sapporo winter travel

Japan Travel & Culture Guide

10 Best Things to Do in Sapporo in Winter

The autumn months are over and winter has now begun in the Hokkaido region of Japan.

It’s that time of year again where you are offered to do a lot of exciting outdoor snow activities alongside celebrating Christmas and the New Year . This is also a perfect time to taste a list of delicious traditional Japanese foods. Don’t you think so?

Sapporo, the capital city of Hokkaido, is one of the coolest winter destinations in Japan. Every year, the city itself boasts of hosting world’s most popular snow festival “Sapporo Yuki Matsui” in early February.

Besides, if you want to soak up in Hokkaido’s winter spirit; feel free to head to one of the best ski resorts located nearby the city.

In Sapporo, while traveling around in the winter months, it’s also a good idea to take a break in the shops and find some unique souvenirs to buy for someone you care about.

1) Ski Resort in Sapporo

You can’t imagine how popular Hokkaido’s ski resorts are until you pay a visit to one of the most notable ones located across the region. For example, Niseko is a paradise for skiers, snowboarders, and other individuals who especially like to experience various sort of winter sports.

In winter, not every visitor to Hokkaido is fond of skiing, and often they ignore visiting Niseko, but wish to visit at least one ski resort located nearby Sapporo. That’s not a bad idea though.

If your travel itinerary does not include Niseko, you must be looking for some that are very easy to access to from Sapporo city. Am I right?

In Sapporo, the ski resorts such as Sapporo Teine Ski Resort, Sapporo Bankei Ski Area, Sapporo Kokusai Ski Resort, Mount Moiwa Ski Resort, and Takino Suzuran Hillside National Government Park are considered the best places to enjoy an amazing winter day. Visit one of these ski landmarks in Sapporo, and fill your trip with many happy adventures.

To learn more about Sapporo’s top ski resort, I highly recommend you to read this guide here .

2) Sapporo Yuki Matsuri

This is not only the most important and highly valued winter event in Hokkaido but also in Japan. In fact, Sapporo city is best known for this winter festival which usually takes places every year in early February.

The Sapporo snow festival is an unmissable winter festival in Hokkaido, offering various sizes of snow sculptures ranging from giant to small with snow slides, ice skating rink, and live music performances.

The festival is so magical that you would definitely fall in love with. The Sapporo Snow Festival will take place in Sapporo city from February 4 to February 11 in 2024.

3) Hot springs (Onsen)

Whether you believe it or not that Japan is a country of hot springs (onsen). Indeed they can be found everywhere! When you visit Sapporo in winter, one of the must do things is visiting a hot spring resort located nearby the city.

A visit to Noboribetsu Onsen is a must thing to do in Hokkaido in winter, don’t you forget it!

Here we are talking about Sapporo, so can you tell me the name of a hot spring resort located in Sapporo or at the outskirts of the city? You can gladly pay a visit to Jozankei Onsen , which can be reached from downtown Sapporo by bus/taxi within an hour.

Jozankei, famed for its autumn beauty, has indoor and outdoor onsen bath facility including foot baths.

When the weather becomes very cold, you probably would not think twice about staying warm by considering some very useful tips and ideas. And one of the best ideas is obviously taking a warm bath at a designated onsen in Hokkaido.

In addition, together with Jozaneki Onsen, Asarigawa Hot Spring and Shikotsu hot Spring are considered the most popular hot spring resorts in Sapporo.

4) Ice Fishing in Sapporo

Do you love fishing? Ice fishing is one of the most exciting things to do in Hokkaido in winter. Therefore, it will be a great experience if you have not tried it before.

For ice fishing, you can make your way to Barato River . It takes half an hour ride by car from downtown Sapporo to reach this popular ice fishing spot and you will be provided all sorts of fishing equipment.

There will meet a guide who explains you everything you need to know prior to ice fishing.

The weather out there is cold enough to make you crazy about it, so wear warm clothes such as winter jacket, cap, gloves, muffler, sunglasses, socks, and so on.

Never expect to catch a lot of wakasagi fishes there, but a few! Time will tell how many fishes you can catch. You can spend half a day at the site. Enjoy ice fishing to the fullest and taste smelt fish tempura.

5) Mount Moiwa

Mount Moiwa is known for its picturesque night view over Sapporo city .

At its summit, there is a designated observatory from where visitors are offered to enjoy scenic night view of the city. To get to the summit from foot of the mountain, visitors have to use the ropeway and then mini cable car.

In addition, there you find a cozy restaurant. Order your favorite dishes from the menu and enjoy the evening eating out there and viewing Sapporo’s incredible night view from the observatory.

After a day trip to Sapporo’s most popular attractions, you may consider heading toward Mt. Moiwa after the sunset. That’s the best time and obviously the best way to enjoy the whole evening in Sapporo.

6) Sapporo Beer Museum and Sapporo Beer Garden

Sapporo Beer is one of the top beer brands in Japan. If there is one thing I enjoy about Sapporo food culture, that’s surly Sapporo Beer. The taste of Sapporo Beer cannot be expressed in words. That’s what I believe. You’d better try it yourself.

Opened in 1877, Sapporo Beer Museum is a unique landmark for anyone who loves to taste variety of beers while traveling the world.

It exhibits so many interesting things that include the history of beer in Japan as well as the process of beer making.

Next to the beer museum, there you find the Sapporo Beer garden. It’s a building that comprises several restaurants. The famous Hokkaido food – Genghis Khan/ Jingisukan is served here. It’s one of the top 10 must eat foods in Hokkaido.

7) Sapporo White Illumination

Whenever you visit Sapporo, there is one place in the city that you can’t miss visiting. Guess what?! Have you figured it out already or I have to mention it here?

The main venue of the Sapporo White Illumination is held in the Odori Park, and this is the place you must visit during your stay in Sapporo.

The event provides a great Christmas and New Year Eve atmosphere with thousands of colorful illuminated lights, making the area a truly winter wonderland. The views of the illumination from the observatory of Sapporo TV tower are very mesmerizing.

Therefore, alongside talking a walk into Odori Park I highly recommend you to get to the observation platform of the tower, and enjoy the night views of the surrounding city and park.

8) Day trip to Otaru or Asahikawa

Staying in a hotel located downtown Sapporo is much better when you think of planning some day trips from the city. For many visitors to Hokkaido, Sapporo is the right place to stay in.

The reason behind this is, from Sapporo it’s easy to make some awesome day trips to Otaru, Asahikawa, Jonzakei and so on. In fact, those three places are said to be the most popular day trip destinations from the city.

Otaru and Asahikawa can be reached either by bus or train, while getting to Jozankei is possible only by bus. If you want to make the most of your time in Hokkaido, visiting Otaru and Asahikawa would be a great idea, no doubt.

Whether you return on the last train or before, make sure you enjoy and experience everything you encounter. Please note majority of tourists visit Otaru from Sapporo as part of their day trip.

It also indicates that you don’t have to stay overnight there but in Sapporo.

9) Foods and Restaurants

I always believe that there are plenty of passions to run after in Sapporo. So far in this post, you have been suggested a number of things to do in Sapporo during the winter months and of course there are other things yet to be known.

There are many travel experts around the world who share their awesome travel stories that include day trip guide, places to eat, and must eat foods, budget guide, accommodation and transportation recommendation and so on.

If you are one of them, you certainly want to explore Sapporo’s best restaurants to eat out, and the foods that you must try.

To pursue your passion, you have got to know the must-eat foods of Hokkaido and best places to eat. For a perfect breakfast I tell you to go to Nijo Fish Market .

Locals and tourists like go there in the early morning and enjoy breakfast with fresh seafood of different kinds. To try famous Genghis Khan , you must visit Sapporo Beer Garden.

In search of best soup curry restaurant in Sapporo, you should head towards Soup Curry GARAKU. Make your way to Sapporo Ramen Kyowakoku (Republic) , located on the 10 th floor of the Sapporo Esta complex building. This is where you find many ramen shops to try various kinds of ramen dishes.

If these are not enough to put smile on your face, then ask me. I will share more with you.

10) Shopping in Sapporo

There are many notable places to shop in Sapporo. Most of them are good, while some are really great to explore to find some beautiful souvenirs. Tanukikoji – a shopping arcade, is the oldest shopping area in Sapporo.

I heard people saying that finding nice souvenirs at Tanukikoji shopping street is easy and fun. This is obviously the best place in Sapporo to find out cheap souvenirs.

Furthermore, you can go to Sapporo Factory, Sapporo Stellar Palace, Sapporo Central Wholesale Market, PASEO, and Sapporo Esta . Find other popular shopping areas in the city here .

Upon arrival at New Chitose Airport , you start experiencing the best that Sapporo has to offer during winter.

My favorite thing about this time of year is visiting snow festivals, onsen, eating out with friends, and walking in the snow. Thanks for reading and enjoy your holidays in Sapporo this winter!

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Hot spring bath with great views of Mt. Fuji!!!!

Sapporo Winter Itinerary: Enjoy Sapporo in Winter in 2 or 3 Days

By: Author Kris

Posted on Last updated: September 8, 2023

Are you looking for the perfect Sapporo Winter Itinerary for a day full of fun in the snow? Look no further.

Here’s a Sapporo 3-day itinerary for a successful winter outing.

You can already start looking forward to your two days in Sapporo, a true Winter paradise. We share multiple options for the third day.

Depending on your hobbies, you can strap on your skis and enjoy the delightful powder snow, or you can take a day trip to Otaru or Asahikawa.

There is a really good chance that this post contains affiliate links. If you click one of them, we may receive a small commission (for which we are deeply grateful) at no extra cost to you.

Table of Contents

Japan Essentials

We almost always find the best flights to Tokyo and Osaka on Momondo .  It may be worthwhile to compare these with Skyscanner and a new but promising flight aggregator, WayAway .

Don’t lose time upon arrival at the airport and order your Japan travel SIM  or portable WiFi device in advance so that it’s ready and waiting for you at the airport when you arrive.

Find out which JR Pass will save you the most for your trip to Japan.

Check out our ultimate Japan travel blog where you can find many more interesting Japan articles to prepare for your trip.

Need help with your Japan trip planning? Check out this post on how to plan your trip to Japan.

Sapporo 3-Day Winter Itinerary

Let’s start by exploring Sapporo’s center.

Chances are you’ll travel to Sapporo for the internationally renowned Sapporo snow festival. This festival is held annually in February in Sapporo.

If you aren’t here during the festival you can skip this first part and head to the Sapporo TV Tower .

Be Impressed by the Sapporo Snow Festival

We were completely blown away by this magnificent event that showcases a breathtaking display of snow and ice sculptures.

The impressive sculptures are spread out across 2 sites, the Susukino site focuses on ice sculptures whereas the Odori site has lifesize snow sculptures.

You’ll be greeted by a magical atmosphere at both locations.

The majestic creations that are on display range from famous landmarks and iconic characters to fantastical creatures and scenes from mythology. The level of detail and artistry of each artwork is simply extraordinary.

I think that we must have spent at least four to six hours admiring all the artwork.

The Susukino zone, where you find the ice sculptures, is illuminated at night.

It is a good idea to visit at night as the lighting really brings out the beauty of the sculptures.

The next day we went to the Odori site.

The Odori Park zone is the main attraction. It features the largest and most elaborate sculptures. Some were worked on by hundreds of people.

Many performances take place during the day and there is a winter market with food stalls serving up delicious local treats to keep you warm and energized as you explore the festival.

The Sapporo Snow Festival is a truly unforgettable experience.

We were totally impressed by the incredible creativity and talent of the local and international artists that created these masterpieces.

It is a festival that both young and old will enjoy.

The Susukino site is right in the middle of the city center. There are about 60 ice sculptures on display near Susukino Metro Station.

The avenue that leads south has been made car-free during the festival.

The sculptures are spread out across 4 blocks from Minami 4 Jo-dori to Minami 6 Jo-dori.

There are numerous restaurants within walking distance which makes it ideal to stroll along the ice sculptures after dinner.

We spent about one hour looking at these sculptures. It was quite cold. If we hadn’t been so cold we probably would have taken more time to admire everything quietly.

How to Get There

The Susukino Metro Station is right at the northern end of the festival site. (use exit 3, 4, or 5)

The streetcar also stops here.

You can find the Odori site at Odori Park, at the base of the Sapporo TV Tower. This is the largest site, it stretches out over 12 blocks.

Near the TV Tower is a small Christmas Market where you find food and drinks. There are also some winter games like curling and a beautifully decorated Christmas tree.

The next blocks have snow sculptures in all shapes and sizes, from small to large, and even extra large.

I’m not sure if they’re set up the same way every year. Now the smaller sculptures were closer to the TV Tower and they became larger the further you went.

You need at least 3 hours to see all these beautiful snow sculptures. It took us much longer. Just walking the full length of the park up and down takes 1 hour.

If you also go up the tower, you can easily spend half a day and more

The Odori Metro Station is right at Odari Park. Use any exit to go to the festival site.

See the City From Above From the Sapporo TV Tower

The Sapporo TV Tower is the iconic landmark of the city. At 147 meters it is also one of the tallest towers in the country.

The Tower’s observation deck is open daily from 9 AM to 10 PM.

From the tower’s lofty vantage point, you’ll be treated to a mesmerizing 360-degree view of Sapporo’s sprawling cityscape.

The view is breathtaking both during the day as well as after dark. The direction that is most captivating is undoubtedly that over Odori Park.

During the summer you can see the beautiful green lung of the city from above. In winter you have the bird’s eye view of the snow festival.

If you visit the observation deck after dark you can enjoy the sparkling lights of the vibrant city.

The view from the tower is both exhilarating and serene at the same time.

Sapporo TV Tower Night Illuminations

Every evening (until about midnight) the tower is festively lit along the side of the park.

Even if you have already visited during the day, it is worth passing back at night to see these beautiful illuminations.

Tickets can be bought on-site. The fee is JPY 1,000 for adults. Children 6-15 pay JPY 500. If you want to skip the line you can buy your tickets in advance on Klook for the same price.

Check prices and availability: Sapporo TV Tower Tickets

If you want to enjoy both the day and night view you can buy a special combo ticket for JPY 1,500.

With this ticket, you can go up 2 times. Once during the day and again at night. This combo ticket can only be bought on-site.

The Odori Metro Station is right at Odari Park. Exit 27 will take you to the foot of the tower.

Relax at Odori Park

After your visit to the tower take a stroll through Odori park. The city’s green lung is a popular meeting place for the locals.

The inviting lawns and soothing fountains provide some relaxation during a busy working day.

The park sits exactly in the middle of the old city. It was originally created in 1871 as a firebreak to prevent fires from spreading throughout the entire city.

Chances are there is an event going on during your visit. In addition to the snow festival, many more events take place here during the year.

In May locals celebrate the full bloom of the Lilac trees, there’s a Jazz festival in July & August, and a German Christmas Market in November and December.

Take a picture of the Iconic Sapporo Clock Tower

The Sapporo Clock Tower looks like it wouldn’t be out of place in a historic American city.

Its architecture is similar to buildings constructed in the United States around the end of the civil war.

The building originally served as a drill hall for the local college and the clock was added a few years after its opening. To continue in the same vein the clock was shipped in from Boston.

Around that time, many Japanese cities built a similar tower, but most of them have been lost to fires.

The Sapporo clock tower was also mostly destroyed by a big fire in 1891 but was completely restored in 1898.

Being one of the oldest surviving buildings in Sapporo and one of the few surviving examples of a clock tower in Japan, it was recognized as a cultural property in 1970.

Today the building houses a small museum where you can learn more about the city’s and the building’s history and the clock.

The building is beautifully lit at night.

We didn’t visit the museum so we can’t say if it’s worth it.

Tickets can be bought on-site. The fee is JPY 200 for adults.

The Sapporo Clock Tower sits just one block north of Odori Park. Address: 2 Chome Kita 1 Jonishi, Chuo Ward, Sapporo, Hokkaido 060-0001, Japan

Admire the Hokkaido Shrine Tongu

We now head southwards in the direction of Nijo market where we will have lunch. We do however make a small detour to see the Hokkaido Shrine Tongu.

This shrine is a small copy of the Sapporo Shrine that can be found in Maruyama Park on the outskirts of the city.

It was built to provide the inhabitants with a sanctuary that they can easily visit even in winter.

This temple is a popular place for reflection. It has a few cherry trees that make the small garden very cheerful when they bloom in late spring.

The shrine is about a 13-minute walk from the clock tower. Adress: Japan, 〒060-0052 Hokkaido, Sapporo, Chuo Ward, Minami 2 Johigashi, 3 Chome−１０

Enjoy a Mouthwatering Lunch at Nijo Market

From the Hokkaido Shrine Tongu, it’s only a stone’s throw to Nijo Market.

For more than 100 years this has been the place where the locals come to buy their fresh fish and shellfish. The market consists of both vendors and restaurants.

As you walk past the stalls you will see the local delicacies of the sea: king crab, tuna, hokke (mackerel), sea urchin, and more.

Despite the fact that the market was founded by fishermen, and is still mainly known as a fish market, you can now also buy vegetables and fruit.

You can buy fish to take away (or have it delivered) but you can also eat in one of the many small eateries. The restaurants at the market usually do well with long queues as a result.

We passed here at different times and always encountered long lines.

Luckily, there are also restaurants around the market where it is less crowded.

Popular dishes are breakfast and lunch bowls (known as Donburi) with sea urchin, salmon eggs, and rice.

Many people also opt for the “sanshoku-don”, the 3-color bowl, which includes king crab in addition to the above ingredients.

The market is open every day from 7 AM to 6 PM although some restaurants have different opening hours.

TIP : There’s a tax-free counter at the market. If you’ve spent more than JPY 5,000 at tax-free shops in the market you can claim a tax refund at the information counter.

Guided Tour

If you’re a bit overwhelmed by everything that’s on display (we certainly were) we recommend doing a food tour.

Your guide will be able to tell you more about what you see at the market and will order some tasty and fresh items for you from the stands.

Check prices and availability: Sapporo Private Food Tour

Nijo Market is a 4-minute walk from the shrine. Address: Japan, 〒060-0052 Hokkaido, Sapporo, Chuo Ward, Minami 3 Johigashi, 1 Chome, 〜２丁目

Enjoy the View From Mt. Moiwa

From Mt. Moiwa, a mountain west of Sapporo, you have a beautiful view of the city.

