy) for a hostel to 127 usd (18,000 jpy) for a luxury hotel., the other daily costs you have to pay when travelling to sapporo are:.

• Food 9.80 USD (1,300 JPY)
• Meals in restaurants 15 USD (2,100 JPY)
• Bottled water 0.79 USD (113 JPY)
• Local transportation 6.60 USD (940 JPY)
• Entrance tickets 38 USD (5,400 JPY)
• Alcoholic beverages 4.50 USD (633 JPY)

As you can see - a stay for a few days in Sapporo can cost 242 USD (34,000 JPY) or 947 USD (134,000 JPY) , depending on whether you are a frugal tourist or you are planning to spend a luxurious holiday in Sapporo.

How much Japanese Yen should I have for one week in Sapporo?

If you want to spend a week in Sapporo the cost of your stay will be:

• 564 USD (80,000 JPY) - a cheap stay for 7 days in Sapporo
• 948 USD (134,000 JPY) - a budget travel for 7 days in Sapporo
• 1,100 USD (163,000 JPY) for a one week of comfortable stay in Sapporo
• 2,200 USD (314,000 JPY) for a week of luxury holidays in Sapporo

How much money do I need per day to stay in Sapporo?

If you are travelling alone to Sapporo, 81 USD a day should be enough. If you choose a hotel for your stay in Sapporo, the price will rise to 130 USD. A couple will have to pay around 240 USD for one day in Sapporo. A family with two children should have 410 USD for one day stay in Sapporo.

How to visit Sapporo on a low budget? How to travel Sapporo cheaply? How to save money while travelling in Sapporo?

In order not to exceed reasonable expenses during a trip to Sapporo, which we estimate at 135 USD (19,000 JPY) for a one day, you must comply with the following rules:

• Choose to stay in a hostel (15 USD (2,100 JPY) ) or in a cheap hotel (43 USD (6,100 JPY) ).
• Use public transport. The price for a one-way ticket is 1.70 USD (235 JPY) and for a monthly pass 35 USD (5,000 JPY) .
• Make your own breakfast and own dinner. Daily shopping cost in the shop is around 9.80 USD (1,300 JPY) in Sapporo.
• Choose restaurants outside the city centre and close to tourist attractions. Meal in a cheap restaurant cost around 9.80 USD (1,400 JPY) in Sapporo. McMeal at McDonalds (or equivalent meal in other fastfood restaurant) costs approximately 4.70 USD (675 JPY) .

Car-related costs are mainly fuel, road tolls and parking fees. Of course, the price depends on the purpose of the journey and energy efficiency of a vehicle.

In Sapporo, you will pay for the fuel accordingly:

• Petrol price in Sapporo is around: 1.20 USD (170 JPY)
• Diesel fuel price in Sapporo is around: 1.10 USD (162 JPY)
• 1kg sausage: 25 USD (3,500 JPY)
• 0,5 kg bread: 1.30 USD (189 JPY)
• 10 eggs: 1.90 USD (267 JPY)
• 1kg cheese: 8.80 USD (1,200 JPY)
• 1 liter milk: 1.50 USD (210 JPY)
• 1 kg apples: 3.50 USD (500 JPY)
• Bottle of local beer (0,5 liter): 2.50 USD (350 JPY)

What is most famous in Sapporo? How much does an average entrance to travel attractions in Sapporo cost?

The most important tourist attractions in sapporo that we recommend:, the museums worth a visit in sapporo:, on warmer days, we recommend walking in parks in sapporo. below is a list of the largest and most interesting parks in sapporo. parks in sapporo:, alcohol prices in sapporo, sapporo - whisky prices comparison, sapporo - rum prices comparison, sapporo - vodka prices comparison, sapporo - gin prices comparison, view map of hotels and accommodation.

Hotel Keihan Sapporo

Nakamuraya Ryokan

Hotel Gracery Sapporo

Manuel Robertson

- wanderer and storyteller (27 years old, zodiac sign: leo).

TRAVEL TO SAPPORO

Flying is the most convenient way to get to Sapporo. New Chitose Airport, the city’s main airport, is connected to Japan’s major transport hubs and also offers direct international flights. Sapporo lies at the heart of Hokkaido and provides easy access to other major destinations across the island. Abundant transport ranging from railways to buses, subway lines, trams, and taxis gives you the freedom to plan your trip your way.

Getting to Sapporo

By plane (international flights).

New Chitose Airport is served by airlines from many countries and regions. See the table below for details.

• Airport Beijing, Shanghai, Tianjin, Hangzhou, Nanjing, Dalian, Wuxi, Qingdao, Xiamen, Fuzhou, Chengdu

From South Korea

• Airport Seoul, Daegu, Busan

From Hong Kong

• Airport Hong Kong

From Taiwan

• Airport Taipei, Kaohsiung

From Thailand

• Airport Bangkok

From Malaysia

• Airport Kuala Lumpur

From Singapore

• Airport Singapore

From Philippines

• Airport Manila

From Russia

• Airport Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk

From Finland

• Airport Helsinki

From the USA

• Airport Honolulu

For the latest information on international flights to New Chitose Airport, see this website.

By Plane (Domestic Flights)

There are direct flights from several airports in Japan to New Chitose Airport. In addition to those listed below, direct flights from several other airports are also available.

• from Haneda Tokyo International Airport (Haneda) Flight 1 hr. 40 min.
• from Narita Narita International Airport Flight 1 hr. 50 min.
• from Kansai Kansai International Airport Flight 2 hr.
• from Itami Osaka International Airport (Itami) Flight 2 hr.

From Sendai

• Sendai International Airport Flight 1 hr. 10 min.

From Nagoya

• Chubu Centrair International Airport Flight 1 hr. 50 min.

From Fukuoka

• Fukuoka Airport Flight 2 hr. 30 min.

From Okinawa

• Naha Airport Flight 4 hr.

Getting Around Hokkaido From Sapporo

To new chitose airport.