The view stretches as far as the eye can see and the sight of Sapporo’s cityscape nestled amidst the mountains is simply breathtaking.

If you head up the mountain during the day you can enjoy the lush green forest that grows on the ridge. It makes for a very colorful painting, especially in the fall.

During winter, you can witness the exhilarating sight of skiers zigzagging down through the powdery snow in the Nikseko Moiwa ski Resort.

But the most talked about sight is reserved for after sunset. When the sun has disappeared behind the hilltops and the many lights of the city come to life.

The night view from Mt. Moiwa is recognized as one of the major night views of Japan, only preceded by that of Mt. Hakodate and Mt. Inasa in Nagasaki.

How to Get to the Top of Mt. Moiwa

There are 3 options to get to the top. The most common option is the Mt. Moiwa Ropeway.

Take The Mt. Moiwa Ropeway

The journey to the top is split into two parts. First, you ride a cable car to the middle station where you have to transfer into a funicular for the last meters to the top.

Tickets for the ropeway and the cable car can be bought separately or as a package and there are one-way and return options.

Hike to the Top

Hiking lovers can also hike to the top. A number of trails lead to the observation platform.

The most popular trail starts behind the Jikeikai Hospital and is just over 2.5 kilometers long.

It’s a family-friendly trail with just over 400 meters of elevation gain. The path ascends gradually and there are no steep parts.

Ice cleats are however absolutely recommended in winter as the trail is very slippery in certain parts.

Drive to the Middle Station

A third option is to drive all the way to the middle station (Chufuku) and hike the last part to the top. (or use the funicular)The road starts at the ski resort (not the cable car base station!) but is closed in winter.

Since there is only a small parking lot with room for 80 cars at the Chufuku station, the road will also be closed as soon as the car park has reached its capacity.

How to Get to the Base Station of the Mt. Moiwa Cable Car

The easiest way to get to the base station is to take the streetcar to the Ropeway Iriguchi stop and walk westwards on Kanjo-dori Ave.

From there it is a short walk of about 10 minutes with a short steep climb at the end. The ropeway is signposted so you can’t miss it.

The ropeway also has a free shuttle bus that runs during the most popular hours. You will pass the stop on Kanjo-dori Ave.

Address: 5 Chome-3-7 Fushimi, Chuo Ward, Sapporo, Hokkaido 064-0942, Japan

We ended day one with a magical ending on the top of Mt. Moiwa.

Today we start the second day in a fairytale setting that made us feel like we played a role in the movie Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.

Grab Breakfast in Tanukikoji Shopping Streets

Before we head to the chocolate factory you can make a quick stop at Tanukikoji to grab breakfast.

This shopping arcade is one of the oldest in Sapporo. In 2023 it celebrates its 150th birthday. The street spans over 7 blocks and is close to 1 kilometer long.

No matter what you’re looking for, chances are you’ll find it here.

Due to the amount of snow, we often sought the comfort of this covered promenade during our last visit. You can choose from many restaurants, both local as well as international.

The promenade gives out on Nijo market so if you don’t find what you’re looking for here you can cross the street and check out some of the restaurants at the market.

Take the streetcar to the Tanuki Koji stop or the subway to Susukino and walk 3 blocks northwards from exit 1.

Satisfy your Sweet Tooth in Shiroi Koibito Park

Somebody famous once said that it is never too early for desert and who are we to argue with that?

Shiroi Koibito is a mix between a chocolate factory and a theme park although there’s no doubt that it leans much closer to the second.

Children will have a blast and Instagrammers can go in overdrive thanks to the many fairytale-like photo ops.

We visited the factory in the middle of winter and were immediately immersed in a festive Christmas atmosphere.

The entrance to the courtyard of the factory is free and seeing the dancing puppets will already put a smile on your face.

For a fee, you can also do a factory tour to see how the factory’s tasty signature cookies are produced. The tour leads you through several beautifully decorated rooms in addition to the corridors where you can overlook the fabrication process.

And finally, for aspiring bakers or pastry chefs, here’s an opportunity to participate in a workshop to bake your own cookies.

Hop on the Tozai Line at Susukino Station and stop at Miyanosawa Station. The shrine is inside Maruyama Park.

Enjoy the Serene Atmosphere of the Hokkaido Jingu Shrine

The Hokkaido Jingu shrine is the main shrine for Hokkaido. It is located in a beautiful green area.

The worshipping path to the main shrine is lined with cherry trees and is a beloved Sakura spot in April and May. The park also draws large numbers of visitors in autumn for the colorful autumn foliage.

But even outside of these seasons, this beautiful and serene shrine is well worth a visit.

Except for the main shrine, there’re a number of smaller shrines spread out across the grounds. Japanese come to pray for luck in business, traffic safety, health, wealth, and more…

Head back to Miyanosawa Station and ride the Tozai Line to Maruyama Koen Station. It’s a 7-minute walk from there.

See the Polar Bears at the Sapporo Zoo

We always have mixed feelings when visiting a zoo.

On the one hand, these zoos naturally contribute to the conservation of many animal species that might otherwise have been extinct for a long time.

On the other hand, we sometimes get sad when we see the animals pacing in their cages. It is always more fun to see animals in the wild, but for some species, like polar bears, that is not that obvious.

Those polar bears steal the show here in this zoo. They have a nice big space and you can both observe them from above as from an underwater tunnel below.

It was so much fun to see the bear having fun all the time with toys in the water. It brought a spontaneous smile to our faces.

There are of course many other animals you can see such as seals, elephants, snow leopards, and Japanese macaques.

The zoo is situated a little further in the park. You have to walk past the Hokkaido Jingu Shrine.

Get to the top of the Olympic Ski Jump

Sapporo hosted the Olympic Winter Games in 1972 (and wants to do so again in 2030).

The ski jump has remained and the site has been expanded with an interesting interactive museum.

The museum sits at the base of the ski jump and tells the story of the 1972 Winter Olympic Games.

In addition to that visitors can see how well they would do in the games. There are several simulators where you can try your hand at ski jumping, cross-country skiing, and bobsleigh.

The view from the top of the ski ramp is breathtaking but at the same time frightening. And this is only a simulation.

You can also ascend to the top of the actual ski jump. If you thought the views of the city from the museum were great, wait till you have seen those from the observation lounge at the top of the ski jump.

And it is really only from this angle that you can really appreciate the sheer size and grandeur of the ramp.

You cannot take place at the bank from where the jumpers started their descent but even without doing that I still spontaneously got respect for those jumpers who dare to take the leap.

Head to the Maruyama Bus Terminal. Take the No.14 bus (Araiyama Line) to the Okurayama Kyogijyo Iriguchi Bus Stop (approx. 10 mins).

The Sapporo Olympic Museum is approximately 10 mins walk from the bus stop.

Address: Japan, 〒064-0958 Hokkaido, Sapporo, Chuo Ward, Miyanomori, 1274

Walk Through the Torii Gates at Sapporo Fushimi Inari Shrine

When you hear Fushimi Inari you might immediately think of the popular shrine in Kyoto.

The pathway with thousands of torii gates has made that shrine insta-famous.

This smaller cousin doesn’t have nearly as many torii gates but is pretty and worth a visit nevertheless.

The shrine is frequented by locals but not as popular among tourists.

It’s quiet and peaceful and you can walk through the rows of torii gates without the hordes of tourists that visit the eponymous shrine in Kyoto.

We loved the tranquility this place exuded, the only thing we heard was the sound of the crunching snow under our feet.

Take bus 14 back to Maruyama Koen and switch to bus 10 (towards Ropeway) or 11 (towards Moiwa Sanroku Station).

Get off at Fushimicho Takadai (11 stops).

Visit the Sapporo Beer Museum and Taste a Local Beer.

Sapporo, with the famous yellow star, is Japan’s oldest brand of beer.

It exists since 1876 and you can visit the site where it all started. The original brewing halls now house a museum that you can visit.

The self-guided tours are completely free, or you can join one of the guided walks for a fee.

As Belgians, we were a little offended to learn that the roots are situated in Germany but that didn’t stop us from enjoying the beer in the beer hall at the end of the tour.

If you want to continue enjoying the beer for a little longer you can have dinner in one of the restaurants of the brewery.

Walk towards the Ropeway Iriguchi Tram Stop and ride the tram in a clockwise direction to the Nishiyonchome stop. Walk 2 blocks north to Odori Park and turn right, you will get to the bus center at Odori Park.

Take the bus Higashi 3 Naebo Sen at the bus center near Odori Park. (in the direction of Higashi Eigyosho.) Ride the bus for 4 stops until Kita 8 Jo Higashi 8 Chome. Continue walking eastwards (in the direction of travel of the bus) until the next intersection. You will see the Sapporo Beer Museum on your right.

Address: Kita 7-jo, Higashi 9-chome 1-1, Higashi-ku, Sapporo-shi, Hokkaido,065-0007

Experience Sapporo at Night

Do you fancy an evening walk? Perfect, Sapporo has countless fabulous nighttime illuminations that you can explore. It would almost be a shame to retire early without seeing these beautiful night views.

Here are our recommendations.

Head Up the Sapporo TV Tower After Dark

Thanks to the central location of the tower, you can easily pass here after your dinner.

The observation deck is usually open until 10 PM. The last entry is at 9:50 PM. The view won’t disappoint!

Stroll Along the Sapporo Clock Tower

Located just one block north of Odori park it’s easy to take a short walk past this beautifully lit building after your visit to the TV tower.

See the Nighttime Illumination of the Former Hokkaido Government Office Building

This neo-baroque building is another one of Sapporo’s landmarks. Built in 1888 it is a splendid example of the American influence in Japanese architecture around that time. When the building was inaugurated, it was one of the largest buildings in Japan.

It used to be the Hokkaido Government office, today it houses several art exhibitions along with a tourist information office. The well-maintained gardens are often used for festive markets and other events.

Yearly, starting in November the illuminations are taken up a notch to celebrate the festive season.

Sapporo’s Times Square: Susukino Intersection

The Susukino Intersection, atop the Susukino metro stop, is at the heart of the city’s entertainment district.

The intersection is illuminated by a colorful collection of dozens of gleaming neon billboards. It truly feels a bit like Times Square in New York. (but without the crowds)

Take the Cable Car to the Mt. Moiwa Summit Observation Deck

This view is recognized as one of the Major Night Views of Japan. From a height of 531 meters, you can see how the sparkling city stretches out below you.

We have only seen the captivating, imagination-inspiring photos of the night view as it was cloudy during our entire stay. This did not do justice to the view.

We recommend checking the weather forecast to determine the best time to go.

On the website and in the base station you can also see live images from a camera on the observation platform.

Here’s how you can get to Mt. Moiwa

Enjoy a Romantic Night View From the Noria Ferris Wheel

The icing on the cake of a romantic evening… a ride on the Noria Ferris Wheel. This Ferris wheel sits atop the Norbesa shopping center in the heart of Sapporo.

It is beautifully lit at night and it can be seen from many places in the city.

The Ferris wheel has a diameter of 45 meters. When you’re at the very top of the wheel you’re 78 meters up in the air. High enough for an amazing 360-degree view of the city.

Hit the slopes or make a Day Trip on Day 3

On your third day, you can either go skiing or make a day trip to Otaru or Asahikawa.

During the Otaru Light Snow Path festival a day trip to Otaru would definitely top the list.

Go Skiing in Sapporo

If you practice skiing it would be a shame not to put on your skis in Sapporo. There’re several terrific ski resorts within one hour or less from the city.

Sapporo Teine hosted the Winter Olympics in 1972 and is the largest ski resort of the pack.

Because it is at one hour a little further from the city many choose to go to other ski resorts that are closer such as Mt. Moiwa and Bankei.

At most resorts, you will find a combination of easy and difficult slopes so that everyone can have an amazing day in the powdery snow.

For beginner skiers, we wouldn’t recommend Niseko Moiwa as this resort predominantly has black and red runs.

Make a Day Trip to Otaru

Otaru is a charming town where it feels like you’re transported back in time thanks to the many preserved historic buildings. Otaru used to be a port town and is today still known for its canal district.

The canal that used to bustle with activity is nowadays lined with charming old warehouses that have been transformed into shops, cafes, and restaurants.

The whole town exudes a serene and romantic atmosphere, all the more during the light festival when thousands of lights and ice sculptures transform it into a fairytale Christmas Village.

The atmosphere of the festival is much more intimate and completely different from this in Sapporo. We enjoyed it to the fullest. It was definitely worth braving the cold.

The light festival in Otaru usually takes place around the same time as the event in Sapporo.

Otaru is a 1-hour train ride from Sapporo

See the Penguin Walk at the Asahiyama Zoo

Just as the polar bears are the stars in the Sapporo Zoo, this honor goes to the penguins in Asahikawa.

Penguins tend to walk in groups in search of food and the zookeepers try to copy this behavior with this penguin walk.

It’s sometimes also referred to as a penguin parade as the entire 500-meter stretch of the walk is lined with visitors who are trying to capture this unique event.

We found it hard to believe that the sole purpose of this event is to keep the birds fit during the winter, but we can’t deny that this wasn’t something we hadn’t ever seen before in a zoo.

Furthermore, the zoo also has some nice cages so that you can admire the animals in unique ways. The seal swims through a glass tube through the observatory and you can walk underneath the deer, the snow leopard, and the hippopotamus.

Asahikawa is a 2-hour train ride from Sapporo. The zoo is at the outskirts of the city. The bus ride from the station takes 45 minutes.

Sapporo Travel Tips

Will this be your first time in Sapporo in Winter? Here are the most important things you need to know.

How to Get to Sapporo

You can travel to Sapporo by plane or train. And of course also with your own rental car if you have one.

Many will travel to Sapporo from Tokyo so it’s good to know that this information is accurate if you want to know how to get to Sapporo from Tokyo.

We also have included travel times from Tokyo.

We flew from Tokyo to Sapporo. In our opinion, this is the most efficient option. Daily there’re many flights from various cities in Japan as well as international flights to Seoul.

If you book the flights well in advance they tend to be cheap thanks to the many low-cost carriers that serve these routes.

The route between Tokyo and Sapporo is one of the world’s most traveled air routes. The flight time from Tokyo is just under 2 hours.

How to Get From New Chitose Airport to Sapporo City

Most flights to Sapporo will arrive at New Chitose Airport, an airport located 50 kilometers south of the city.

The trip from the airport to Sapporo Station, the city’s main transportation hub, takes around 40 minutes. At Sapporo Station, you can transfer to the city’s subway to get to your final destination.

Rapid airport express trains depart roughly every 15 minutes from the station underneath the domestic building.

The trip fare is 1150 JPY and is covered by the Japan Rail Pass. Reserved seats are 530 JPY extra and also included in the Japan Rail Pass.

The train is our first choice but there are other options as well.

2 companies have Airport Limousine Buses that travel between the airport and central Sapporo. The journey is with 1,5 hours almost twice as long and is also almost as expensive (1100 JPY) but it could be a better alternative if the bus stops right in front of your hotel.

You have the Hokuto Kotsu bus and the Hokkaido Chuo Bus . Both bus routes are very similar with stops amongst others at the ANA Crowne Plaza, the Grand Hotel, Hotel Monterey, Prince Hotel, and Hotel Royton. Click on the link of the respective bus to view all stops and the timetables.

The trip by train will take considerably longer despite that the majority of the route will be in a comfortable and fast Shinkansen. The Shinkansen stops in Hakodate where you need to continue with the Hokuto Express. Count on being on the train for more than 8 hours.

In addition, you will normally also pay more for the train trip than the flight. It all depends on when you book your flight but if you don’t do this at the very last minute the train trip will be something like 10,000 JPY more expensive. (that is with the extra fee for 1 bag for the flight)

Is the Japan Rail Pass still worth it

We don’t recommend driving. It’s a long drive of over 1000 kilometers. If you want to have a rental car in Sapporo it’s better to fly there and rent a car from one of the offices in the city.

Check prices and availability: Rentalcars at Sapporo Airport

How to Get Around Sapporo

In Sapporo, you have the subway, the streetcar, and the bus as means of public transport. You will likely use all 3 if you follow our itinerary.

Sapporo has 3 subway lines, the green Namboku Line, the orange Tozai Line, and the blue Toho Line. The three lines meet at Odori, at the heart of the city.

The subway is the most convenient and reliable means of transportation in winter as it is least affected by the weather.

However, as some sights are far from the subway stops, you could combine it with the bus and streetcar in order not to wear out the soles of your feet.

A single ride on the metro starts at 210JPY and can amount to 380JPY for longer distances. A pass for unlimited metro rides for one day is 830 JPY.

You need to get a ticket when you enter the metro station. At the ticket machine, you need to indicate where you’re heading and this will determine the price. You must then pass the ticket through the gates both when entering and leaving the station.

The Streetcar

The Streetcar runs in a loop in the Southwestern part of the city. From Odori in the north to Minami 22 Jonishi in the south.

For a ride on the streetcar, you pay a flat fee of 200JPY. You pay this when you exit the streetcar at the front. Ideally, you have the exact amount in coins.

There is also a change machine at the front of the tram where you can exchange notes up to 1000 JPY into coins.

When using an IC card you tap it when you exit the streetcard.

Sapporo’s City buses cover those gaps in the network where you can’t use the streetcar and the subway.

For this itinerary, you can use the buses to get to the Beer Museum and the Olympic Museum, unless you don’t mind walking a little more.

If you have an IC card you tap your card on the reader when entering and exiting the bus.

When paying cash, you take a ticket with a number when you enter the bus and you pay your fare when you exit at the front of the car.

Your fare will be indicated on a screen in front of the bus. (look for the fare next to your number).

Ideally, you have the exact amount in coins. There is also a change machine at the front of the tram where you can exchange notes up to 1000 JPY into coins.

IC cards are accepted on all streetcars, subway lines, and buses. If you have a Suica, Pasmo, or other IC card you can use it.

If you buy the Sapica Card, the local IC card, you have the additional advantage that you save a little on the fare.

Each time you pay for transport you earn 3% of the fare back in points. As soon as you have enough points (1 point = 1 JPY) to cover the fare it will be paid from your point balance and you get a free ride.

Sapica cards can be bought from ticket machines in subway stations and bus terminals. A card costs 2,000 JPY. 1,500JY can be used towards transport, and 500 JPY is a deposit.

The balance remains valid for 10 years. If you return the card at the end of your trip you can get the deposit refunded + your card balance minus a processing fee of 200 JPY.

Where to Stay in Sapporo During Winter

In Sapporo, you will find hotels and other accommodation options in all price ranges.

As it can get really cold after dark we recommend staying somewhere central so that, when you go out at night to see the illuminations or to have dinner, you don’t need to walk too far to get back to your hotel.

The ideal location is the area around the Sapporo train/metro and Odori metro stations.

If you stay here, you are close to restaurants and most sights in the center.

In addition, you can ride the subway to other nearby attractions and use the JR trains for day trips to Otaru and Asahikawa.

Here are a few hotel suggestions:

• 5-star: Sapporo Grand hotel
• 4-star: 41 Pieces Sapporo
• 3-star: Nakamurarya
• Best Ryokan in Hokkaido with private onsen
• Best Hotels in Sapporo with Onsen 

How Many Days do you Need in Sapporo in Winter?

We recommend staying at least 2 nights. However, you can stay longer and don’t get bored. We ourselves stayed 5 nights during our last trip.

Especially during the snow festival, the extra days are not a luxury if you want to take time to admire the works of art and also make a day trip to the festival in Otaru.

Skiers can also spend one or more days at the nearby ski areas.

As you can see a winter itinerary in Sapporo promises an awe-inspiring experience filled with enchanting snow festivals, thrilling winter sports, and unique sights.

In Sapporo, you can create unforgettable memories with your friends, family, and your loved ones.

When will you embrace the magic of this winter wonderland?

Visiting other places in Japan? Check out our Japan travel guide.

What you need to know about winter in Sapporo

Wrap up warm!

• Post author By Tom Fay
• Post date 5th December 2023

Embrace the enchanting winter wonderland of Sapporo, where snow-covered landscapes transform the city into a magical realm of seasonal beauty. Home to the world-famous Sapporo Snow Festival and countless bowls of steaming hot ramen, the city is a must-visit destination for winter enthusiasts.

How to experience winter in Sapporo

Hokkaido, Japan’s northernmost main island, is well known for its outstanding natural beauty, incredible cuisine and extremely cold winters – the western and northern parts of the island in particular receive some of the heaviest snowfall in the world, turning the place into a white winter wonderland for a good third of the year. 

Sapporo is Hokkaido’s prefectural capital city, and with a population of 1.9 million, it is the fifth largest in the country. In some ways, it appears to be a typical Japanese city – buildings soar skywards, neon lights and indecipherable kanji plaster across signboards vying for attention, the streets bustle with briefcase-wielding business people and the occasional tucked-away shrine or park offer respite from the hum of traffic and commuters.

But come the winter, Sapporo is transformed completely as great snowfalls blanket everything under metres of white powder. Roads and alleyways ice over, piles of snow line the streets, icicles hang from the eaves of every building and people spend mornings digging out their front doors and cars. But rather than grinding everything to a halt, Sapporo seems to revel in its wintery regalia, and the frigid winter months are arguably when the city is at its most magical, making it a wonderful time to visit.

What to see and do in Sapporo in winter

Despite being a relatively new city (officially established in 1871), Sapporo has plenty to keep you occupied for a couple of days, perhaps even more so during the winter than in the summer.

Visit the Sapporo Snow Festival

Held for seven days in early February in Sapporo’s downtown Odori Park and a few other locations around the city, the Sapporo Snow Festival attracts millions of visitors every year. Despite being one of Japan’s largest annual festivals, it is free to enter. The main attractions are the enormous and expertly-crafted snow and ice sculptures, which in the past have included popular anime characters and life-size international landmarks! Some of these sculptures even ‘come to life’ with projection-mapping, and all are lit up for visitors to enjoy at night. There are also stalls selling snacks and beverages, plus you can try your hand at curling or slip down a snow slide for more wintery fun.

Hooked on Japanese celebrations? Check out our guide to the Kuroshima Cow Festival for more!

Indulge in food and drink

Hokkaido is famed among Japanese people as the nation’s food basket, producing the best fruit, vegetables, seafood and dairy produce in the country. As the capital of the region, Sapporo is the place where you can find it all. Perhaps the best place to start is Nijo Market, a covered marketplace stretching about one block, with stalls and shops selling various fresh produce. It is especially good for seafood, and there are a number of small restaurants where you can sample the freshest sushi, sashimi and other dishes – just make sure to get there early (most establishments open around 6-7am) before everything sells out!

If the winter chill makes you crave heartier fare then you are spoilt for choice too. Sapporo is synonymous with the beer of the same name, and at the Sapporo Beer Museum you can not only learn about the famous brew, but also fill yourself up on  jingisukan  (barbecued lamb) – one of Hokkaido’s regional specialities – in one of the museum’s massive German-style beer halls. Sapporo is also well-known for its ramen, and the centrally-located Ramen Yokocho is a narrow alley crammed with hole-in-the-wall noodle restaurants, where a bowl of piping-hot ramen and a side dish of  gyoza  (fried dumplings) prove to be the perfect winter-warmers at any time of day.

Get an aerial view

Rising up at the eastern end of central Sapporo’s Odori Park, the Sapporo TV Tower is a major landmark and one of the best places to scope out a bird’s eye view of the city from the observation deck at the top. On a clear day you can gaze over the park and way out across the city to the mountains and distant plains at its edge. At night time the tower is lit up, and the night view makes it a popular date spot.

Over on the southwestern side of the city, Mount Moiwa is a small peak with big views. A ropeway leads up to the 531m summit, from where you can see right across the city when the weather is good; it is also another popular night time viewing spot, as the ropeway runs until 10pm.

Soak in the history

Sapporo may not be particularly old (especially compared to some of Japan’s other ancient cities), but it played a vital role in the development of Hokkaido in the late 19 th  century. One of the city’s most famous landmarks, the Sapporo Clock Tower, was constructed in 1878, and now houses a small museum, while another landmark at the western end of Odori Park is the Old Hokkaido Government Office (nicknamed Akarenga), an attractive red-bricked Western-style building dating to 1888. 

Northwest of Sapporo Station, Hokkaido University began life as the Sapporo Agricultural College, and was a key component of Hokkaido’s deep farming heritage – the university museum is one of the finest in the country and a great place to expand your knowledge of Hokkaido’s past. If you want to delve further into the history and culture of the Ainu (Hokkaido’s indigenous people), then the Sapporo Ainu Culture Promotion Centre has some excellent displays of traditional Ainu artefacts, plus recreations of traditional Ainu buildings, which are especially evocative in the snow.

Embrace the sacred

Built in the same year Sapporo was established, Hokkaido Shrine is one of the oldest and largest on the island. Located in Maruyama Park at the southwest edge of the city, the shrine is approached by walking through a massive  torii  gate, and the elegant structure inhabits a peaceful and enchanting forested world which feels far away from the humdrum of the city; the winter scenery only adds to the mystical atmosphere.

Try your hand at winter sports

If you want to burn off the calories and make the most of Hokkaido’s outstanding snow without travelling too far, then Sapporo has a number of excellent winter sports resorts right on its doorstep. The aforementioned Mount Moiwa is home to Sapporo Mt. Moiwa Ski Resort, a family-friendly resort open to skiers only, which, despite its proximity to the city, rarely gets too busy. Enjoy the sunset views from near the summit, before skiing down its choice of expert, intermediate or (slightly lower altitude) beginner runs.

If you are willing to travel a little bit further then there are other excellent resorts within easy reach of the city where you can get your winter powder fix; Sapporo Teine is a large resort with runs for all levels, exciting backcountry options and stellar views of the Sea of Japan as you glide down the mountain. A little further inland is the scenic  Sapporo Kokusai Ski Resort , which has a good choice of varied mountain runs.

Take a dip in a hot spring

Hokkaido, like much of Japan, is blessed with countless geothermally-heated hot springs (called  onsen ), and the practice of taking a bath (naked, with strangers) is not only a national pastime, but has become a deeply entwined facet of Japanese culture. There are hotels, facilities and resorts built for bathing all over the country, and Jozankei Onsen (about 45mins drive southeast of Sapporo) is a scenic hot spring town tucked away in a secluded valley, and the perfect place for a relaxing onsen getaway. The tiny town has numerous fancy hot spring hotels to choose from, most with indoor and outdoor baths. There is nothing better than wallowing in invigoratingly piping-hot waters as snow lightly falls from above in the frigid winter air.

Travel to Sapporo

New Chitose Airport is situated 50km southeast of Sapporo and is the main transport hub for the island, with daily flights to and from most of Japan’s major cities – the flightpath between Tokyo and Sapporo is said to be one of the busiest in the world! Express trains run between the airport and Sapporo every 15mins and take 40mins; buses can take you directly to your central Sapporo hotel in about 1hr 20mins. If you have a JR rail pass and plenty of time on your hands, then you can reach Sapporo from Tokyo using a combination of shinkansen (bullet train) and express trains in about 8hrs 30mins.

When to visit Sapporo

Sapporo is a great destination at any time of the year, but it is in winter when it is at its most memorable. The first snow generally falls in November – with the really deep dumps from around late December – and snow remains on the ground until March. It goes without saying that temperatures are cold, averaging around -5°C to -7°C from December to February, so you better wrap up warm. Waterproof footwear with non-slip soles are best for traipsing through the snow, and be aware that roads and pavements are mostly covered in compacted ice. You can buy non-slip grips to attach to your shoes at most convenience stores.

More information

Tom Fay’s guide to Hokkaido will be published in May 2024:

5-day winter adventure in Sapporo, Japan

Known for its breathtaking mountain views, oldest beer brand in the country, world-class ski resorts and annual snow festival, Sapporo in Hokkaido boasts several attractions to enable visitors experience a one-of-a-kind winter holiday. With all the other wonderful seasons to travel to Japan, why visit in the winter? With a 5-day visit to Sapporo, you will understand why the city charms everyone who visits. Depending on your interests and travel priorities, you can certainly mix and match destinations, activities, and attractions to create your own itinerary.

Things to know before traveling to Sapporo, Japan: 

Language – Japanese ( Nihongo ) is the official language of Japan. For foreign visitors, the language barrier can be intense but this should not be a cause for concern. Every railway station, bus stations and other transportation options have English signage. Even if you had any difficulty navigating, the Japanese people are very helpful to foreigners. There are also plenty of tourist information center, usually located in JR offices. It is, however, recommended to learn a few words and phrases because this can go a very long way in Japan, just like in any other countries.

Etiquette – The Japanese people are warm and very welcoming to foreign visitors but it’s important to remember some do’s and dont’s to enjoy a faux pas free journey. When entering temples or castles, it is a must to take off your shoes. If there are rows of footwear by the door, it’s a clear sign to remove your shoes. If you are going to visit temples and shrines, remember to dress modestly. On trains and buses, it is considered rude to speak loudly or to speak on your phone.

Currency exchange – Japanese Yen is the official currency of Japan. Cash remains king in the country. Even though Japan first popularized the use of “e-wallets”, majority of transactions are still through cash. But fret not, because exchanging money is easy and follows the same standard to elsewhere in the Asia. You may transact with banks, foreign exchange bureaus and international airports. There are also plentiful of ATMs available throughout the country, so you will surely have easy access to cash.

Getting around – If you plan to cover most of the famous attractions in Hokkaido, then you can purchase the Hokkaido Rail Pass. Valid for 3, 5, 7 consecutive days or Flexible 4 days, it provides unlimited rides on JR trains ( excluding Hokkaido Shinkansen ) as well as JR buses. This pass will pay off if you plan to travel long distances. If you are travelling in other parts of Japan , prepaid cards like ICOCA and SUICA can also be used in most transportation options in Sapporo like the streetcar network, subway and trains.

Where to stay – Sapporo boasts a wide range of accommodation options to suit every budgets and comfort levels. The most frequent question from first time travelers is, “What’s the best area to stay in when visiting Sapporo?” Without a doubt, the best area to stay in is Odori Park , which is the main site of the Sapporo Snow Festival . Please note, the week of the festival is the peak season in the city so make sure to book your hotel ahead of time.

Hotels to consider in Sapporo:

UNWIND HOTEL & BAR

Nukumori-no-Yado Furukawa

JR Tower Hotel Nikko Sapporo

Ibis Styles Sapporo

Richmond Hotel Sapporo Ekimae

Detailed itinerary: 5-day winter adventure in Sapporo, Japan

Take an international flight to New Chitose Airport, the gateway to Hokkaido. If you are coming from other parts of Japan, the airport is connected by direct flights to at least 30 cities. The Tokyo ( Haneda ) – Sapporo ( New Chitose ) route is the most popular, which takes less than 2 hours, with round-trip direct flight starting at JPY 10,000 ( USD 90 ). To get to downtown Sapporo from New Chitose Airport, take the JR Airport Express Train to JR Sapporo Station. Travel time is approximately 30 minutes and one-way fare is JPY 1,070 ( USD 10 ).

Get settled then make your way to Nijo Market for a real-world cultural insight of Sapporo’s food scene. See where the locals flock to shop for their favorite local ingredients and seafood such as king crabs, sea urchins, salmon eggs, and many more. Do not miss to try some local specialties like the Uni Ikura Donburi ( bowl of steamed rice topped with fresh sea urchins and salmon eggs ). Burn those calories or just walk to generate body heat to Hokkaido Shrine in Maruyama Park , which is Sapporo’s biggest and main Shinto shrine. Then, celebrate your first night in the city with delicious draft beer and unlimited “Genghis Khan” at Sapporo Beer Garden. All-You-Can-Eat and All-You-Can-Drink costs approx. JPY 4,000, which provides unlimited draft beer and unlimited grilled lamb and vegetables. For more information, please visit  Sapporo Beer Garden’s page .

On your second day, you can check off the next thing on your wanderlust wish list, which is to participate in the many exciting events during the Annual Sapporo Snow Festival ( January 31, 2019 to February 11, 2019 ). The Odori Site is the main highlight of the festival, which is held in the 1.5-kilometer-long main street of Sapporo. Susukino , the city’s red-light district located in the heart of Sapporo, hosts to a number of giant ice sculptures. Tsudome , on the other hand, is located off the city center but a great venue for families because of giant snow slides of children.

If your travel date is too early for the Sapporo Snow Festival, fret not because the city offers other interesting sights and activities like the Jumbo Christmas Tree at Sapporo Factory ( November 3 to December 25 ), Sapporo White Illumination (Mid-November to Late December) and the German Christmas Market (Late November to Late December). End the day with snow-covered night views of Sapporo at the Sapporo TV Tower Observation Deck . Admission fee is JPY 720 ( USD 6 ) for adults and JPY 100 ( approx. USD 1 ) for children.

On day 3, experience a great value ski holiday in Teine Ski Resort , which is one of the best ski resorts in Sapporo. Skiing in the city has gained worldwide attention because of the fresh, powder snow that you can ski on every day during the winter season. The resort offers a wide variety of ski slopes with a range of terrains for beginners, intermediate and experts. Moreover, Teine Ski offers other winter activities like winter trekking, snow tubes and sledding. For rates and lift passes, check out the resort’s official website .

On your fourth day in Sapporo, continue to enjoy the great outdoors by experiencing a thrilling snowmobile at Snowmobile Land . Two mountain courses can be chosen which are the Dynamic 60-minute course and the Exciting 90-minute course. The former is perfect for beginners and children which costs JPY 11,000 or USD 100. The latter is for intermediate and experts, which ventures deep in the city’s back-country and cost JPY 15,000 or USD 130. Please note, these fees include the rental of snowmobile, guide fee, helmet, winter boots, gloves and snow suits. For more information, you may visit their official website .

If you still have time before the sun sets, pay a visit to Historical Village of Hokkaido , an open-air museum and park which features historical buildings dating from the Meiji Period. This popular attraction takes you back into the past and gives you a glimpse of the Japanese life and culture during the 19th to early 20th century.

On your last day in the city, check out from your hotel/hostel and leave your stuff in the reception before you do a day trip of Otaru , a historical port city located northwest of Sapporo. Its beautifully preserved canals, old warehouses and herring mansion create an experience of a time warp back to the city’s heyday. Do not miss to check out Nikka Whisky Yoichi Distillery , one of Japan’s top producer of whisky. In the evening, enjoy a leisurely walk at Snow Light Path ( Early February to Mid-February ).

Have you been to Sapporo or anywhere else in Japan? Do you have any tips or suggestions to share? If so, you can leave your comments below.

Featured image: Entrance of Illuminated ice cave in Snow Festival Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan (Supermaw / Shutterstock)

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Home » Asia » Japan » Sapporo

EPIC SAPPORO Itinerary! (2024)

Sapporo is the capital of Hokkaido, Japan’s gorgeous wild northern island! It’s the fifth-largest city in Japan and contains a vibrant urban center. Let’s get into your exciting Sapporo itinerary!

It’s filled with spectacular scenery, unique western architecture, incredible food, and very friendly locals. Additionally, it has mild summer weather and long, snowy winters which offers Sapporo tourists plenty of varying attractions and activities year-round!

With this Sapporo travel guide, you’ll discover the city’s top attractions as well as a few hidden gems! We’ve also made sure to include plenty of insider tips, food recommendations, and exciting day trips to nearby areas.

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Best Time to Visit Sapporo

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Here is a quick look at the seasons so you can decide when to visit Sapporo!

The best time for Sapporo sightseeing is in summer (June – August). This is when the temperature is mild and pleasant, making for a refreshing climate for sightseeing!

Fall (September – November) is one of the best times to travel to Sapporo city. The rich autumn colors burst through the city and the temperatures remain comfortable from September to October, with the colder fall temperatures usually not arriving until mid/late November.

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Although the winter months (December – February) are cold and chilly, Sapporo tourism really picks up during the annual Sapporo Snow Festival in February. If you’re a fan of winter sports, Sapporo has many world-class ski resorts, as well as picturesque winter scenery!

Spring (March-May) is another great time to visit Sapporo, Japan. The winter chill starts to wear off and warm temperatures begin to breath new life into the island!