• by Train Approx. 35min.
• by Bus Approx. 70min.
• by Train 35min. (Rapid train)
• by Bus 45min.

To Asahikawa

• by Train 1hr.25min. (Ltd.Exp.)
• by Car 2hr .
• by Train 2hr.30min. (Ltd.Exp.)
• by Car 3hr.

To Hakodate

• by Train 4hr.
• by Car 4hr.30min.
• by Train 4hr.(Ltd.Exp.)
• by Bus 3hr.
• by Car 2hr.
• by Car 2hr.30min.

Sapporo is Hokkaido’s travel hub,, with many other amazing destinations on the island easily accessible from it. Make Sapporo your base for exploring any number of the other beautiful places Hokkaido has to offer by bus and train. There are numerous direct flights from overseas to New Chitose Airport, which is also connected to every major city in Japan, making going to and from Sapporo comfortable and convenient.

Privacy Overview

How much does it cost to travel in Hokkaido?

May 25, 2021 , by Ayaka

How much does a trip to Hokkaido cost? This article clearly lays out the costs of accommodation, transport, food and day to day travel expenses in Hokkaido, plus a daily travel budget for your trip.

Are you planning a trip to Hokkaido and trying to figure out how much it’s going to cost?

Konnichiwa. I’m Ayaka from Adventure Hokkaido, and today I’m going to explain how much it will cost you to travel in Hokkaido, including transportation, accommodation, food, activities and day-to-day expenses. 

I’ve written this article for people who want to experience eating out, staying in comfortable accommodation, enjoy guided outdoor activities and some other special experiences during their trip to Hokkaido. This is not a backpacker’s penny pinching guide, but hopefully anyone can find something useful here!

I know you will all be excited about travelling to Hokkaido and see all of its natural beauty, and undoubtedly you’ve been thinking about one big aspect of that trip – how much will it cost? You’ll find everything you’ll need for your Hokkaido trip budget in this article, so read on.

Read the full article for a total overview, or click on one of the links below to go straight to the section you’re most interested in.

How much does accommodation cost in Hokkaido?

Choosing where to stay during your trip can set the mood for your whole experience. Are you looking for somewhere simple to just rest your head in between activities, or do you want a more luxurious experience on your travels? Let’s start by taking a look at the common types of accommodation offered in Japan.

Hotels tend to be similar the world-over; a conventional space to sleep, with a variety of rooms to accommodate travellers of all preferences. Most hotels in Japan offer breakfast, and some will also have dinner options as well if you are looking to stay in for meals. They obviously will cover a wide range of prices, depending on the quality of the hotel as well as the season and location. 

Themes of hotels vary greatly; business hotels, city hotels, resort hotels, airport hotels to name the core ones.  Business hotels  are obviously preferred by business travellers who spend less time in-room and don’t mind sleeping in a compact space. They will be a great fit for solo travellers, seeking an affordable room in a convenient location. They usually cost around 5,000 yen per person for a room only.

City hotels  are more common these days and popular with urban visitors. The prices are about 1.5 times higher than the business hotels in the same area, though they provide more comfort and attractiveness for travellers, for instance, larger rooms, local gastronomy and hot spring spas on-site.

Resort or tourist hotels  in Hokkaido are somewhere between a normal western style hotel and a  ryokan  inn. At a glance they may look similar to a western style hotel, however, they often have Japanese style rooms, western style rooms, and a hybrid room (with western beds in a Japanese style room) too. Like many things in Japan, a crossover between traditional Japanese and western culture! Expect to pay at least 10,000 yen per person for staying in resort or tourist hotels.

You will find some unique aspects to hotels in Japan, even in the big international chains. Things like separate slippers for your bathroom and automatic Japanese toilets, all those things which make your hotel stay a very Japanese experience!

Many travellers interested in coming to Japan have already heard of  ryokan , traditional Japanese inns. Ryokan offer a classy Japanese experience – sleeping in tatami rooms on futon beds, eating local seasonal foods, and many ryokan also have hot springs baths on the premises. 

Ryokan come in all price ranges, from the budget friendly to the more luxurious, but an average ryokan will cost around 10,000 yen per person per night, without any included meals. Including dinner and breakfast, an average ryokan in Hokkaido costs around 15,000 yen per person. They are definitely worth the cost if you are looking for a unique Japanese experience!

Minshuku can be considered the alternative to motels in Japan – though banish all thoughts of a dingy place by the side of the highway!

Minshuku are basically a smaller version of ryokan, where you are more likely to use shared bathrooms. Many minshuku in Hokkaido have hot springs, and they are usually family-operated small accommodations, similar to bed-and-breakfasts. They are great for catching a sense of what is like to sleep in a Japanese home and interacting with the owner family – local people.

Most often found in more rural areas, minshuku tend to cost from around 8,000 yen per person, and often will include dinner and breakfast.

Recently hostels are having a second wave in Sapporo and new ones are cropping up rapidly. As a result of how many of them are newly built, the hostels available tend to be on the more fashionable side, and are not as cheap as many American or European travellers would expect. 

They are still a good and clean alternative for those who are traveling light and just want a place to rest their heads at night! Expect to pay at least 3,000 yen per person per night.

Capsule Hotels

Many people who have heard of Japan know how famous capsule hotels are here! They are the peak of budget accommodation, offering a micro-sized room — often only a bed with a lockable door — and space to store luggage.  

Capsule hotels will often have shared lounges and baths, separated by gender. Be careful if you are reserving a capsule hotel! Some hotels cater exclusively to men or women, and will turn away all other customers. 

Capsule hotels are only found in metropolitan areas of Hokkaido such as Sapporo, and typically cost around 3,000 yen a night.

Accommodation costs in Hokkaido – a guide

This is a guide to give you an idea of comparative rates (per person) in different parts of Hokkaido, for specific prices and availabilities for your travel dates  search Hokkaido accommodation on Booking.com here.

How much does transportation cost in Hokkaido?