Choosing the right accommodation that fits with your itinerary for Sapporo will only enhance your trip. There are lots of options in varying styles and budgets around Sapporo. Deciding where to stay depends on the vacation vibe you’re going for!

Susukino is the best place to stay in Sapporo to be close to all the action! This area is one of the largest entertainment districts in Japan. It’s Sapporo’s lively hub and offers a slew of hotels, restaurants, bars, shops, and many popular Sapporo attractions.

For ramen lovers, Susukino is home to Ramen Yokocho, a narrow street that contains numerous ramen restaurants! This area is especially ideal for first-time visitors and tourists spending a quick weekend in Sapporo.

The Nakajima Koen district is a great option for travelers seeking a more relaxing vacation in Sapporo. This area offers a calm and peaceful setting and contains Nakajima Park, one of the most popular parks in the city.

Since this area isn’t as high in demand as Susukino, you’ll find more budget accommodation options. The Nakajima Koen district is well connected by public transportation, so traveling in and out of the city center will be a breeze!

If you’re eager for an unparalleled experience unlike any other, consider exploring the innovative world of capsule hotels in Sapporo .

Cute japanese studio | Best Airbnb in Sapporo

When visiting Japan, it’s always handy to live close to a public transport option. This Airbnb is just moments away from the tram and subway station. The apartment is bright, with a mixture between the western and Japanese style. The kitchen is fully equipped and ready for use. You can walk to Susukino or Odori park without a problem.

Tmark City Hotel Sapporo | Best Budget Hotel in Sapporo

The Tmark City Hotel Sapporo is a great value-for-money! All rooms include a flat-screen TV and a fridge. The en suite bathroom comes with a bathtub, a hairdryer, and free toiletries. A buffet breakfast is included in most hotel rates or can be purchased for an extra fee.

Sapporo Grand Hotel | Best Luxury Hotel in Sapporo

The Sapporo Grand Hotel is located in the heart of the city and is perfect for the luxurious traveler planning a trip to Sapporo! Guests will enjoy an on-site restaurant, spa center, fitness center, and more! All rooms feature a flat-screen TV, coffee machine, refrigerator, and a bidet!

Time Piece Apartment | Best Hostel in Sapporo

The Time Piece Apartment hostel is a small guest house in a central location. Public transportation is within walking distance and the hostel is just a quick 10-minute walk from downtown. Hostel perks include free breakfast, free Wi-Fi, security lockers, and luggage storage.

If you prefer to stay in hostels, check out more options in our Sapporo hostel guide.

Whether you’re spending two days in Sapporo or two weeks, you’re going to need to figure out how to get around. Luckily, the city is very compact and public transportation options make reaching all of your Sapporo points of interest easy and convenient!

For traveling within the city, the subway system is your easiest option and will take you wherever you need to go. Sapporo has three subway lines that travel throughout the city. Tickets can be purchased at vending machines outside the subway stations.

Sapporo was designed on a grid, which makes driving extremely easy for tourists to navigate! There are many car rental services throughout Japan and many companies also have English websites that allow you to reserve a car in advance.

Keep in mind that if you plan to drive in Japan, you must be at least 18 years old and have an international driver’s license. You’ll need to arrange for your international license before coming to Japan, as they don’t issue the international driver’s license to foreigners inside the country.

If you’re planning a Sapporo/Hokkaido itinerary, the train system in Sapporo is part of an extended network that spans all of Hokkaido.

Odori Park | Sapporo TV Tower | Sapporo Clock Tower | Tanukikoji Shopping Street | Sapporo Beer Museum

The first day of your itinerary for Sapporo will see you exploring the city’s historic sites before continuing on to a couple of unique cultural attractions!

Day 1 / Stop 1 – Odori Park

• Why it’s awesome: A calming park in the center of Sapporo that hosts many events throughout the year.
• Cost: Free!
• Food nearby: Nijo Market is a historic fish market that sells fresh seafood as well as ready to eat snacks and drinks. It’s a great place to pick up some picnic provisions to take with you to the park.

Located in the heart of Sapporo, Odori Park is an oasis in the big city. The park was created in 1869 and spans nearly 1 mile, covering roughly 19 acres. There are many lush and colorful flower gardens that coat the park floor. It’s one of the city’s top tourist attractions and a great place to start your Sapporo itinerary!

There are many events held throughout the year that give guests a wide-ranging taste of Japanese culture and Hokkaido’s culture in particular. The most well-known events are the Sapporo Lilac Festival and the Sapporo Snow Festival.

The Sapporo Lilac Festival is held every spring for 10 days (usually in May). The park is home to about 400 lilac trees that are in full bloom during the festival and permeate the air with their sweet scent. It’s an exciting festival that marks the end of Winter and the start of the warmer months ahead. During the festival there are events and activities, as well as food and drink stalls.

The Sapporo Snow Festival is held every February for 7 days. During this time, the park is filled with hundreds of snow statues and ice sculptures. Since snowfall in Sapporo during winter is common there’s always the chance of snow during the festival.

If you’re touring Sapporo when these events are being held, we definitely recommend checking them out! 

The park is easily accessible and frequented by locals and travelers alike. It’s open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The park is clean and orderly and there are multiple food and drink stalls. There is also a beer garden set up during summer months where all the major Japanese breweries compete with each other for the best beer!

Insider Tip: Inside Odori Park, there’s a tourist information center, public toilets, and free park Wi-Fi!

Day 1 / Stop 2 – Sapporo TV Tower

• Why it’s awesome: Famous TV Tower where guests can enjoy unobstructed panoramic views of Sapporo.
• Cost: USD $7.00
• Food nearby: Otaru New Sanko is located inside the Sapporo TV Tower. This restaurant serves western dishes in a cozy setting with spectacular views!

The Sapporo TV Tower is located inside of Odori Park making it the perfect next stop on your Sapporo itinerary! The tower was built in 1957 and is a 482-feet high TV tower with an observation deck.

The tower is open to tourists who can enjoy the gorgeous views of Odori Park and the surrounding area of Sapporo.

It takes 60 seconds by elevator to reach the observatory deck, which is 297-feet up. There is a souvenir shop in the observation deck where you can pick up all your Sapporo souvenirs! You’ll also find telescopes and volunteer guides to provide visitors with facts and insight on the tower.

In the evening, the tower lights up with an illumination of dazzling lights that contrasts beautifully against the night sky. Many visitors prefer to visit the tower just before evening hours; the glare from the sun will be gone and the crowds tend to thin out.

The TV Tower is one of the most popular Sapporo landmarks and is open every day.

Day 1 / Stop 3 – Sapporo Clock Tower

• Why it’s awesome: The Sapporo Clock Tower is a symbol of Sapporo and a major landmark in the city center.
• Cost: USD $2.00
• Food nearby: Soup Curry Garaku is a Japanese curry restaurant with a casual atmosphere, phenomenal food, and cold beer.

The Sapporo Clock Tower was built in 1878 and is the oldest clock tower in Japan. The clock continues to run and keep time, and the chimes can be heard every hour. The small building is full of education and history and a great quick stop on your Sapporo itinerary.

Inside the clock tower, you’ll find a museum spread out over two floors. There are displays of the building’s history and the development of Sapporo. There are also English-speaking volunteers in the building to provide anecdotes beyond the exhibits themselves. They aid guests by answering any questions they may have and give further information on the displays.

Sapporo was developed with assistance from the American government and the Sapporo Clock Tower building is of American design. The Sapporo clock tower museum is quite small in size and you’ll probably only need to set aside approximately 30 minutes for this stop on your Sapporo itinerary.

Insider Tip: October 16th is the clock tower’s founding day. On the 16th of every month volunteer tours of the clock tower are given to the general public twice a day!

Day 1 / Stop 4 – Tanukikoji Shopping Street

• Why it’s awesome: Tanukikoji shopping street is an iconic Japanese-style shopping arcade with a variety of shops and eateries.
• Food nearby: Ramen Shingen is your classic cozy ramen restaurant that’s popular with both locals and tourists!

The famous Tanukikoji shopping arcade was established roughly 150 years ago! It’s located between Minami Nijo and Minami Sanjo and is one of the oldest and finest shopping areas in Sapporo, Hokkaido! The street stretches a little more than half a mile and is completely sheltered, meaning the area can be enjoyed regardless of the weather.

It contains around 200 shops, including restaurants, clothing stores, souvenir shops, and all kinds of other specialties and local shops! The street is sectioned off into seven different sections. You could spend hours walking through the different sections of the street and taking your own self-guided Sapporo walking tour! Stop for a bite to eat, browse for souvenirs, wander and window shop, or have a seat and people watch!

Don Quijote is a large 24-hour supermarket that sells almost anything you could think of! The supermarket is 5 stories high and offers everything from Japanese candies and snacks to cosmetics to costumes! It’s a great store to walk around and see Sapporo’s eclectic offering of souvenirs and products; this is definitely one of the coolest places to visit in Sapporo! This is a great stop if you’re backpacking Japan , and you need to revamp the items in your backpack.

Tanukikoji shopping street stays lively every day and is a hub of entertainment in Sapporo. Tall ceilings with bright lights and hanging decorations make this street totally Instagram worthy! This stop is fun for all ages and interests and is a must-see attraction on your Sapporo itinerary!

Day 1 / Stop 5 – Sapporo Beer Museum

• Why it’s awesome: The Sapporo Beer Museum provides historical information and insight into the history of beer production in Japan. 
• Cost: Free to enter (paid tours available).
• Food nearby: The Sapporo Beer Garden contains several restaurants that offer all-you-can-eat specials as well as single menu items.

The Sapporo Beer Museum is the only beer museum in Japan. The building that the museum sits in was erected originally as a factory of the Sapporo Sugar Company in 1890 and only opened as the Sapporo Beer Museum in 1987.

The history of the Sapporo Beer dates back to the Meiji period (1868 – 1912) and the museum is registered as a Hokkaido Heritage site (on the list of historic sites of Japan).

The museum has three floors and is free to enter! There are exhibitions throughout the museum where guests can learn more about the history of beer and its production in Japan.

There are also guided tours, called “premium tours” offered. However, these tours are only given in Japanese. Guests who don’t speak Japanese can read the translated (English) version of the descriptions on printed panels and exhibits found along the tour.

A beer tasting opportunity is also included in the guided tour where guests can sample beer not available for purchase and only offered through this tour option. Tours cost USD $5.00 and last approximately 50-minutes.

There is also a museum bar where visitors can purchase Sapporo Beer. Beer tastings are also available. The museum gift shop offers a variety of items, including key holders, the popular museum pilsner glass, classic beer jelly chocolate, and more!

The building also houses the Sapporo Beer Garden in the south wing, adjacent to the museum. It offers visitors the chance to enjoy all-you-can-drink Sapporo beer direct from the brewery as well as all-you-can-eat mutton BBQ.

The Sapporo Beer Museum is closed on Mondays, make sure to add this to your Sapporo itinerary Tuesday – Sunday only!

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Historical Village of Hokkaido | Sapporo Hitsujigaoka Observation Hill | Hokkaido Museum of Modern Art | Sapporo City Maruyama Zoo | Shiroi Koibito Park

Your two-day itinerary in Sapporo will see you discovering more of the local culture and history! We’ve also included a few fun attractions that are totally unique to Sapporo! 

Day 2 / Stop 1 – Historical Village of Hokkaido

• Why it’s awesome: This outdoor museum features historical buildings that show Hokkaido as it was during the Meiji and Taisho eras.
• Food nearby: There is a restaurant located inside the Historical Village of Hokkaido that serves typical Japanese cuisine in a relaxed setting.

The Historical Village of Hokkaido is an open-air museum located on the outskirts of Sapporo. The village exhibits around 52 period-buildings from different areas of Hokkaido, dating from the Meiji to the Taisho eras periods (1868 to 1926). The village is spread out over an area of 133 acres and is recreated to reflect what pioneer life in Hokkaido would have been like.

There are four different sections: a town, fishing village, farm village, and a mountain village. All of the buildings in the village are set up to look exactly as they would have when they were in use, providing guests with a unique and historical experience.

The attention to detail is exceptional. The rooms are fully furnished with tools, books, pieces of equipment, and articles of clothing from the different time periods being showcased. English descriptions are presented throughout the village providing visitors with a chance to learn even more about the history and culture of the people living during the pioneering days of Hokkaido.

There are volunteers spread throughout the village that provide commentary and demonstration activities. During the summer months, visitors can also take a horse-drawn rail ride and tour the village with a leisurely carriage ride!

If you’re planning a Sapporo itinerary during winter, a horse-drawn sled is operated in the snow-covered village. Visitors will be able to wear old winter clothes, enjoy sledding, bamboo skiing, and other winter activities from the olden days!

Insider Tip: Before you visit the village, download the pocket curator app of the Historical Village of Hokkaido. This multilingual commentary app will guide you through the buildings and provide you with even more insight! The app is available in multiple languages, including English, Korean, and Chinese.

Day 2 / Stop 2 – Sapporo Hitsujigaoka Observation Hill

• Why it’s awesome: This famous observation hill offers a commanding view of the city down below.
• Cost: USD $5.00.
• Food nearby: Sushiro Toyohira Nishioka Shop is a conveyor belt sushi and ramen restaurant with affordable prices and a lively atmosphere.

The Sapporo Hitsujigaoka Observation Hill offers panoramic views of Sapporo and lovely pastoral views of grazing sheep during the summer months.

It also offers great views of the Sapporo Dome, which is the city’s baseball and soccer stadium. It’s a beautiful place with calming scenery and a great area to relax and escape the hustle and bustle of the city.

The focal point of Hitsujigaoka Observation Hill is the statue of Dr. William Smith Clark, the father of pioneers in Hokkaido. He is famous for the phrase, “Boys, be ambitious!” His right arm is raised as he points “toward the eternal truth which lies far in the distance.” The statue is one of Sapporo’s most photographed statues.

Various events are also held throughout the year, including events showcasing the seasonal tastes of Sapporo, lavender picking , and sheep shearing!

The Sapporo Snow Festival Museum is also located inside observation hill and introduces the history of the Snow Festival. It details the process of making snow sculptures, shows videos of the past snow festivals, as well as posters, photos, and model sized replica of the ice sculptures. 

The museum is free to enter (after you pay to enter the Sapporo Hitsujigaoka Observation Hill).

Insider Tip: During winter, the observation hill turns into a snowy winter wonderland! The observation hill snow park offers plenty of winter attractions, including free sled rentals and adult-sized igloos!

Day 2 / Stop 3 – Hokkaido Museum of Modern Art

• Why it’s awesome: The collections of art in the museum primarily focus on the works of art by Hokkaido-associated painters and sculptors.
• Cost: USD $5.00
• Food nearby: Toriton Sushi Maruyama is a popular place for sushi in Sapporo. Their menu offers a wide range of sushi and seafood options, many dishes are offered to guests on a sushi conveyor belt.

The Hokkaido Museum of Modern Art opened in 1977 in Sapporo, Japan. It showcases artwork spanning multiple generations of Japanese culture, including a permanent exhibition and seasonally changing temporary exhibitions.

There are approximately 4,800 pieces of art in the museum, including paintings, glasswork, and special exhibitions from local and international artists. The well-manicured lawns that surround the museum also contain a number of modern art sculptures.

It includes both the indigenous art of Hokkaido and worldwide artworks. The museum is a cultural center in Hokkaido and offers visitors to Sapporo a chance to learn about the region’s cultural development in a creative manner.

The temporary exhibit rooms are changed three to four times a year.  Many exhibits showcase the unique Japanese art form of Ukiyo-e , which translates to “pictures of the floating world.” This style flourished in Japan from the 17th – 19th centuries.

Day 2 / Stop 4 – Sapporo City Maruyama Zoo

• Why it’s awesome: The Sapporo City Maruyama Zoo is a small, nature-oriented zoo that offers visitors a chance to see animals up close.
• Cost: Adult admission is USD $6.00, children 15 years old and younger visit for free.
• Food nearby: Rokkatei Jingu Chaya is a dessert restaurant offering unique Japanese pastries and tea.

The Sapporo City Maruyama Zoo opened in 1951 and is the oldest zoo in Hokkaido! The zoo is currently home to 168 different species and 737 animals. The zoo works to recreate the animal’s natural habitats and surroundings to allow the animals to act according to their natural instincts.

The main attraction of the zoo is the polar bear enclosure. The polar bear is on the brink of extinction in the wild, and the Maruyama Zoo is a special place where you can get an up-close view to see these magnificent animals.

Some of the other highlights of the zoo include the African zone with lions, hippos, zebras, and giraffes, the tropical birdhouse, the marine mammal house, and the Ezo brown bear house.

If you’re trying to figure out what to do in Sapporo with kids, the zoo offers a petting zoo perfect for children. It contains mostly farm animals, including sheep, chickens, geese and small friendly animals. There are also several animal feedings throughout the day where kids will have a chance to see the animals eating.

The zoo is not too large and can be easily seen in 2-3 hours. It’s located close to public transportation and is very reasonably priced.

Insider Tip: The zoo is located inside Maruyama Park. If you have some extra time on your Sapporo itinerary, make sure to walk around the park and enjoy the stunning scenery and tranquil ambiance. 

Day 2 / Stop 5 – Shiroi Koibito Park

• Why it’s awesome: Shiroi Koibito Park is a museum and factory dedicated to chocolate and sweets!
• Cost: The park is free to enter, a factory tour is USD $6.00 and individual attractions have separate fees.
• Food nearby: The Cafe Restaurant Antoripo is located inside Shiroi Koibito Park and serves simple curry pots, sweets, and drinks.

Shiroi Koibito is one of Hokkaido’s most famous sweets; it’s a light sandwich cookie with a rich, white chocolate filling. The Shiroi Koibito Park is a spin-off of this famous Japanese sweet and dedicated to all things sweet!

The park is divided into two areas: the outdoor amusement facilities and the indoor factory tour facilities. There are also numerous restaurants and sweets shops spread through the park.

The Soft Cream House is a crowd favorite! This small ice cream stand serves melt in your mouth soft-serve ice cream, chocolate drinks, and coffee. The Chocolate Lounge also comes highly recommended and is a great place to sample the park’s delectable choices of chocolate, including chocolate fondue pots!

Guests can visit the Sweets Workshop Dream Kitchen and take part in a sweet themed activity! Book a cooking baking class or a cookie decorating class!

Tours of the factory are offered where guests can see how the Shiroi Koibito cookies are made. View the different areas of the factory and see the cookies being made right in front of your eyes! Of course, cookie samples are included in the tour.

If you’re planning a Sapporo trip itinerary with kids, make sure to check out Gullivertown Pocke. This children’s town is lined with small shops and houses, and the white lover railway offers rides on a mini train! There’s also an area where kids can change into fun costumes!   

This stop on your Sapporo itinerary is perfect for children and chocolate lovers!

Time Peace Apartment

The Time Piece Apartment hostel is a small guest house in a central location. Public transportation is within walking distance and the hostel is just a quick 10-minute walk from downtown. If you like this hostel, you’ll LOVE our guide to the best hostels in Japan.

• Free Breakfast

Sapporo City Central Wholesale Market | Former Hokkaido Government Office | Nakajima Park | The Hokkaido University Museum | Hoheikyo Hot Spring

If you’re planning a 3-day itinerary in Sapporo, you’re going to need a few more activities to fill your time. Here are 5 more fun attractions we recommend checking out!

Sapporo City Central Wholesale Market

• Nicknamed “Hokkaido’s Kitchen”.
• There are approximately 60 stores selling a variety of items!
• The market is open year-round.

Sapporo is blessed with an abundance of vegetables, fruit, and fresh seafood, and the Sapporo City Central Wholesale Market and the adjacent Outside Market showcases this variety wonderfully!

Every morning, fresh produce and fish are delivered to the market. The vendors serve these products either as is or made into tasty local dishes! The market is very reasonably priced and provides guests with a great chance to sample to local flavors of Sapporo!

Hokkaido is synonymous with raw seafood, and salmon roe is especially popular! These shiny and plump internal egg masses as a local favorite and the market is the best place to try out the freshest salmon roe in Sapporo! Or, if you’re not a fan of raw fish, Melcard Kitchen Maru offers tasty grilled fish dishes. The fish is cooked with the local flavors of Hokkaido and is another very popular local dish.

You’ll see an abundance of vendors with fresh and cooked crab. Keep an eye out for the large king crab and the exotic-looking hairy crab! In terms of produce, melon is one of the most popular items. You can buy it whole, or by the slice. Corn is another popular item, and it’s so sweet you can eat it raw!

In addition to seafood and produce, you’ll also find vendors selling unique Japanese desserts and souvenirs, including Sake made in Hokkaido. Most stalls at the market are open every day from 8:00 am – 3:00 pm.

Former Hokkaido Government Office

• Admission is free! 
• Open Monday – Friday.
• The building includes a conference room, a museum shop, a tourist information desk, exhibition rooms, and a library.

The Former Hokkaido Government Office Building, also known as the Red Brick Government Building, is a great place to learn about the history of Sapporo. The museum contains materials and information on the history of Hokkaido and is completely free to visit!

The building was constructed in 1888 and is a great example of American neo-baroque architecture. Approximately 2.5 million bricks were used in the construction of the building and the sight of the rusty reds and orange bricks against Sapporo’s natural surroundings is a sight to behold!

The Former Hokkaido Government Office was used for 80 years until the new government office was built. The building and its exhibits on display are open to the public on weekdays and have a volunteer staff to assist guests and provide more insight and history about the building.

If you’re planning a 3-day itinerary in Sapporo and have the time in your sightseeing schedule, plan a stop at this museum and listening to the volunteers who will provide you with a more intimate look at the history of Sapporo and Hokkaido.

Nakajima Park

• Entrance is free!
• Spacious park with lots of attractions.
• Open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week!

Nakajima Park is located in the middle of downtown Sapporo next to the Susukino district. It’s a large public area with a number of interesting attractions and cultural facilities.

The Hoheikan is a historic guest house/hotel that was built in 1880. It was constructed to accommodate and impress visiting foreign dignitaries. It’s the oldest wooden building of its type in Japan.

The building’s interior has large spiral staircases, Corinthian columns, chandeliers, and original furnishings. It is open to the public and is free to visit! 

The Sapporo Astronomical Observatory is also located inside the park and is equipped with a telescope for observing astronomical objects. The Sapporo Concert Hall Kitara is an intimate concert hall in the park with amazing acoustics and a nice selection of performances throughout the week.

There’s also a traditional Japanese garden in the park that houses a traditional Japanese tea house.

Aside from its cultural facilities, it’s a lovely place to enjoy a nice break from the city. There are multiple streams as well as a large lake. It’s a great place to go for a jog, take a peaceful stroll, have a picnic, or just sit and enjoy the beauty of Sapporo’s natural scenery.

The Hokkaido University Museum

• Free admission!
• Open every day except for Mondays from 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
• The museum is well organized and thoughtfully laid out

The Hokkaido University Museum houses important scientific specimens and academic resources. The museum’s collection includes over three million documents and specimens, which the university has been collecting since it first opened over 140 years ago! Of particular focus is a huge skeleton of a Holstein bull and a life-sized mock-up of a woolly mammoth.

There is an interactive exhibit room where guests can touch specimens and at the museum laboratory, you can see research taking place.

Following a major renovation in 2016, the museum also now features new exhibits that highlight the latest research taking place at the 12 academic departments at Hokkaido University. There is also a cafe on-site that serves light meals and alcoholic beverages. If you’re planning more than a 2-day itinerary in Sapporo, this free museum is definitely worth checking out! 

Hoheikyo Hot Spring

• Entrance is USD $9.00 for adults and USD $5.00 for children.
• Features 3 hot spring baths.
• 100% pure, natural spring water.

The Hoheikyo Hot Spring is an outdoor hot spring bath surrounded by nature. It contains Japan’s largest open-air bath with a maximum bathing capacity of 200 people. If you’re backpacking through Asia, stop here to rest your weary bones.

The hot springs are not temperature-controlled and the water is poured directly from the ground into each bathtub, so it does not touch the air at all as it is being transferred. Since it is poured without oxidation, the water does not require chlorine. The quality of the spring remains constant and the healing properties of the water are high.

There are also two restaurants on the property that serve Indian and Japanese cuisine, each is highly rated! Visiting the Hoheikyo Hot Spring is the perfect relaxing vacation excursion in Sapporo!

Whether you’re spending one day in Sapporo or more, safety is an important thing to keep in mind when traveling to a new city!

Overall, you should have nothing to worry about when you visit Sapporo! The city is considered extremely safe for tourists to visit and just like all the other areas of Japan, Sapporo has an extremely low crime rate.

However, you should always follow the rules of common sense when traveling. Avoid walking alone late at night, never leave your drinks unattended, and always keep an eye on your personal belongings.

Winters in Sapporo can be harsh due to the Arctic wind from the north. Blizzards and snowstorms are not uncommon. If you’re visiting Sapporo during this time make sure to pack adequate winter clothing to manage the icy climate.   

If you’re renting a car and traveling outside of the city, wildlife is still very abundant, which can lead to accidents between cars and wild animals. When you are driving in Hokkaido, you will frequently see signs reminding you to watch out for animals. 

The Ezo deer are probably the most common animals to run across the roads. Be sure to adhere to the speed limit, drive carefully, and pay close attention.

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Day trips from Sapporo are a great way to explore even more of Japan’s gorgeous landscape! They also offer travelers a chance to learn more about the culture. These trips highlight the areas outside the city and are a great option if you’re spending 3 days in Sapporo, or more! 

Day Trip to Furano, Biei, and Blue Pond

Enjoy a day trip from Sapporo to Hokkaido’s most scenic areas! Witness even more of this gorgeous island and enjoy a day of hassle-free sightseeing!

Travel to the Biei and Furano areas to admire stunning flower-carpeted fields, see native trees and foliage, and visit the famous Blue Pond! Lastly, you’ll stop by a farm garden to rest and enjoy a local curry lunch, (vegetarian option available upon request). This relaxing day trip is a great option if you’re spending 3 days in Sapporo, or even a few weeks!

Hokkaido’s Top Sightseeing of Farm Tomita, Shikisai no Oka in Biei, and Blue Pond

See the best spots in Hokkaido and admire the idyllic landscape. Start your day at Campana Rokkatei and take in the picturesque view of grapevines sprawling across the rolling hillsides. Visit the Furano Wine Factory with its vast lavender field and panorama views of Mt. Tokachi ranges. This is also where lunch will be served.

You can also travel to the Farm Tomita, the most historical tourist lavender farm in Japan and see the vast fields of flowers that bloom over the hills of Shikisai-no-Oka. Finish your day at the Shirogane Blue Pond before heading back to Sapporo.

Explorer Hokkaido! Lake Shikotsu, Toya, and Mt Usu Tour

Experience two famous lakes of Hokkaido! Start at Lake Shikotsu and admire the majestic beauty of water. There will be an option to take a “Lake Shikotsu Cruise” to admire the scenic beauty from a different perspective.

Next, why not head to Kinoko Okoku in Otaki to enjoy a bit of rest and have lunch and explore Toyako Manseikaku. Carry on to Lake Tya to see more gorgeous and unspoiled Japanese nature. Finish up at Usuzan Ropeway, where you’ll ride the ropeway and enjoy the breathtaking landscapes! This Hokkaido trip is perfect for nature lovers!

Lake Shikotsu Mountain Bike Tour from Sapporo

Pay a visit to the scenic areas of Lake Shikotsu by mountain bike!

The best way to do this is on a moderate 5-hour course with an expert guide and take in the breathtaking views of the surrounding scenery. Pedal past the Lake Shikotsu area, along with the calm clear waters of the Chitose River! Traverse the natural landscape and keep an eye out for the occasional wildlife!

Enjoy a relaxing break at the lake and lunch (own expense) from a lakeside restaurant. Included in your tour are a local guide, mountain bike, helmet and gloves, and round-trip transport from select locations. Tour groups are limited to just 10 participants to provide for a more intimate experience.

Explore Otaru & Yoichi

Another great trip is one from Sapporo to Otaru, Hokkaido’s gorgeous seaside city! Start your day at the Yoichi Distillery, where the famous Nikka Whiskey is produced! Learn about whiskey production and then try a sample for yourself!

Next, travel to Otaru city and enjoy some time to explore the canal area and Sakaimachi shopping street, followed by a tasty seafood lunch full of local fish and produce! Lastly, take the ropeway up Tengu Mountain and enjoying the scenic views of Otaru Port and Ishikari Bay. See several Otaru highlights in a day with this hassle-free tour option!

Stash your cash safely with this money belt. It will keep your valuables safely concealed, no matter where you go.

It looks exactly like a normal belt  except for a SECRET interior pocket perfectly designed to hide a wad of cash, a passport photocopy or anything else you may wish to hide. Never get caught with your pants down again! (Unless you want to…)

Find out what people want to know when planning their Sapporo itinerary.

How many days are enough for Sapporo?

Sapporo is a huge city, so you’ll need at least 3 days to fully explore it.

What should you include on a Sapporo winter itinerary?

Make sure to include these top snowy Sapporo highlights: – Sapporo Snow Festival (February) – Historical Village of Hokkaido – Sapporo Hitsujigakoa Observation Hill

What should you include on a Sapporo summer itinerary?

There are loads of great ways to enjoy Sapporo’s sunshine: – Picnic in Odori Park – Wander down the Tanukikoji Shopping Street – Spend a day at Nakajima Park

Where is the best place to stay in Sapporo?

Susukino offers heaps of accommodation and is the place to be if you’re looking to be close to everything. For a quieter alternative, check out Nakajima Koen.

Sapporo is a charming Japanese city that offers plenty of tourist attractions, including some amazing festivals and events! Even during the city’s colder months, you’ll find plenty of attractions. From historic sites to stunning parks to mouth-watering cuisine and fantastic beer culture, Sapporo’s got it all!

The city is the perfect place to mix education with entertainment, making it a great vacation spot for every type of traveler. Moreover, Sapporo is an extremely safe city to travel to and relatively inexpensive, making it perfect for families and solo travelers!

We hope you enjoyed our Sapporo itinerary and that you’re able to try it out for yourself! If you are ready to jetset off to Sapporo, 

Made it this far? You get 15% OFF to book a place to stay ! Offer valid exclusively for Broke Backpackers 😉

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Top things to do in sapporo in winter.

We didn’t really intend to visit Sapporo Japan in the winter. It just sort of happened. Luckily we spent our time eating and drinking, which is one of the best ways to experience the city when the temperatures drop. But there are so many great things to do in Sapporo in the winter, whether you love to cold or want to avoid it. 

*This post contains compensated links. Find more info in my  DISCLAIMER . As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Hokkaido In The Winter

Hokkaido is Japan’s northernmost  prefecture . Sapporo is Japan’s fifth largest city and the capital of the region. It is also one of the snowiest cities in the world.  Some of the other most snowy cities are also located in Japan. When speaking with family in the US while we were in Sapporo they seemed surprised that Japan was so cold. True, it’s not that cold in  Osaka  or Kyoto in the winter, but Sapporo is another story.

We saw that first hand when the snow surprised us during our stay. A friend told us that the snow arrives in mid-November each year and stays around for months. They get more than 15 feet of snow a year. Hokkaido is the coldest and snowiest regions in Japan.

If you can survive the Sapporo winter temperatures, it’s a great city to visit. That’s because not only does it have great food that warms the belly, but there are loads of fun activities and events through the winter that makes it the perfect place to visit in Japan.

Because this is a food and drink blog, of course, we will share our tips on what and where to eat in and drink in Sapporo during the winter. But, we also share some tips on how to make the most of the outdoors. The top Sapporo attractions in winter include food, drink, hot water, cold beer, and of course, snow. 

Some of these winter activities are calendar dependent, meaning they are best enjoyed in December leading up to the holidays. A few are meant to be experienced when events occur later in the winter. Some can be experienced by travelers to Sapporo throughout the winter season . 

Sapporo Yuki Matsui – Sapporo Winter Snow Festival

Sapporo Yuki Matsui – Sapporo Winter Festival

This is one of the most popular events of the year in Sapporo. The Sapporo Yuki Matsui is their famous winter snow festival. It’s one of the most popular winter festivals in Japan. The main attraction are the giant snow sculptures. The sculptures are lit up at night, which can be beautiful. But, the park gets crowded at night, so be prepared. There are also large snow slides, igloos, and an ice skating rink. 

If you have a little extra time, consider heading out to  Otaru  on a winter day trip from Sapporo. They have their own snow festival at the same time. They light the path that runs along the canal with lights and ice lanterns. Although Otaru is a bit touristy it is also one of the best places to eat seafood and sashimi. 

The  Sapporo Snow Festival  is held every year in early February. Because it is one of the biggest events of the year, plan your trip ahead of time. Hotels fill up quickly. 

Our snowy view from the Mercure Sapporo

Where To Stay In Sapporo

I recommend staying in the  Susukino  neighborhood of Sapporo. It’s centrally located near all of the best places to eat and top things to do. We stayed at the Mercure Sapporo and couldn’t have been happier with our decision. The Mercure Sapporo is a 15-story contemporary high-rise hotel with French influences and is part of the Accor family of hotels. 

When visiting the city over the winter, we were thrilled to be so centrally located. We could hit some of the top places to eat and be only less than a block from the subway. We also enjoyed watching the snow fall over the city from our window. 

Book the Mercure Sapporo  here . If planning on visiting Sapporo during the Snow Festival, book your hotel super early. It fills up quickly.  Get the Best Rate For The Mercure Sapporo here 

Sapporo White Illumination – Odori Park In Winter

Sapporo White Illumination

We visited during one of the most popular Sapporo winter activities, the  Sapp oro White Illumination. Starting at the end of November and ending around New Year, there are loads of light displays set up throughout Odori Park in the center of the city. If you can, check it out from the observation platform of the  Sapporo TV Tower . 

Odori Park In Winter

Even if visiting Sapporo outside of the winter festival there are always interesting ways to explore Odori Park. Odori Park is located in the center of Sapporo, south of Sapporo Station and north of the Susukino neighborhood. It’s where the Snow Festival and White Illumination occur. Also during the Christmas season, Odori Park is home to a traditional German-style Christmas market with shops selling gifts, souvenirs, and delicious Japanese snacks .  

Eating ramen in Sapporo in Winter

Visit Ramen Alley In Susukino

There’s no better way to beat the chills than a steaming bowl of ramen. We indulged in quite a few bowls while trying to ignore the falling snow just outside. If staying in Susukino, definitely check out ramen alley. Or, read our post about how to find the 

Check out our guide on How To Find The Best Ramen In Sapporo  

Sapporo Beer Museum

Luckily, some of the best activities in the city are year-round and that includes a visit to the  Sap poro Beer Museum. Sure, the museum is indoors and beer drinking is year-round. But, the Museum also is a great place to eat Genghis Khan, one of the most famous  dishes of the city . Plus, the Sapporo Beer Garden is all lit up for the holidays making it a little magical. 

While in Sapporo, be sure to try the Sapporo Classic Beer, which supposedly is only available in Hokkaido. We indulged, perhaps, a bit too much. 

See our Sapporo Food Guide – What To Eat In Sapporo  

The Sapporo Winter Sports Museum

Visit The Sapporo Winter Sports Museum

We are not generally big fans of museums, but when the temps drop and travelers are looking for where to go in Sapporo in winter, this is a great option. It’s indoors and celebrates the winter sports that Sapporo and Hokkaido are known for. 

Hokkaido held the Sapporo Winter Olympics in 1972 before both of us were born. But, it really put the region on the map for winter sports. Not only is there skiing in the region but all sorts of winter sports and the  Winter Sports Museum  celebrates it all. 

The museum is open seven days a week and can be reached by car in about 20 minutes and by train in about 45 minutes from Sapporo Station. 

Hit The Slopes In Hokkaido

We are not skiers. In fact, I haven’t skied in over 20 years. But, if there was a place for me to pick it back up again, Hokkaido would be the place. There are ski resorts throughout Hokkaido but are also some that are possible to visit as a day trip from Sapporo. Check out  Sapporo Teine Ski Resort  and  Mount Moiwa Ski Resort, which are both less than an hour from the city. If you have a little extra time, plan a trip to Niseko, which is one of the most popular ski resort areas in Hokkaido. 