Due to Hokkaido’s large size in comparison to the other prefectures of Japan, transportation across the island requires more thought when it comes to traveling around Hokkaido. First of all I’ll outline the best options for getting around Hokkaido, then include some costs of major Hokkaido routes.  For more detailed information on how to get around Hokkaido, read our blogpost here.

Although train lines do not reach all throughout Hokkaido, they link the large cities of the island and are a convenient and comfortable way to travel. Although the more rural areas will have lesser options throughout the day, common routes such as Sapporo-Asahikawa have frequent trains available. 

Keep in mind that round-trip tickets generally cost less to book than single-trip tickets, and if you have a JR Pass they can be used on the JR lines in Hokkaido as well! There’s also the  JR Hokkaido Pass,  which is a great value way to see Hokkaido.

Buses are useful for both in-town travel as well as traveling across Hokkaido itself. For local fares within cities expect to pay under 1,000 yen (obviously depending on the length of your trip). Longer trips, however, will obviously cost more, and typically fall in the 3,000 to 5,00 range for a one-way trip.

Train & Bus Costs in Hokkaido – a guide

This is a summary of Hokkaido train and bus costs to give you an idea of the relative costs, for specific prices and costs for your travel dates  search for Hokkaido bus and train journeys on Hyperdia.

Ferries in Hokkaido

Although there aren’t many places to use the ferry for travel within Hokkaido itself, there are a couple of locations where it is necessary- namely, to visit Rishiri and Rebun Island! Departing from Wakkanai, to travel to each island will cost a bit of time and money, but both are well worth the trip! 

There are a few other outlying islands, as well, that are a good place to visit for a unique experience and travelling by ferry is your only option to the islands of Okushiri, Teuri & Yagishiri.

Ferry costs in Hokkaido – a guide

Rental car costs in hokkaido.

This is by far the most flexible option for traveling in Hokkaido. Being less populated and much larger than the other regions of Japan, in Hokkaido there are a lot of wide roads that are easy to navigate, and most locations that are not within Sapporo will have their own parking lots. 

However, this only applies to summer- unless you have experience driving in winter conditions, it may be better to stick to public transportation or organised tours. 

On average, the costs of renting a mid-sized car will cost around 5,000 yen a day, not including petrol prices. 

Taxi costs in Hokkaido

Although not viable for long-distance travel, taxis are useful for scooting around big cities like Sapporo. 

In general taxis in Hokkaido will cost around 670 yen for the first 1.5 kilometers of your trip, then an additional 80 yen per 275 meters after that. The size of the taxi will have differing costs, however, and there is an additional charge for nighttime (10PM- 5AM) fares. 

Remember that tipping is not common in Japan- you only need to pay what is on the meter!

How much does food & dining out cost in Hokkaido?

Traveling is hard work, and eating out is one of the biggest joys of traveling! Getting to experience new foods in a new place is always exciting, and with how popular and yummy Japanese food is getting to eat the real thing is great! 

Japan is known for its quality food, and everything from picking up rice balls at the convenience store to fine dining will be sure to be delicious. Most often, people are surprised at produce prices (fruits and vegetables) in comparison to their home countries, but dining out is often comparable.

Convenience Stores in Hokkaido

This will be the most basic and cheapest option (though I don’t recommend this for every meal!) Convenience stores such as 7-Eleven, Lawson, and Seicomart offer a lot of cheap on-the-go food choices.  They also offer a large variety, from rice balls to fried chicken, all for a couple hundred of yen. 

Plus, all sorts of bottled drinks and snacks are available as well. Because most restaurants are not open for breakfast options, if you don’t choose to eat at your hotel this might be your only option (besides chain restaurants and cafes like Starbucks).

Ramen, sushi and other quick dining in Hokkaido

Hokkaido and Japan are known for ramen, and it is not difficult to find noodle shops in most places. Ramen typically runs from around 700 to 1,000 yen, though it can vary greatly between shops.

There are other “quick dining” restaurants and chains that also serve filling and tasty food, such as sushi, gyoza (dumpling), udon noodle, soba noodle, and a large variety of other Japanese foods. Most of these shops will be around 1,000 yen, though prices differ depending on the dish.

Mid to high-end dining in Hokkaido

Hokkaido is known for its seafood and seasonal dining, and across the island there are a large variety of famous places. In these situations the sky (and your stomach) is the limit- from locally grown produce to Michelin-star sushi restaurants, let your tastes and your wallet lead you to a unique culinary experience. 

For a nice dinner with drinks, expect to pay around 4,000 yen per person.

Dining Costs in Hokkaido

How much do tours & activities cost in hokkaido.

There are a wide range of activities in Hokkaido, for both those who want to enjoy a slower pace and those who are seeking adventure. Let’s take a brief look at the most popular attractions in Hokkaido in 2021 and their associated costs.

Activity prices in Hokkaido – a guide

To find out more, read our blogpost about what to do in Hokkaido here.

How much does shopping cost in Hokkaido?

Like most places, Hokkaido has a range of shopping and prices. Most things will cost about the same as in Europe or the US, but visitors are often surprised by the prices of fresh foods and sporting goods. 

Take a look at the following chart to see how prices compare to your country.

Prices of common items in Hokkaido

A sample travel budget for Hokkaido

We have looked at a mix of available options throughout Hokkaido, so now let’s sum it all up and come up with a daily travel budget for Hokkaido.

Obviously depending on the style of your trip and the activities you want to do in Hokkaido your daily costs will change, but let’s see how much a mid-level trip throughout Hokkaido would cost roughly per day.

You would be staying in 3+ star hotels and the odd onsen resort or ryokan inn, eating fantastic Japanese food each night and exploring the great Hokkaido outdoors and discovering the local history and culture with guided activities and cultural visits.

Hokkaido daily travel costs – a summary

Accommodation: 8,000 – 14,000 yen

Transportation: 4,000 – 6,000 yen

Food: 6,000 – 8,000 yen

Activities: 1,000- 8,000 yen

This brings us to around 19,000 – 36,000 yen per day,  depending on where you stay, what you decided to eat, and the activities that you may want to do each day. Obviously, this can change easily, but this should give you an idea.