Eating crab at Nijo Market in the winter

Eat Sapporo Crab At Nijo Market

Winter is the best time to eat crab in Sapporo. Of course, you can eat all sorts of fresh fish and seafood in Sapporo year round. But the best snow crab is sourced in the winter months from the waters surrounding Japan.

Visit one of the many restaurants advertising crab, or go to the source by grabbing some from Nijo Market, which is located in the center of the city. 

Shiroi Koibito Park In Winter

Eat Chocolate At Ishiya Chocolate Factory And Shiroi Koibito Park

Of course, chocolate eating is a year-round activity. But, the Ishiya Chocolate Factory and the Shir oi Koibito Park are all lit up for the holidays. It is worth a visit if you are in Sapporo during winter, particularly in December. It’s like walking through a German village during the holidays. If you can’t make it to the factory for the tour, track down their signature white chocolate cookies. 

Indoor And Outdoor Onsen Even In Winter

Enjoy A Traditional Japanese Onsen

A Japanese onsen is a natural hot spring. Luckily, there are some natural springs that can be visited during a day trip from Sapporo in the winter.  Jozankei Onsen  can be reached from Sapporo in less than an hour. It’s a hot spring resort where you can spend a day or an overnight at one of the resort hotels. 

Just an important note. If you have tattoos, be sure to confirm whether the onsen you decide to visit will allow you in. Most traditional onsen will not allow people with tattoos inside. 

FAQs – WHAT TO DO IN SAPPORO IN WINTER

Sapporo is a year-round destination. It can get hot in the summer. It is a popular destination for both international and domestic tourists, though, because it is cooler than other regions in Japan. If you can handle the cold, then a Hokkaido winter trip might be perfect. Hotels are more expensive in the summer and during the snow festival, though, so plan ahead.  

Pretty darn cold. The temperatures in Sapporo can drop to -15C or 5F, or even lower. Although it felt colder when we were there, it was only a little below freezing. Just be prepared for snow. 

Like many Japanese cities, Sapporo is famous for its food. Sapporo offers an opportunity to experience food you’d not necessarily associate with Japan including corn, butter, and ice cream. However, the most famous food to eat in Sapporo is crab.

Amber Hoffman

Amber Hoffman, food and travel writer behind With Husband In Tow, is a recovering attorney and professional eater, with a passion for finding new food and drink destinations. She lives with her husband, Eric, in Girona, Catalonia, Spain. Together over the last 20 years, they have traveled to over 70 countries. Amber is the author of the Food Traveler’s Guide to Emilia Romagna. She regularly lectures on social media marketing to travel professionals throughout Europe.

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Official Local Travel Information

Sapporo, the Capital of the North

A metropolis surrounded by incredible nature, Sapporo is the capital of Hokkaido, Japan’s northernmost prefecture. Lush with greenery in summer and a haven of powder snow in winter, the city is always brimming with new discoveries. From adventures in the great outdoors to myriad culinary delights, shopping, and unique cultural and artistic experiences befitting of a major urban center, every visit to this northern capital is an unforgettable experience.

OFFICIAL PROMOTION VIDEO

ONE DAY FROM SAPPORO

What happens when some of the biggest international skiers and snowboarders come to Sapporo?

Following the success of the first ATWS in Asia, Shannon Stowell, CEO of Adventure Travel Trade Association speaks about the tourism potential of Sapporo and Hokkaido

We have started a new series on Visit Sapporo called “People of Sapporo”

Things to do.

Sapporo is Japan’s fifth biggest city, and the largest north of Tokyo. Enjoy exquisite cuisine created from the blessings of nature, plentiful shopping, and myriad artistic and cultural experiences together with the vibrant nightlife of one of Japan’s leading entertainment districts. The great outdoors also lies within easy reach, and there is no shortage of incredible views and thrilling outdoor activities.

Sapporo has a population of about two million people and receives some five meters of powder snow each winter, making it one of very few large cities in the world to enjoy such abundant snowfall. The mountains that serve as the backdrop to the Sapporo skyline lie right on the city’s doorstep and you can be at one of Sapporo’s six powder slopes in less than an hour, with enough variety to satisfy even the most avid rider. For après-ski, all you have to do is head to the heart of the city to experience the real thrill of an urban ski destination, with dining, shopping, nightlife, and world-famous events such as the Sapporo Snow Festival.

Sapporo is a metropolis in the midst of nature. Home to forests designated as natural monuments of Japan, it is also dotted with parks where you can feel rejuvenated as you gaze upon the beauty of the flowers and trees throughout the seasons. The forests and lakes of the area’s national parks are also just a couple of hours away. Feel energized in the great outdoors as you enjoy activities from hiking to canoeing. Surrounded by lush nature as far as the eye can see, you may never want to leave.

ART & CULTURE

Much like the city itself, Sapporo’s vibrant art scene is a seamless fusion of the urban and the natural, with sculptures and other works by renowned artists from Japan and beyond intermingled with the city’s lush greenery. Sapporo also has a distinctive history within Japan as a city that has pioneered the adoption of Western technologies since the latter half of the 19th century and features a distinctive townscape with a harmonious blend of Western- and Japanese-style architecture.

Surrounded by three ocean currents, Hokkaido is a treasure trove of incredible seafood. The vast expanses of the island are also a thriving hotbed of dairy farming and other agriculture, ideal for growing the very best local produce. As the capital of Hokkaido, Sapporo is the culinary center where all of these fresh ingredients come together. Indulge your taste buds with a fascinating lineup of seafood, world-class dining, and soul food beloved by locals, including miso ramen and the local lamb barbecue dish Genghis Kan.

HOT SPRINGS

While most Japanese hot springs are located some distance out of town, Sapporo boasts a stunning hot spring resort within its city limits. About an hour drive from downtown, Jozankei Onsen lies among the abundant nature of Shikotsu-Toya National Park. Soaking in a natural hot spring while taking in the beauty of the valley is a journey in relaxation for body and mind. Beyond hot springs, visitors to Jozankei can also try canoeing and a range of other outdoor activities.

Discover the real Sapporo through the stories of local people and visitors from near and far.

Itineraries

Sapporo is a city with many different faces. Few cities blend urban streetscapes with abundant nature quite as seamlessly as this city does. Here are some ideas to enjoy Sapporo your way.

RECOMMENDED

Every visit in Sapporo is unique, and the wonders of the city transform with the seasons. Find out how to make the most of the moment with these recommendations.

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.

Privacy Overview

By James Davies in Japan Guides .

The capital of Hokkaido, Sapporo is a vibrant and energetic city. Easily the best way to experience the city is to visit Sapporo in winter.

Layered in several feet of snow, the temperature in winter rarely gets above a few degrees. Fuelled by an array of fantastic food, Sapporo powers through the cold and snowy wintertime with ease.

Sapporo in Winter - Table of Contents

Why visit sapporo.

With a population just shy of two million people and a layout based on an American-style grid system, Sapporo is easy to explore . 

Whilst the brash and bold neon and pachinko parlours are all here in abundance, Sapporo has a unique identity that distinguishes it from other cities in Japan .

Compared to Tokyo or Kyoto there are relatively few temples or Buddhist shrines in Sapporo. Instead the most notable historic buildings in the city are of a classical New England style of architecture, inspired by  the Americans who were asked to help develop the city in the late 1800s .

In winter, the city is caked in snow and the Sapporo Snow Festival brings millions of visitors to town from all over the world.

Sapporo comes alive at night, when the city’s cafes, bars and restaurants provide much needed sustenance. The heart of Sapporo is situated between Sapporo Station and the vibrant district of Susukino . 

Odori Park is a beautiful wide kilometre-long expanse of green space that dissects a section of the city between Sapporo Station and the area of Susukino. In December in the run up to Christmas Odori Park is illuminated at night by festive lights .

If you visit Sapporo in December don’t miss the  Bavarian Christmas market that takes place here every year, a nod to Munich, one of Sapporo’s twin cities.

Held in Sapporo since 2002, the Christmas market takes place between late November and the end of December in Odori Park every year.

Stalls sell a wide range of traditional Christmas trinkets and ornaments, as well as typically German Christmas fayre, such as bratwurst with sauerkraut and hot mulled wine .

See the City From the Top of the Sapporo TV Tower

The Sapporo Clock Tower is Sapporo’s oldest building and is the symbol of the city . 

The Sapporo Clock Tower is a beautiful and elegant white wooden building, originally built as an agricultural college in 1878. The clock was added in 1881, bought from Boston, adding a touch of New England elegance to the tower’s already impressive appearance.

Designated as a National Important Cultural Property in 1970, today the Sapporo Clock Tower is home to a small museum that documents the history of the city.

• Sapporo Clock Tower
• 8.45am-5.10pm daily

Admire the Hokkaido Government Building

Even grander still is the Former Hokkaido Government Building , the dome topped red brick building that resembles a mansion in the middle of the city.

Built in 1888, the building is a glorious example of Neo-Baroque architecture rarely seen in Japan.

Both the Clock Tower and the Former Hokkaido Government Building are slightly at odds with the sleek modern office towers and shopping malls that now surround them. Both now house small exhibitions that contain information about the history of each building.

• Former Hokkaido Government Building
• 8.45am-6.00pm daily

Take in City Views From the Sapporo JR Tower

From the viewing platform on the 38th floor of the JR Tower –   the tallest building in Sapporo by some distance – is where to go to find the best view of Sapporo from within the city.

From 160 metres above ground level the entire city unfurls as far as the eye can see beneath a blanket of snow. 

The city’s grid system, which seems oddly out of place in Japan, rolls out in parallel lines in every direction. 

The dramatic peaks of the snow capped mountain ranges to the south-west seem close enough to touch as the sun burst through the clouds.

There’s also an excellent café on the same floor which is a wonderful place to while away some time and stare at the magnificent view with a coffee and slice of cake.

• 10.00am-11.00pm daily
• ¥720 for adults, from ¥300-500 for children under 18 (again price depends on age)

→ You can buy tickets for the observation deck at the top of JR Tower in advance here .

Go Shopping in Tanukikoji Shopping Arcade

Tanukikoji shopping arcade and Susukino at night

Running almost parallel to Odori Park a few streets to the south is the covered shopping street called Tanukikoji . 

This one kilometre stretch of shops has a little bit of everything, including antique shops, Japanese megastore Don Quijote and even pet shops selling tiny dogs (that cost a small fortune). 

Tanukikoji also has a number of very good souvenir shops specialising in excellent delicacies from Hokkaido , as well as a wide range of excellent vintage clothing stores. There are also plenty of hotels, a tourist information centre and a myriad of places to eat.

Hit the Town in Susukino

The two sides of Sapporo: the torii gate at the entrance to the Hokkaido Shrine and a nightclub in Susukino

Packed with a myriad of pachenko parlours and night clubs,  Susukino is where Sapporo unwinds and is the beating heart of the city.

Susukino is to Sapporo what Shinjuku is to Tokyo , or Dotonbori to Osaka , albeit on a smaller scale. Susukino is crammed with bars and restaurants and in this part of town it is very easy to eat very well.

The most popular restaurants in Susukino are easy to spot – just look for a long queue of people snaking out on to the street on a cold winter’s night, waiting patiently for a table to become free. That’s the sign that the food inside is seriously good.

Visit the Hokkaido Shrine

Though there are far fewer temples in Sapporo than in other cities in Japan there are still a few impressive examples to be found here. 

The grandest is the Hokkaido Shrine to the west of central Sapporo in Maruyama Park, which dates from 1871. 

Hokkaido Shrine  is built from a beautiful dark wood, with a large sweeping roof adorned with glistening gold detailing which shines bright against winter’s snowy surroundings. 

Around each May the temple is a popular place when the thousands of cherry blossom and plum blossom trees that surround it burst into colour.

During winter the whole park and the Shrine are covered in several feet of snow, resulting in a beautiful serene winter scene. 

From Maruyama Park a huge dark wooden torii gate marks the way to the Shrine. A path leads past smaller shrines, through tall pine trees and around to the front of Hokkaido Shrine.

• Nearest subway station: Maruyama Koen on the Tozai Line.

Take a Break From the City in Nakajima Park

Just south of Susukino is the beautiful Nakajima Park . A green oasis just a few minutes from the heart of the city, Nakajima Park is a wonderful place to wander.

There is plenty to explore within Nakajima Park. As well as a large picturesque lake there are three Shinto shrines towards the southern end of the park which are amongst the oldest in Sapporo.

At the northern end of the park is Hoheikan , another fantastic example of Hokkaido’s historic Western-inspired architecture. Originally a hotel, Hoheikan was built in 1881 and relocated to Nakajima Park in 1958.

Officially designated as an  Important Cultural Property , the grand interior of Hohekian is faithfully laid out as it would have been when it first opened, decorated with plush carpets , gleaming chandeliers and period furniture .

• Nakajimakoen Station
• Hoheikan: ¥300
• Opening hours: 9:00am - 5:00pm daily - closed every second Tuesday

Head to the Top of Mount Moiwa

Easily one of the very best things to do in Sapporo in winter is to head for the summit of Mount Moiwa . 

Reached by a combination of the Mount Moiwa Ropeway and then a short funicular ride , on clear days the view of the city is simply astonishing. 

In winter be sure to pick a clear day to go to Mount Moiwa – if you’re unlucky enough to reach the top when the clouds descend there is virtually nothing to see of Sapporo.

However, when the weather is clear, the view of the entire city and the mountains that surround Sapporo is phenomenal. As with the view from the JR Tower, it is incredible just how close the city feels from the top of the mountain. 

It’s worth aiming to reach the top of Mount Moiwa shortly before nightfall , as the view as Sapporo lights up is truly spectacular.

• April-November 10.30am-10.00pm | December-March 11.00am-10.00pm - closed Mondays.
• Round trip: ¥1700 for adults, ¥850 for children.

Head Down the Slopes at Bankei Ski Area

Hokkaido is famous for its ski resorts that attract hundreds of thousands of visitors every winter.

The amount of snowfall during the winter in Sapporo makes Hokkaido one of the most popular skiing locations in Japan . Yet you don’t even need to leave Sapporo to get out on the slopes. 

Bankei Ski Area is less than a 20 minute taxi ride from the centre of Sapporo, or an easy bus ride from Maruyama-koen S tation.

Open from early December to April each year, there are 17 ski slopes at Bankei , plus the largest half pipe in Japan for snowboarders. Open until 10.00pm at night, all ski equipment can be hired on site. 

If you’re a complete beginner ski and snowboard lessons are held each day with several lessons conducted by English speaking instructors.

• Bankei Ski Area
• 9.00am - 10.00pm daily
• Prices vary depending on the number of people, ski passes, hire costs etc. See Bankei's website for further details

Explore the Historical Village of Hokkaido

The Historical Village of Hokkaido covered in snow in Sapporo in winter

To the east of the city is the fascinating  Historical Village of Hokkaido . 

Here, dozens of historically significant buildings of various architectural styles from all over Hokkaido have been relocated and reassembled brick by brick and placed together in this hugely impressive outdoor museum. 

Historic office buildings, shops, homes, a school, a gymnasium and a whole host more have been perfectly preserved and laid to form a small town, divided into different sections and eras.

Together they paint a wonderful portrait of life in Hokkaido from the 19th century onward. In winter the old buildings look beautiful amongst the deep snow. 

To get to the Hokkaido Historical Museum take the number 22 bus from Shin Sapporo Station which stops right outside the museum’s entrance.

• Historical Village of Hokkaido
• May-September 9.00am-5.30pm | October-April 9.00am-4.30pm - closed Mondays.

See World-Class Art at the Sapporo Art Museum and Sculpture Garden

One of Sapporo’s most popular tourist attractions is the Sapporo Beer Museum .

The museum is  dedicated to Hokkaido’s most famous beer , which has been brewed since the 1870s, and is housed inside beautiful red brick former brewery around a kilometre to the east of Sapporo JR Station.

Also here is the Sapporo Beer Garden , a beer hall that specialises in classic dishes from Hokkaido. The main draw is jingisukan , also known as Genghis Khan lamb barbecue , a wintery dish popular in Sapporo of thin strips of lamb and a variety of vegetables cooked over a skillet at your table.

There are several restaurants at the Sapporo Beer Museum , most notably the Genghis Khan Hall, next door to the main museum.

There are two huge dining areas within the Genghis Khan Hall – the Trommel Hall on the 1st floor or the Kessel Hall on the 2nd and 3rd floors. Both are extremely popular and you may need to book in advance to guarantee a table.

• Sapporo Beer Garden
• 11:30 am - 9:00pm

→ You can book tickets for dinner at the Sapporo Beer Garden in advance here .

Fresh Seafood at Nijo Market

Seafood and sushi are a speciality of Hokkaido all year round. The very best in the city can be found at Nijo Market , Sapporo’s daily fish market, just a few blocks to the south of the TV Tower. 

Around the outside of the market are stalls selling all varieties of freshly caught fish, salmon roe and bright red crab all packed in ice. Look for a narrow doorway between the shops which leads into the inner sanctum of the market . 

Inside are a handful of restaurants that prepare some of the freshest sushi and sashimi in the city . Donburi and sushi dishes made from locally caught sea urchin, herring and salmon roe are extremely popular.

Crab is also abundant here, with huge hairy and king crabs on sale at a host of seafood restaurants throughout the city.

Head to the cozy and characterful  Donburi Chaya  for the freshest and most mouthwatering sushi, sashimi and donburi you’ll find in Sapporo.

• Nijo Narket
• Market hours - 7:00 am - 6:00pm / restaurants hours will vary

Heavenly Ramen at Ganso Ramen Yokocho

Ramen is king in Sapporo , the perfect dish to protect against the harsh winters. There are hundreds of ramen restaurants to choose from in Sapporo, each with their own variation of the dish.

The very best ramen in the city can be found at  Ganso Ramen Yokocho ( map here .) This narrow alley in Susukino is packed with a plethora of long established and tiny ramen restaurants that each serve their own take on the classic Hokkaido staple.

Alternatively head up to the 10 th  floor of the Esta Tower next to Sapporo Station for the  Sapporo Ramen Kyowakoku  (literally ‘Sapporo Ramen Republic’).

Here several of the city’s best ramen restaurants, including Ajisai  and  Yoshiyama Shouten , have set up smaller outlets that sit side by side, each with their own signature ramen dish.

• Ganso Ramen Yokocho
• Hour vary by restaurant - most typically open from around midday to at least midnight

Sapporo's Best Soup Curry

Alongside ramen and Genghis Khan barbecues, soup curry  is also synonymous with Hokkaido. 

Made using ingredients from Hokkaido, each section of the meal is customisable, from the choice of soup, the main ingredients, the level of spiciness and the amount of rice.

Just as potent as ramen when it comes to fighting off the cold, filling up with soup curry is a must during the long winter in Sapporo.

The best soup curry restaurants in Suskino are Suage  and  Garaku , where you can often expect to find long queues waiting for a free table. Curry Savoy near Sapporo Station is also well worth investigating.

• 11:30 am - 9:00 pm
• 11:30 am - 3:00 pm & 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm
• Curry Savoy
• 11:30 am - 8:00 pm

Soft Serve Ice-Cream - a Hokkaido Speciality

Hokkaido produces the vast majority of Japan’s dairy products and Hokkaido’s cheeses and milk are both incredibly flavourful. Hokkaido is also famous for its silky smooth soft serve ice-cream and many varieties of rich and fluffy cheesecake.

The best soft serve ice-cream can be found at Sapporo Niikuraya in Tanukikoji, best enjoyed in one of the cafe’s vintage booths on the 1st floor.

For a boozier ice-cream experience try  Milk Mura , where soft serve ice-cream can be paired with a multitude of spirits.

• Sapporo Niikuraya
• 9:00 am - 7:00 pm
• 1:00 pm - 11:00 pm / closed Mondays

How to Get Around Sapporo

Sapporo is an incredibly easy city to navigate. The straight lines of the city’s grid system make walking around the centre of the city a doddle. 

Public Transport

There are three subway lines that operate in Sapporo, as well as one tram line that operates in a loop from the centre to the south west of the city. There’s also a number of bus routes for places a little further outside the city centre.

Much more information on transport in Sapporo  can be found here .

Pick Up a Sapica Card

If you’re staying for a few days then it is a good idea to buy a  Sapica card . Sapica cards can be bought directly from ticket machines in any subway station. The Sapica card is a prepaid card with a stored credit that you use to swipe in and out of subway stations. 

The Sapica card can also be used on buses and trams. On buses, tap the card on the reader at the rear door when you get on and again on the reader next to the driver at the front of the bus when you get off. On trams, swipe the card on the reader at the front next to the driver when you get off at the end of your journey.

If you run low on credit you can top up the Sapica card easily at the same machines that you buy them from inside any subway station.

The Best Guidebooks for Sapporo

There are very few guidebooks specific to Sapporo or Hokkaido. Instead the island tends to be covered in a chapter or two in books covering all of Japan, of which those by  Lonely Planet  and  Rough Guides  are the two best available.

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I’m James , the founder, editor, writer and photographer at Where You’re Between . Currently based in Japan, I started Where You’re Between in 2017 to create detailed itineraries and in-depth travel guides for the places that I’m fortunate enough to visit. You can see all of our destinations here . 

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2023 SAPPORO TRAVEL GUIDE (Itinerary + Budget)

by thepinay solobackpacker | Sep 12, 2023 | HOKKAIDO , Itinerary , Japan , Sapporo , Travel Guide | 2 comments

This is a detailed SAPPORO TRAVEL GUIDE blog with sample SAPPORO ITINERARY and budget, top things to do, budget hotels, Sapporo travel tips, etc.

Sapporo is an urbanite’s dream. Its finger is on the pulse, constantly embracing new developments, but somehow, it doesn’t feel confusing or intimidating unlike other megalopolis.  When Sapporo hosted the Winter Olympics in 1972, it finally caught the attention of the world that it surely deserves. Now Sapporo, is a fast-rising tourist destination in Japan, a good introduction and base when exploring Hokkaido. This sprawling city is best known for its snow festival, the largest of its kind in the country. It’s one of the most accessible and nearest winter destinations to the Philippines and Southeast Asia where you can actually experience a real snow fall.

Here’s a comprehensive Sapporo Itinerary and Travel Guide to help you plan your trip.  I will be writing a separate blog about Hokkaido.

TRAVEL BLOG CONTENTS

ABOUT SAPPORO

Sapporo is Hokkaido prefecture’s capital. It is massive, but doesn’t feel confusing.  Thanks to its grid system with wide avenues and parks, which makes exploring the city quite easy. Odo-ri Koen divides Sapporo in half : north – south, while Sosei-gawa splits the east from west.  East-west streets are known as jo , while those on the north and south are chome .

The heartening simplicity of Sapporo city’s layout was a result of a visit to the President of the United States in 1870 by the then Hokkaido’s Governor, who sought help from the Americans to design the capital on the site of an Ainu village. Fast forward to 1972, when Sapporo hosted the Winter Olympics, it introduced itself as a global metropolis, exuding a pretty much cosmopolitan vibe, by building a subway system and modern structures.  It’s far from the cultural city you expect to find in Japan, lacking pre-Meiji historic sites like those found in Kyoto or Nara .  Sapporo has its own distinct attractions  to flaunt, from parks to festivals, to man-made attractions.

For tourists, Sapporo is best known for the Sapporo Snow Festival held every February, the grandest of its kind in Japan. It was founded in 1950, with only 6 snow-carved figures made by high school students to entertain the residents who were lonely and depressed after the war and long winter nights. Today, Sapporo Snow Festival has grown into a commercial and major winter event in Hokkaido, attracting over 2 million tourists with its hundreds of gigantic snow and ice sculptures created by the locals that are sprinkled around Odori Park, Susukino, and Tsudome.

But perhaps what introduced Sapporo to more Filipinos is the movie Kita Kita , which could mean “I Saw You”, or “I Saw You in the North” (since kita in Japanese means North and Sapporo is located in Northern Japan).  Thankfully, more and more airlines now fly from Manila, Philippines to Sapporo, but the most affordable is Jetstar. Recently, I flew to Sapporo via Jetstar, and I got to finally experience, how it feels like to be in this city. Here’s a comprehensive Sapporo travel guide and itineraries to help you plan your trip.

  SAPPORO PRE-TRAVEL GUIDE

  best time to visit sapporo.

Winter (December to February) – As Sapporo and Hokkaido in general is famed for its snow and winter activities, best to visit during winter.  It is one of the nearest destinations to Southeast Asia  to experience winter with actual snowfall! Yes, Sapporo is a real winter wonderland! Also, not to miss are the snow festivals happening around Hokkaido during February.  The Sapporo Snow Festival is usually held during mid-February, same with the Lake Shikotsu Ice Festival and Otaru Snow Light Path Festival.  Ice villages and igloos in some resorts in Hokkaido are also popular during the winter season.

  Spring (late March to May) – Spring in Sapporo is also busy, as the city is flocked by tourists. Climate is pleasant as it is moderately cold during these months but precipitation can be high, check the weather updates when planning your spring itinerary. Sakura blossoms (cherry blossoms) bloom late in Sapporo, typically around early May.

Summer (June to August) –  This is an off-peak season in Sapporo, but a good month to pay a visit if you want to save on accommodation and visit the gorgeous flower fields in Furano. Some parks in Sapporo like Odori Park are also peppered with colorful flowers during this season.

  Autumn (September to November) – Also an off-peak season for Sapporo as it can get pretty chilly and windy, but me thinks it’s also a good month to visit to see the colors of Hokkaido national parks.  The Hokkaido Historical Village, just a few minutes away from downtown Sapporo, also looks stunning during this season, so if you’re visiting during fall, don’t miss it!

JAPAN VISA: If you are a Philippine Passport holder, you need a Japan tourist visa to enter Japan for tourism.  

READ HERE: JAPAN VISA APPLICATION FOR FILIPINOS

SAPPORO WI-FI: I used a pocket Wi-Fi from Klook during my entire stay.  It is good for up to 5 devices at once. It was pretty reliable, I picked it up at the New Chitose Airport International Arrival Lobby. So, if you are arriving in Sapporo by Jetstar, you need to make your way first to the International Arrival Lobby of New Chitose Airport to claim it.

RESERVE WI-FI HERE

SAPPORO MONEY: Most establishments in Sapporo accepts cash or credit card.  But cash is widely accepted especially by small establishments. You can withdraw from internationals ATMs available usually found at major train stations like Sapporo Station, at convenience stores like Lawson and 7Eleven and at New Chitose Airport. If your card doesn’t work at first try, give it another try and usually it works on the 2 nd try.  Money exchange centers are plenty at New Chitose Airport, but you may have a hard time looking for one at downtown Sapporo. Before leaving the Philippines, you can also exchange your PHP to JPY at money changers. I like Sanry’s rate, just Google the branch nearest to you.

SAPPORO ELECTRICITY: Sapporo uses 2 electric plugs, Type A and Type B. If you’re from the Philippines, we use the same type of power plug, so I didn’t need to use my travel adapter. For other nationalities, best to bring  a travel adapter. Japan standard voltage is 100 V and 50 HZ for Eastern Japan including Hokkaido.

WHERE TO STAY IN SAPPORO

  I recommend staying near the subway especially near Sapporo Station or Odori Station. I stayed in 3 hotels during my stay, they were near Odori Station, Sapporo Station, Kita Junijo Station and Nakijama Koen Station.

Kita Junijo Station is also a good area as it is near Sapporo Station, while Nakijama Koen Station is near Susukini Station – the nightlife and shopping area. Here are the hotels I used while in Sapporo, I visited Sapporo twice just this year during winter.

SAPPORO BUDGET HOTELS

Business Inn Norte 2

I like this hotel as it is pretty convenient, a mere 2-minute walk from Kita Junijo Station and about 10-minutes on foot from Sapporo Station. The hotel is also near Hokkaido University. My room was clean though a bit old, but it’s comfortable and equipped with refrigerator and TV.

CHECK RATES HERE

Hotel Vista Nakima Koen

My favorite budget hotel in Sapporo because it is pretty clean and comfy. The room is simple yet elegant-looking. There’s a table where I can work or blog when I want too. It is equipped with TV and refrigerator, there’s a sort of heater where you can heat water, noodles or drinks.  A 7Eleven store is just across the road.  The hotel is a mere 5-minute walk away from Nakajima Koen Station and Nakajima Park. Downside is, there’s not a lot of restaurants or café nearby despite being surrounded by bigger luxury hotels.

Hotel MyStays Sapporo Station

Never stayed here but I often passed by here on my way to Sapporo Station. It has a pretty convenient location, really close to Sapporo Station.

Hotel My Stays Susukino

One of the cheapest hotels in Sapporo, cheaper than their other branches in Sapporo. It is conveniently located near Susukino area.

SAPPORO MID-RANGE HOTELS

Tokyu Stay Sapporo Odori

Hands down to this hotel as it is equipped with washing machine, refrigerator, microwave and TV in the room! It is conveniently located near Odori Station and Sapporo TV Tower. It is pretty spacious too!

  CHECK ROOM RATES

Hotel My Stays Premier Sapporo Park

We stayed at this hotel during our Sapporo fam trip. It’s a comfy hotel but I find the room a bit cramped, I couldn’t even open my luggage. They have buffet style restaurant, Japanese restaurant, and the pretty stylish serving Western dishes at the 1st floor.

CHECK ROOM RATES HERE

HOW TO GET TO SAPPORO

Manila to sapporo.

You can book your flight here: JETSTAR.COM

TOKYO TO SAPPORO

  by plane:.

Jetstar offers cheap flights between Tokyo and Sapporo. Travel time is about 1 hour and 30 minutes. It’s quite cheap, so if you are already in Tokyo, you can take this route.

1.From Tokyo, take the Jr Tohoku/Hokkaido Shinkansen to Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto Station. Travel time is about 4 hours.

2.From Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto Station, transfer to Hokuto KImited Express to Sapporo. Travel time is about 3.5 hours.

Total travel time: 7.5 hours

Fare:¥ 27,000/ PHP 12,689 – one way

Quite expensive if you ask me, better use your JR Pass.

SAPPORO AIRPORT TO SAPPORO CITY CENTER

By train (recommended).

Fare: ¥1,590/$14 (₱748) (Covered by JR Hokkaido Pass)

Travel time: approximately 37 minutes (by express train)

• At New Chitose Airport make your way to New Chitose Airport Station located at the basement. Just follow the sign.
• Buy your JR ticket from the vending machine. You can pay extra for reserved seat if you want. If you have a JR Pass or JR Hokkaido Pass, you can use it here. Or just go for non-reserve seat (FREE).
• Board the JR Train bound for Otaru or Sapporo Station. (Take note that Shin-Sapporo Station is different from Sapporo Station). Go for the limited express train, avoid the local train as it will stop at every station and will eat your time.
• Get off at JR Sapporo Station.

Tip: Be at the designated track as early as possible to secure a seat if you didn’t book a reserved seat. Many tourists and locals are traveling by train to downtown Sapporo so the non-reserved car is usually full.

By Airport Bus

  Fare: ¥ 1,030/$9 (₱484)

You can also take the Airport Bus to downtown Sapporo, but travel time is longer and may be delayed depending on traffic condition. No reservations required, so you can take the next bus if the bus you’re  trying to board is already full. You can pay on the bus or purchase a bus ticket at Hokuto Kotsu bus counter ANA arrival lobby using credit card, cash, or IC card (except Sapica or PiTaPa).  Large baggage will be put inside the trunk. Never tried this though, so I can’t really tell you much. I always use the train.

By Car rental:

If you are traveling in group and you have the money to spend, you can rent a car for a convenient transfer from New Chitose Airport to your hotel in downtown Sapporo.

CAR RENTAL HERE

GETTING AROUND SAPPORO

Here are several ways to explore Hokkaido. I only used 3: By train, by bus, and by walking.

Some attractions in Sapporo are concentrated near each other. So, it’s easy to explore them by walking, especially because the city has a grid design, which makes finding your destination easier. Check out the top tourist attractions I listed below per the nearest subway station.  You can also walk along the Pole Town mall.

  What I like about Sapporo is, it’s pretty easy to get around the city by subway because the subway system only consists of 3 lines: Namboku (Green Line), Tozai (Orange Line), and Toho (Blue Line).  I found myself using  the Namboku Line often as my hotels (I stayed in 3 hotels during my stay) were near Odori Station, Sapporo Station, Kita Junijo Station and Nakijama Koen Station.

  Fare: Fare starts at ¥200/$2 (₱94)

Here are the train/subway cards and passes that can save you a few bucks to your  travels around Sapporo or beyond. Which one to use? Depends on your itinerary.

1. Kitaca Card

To skip buying tickets every time I ride the train, I used the Kitaca Card. It’s rechargeable IC card of Hokkaido, pretty much like Osaka’s ICOCA Card. You can use it to ride the train in Sapporo and in many places in Hokkaido. You can also use it on JR buses. You can purchase a Kitaca card via Klook through the link below. It’s pre-loaded with ¥1,500/$14 (₱705) and pick it up at New Chitose Airport or Sapporo TV tower, whichever is convenient for you.

When to use: If you’re only traveling around Sapporo and Otaru.

RESERVE CARD HERE

2. One-Day Passes

You can also get a One-Day Card for Subway only. Price is ¥830/$7 (₱391) for adults and ¥420/$4 (₱197) for children.

When to purchase: If you will be riding the subway 5 times or more within 1 day on a weekday (Monday to Friday).

Donichika Ticket: Unlimited 1-day subway ride, available only on Saturdays, Sundays, and national holidays. Price is ¥520/$5 (₱244) for adults, and ¥260/$2 (₱122)for children.

  When to purchase: If you will be riding the subway 3 times or more within 1 day on a weekend (Saturday and Sunday) or national holiday.

3. JR Hokkaido Pass

If you plan to travel beyond Sapporo, perhaps you want to explore other destinations in Hokkaido for 3 – 7 days, you can get a JR Hokkaido Pass. It offers unlimited travel within designated areas via JR Hokkaido trains (Limited Express/Express and local trains) and JR buses.

I find it very helpful during my stay in Hokkaido because this prefecture is really huge, my travel destinations are quite far from each other, and train transport is quite expensive. You can check the train fares using Hyperdia on the dates of your trip, then add up the fares. Then, compare the total costs of train fares to the JR Hokkaido Pass rate to see it you really need one.

ALSO READ: HOW TO USE HYPERDIA TO CHECK TRAIN SCHEDULES AND FARES

As for me, using JR Hokkaido Pass really served me well because I didn’t have a fixed itinerary since I was traveling to uncharted areas without much information on getting there, bus schedules, etc. So, having a JR Hokkaido Pass was such a relief, I can change my route whenever need to. I will write a separate itinerary blog on Hokkaido where you can use a JR Hokkaido Pass.

You can purchase a JR Hokkaido Pass via Klook, your exchange order will be mailed to your home address as it is only available outside Japan, then you need to claim your pass in Japan. Because this is only available for foreign tourists, so you need to bring your passport when claiming your JR Hokkaido Rail Pass. Also, you don’t have to use it right away, plan when you will use it as you need to use it consecutive days.

IMPORTANT: JR Hokkaido Pass and JR train tickets can’t be used on subways, streetcars, or buses (except for JR fixed-route buses in the city). Use your Kitaca card for subway rides.

• 3 DAY JR HOKKAIDO PASS: RESERVE HERE
• 4 DAY JR HOKKAIDO PASS: RESERVE HERE
• 5 DAY JR HOKKAIDO PASS: RESERVE HERE
• 7 DAY JR HOKKAIDO PASS: RESERVE HERE

By Loop Buses

There are 2 loop buses in Sapporo called the “Sapporo Walk” bus (Chou Bus 88).  You can check the bus schedules, route maps, and transfers using the Eki-Bus navi. You can find the “Sapporo Walk” bus (Chou Bus 88) near Sapporo Station, in front of the South Exit of the Tokyu Department Store.

Fare: ¥210/$2 (₱98) for adults , ¥110/$1 (₱52) for children.

One-Day Bus Pass: ¥750/$7 (₱352) for adults, ¥380/$3 (₱178) for children (for JR Hokkaido Bus only)

  When to use: For Sapporo Beer Garden and Sapporo Factory. If you’re only going to use the loop bus twice, for example going to and from Sapporo Beer Garden only, pay the regular fare, no need for the 1-day pass.