Make it easy and join an organized tour

As with travelling anywhere, especially somewhere as large and wild as Hokkaido, planning your trip is not without challenges. There are a lot of things to research, organize and keep track of and by joining a tour a lot of your travel costs are included and taken care of through one point of contact.

You’ll also love having English speaking support both before you travel and once you’re here. A lot of accommodation and activity operators in Hokkaido don’t speak English, especially the ones in the more remote and exciting places. At Adventure Hokkaido, we’ve been travelling all over Hokkaido for all our lives you can relax and leave all this work to us.

Travelling on a tour allows you to make the most of your time, whilst meeting like minded people along the way and never having to stress about misunderstandings over prices or worries about your trip going over budget. Plus you’ll have a guide with you to help you navigate shopping or any other purchases you need to make while you’re here.

See more about our  Hokkaido tours here,  we offer small group fully guided tours with local English speaking guides. Tours range from one to eleven days and include hiking, cycling, wildlife, cultural and adventure tours.

Ready to find out more?

See our Hokkaido hiking, cycling & nature tours

Sapporo: Getting there and around

Getting to sapporo.

• ¥ 7,000 - 48,000

Tokyo-Sapporo is one of the world's busiest air routes with dozens of flights per day, operated by JAL, ANA, Air Do, Skymark, Peach Aviation, Jetstar Japan and Spring Airlines Japan. The majority of flights use Tokyo 's Haneda Airport and Sapporo 's New Chitose Airport , but quite a few flights also use Tokyo's Narita Airport .

Flight duration is about 90 minutes. The regular one way fares by the conventional airlines are as high as around 46,000 yen, but thanks to a wide range of discount offers , one way fares of around or under 10,000 yen are often available. Skymark, Peach Aviation, Jetstar Japan and Spring Airlines Japan tend to have the lowest fares (sometimes under 5000 yen), especially to/from Narita .

• ¥ 30,000

Take the JR Tohoku / Hokkaido Shinkansen from Tokyo to Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto (4 hours) and transfer to the Hokuto limited express to Sapporo (3.5 hours). The entire one way trip costs around 30,000 yen and takes around eight hours. It is fully covered by the Japan Rail Pass and JR East South Hokkaido Rail Pass . Note that seat reservations are mandatory on Hayabusa trains between Tokyo and Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto.

• ¥ 15,000

There are long distance ferries between Oarai Port, 100 kilometers northeast of Tokyo and Tomakomai Port, 50 kilometers south of Sapporo. The one way ferry ride takes about 19 hours and costs 11,500 yen in the cheapest class. View our ferry information page for more details, including port access information.

Above fees and schedules are subject to change. Be sure to check current yen exchange rates .

Getting around

No major city in Japan is easier to navigate than Sapporo with its rectangular street layout and simple addressing system: City blocks are named and numbered according to the point of compass, with the apex at the eastern end of Odori Park . The Sapporo Beer Museum , for example, is located in city block "North 7, East 9", i.e. in the 7th block north and 9th block east of the apex.

Three subway lines, a tram line and many bus companies (JR Hokkaido Bus, Hokkaido Chuo Bus and Jotetsu Bus) provide Sapporo with an efficient network of public transportation. The Japan Rail Pass , Hokkaido Rail Pass and Hokkaido Free Pass are valid on local buses operated by JR Hokkaido Bus.

Sapporo has two airports. The main airport, New Chitose Airport , is reached in a 35 minute train ride hour south from the city center and handles most of the city's domestic and international air traffic. The much smaller Okadama Airport is more centrally located, but has only a small number of flights other cities in Hokkaido .

Passes and Tickets

The following one day passes are available for Sapporo :

• Subway 1-Day Card (830 yen) Unlimited use of Sapporo's three subway lines on one calendar day. Note that a discounted pass is available on weekends (see below).
• Donichika Ticket (520 yen) Unlimited use of Sapporo's three subway lines on one calendar day. The pass is only available on weekends, public holidays and from December 29 to January 3.

Prepaid cards make the process of taking subways and buses easier, as you do not always need to buy a new ticket for each ride. Some of them also give small discounts. Prepaid cards can be purchased at vending machines.

• Kitaca Kitaca is the rechargeable prepaid IC card by JR Hokkaido that can be used on JR trains in Greater Sapporo , including Otaru and Shin-Chitose Airport as well as on Sapporo's subways, buses and tram thanks to its compatibility with Sapica (see below). Kitaca can, furthermore, be used in several other cities of Japan. Nine other IC cards from other major cities of Japan, including Suica, can also be used in the Greater Sapporo area instead of Kitaca. The initial purchase of a card costs 2000 yen (500 yen refundable deposit and 1500 yen fare balance).
• Sapica Sapica is the rechargeable prepaid IC card which can be used on Sapporo 's three subway lines, city buses (JR Hokkaido Bus, Jotetsu and Hokkaido Chuo Bus) and tram. The initial purchase costs 2000 yen (500 yen refundable deposit and 1500 yen fare balance). Unlike many other IC cards, Sapica is accumulating 10% points with each use, and accumulated points are used towards the purchase of future trips. Sapica cannot be used on JR trains or outside of the Greater Sapporo area.

Questions? Ask in our forum .

Links and Resources

Jr hokkaido, hokkaido chuo bus, jotetsu bus, sapporo subway, jr hokkaido bus, hotels around sapporo.

Experiences around Sapporo

Sapporo with Kids: What to Do and Itinerary

Last Updated on September 21, 2024 by Kay

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Sapporo, the capital of Hokkaido and the largest city in the prefecture, is a wonderful place to travel with kids and should be on everyone’s itinerary when traveling to northern Japan.

I visited Sapporo three times before my daughter was born so I was excited to take her there when we went on a family trip to Hokkaido.

In this article, I’ll share what my family did when we visited as well as other fun things to do in Sapporo with kids.

Table of Contents

How to Get to Sapporo

When to visit sapporo with kids, sapporo with kids itinerary, what else to do in sapporo with kids, where to stay in sapporo with kids, wrap-up: exploring sapporo with kids.

You can take both domestic and international flights straight to New Chitose Airport (CTS), which is located about 45 minutes by train from Sapporo Station.

In Tokyo, you can take flights to New Chitose Airport in Sapporo from both Haneda Airport (HND) and Narita Airport (NRT). Flights from Haneda Airport are a little faster at 1.5 hours, compared to almost 2 hours from Narita Airport.

In Osaka, you can take flights to New Chitose Airport in Sapporo from both Kansai International Airport (KIX) and Itami Airport (ITM). Flights from Kansai International Airport take about two hours to reach Sapporo. We took a flight from Itami Airport and it took 1 hour and 45 minutes.

Domestic airlines in Japan that fly to Sapporo include Peach Airline, Jet Star, ANA, and JAL. We prefer ANA and JAL because we’re not a fan of low-cost carriers (before we had a kid we had no problem but as parents, we don’t want to take any chances).

There is no bullet train (Shinkansen) that goes straight to Sapporo from Tokyo or other cities on Japan’s main island (called honshu ). The Tohoku Shinkansen goes from Tokyo Station to Hakodate, a city in the southern part of Hokkaido, but after that, you’ll need to either take the train for almost four hours to Sapporo, drive, or take a flight from Hakodate Airport (HKD) to New Chitose Airport.

Sapporo is a great city to visit at any time of the year. Notably, during winter it has the Yuki Matsuri , otherwise known as the Sapporo Snow Festival, in February, which has impressive sculptures made of snow and ice. When I first visited Sapporo, I was lucky enough to see the Yuki Matsuri and it was absolutely amazing.

Below is a photo I took of one of the sculptures when I visited in 2010. Everything was stunning, huge, and beautifully crafted!

However, keep in mind that it’s quite cold (despite that I am Canadian, I did not have my Canadian winter gear with me and I deeply regretted it) and it’s very busy, probably the most popular time for tourists in Sapporo. This means accommodation will be expensive and fill up fast.

We visited during summer and found that although it was a little hotter than expected (hello, climate change), it was still a pleasant trip.

Here I’ll share what we did as a family when we visited Sapporo. Hopefully, it’ll help you with your trip planning! If you feel like it’s too packed, you can easily spread these activities out.

We arrived in the late afternoon and after checking into our hotel, we decided to eat Jingisukan, which is one of Hokkaido’s most famous dishes. It consists of BBQ lamb cooked on a dome-shaped grill and is absolutely delectable. We went to a place near our hotel that locals frequent, called Yamagoya (山小屋), and were not disappointed.

Although there are restaurants such as the Sapporo Beer Garden that offer all-you-can-eat Jingisukan, the cuts are typically cheaper. If you want high-grade cuts of lamb, definitely go to Yamakoya. My daughter only liked the high-grade cuts because they were softer. (Note that this restaurant does not have children’s cutlery or booster seats. There is also no English menu.)

After stuffing our faces, we headed to the NORBESA shopping mall , which is filled with shops selling anime goods and games, as well as capsule machines. My daughter spent a while looking at everything and we let her buy a few things since it’s a little out of our way to visit shops like that here in Osaka.

They have a great selection of goods so I highly recommend checking it out!

We then rode the nORIA Ferris Wheel so we could see Sapporo’s night view and it did not disappoint.

Afterward, we decided to share a bowl of butter miso corn ramen, which is another famous food in Hokkaido. There are lots of options but we chose Tenhou Ramen (天鳳) because it had high reviews and had salarymen inside instead of tourists, so we figured it was good.

And it absolutely was — the broth was rich and creamy thanks to the knob of butter inside and the corn was fresh. The gyoza was a little lackluster, though, so I wouldn’t recommend getting that.

Once we had finished, we went back to our hotel to rest up since we had a busy day ahead.

Visit Sapporo’s Iconic Landmarks

(~8:00 AM to 10:00 AM)

At around 8 AM, we grabbed a quick breakfast from Hokkaido’s convenience store, Seicomart , and decided to eat it at Sapporo’s famous Odori Park , which is where events like the Yuki Matsuri take place. The benches were a little worn but it was fine for us to sit on and enjoy our breakfast while people watching at the park.

When we were done, we took some cheesy touristy photos outside of the iconic Sapporo TV Tower before heading inside right when it opened at 9 AM.

After purchasing a ticket on the 3rd floor, we rode up to the observation deck located 90 meters above ground. From here, you can get a panoramic view of Sapporo.

The one-time ticket costs 1000 yen but you can get a ticket to visit the observation deck two times, once during the day and once at night, for 1500 yen. At night there’s a beer garden right outside Sapporo TV Tower so that might be an option for dinner if you want to see the view at night.

For 1100 yen, you can get entry to the observation deck as well as entry to the famous Sapporo Clock Tower.

We decided on the one-time ticket for 1000 yen because of time restraints. Children ages six and under are free so we didn’t have to pay anything for our daughter.

Our daughter wasn’t too impressed with the views of Sapporo but hey, when in Sapporo, sometimes you have to do touristy things for the parents. She did enjoy the small arcade right outside the entrance of the observation deck, and there were lots of Hokkaido souvenirs as well.

When we were done, we headed down and walked to Sapporo Clock Tower . Built in 1878, this is Sapporo’s oldest building and is designated as a National Important Cultural Property in Japan. We didn’t go inside but the entry fee is quite cheap at only 200 yen.

After taking several photos, we walked back to the hotel to get our car to drive to Shiroi Koibito Park . You don’t need a car to get there as it’s easy to reach by train but we rented a car for our Hokkaido trip so we figured we might as well drive.

Shiroi Koibito Park

(~10:30 AM to 2:00 PM)

Despite having visited Sapporo several times before, I had never been to Shiroi Koibito Park, which is all about Hokkaido’s most famous souvenir. But of course, I have a kid now so I’m always on the hunt for places she’ll have a great time, and she certainly did!

This park really exceeded my expectations. If you’d like to know more about Shiroi Koibito Park, I’ve written an entire article about our experience !

Sapporo Maruyama Zoo

(~2:30 PM to 4:00 PM)

Sapporo Maruyama Zoo is a fairly large zoo in Maruyama Park. I am generally not a fan of zoos but I found that the animals here are quite well taken care of and have plenty of space, especially in comparison to zoos in cities like Tokyo and Osaka. The zoo grounds are quite lovely and if you visit in spring, you’ll be treated to cherry blossom trees!

The zoo boasts animals such as different types of monkeys, a giraffe, elephants (my daughter enjoyed making digital elephant “poop” on a screen in the elephant room), turtles, hippos, birds, lions, and penguins.

Near the West Exit, there’s a large playground with equipment called Maruppa for kids of all ages. My daughter went wild here and it was clear that she wanted to play longer but we had a schedule to keep, so alas, we had to pry her away.

We only spent 1.5 hours here but if your kids really love animals, you might be here longer. In this sense, it might be worth moving the zoo to either Day 1 or even Day 3, especially since the zoo closes at 4:30 PM.

Hokkaido Jingu

(~4:15 PM to 4:30 PM)

A short walk away from Sapporo Maruyama Zoo is Hokkaido Jingu , one of the most famous shrines in the prefecture. This might not be too exciting for kids to visit but it’s a nice place for photos and to pay your respects to the Shinto gods.

They also sell a beautiful white goshuincho featuring the shrine and white snowflakes. I had to resist buying it!

Note that Google Maps gives a bit of a strange route from Sapporo Maruyama Zoo to Hokkaido Jingu. I don’t know if they’ll update it but make sure you walk on the sidewalk along the road, which I’ve highlighted in red below. It should be about a fifteen-minute walk.

Note that Hokkaido Jingu closes at 5 PM, so you don’t have to rush to get there from Sapporo Maruyama Zoo.

Horomitoge Lavender Garden

(~4:45 PM to 5:00 PM)

The Horomitoge Lavender Garden is somewhere I would recommend visiting at the end of June to early August, and only if you have a car. It’s quite small so it’s not worth going out of your way to see.

Since we visited Hokkaido around the end of August, I wanted to see whether I could catch some lavender in Sapporo. Unfortunately, all the lavender in Horomitoge Lavender Garden had been harvested by then.

However, I was still able to see lots of other kinds of seasonal flowers, including white mountain hydrangea, which were beautiful. Since this garden is located on a mountain, you can also see a lovely view of Sapporo City.

Dinner (Nemuro Hanamaru)

(5:15 PM to 6:30 PM)

Nemuro Hanamaru (根室花まる 南25) is a highly-rated revolving sushi restaurant in Hokkaido that’s popular with locals. The branch we visited is a little difficult to get to if you don’t have a car so I recommend checking out the other branches such as Hanamaru Susukino in the city center. There is also one near Sapporo Station but I’ve heard it’s quite busy. (My husband chose the Nemuro location because he figured it would be less busy, and he was right because we got a table right away!)

The sushi here is incredibly good and best of all, it’s extremely reasonably priced. The service is also excellent. This is definitely a restaurant I’ll visit again the next time I’m in Sapporo.

Note that it will get quite busy at around 6 PM so the earlier you get there, the better. I imagine the city center locations are far busier.

If you don’t feel like sushi and want another dinner option, consider Soup Curry GARAKU . Soup curry is one of Hokkaido’s famous dishes and it’s mouthwateringly good. I can’t go to Hokkaido without having it. GARAKU has a kid’s menu so you don’t have to worry about finding food that’s not too spicy for kids. Keep in mind that GARAKU is quite busy as well.

Mount Moiwa Observation Deck

(6:40 PM to 7:45 PM)

Mount Moiwa Observation Deck is considered one of the best night views in Japan so we felt compelled to visit. However, I’m going to be honest with you, it’s not worth it. I’m including it here, though, so you can decide whether you want to go after reading about our experience.

It’s easiest to get to Mount Moiwa Observation Deck with a car although there is a free shuttle bus that runs from Ropeway Iriguchi Station.

We arrived at around 6:40 PM and the line to buy tickets wasn’t long at all but the two people in front of us took some time purchasing their tickets. The ropeway that goes to the observation deck runs every fifteen minutes and there was one soon, so we wanted to try to get on that one but as it turned out, not everyone waiting could get on.

This is important to know because as it gets later in the evening, it gets busier so you might be waiting 30 minutes or more just to get on the ropeway.

Thankfully, we could get on the next one so we only waited for fifteen minutes.

The gondola was quite crowded but we were still able to see the night view as we rode up.

To our surprise, the gondola stopped at a mid-way point (Moiwa Chufuku Station) and we had to switch to another gondola to get to the observation deck (Moiwa Sancho Station). The ride on the second gondola was much shorter and we arrived in no time.

Another surprise for us was seeing the number of people lined up for the ropeway going down. The line was far longer than the one going up!

We headed to the observation deck and took in the night view.

The night view of Sapporo was lovely enough but within five minutes, we were pretty much done looking at it. My daughter enjoyed ringing the Fortune Bell but there were people in the background so the picture wasn’t as nice as I would have liked.

My husband decided to head down before us and wait in the line to go down so that we didn’t have to. It moved faster than he expected and after twenty minutes, he called us to come down because we would be getting on the next gondola.

There’s also a restaurant on the observation deck called THE JEWELS that offers great food (according to Google reviews) and views. If I were to come back to Mount Moiwa, I would only go if I could dine at the restaurant because it looks really nice.

Overall, although the view is pretty, I’m not sure if it’s worth the time it takes to go up and then down, especially if you’re not going to be dining at the restaurant.

(8:30 PM to 9:30 PM)

After Mount Moiwa, my daughter really wanted to do karaoke so we headed back to NORBESA shopping mall . There’s a chain karaoke venue on the 4th floor called Karaoke Mash that’s quite reasonably priced, so we chose a 1-hour plan with all-you-can-drink and let loose.

When our time was up, we headed back to our hotel and went straight to sleep.

Looking for more things to do with kids in Sapporo? There’s plenty!

Playgrounds

There are so many great playgrounds in Sapporo that I wrote an entire article about it , so check it out!

AOAO SAPPORO

AOAO Sapporo is an indoor aquarium located right in the heart of downtown Sapporo so it’s very easy to get to. They have two floors of various creatures like jellyfish and penguins, as well as a digital ocean where your kids can encounter digital life-size killer whales and sperm whales! How cool is that?

If we had more time, I definitely would have brought my daughter here, but we were going to an aquarium in Otaru the next day so I figured it wasn’t a priority.

You can purchase tickets for AOAO SAPPORO here.

Sapporo Science Center

For budding scientists, you may want to check out Sapporo Science Center . It has a planetarium as well as lots of interactive exhibits to keep curious minds entertained.

Day Trip to Otaru

I highly suggest taking a day trip to Otaru , one of my favorite places in Japan.

We stayed for two nights at La’gent Stay Sapporo Odori , which was in an excellent location right along Odori Street and a 5-minute walk from Odori Station. One key reason why I chose this hotel is because the toilet is in a separate room from the bath. (I really don’t like toilets near the bathtub or shower.)

Everything is within walking distance, including a MEGA Don Quijote 4 minutes away by foot that carries baby and toddler products! The hotel also has parking, which was a lifesaver for us.

You can also enjoy free coffee and tea in the lobby from 3 PM to 9 PM.

My family enjoyed our stay but we had two gripes. The first was that the public bath was really crowded at around 10 PM. Perhaps if you go earlier it won’t be as crowded. The other was we could hear people talking outside our room, but I feel like lots of hotels in Japan don’t have the best soundproofing.

From amazing food to shopping and adventures, Sapporo was truly a memorable time for our family. I hope my article inspires you to take a trip to the capital up north and is helpful for your travel planning.

As always, if you have any questions, don’t hesitate to reach out . I am more than happy to help!

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15 of the best day trips from Sapporo

LAK Best of the best Day trip , Day trip from Sapporo , Hokkaido , Japan , Sapporo 0

Sapporo , the vibrant capital of Hokkaido, serves as an ideal gateway to explore the diverse landscapes and rich culture of northern Japan . With its unique blend of urban excitement and natural beauty, Sapporo offers easy access to a variety of unforgettable day trips. Whether you’re seeking picturesque coastal views, serene hot springs, or charming historical towns, this region has something for everyone. From the stunning lavender fields of Furano to the bustling canals of Otaru, each destination provides a unique glimpse into Hokkaido’s charm. In this guide, we’ll highlight 15 of the best day trips from Sapporo, ensuring that your journey through this remarkable area is full of adventure and discovery.

Get ready to explore the breathtaking beauty and cultural treasures just a short trip away!

Otaru is a picturesque port city located along the coast of Hokkaido. It is famous for its historic canal, which is lined with beautifully restored warehouses that now house shops, restaurants, and museums. Particularly, the Otaru Music Box Museum is a highlight, showcasing an impressive collection of music boxes from around the world, with the option to create your own. For seafood lovers, the Sankaku Market offers fresh catches, including sushi and sashimi. A stroll along the canal at sunset also provides a romantic atmosphere with reflections shimmering on the water. Thus, Otaru is one of the best day trips from Sapporo. Tip:  Visit during winter for the Otaru Snow Light Path Festival, where the city transforms into a magical wonderland illuminated by thousands of candles.

Noboribetsu Onsen

Noboribetsu Onsen is a celebrated hot spring resort town known for its geothermal wonders. Hell Valley (Jigokudani) is a must-see, with its smoking vents, bubbling mud, and vibrant sulfuric streams. Many ryokans in the area also offer outdoor baths with stunning views of the surrounding mountains. Each bath features different mineral waters, reputed to have various health benefits. Furthermore, the nearby Noboribetsu Bear Park allows visitors to see native Hokkaido bears in a naturalistic setting. Tip:  If you can, visit during the autumn foliage season when the landscape is painted with vibrant colors, creating a stunning backdrop for your hot spring experience.

Jozankei Onsen

Jozankei Onsen is a serene hot spring town situated in a lush valley just a short drive from Sapporo. Surrounded by mountains, it offers a peaceful retreat with numerous outdoor baths that provide breathtaking views of nature. Many of the ryokan feature open-air baths, allowing guests to relax while enjoying the fresh mountain air. Hiking trails around the area lead to scenic spots, including the picturesque Jozankei Dam and the beautiful riverside. Therefore, Jozankei Onsen is one of the best day trips from Sapporo. Tip:  Plan your visit during cherry blossom season in spring when the area is adorned with delicate pink flowers, enhancing the tranquil atmosphere.

Asahikawa, located in the middle of Hokkaido, is famous for its vibrant city life and stunning natural surroundings. It serves as a gateway to the Daisetsuzan National Park, where visitors can explore breathtaking landscapes, hiking trails, and hot springs. The city is also famous for its Asahikawa Zoo, which focuses on the conservation of endangered species and offers a unique viewing experience.

Tip:  For transportation, the best way to get around Asahikawa is by using the city’s efficient public bus system

Furano is celebrated for its stunning lavender fields, especially during the summer months when the flowers are in full bloom, creating a sea of purple. Farm Tomita is the most famous spot to enjoy these breathtaking views and offers a variety of local products, including lavender essential oils and ice cream. Additionally, the Furano Cheese Factory allows visitors to participate in cheese-making workshops and sample delicious cheeses. In winter, Furano becomes a renowned ski destination, attracting winter sports enthusiasts. Tip:  Plan your visit in July for the best lavender blooms and don’t miss the chance to sample lavender ice cream, a local specialty!

Niseko is a premier destination for winter sports, boasting some of the best ski resorts in Japan. Known for its powder snow, it attracts skiers and snowboarders from around the world. In summer, the landscape transforms into a playground for outdoor enthusiasts, with opportunities for hiking, mountain biking, and golfing amidst breathtaking scenery. The area is also famous for its local cuisine, featuring Hokkaido specialties like fresh seafood and farm-to-table dishes. The vibrant nightlife includes cozy izakayas and lively bars. Tip:  Check out Niseko Village for a blend of outdoor activities and luxurious accommodations, perfect for unwinding after a day of adventure.

Hōheikyō Hot Spring

Hōheikyō Onsen is a serene hot spring nestled in a picturesque natural setting, surrounded by lush forests and mountains. The outdoor baths offer stunning views of the picturesque landscape, making it an ideal spot for relaxation. Guests can also indulge in various treatments and rejuvenating baths filled with mineral-rich waters. The tranquil atmosphere enhances the experience, allowing visitors to unwind completely. Tip:  Visit during the fall for breathtaking autumn colors; the vibrant foliage creates a stunning backdrop while you soak in the hot springs.

Fukidashi Park – Mount Yotei

Fukidashi Park, located at the base of Mount Yotei, is famous for its natural spring water, which flows from the mountain. The park features well-maintained walking trails that offer stunning views of the iconic, snow-capped peak. Visitors can enjoy picnicking in the park or venture out on hikes that lead to beautiful scenic spots. The area is also perfect for photography, with its picturesque landscapes and diverse flora. Thus, Fukidashi Park is one of the best day trips from Sapporo. Tip:  Bring a water bottle to fill with the fresh spring water; it’s said to be some of the best in Japan and is perfect for hydration during your outdoor activities.

Shikotsu Lake – Shikotsu-Toya National Park

Shikotsu Lake is famous for its crystal-clear waters and breathtaking natural beauty. Nestled within Shikotsu-Toya National Park, the lake offers a range of activities including kayaking, fishing, and hiking along its perimeter. Furthermore, the surrounding area is abundant with wildlife, making it an excellent spot for nature lovers. The views of nearby mountains and lush forests enhance the serene ambiance, making it a perfect escape from the city. Tip:  Visit during the early morning or late afternoon for the best light for photography, capturing the lake’s stunning reflections and vibrant colors.

Eniwa Valley – Shikotsu-Toya National Park

Eniwa Valley is a breathtaking natural area characterized by lush greenery and stunning landscapes. The valley features a variety of hiking trails suitable for all skill levels, providing differing views of waterfalls and majestic mountains. Particularly, it is an ideal spot for nature enthusiasts and photographers looking to capture the beauty of Hokkaido’s wilderness. The tranquil environment allows for peaceful exploration and a chance to reconnect with nature. Tip:  Bring a picnic to enjoy amidst the scenic beauty of the valley; the peaceful setting makes it a perfect spot to relax and take in the surroundings.

Yoichi is well-known for its wineries and the Nikka Whisky Distillery, where visitors can tour the facilities and sample a variety of high-quality whiskies. The area is also celebrated for its fresh seafood, local produce, and picturesque vineyards that stretch across the countryside. In addition to whisky, Yoichi offers a taste of Hokkaido’s culinary delights, making it a great destination for food and drink lovers. Thus, Yoichi is one of the best day trips from Sapporo. Tip:  Consider visiting during the grape harvest season in autumn for a unique experience; you can taste fresh grapes and enjoy the vibrant fall colors in the vineyards.

Biei is famed for its stunning landscapes, characterized by rolling hills and vibrant flower fields. The area is particularly famous for the Blue Pond, with its surreal, vivid blue color, and the nearby Shirogane Blue Pond. Biei is perfect for cycling and leisurely drives, allowing visitors to soak in the picturesque scenery and discover charming rural roads. The changing seasons offer different visual delights, from lush greens in summer to golden hues in autumn. Tip:  Rent a bicycle to explore the quiet rural roads; this allows you to discover hidden gems like small farms and scenic viewpoints that are often missed by car.

Muroran is a scenic port city located along Hokkaido’s coastline, known for its beautiful views of the ocean and surrounding landscapes. The Muroran Aquarium, one of the largest in Hokkaido, showcases a variety of marine life and offers interactive exhibits, making it a great destination for families. For outdoor enthusiasts, a hike to Cape Chikyu provides breathtaking panoramic views of the coastline and the surrounding area. Muroran is also famous for its fresh seafood, particularly squid dishes, which are a must-try when visiting. Thus, Yoichis is one of the best day trips from Sapporo. Tip:  Try to catch the sunset from Cape Chikyu for a truly breathtaking experience, as the views of the sun setting over the sea are spectacular.

Lake Toya is a stunning volcanic caldera lake surrounded by picturesque mountains and lush landscapes. The lake offers numerous recreational activities, including boat rides that allow visitors to enjoy the serene waters and stunning views. Hiking trails around the lake provide opportunities to explore the natural beauty of the area. In the summer, the annual Lake Toya Fireworks Festival is a highlight, lighting up the night sky with vibrant colors. The area is also dotted with hot springs, perfect for relaxation after a day of exploration. Tip:  Don’t miss the nearby Usu Volcano, which offers stunning views and hiking opportunities. The panoramic vistas from the summit are well worth the effort.

Hakodate is a vibrant city known for its stunning night views from Mount Hakodate, where visitors can enjoy a breathtaking panorama of the city illuminated at night. The city is rich in history, with beautiful buildings that reflect its colonial past. The morning market is a must-visit, offering an array of fresh seafood and local delicacies, including squid and crab. Goryokaku Park, featuring a star-shaped fort, is another major attraction, with lovely gardens and a historical museum. Tip:  Take the cable car up Mount Hakodate in the evening for panoramic views of the city lit up at night; it’s a breathtaking sight that shouldn’t be missed.

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