By Streetcars

  Yes, there are streetcars in Sapporo, and you can use it for getting to Mt.Moiwa Ropeway.

Dosanka Pass: You can avail of this pass to get unlimited rides on streetcars for 1 day (Saturday, Sunday, and national holidays only). Price is ¥360/$3 (₱169).

By Tour Package

  You can also avail of the group tours offered via Klook.  This will save you time especially if you want to visit farther areas like Mt. Moiwa and Okura Stadium.

• Mt.Okura + Hitsujigaoka Observation Hill Tour: RESERVE HERE
• Okura Stadium + Mt.Moiwa Ropeway Tour: RESERVE HERE
• Mt. Moiwa + Mt. Okura Sapporo Night View Dinner Tour: RESERVE HERE
• Otaru Tour: RESERVE HERE
• Mt.Horse Park Noboribetsu Trip: RESERVE HERE

SAPPORO TOP TOURIST ATTRACTIONS

  You’ll never run out of things to do in Sapporo, the bustling city is packed with interesting man-made attractions, restaurants and department store, making it a pretty convenient base in Hokkaido. Here’s a list of some of Sapporo’s top tourist attractions.

Tourist Spots Near Odori Station

Sapporo TV Tower

Proudly standing on the heart of the city, the Sapporo TV Tower is one of the most recognisable landmarks of Sapporo. It was designed by Tachu Naito, the same architect who built Tokyo Tower in Tokyo.  The tower can be accessed by the public, including its observation deck that offers a scenic view of Odori Park and Sapporo city. For me, the best time to go here on winter is during daylight, when the mountains surrounding Sapporo and the streets are covered with snow.

  Entrance Fee: ¥720/$6 (₱338) for adults, ¥500/$5 (₱235) for high school students, ¥300/$3(₱131) for children

Open Hours: 9:00 AM – 10:00 PM

Access: Odori Subway Station, Exit 27

RESERVE DISCOUNTED TICKET HERE

Odori Park, which means large street divides Sapporo into North and South.  It’s quite a long stretch, but makes for a pleasant walk during summer or spring.  It is the popular main location of Sapporo Snow Festival, held every February.

Entrance Fee: FREE

Access: Odori Subway Station, Exit 5 or 6

Sapporo Clock Tower

  Constructed during the early development of Sapporo as a drill hall of the Sapporo Agricultural College. Today, the Clock Tower houses an exhibit about the history of the building itself and a spacious ceremony hall. It’s walking distance to the Sapporo TV Tower and the Former Hokkaido Government Building.

  Entrance Fee: ¥200/$2 (₱94)for adults, FREE for children

Open Hours: 8:45 AM – 5:10 PM

Access: Odori Subway Station, Exit 6, 16, and across from Exit 31

Tanukikojo Shopping Street

Sapporo is a shopping paradise. The city is peppered with department stores, shopping malls, and shopping streets! But arguably, the most famous to tourists is Tanukikoji Shopping Street, a roofed-arcade that was built about 150 years ago! A tanuki is a racoon dog, known for its cunning and lustful nature in Japanese mythology.  Tanukikoji Shopping Arcade got its name because it used to be frequented by prostitutes. Today, this place reminds me of Shinsaibashi-suji, Osaka’s shopping street. This 1-kilometre arcade is fringed by shops, restaurants, game centers, grocery stores, drugstores, and karaoke shops. Filipinos will certainly love this place as it houses a massive Don Quijote ! A few meters away, you’ll also find the massive Daiso !

  Access: Odori Subway Station, Exit 10

Open Hours: Many stores are already closed around 8:00 PM

Nijo Fish Market

  If you plan on having seafood for breakfast, make time for an early morning visit to Nijo Market.  Yes, it’s not just a market, you can also enjoy a delectable seafood donburi at one of the many restaurants in its narrow corridor – Noren Yokochi.

  Entrance Fee: FREE

Open hours: 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Access: Odori Subway Station, Exit 34

  Tourist Spots Near Sapporo Subway Station

Former hokkaido government office building.

This picturesque red American Neo- Baroque building built in 1888 is now a famous tourist spot in Sapporo.  Visitors can enter the building for free where an exhibit about Hokkaido’s history can be found.  A street spectacularly  fringed by Gingko trees leads to the Former Government Hall, an Instagram-worthy spot.

Access: JR Sapporo Station, South Exit

JR Tower Observation

  Sapporo, along with Nagasaki and Kobe, was chosen as one of Japan’s  new top 3 cities for night views, and one of the perfect places to experience that is on the 38 th Floor of the JR Tower Observation.

  Entrance Fee: ¥720/$6(₱338) for adults, ¥500/$5 (₱235) for high school students, ¥300/$3 (₱141)for elementary students and kids, FREE for children 3 years old and below,

Open Hours: 10:00 AM – 11:00 PM

Access: Directly connected to JR Sapporo Station, Sapporo Subway Station

Sapporo Ramen Republic

  If you like ramen, this place is for you. You will find 8 of the top Hokkaido Ramen restaurants here such as Sapporo Ramen (miso),  Hakodate ramen (shio) and my personal favorite – the Asahikawa Ramen (shoyu).

Access: Sapporo Subway Station. It is located on the 10 th floor of ESTA Complex.

Hokkaido University (Botanical Garden)

  Home to about 4,000 variety of plants, the Botanical Garden of Hokkaido University is open to the public for a minimal fee.

  Entrance Fee: ¥420/$4 (₱198)for adults, ¥300/$3 (₱141) for children

Open Hours:

  April 29 – September 30: 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM

October 1- November 3: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Access: 10-minute walk Sapporo Subway Station, Exit 11 or 6-minute walk from Nishi Juitchome Subway Station, Exit 4

Hokkaido University

  This sprawling university is a great place for a leisurely stroll as the its ground is dappled with note-worthy buildings and museums.

Access: Sapporo Subway Station, or JR Sapporo Station North Exit, to the Main Entrance

Hokkaido Ainu Center

Just in front of Hokkaido Botanical Garden, you’ll find an interesting exhibit of the Ainu robes and tools. You probably haven’t heard of the Ainu’s, as Japan has long been known for its homogeneity. But the Ainu people are the indigenous people of Japan, originally living in Hokkaido and Russia (the Kuril Islands and Sakhalin). They have long suffered discrimination since the government’s assimilation policy during the Meiji Period. Thankfully, last February, Japan government finally enacted a bill recognizing the Ainu as indigenous people of Japan. You can find several Ainu Museum in Hokkaido, but the Hokkaido Ainu Center is the most accessible in Sapporo and makes for a great introduction on the history and culture of the Ainu people.

  Entrance: FREE

Open Hours: Monday to Saturday 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Access: Sapporo Subway Station

• Sapporo Beer Garden and Museum

Open Hours: 11:30 AM – 10:00 PM (Sapporo Beer Garden), 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM (Sapporo Beer Museum)

Access: From Sapporo Station, take the Sapporo Walk (Chuo Bus 88) in front of the South Exit of the Tokyu Department Store.

Alternatively, it’s about a 10-minute walk from Higashikuyakusho Mae Station, Exit 4.

Tourist Attractions Near Susukino Subway Station

Access: Susukino Subway Station

Ramen Alley/Street

Entrance: FREE

Tourist Spots Near Nakajima Koen Station

Nakajima park.

  This beautiful, nature-rich park is also home to some historical buildings such as the Hoheiken (Hokkaido Guesthouse), Hokkaido Museum of Literature, and the Watanabe Junichi Museum of Literature.

Access: Nakajima Koen Station Exit 3.

Tourist Spots Near Maruyama Koen Subway Station (Orange Line)

• Hokkaido Shrine

This Shinto Shrine was built in 1869 after the Meijo Emperor decreed that the 3 major gods be enshrined here to uplift their spirits. This shrine is shrouded by beautiful cherry and plum trees.  This is the setting of the oldest festival in Hokkaido held every June 14 – 16.

Access: 5-minute walk from Maruyama koen Subway Station, Exit  1 or 3.

Mt.Moiwa Ropeway

  Entrance Fee: Ropeway + Morris Car (roundtrip) ¥1,700/$15(₱799) for adults, ¥850/$7(₱399) for children

Open Hours: (Summer) 10:30 AM – 10:00 PM

(Winter) 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM

Access: Not necessarily near Maruyama Koen Subway Station, but from this station, take JR Bus 10 or 11  and alight at the “Moiwa sanroku ropeway iriguchi” stop.

Alternatively, you can take the streetcar from the “Nishi yon chrome” stop and alight at the “Ropeway iriguchi” stop. Transit time is about 20 minutes.

Mt. Okura Observatory/Sapporo Olympic Museum

  This ski jump stadium rose to fame when it was used during the Winter Olympics in 1972, it’s still working to date.  But when there’s no ski jump events, visitors can access the observation deck via a chair lift to get spectacular view of Sapporo city. Below it is the Sapporo Olympic Museum showcasing exhibits of the 1972 Winter Olympics.

  Entrance Fee (Mt. Okura Observation Deck Lifts): ¥500/$5 (₱235) for adults and high school students, ¥300/$3 (₱141) for children

Entrance Fee (Sapporo Olympic Museum): ¥600/$5(₱282) for adults, FREE for high school students and children, ¥450/$4 (₱211)for Seniors

Open Hours: 8:30 AM – 6:00 PM (Mt. Okura Observation Deck Lifts)

9:00 AM – 6:00 PM (Sapporo Olympic Museum)

  Access: From Maruyama Koen Subway Station, take JR Bus 14. Get off at the “Okurayama kyogijo iriguchi” bus stop. It’s about a 10-minute walk from the bus stop.

Other Attractions in Sapporo:

 snowmobile land.

Spend a day in Snowmobile Land enjoying winter activities such as driving the snowmobile, snow rafting, snow banana boat, snow tubing, and ice cream making.  They offer package tour that includes pick up and drop off at hotels in Sapporo, gear rentals – ski suit, gloves, snow boots, etc.

RESERVE HERE

Ninja Experience

Another fun activity in Sapporo is learning how to be a Ninja. We practiced the arts of ninjutsu and enhance our combat skills with the help of Japanese masters.  Their location is sort of a secret, so if you book the Nina Experience, it includes a pick up and drop off in Sapporo.

Sapporo Smelt Fishing

Enjoy smelt fishing in Sapporo, we tried it at Barato River and it was fun, a different experience for me.

Shiroi Koibito Park

  Known for its Shiroi Kobito cookies, the Shiroi Koibito Park is an Instagram-worthy theme park by Ishiya.  During winter season, the park glitters with Christmas lights and Christmas decors.  It’s a beautiful place to hang out and have some snacks, and of course, buy souvenir chocolates – a popular Sapporo souvenir. It’s tax free for purchases over ¥5,400.  Make sure you bring your passport.

  Entrance Fee: FREE around the area with a shop, café and restaurant. Paid area for area with exhibits. ¥600/$5(₱282) for adults, ¥200/$2(₱180) (high school and children), FREE for 3-year-old and  below.

*It is currently free, not sure why, probably because the assembly line tours are closed until October 2019.

Open Hours: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM

Access: 7-minute walk from Miyanosawa Subway Station. (If coming from Sapporo Station, take a subway to Odori Station. Transfer to Tozai Subway Line for Miyanosawa Subway Stayion. Fare is ¥290/$3 (₱136). It’s a 7-minute walk to Shiroi Kobito Park, use Google Maps.)

  Historical Village of Hokkaido

  An open-air self-guided museum, a short train and bus ride from Sapporo city, peppered with traditional buildings, houses, shops, etc. from around Hokkaido.  Over 60 structures that were transferred here dates back to Meiji and Taisho Period. It’s lovely during winter when the entire village is clad in snow. Not to mention that there’s no crowd. I enjoyed taking pictures and selfies here. LOL

  How to get to Historical Village of Hokkaido

  Option 1: From JR Sapporo Station, take the train to JR Shinrinkoen Station.  Fare is ¥260/$2 (₱122) (Covered by JR Hokkaido/JR Pass) and transit time is about 10 minutes.  After exiting the track, the staff will check your train ticket. Look for the bus stop where buses to Hokkaido Historical Village stops. You should turn right (next to the toilet) and follow where it leads. The bus stop is on your right once you exit the train station. Take the bus to Hokkaido Historical Village, it’s the last stop. The 2 nd stop is the Hokkaido Museum. Bus fare is ¥210/$2(₱98) and transit time is about 10 minutes.

Option 2: From JR Sapporo Station, take the train to JR Shin Sapporo Station. Fare is ¥260/$2 (₱122) (Covered by JR Hokkaido/JR Pass). Alight at the last stop – ‘Kaitaku-no-mura” station.  Walk downstairs to bus terminal, go to Gate 10. Ride the JR Bus 22. Fare is ¥210/$2 (₱98) and travel time is about 10 minutes, the Hokkaido Historical Village is the last stop.

• Hokkaido Museum

Before or after you explore the Hokkaido Historical Village, you can pay a visit to the nearby Hokkaido Museum, oozing with exhibitions about the culture, nature and history of Hokkaido.

  Entrance Fee:

Open Hours: Closed on Mondays.

Access: See directions above for Hokkaido Historical Village but you need to get off at the 2 nd bus stop for Hokkaido Museum.

SAPPORO DAY TRIPS

  A pretty popular day trip from Sapporo is Otaru, known to Filipinos as the movie setting of the hit film “Kita Kita”.  The movie could mean “I Saw You”, but since “Kita” also means North, it could also be interpreted as “Saw you in the North”, since Hokkaido is located in northern Japan.  The charming port town of Otaru is peppered with age-old warehouses, Western style buildings, and canals. Otaru was also an erstwhile financial center, once dubbed as the Wall Street of the North. But when its economy plummeted due to fishing decline, Otaru turned the glass-making industry for squid fishing to creating art and fashion objects. You will stumble on many boutiques selling jewelries and art objects made from glass. Don’t miss the Otaru Music Box that houses over 25,000 music boxes!

Otaru is actually an erstwhile trading and fish port.  The famous Otaru Canal is fringed by age-old warehouses and old government buildings. But don’t miss the Otaru Music Box that houses over 25,000 music boxes!

You can also take a canal cruise in Otaru, here’s the rate:

Otaru Canal Day Cruise: (Adults) ¥1,500/$14 (₱705), (Children) ¥500/$5 (₱235)

Otaru Canal Night Cruise: (Adults) ¥1,800/$16 (₱847), (Children) ¥500/$5 (₱235)

Access: From JR Sapporo Station, take a train bound for Otaru Station. Travel time is about 1 hour. Fare is ¥610/$5 (₱287).  From Otaru Station, the Otaru Canal is about a 12-minute walk. Otaru Music Box is 5-minute walk from Minami-Otaru Station.  This is covered by JR Hokkaido Pass or JR Pass.

Otaru Day Tour. If you want a cheap, hassle-free day tour of Otaru, you can avail of the tour package offered by Klook, which includes an in depth-tour of Otaru, a visit to Yoichi Distillery – Nikka’s Whisky Factory, and a side trip to the lovely Shirio Kobito Park.

Otaru Tour + Shiroi Kobito Park: RESERVE TOUR HERE

SHIKOTSU-TOYA NATIONAL PARK

This national park is a beautiful side trip when in Sapporo. It is oozing with mountains, forests, hot spring resorts and volcanoes. This place is known for the Lake Shikotsu Ice Festival held every February. Don’t miss it as entrance fee is only ¥350/$3 (₱154).

Access: From JR Sapporo Station, ride a train to New Chitose Airport. Fare is about ¥1,590/$14 (₱748) (covered by JR Hokkaido Pass). At the airport, you can take the bus to Lake Shikotsu for ¥1,030/$9 (₱485). Alight at Shikotsu Bus Stop. Travel time is about 1 hour.  The lake and the ice festival is about a 3-minute walk from the bus stop.

Lake Shikotsu and Lake Toya Tour from Sapporo: RESERVE HERE

Since there is no direct access between Lake Shikotsu and Lake Toya, it’s practical to avail of the Lake Shikotsu and Lake Toya Winter Tour from Sapporo.  This is seasonal though, usually offered during the Lake Shikotsu Ice Festival.

  Mt.Usuzan Ropeway

  A popular day trip from Sapporo is the Usuzan Ropeway to enjoy a panoramic view from the ropeway and visit an active volcano at the UNESCO Global Geopark.

Access: From JR Toya Station, go to Showa Shinzan by Donnan Bus (about 45 minutes). Change bus at Toyako Onsen Bus Terminal. Take note though that there is no bus during winter (November to April).

  RESERVE DISCOUNTED TICKET HERE

Jozankei Resort and Spa

  Located in the lush, jungle forest of Hokkaido, Jozankei Resort and Spa is a popular onsen that can be done as a day tour from Sapporo.  If you want to rejuvenate your body and mind in a Japanese onsen (hot spring), this is a perfect place to do just that.

A convenient way to access it is by booking a day tour from Sapporo that includes bus, buffet, and onsen package.

RESERVE TOUR HERE

  For those traveling with kids, this is a popular side trip.  Asahiyama is known for its penguin walk and other winter animals such as polar bears, fox and seals. Though I am not really a fan of zoos, Japanese zoos are generally well-kept. You can do a DIY trip from Sapporo, but a practical way is to avail of a tour package from Sapporo via Klook since it includes other costly and hard-to-reach attractions such as the gorgeous Shirogane Blue Pond, the frozen Shirahige Falls and a stroll along the Ninguru Terrace.

  Access: From Sapporo Station, take a train bound for Asahikawa Station, this is covered by JR Hokkaido Pass. Fare starts at ¥5,010/$45 (₱237), one way. At Asahikawa Station, take a bus bound for Asahiyama Zoo at Bus Stop 6, fare is ¥440/$4 (₱207) and travel time is about 30 minutes.  Entrance fee is ¥820/$7 (₱386) for adults and FREE for children aged 15 years old and under. Don’t forget to grab a brochure with a map.

Tip: If you don’t have a JR Pass/JR Hokkaido Pass, best to do this via tour package so you can save a few bucks and still visit other attractions.

SHOPPING IN SAPPORO

  If you are looking for budget places to shop in Sapporo, here are my recommendations. I’ve tried them all! Hahaha

Sapporo Underground Shopping Mall

Access: Directly connected to Odori Subway Station

Tanukikojo Shopping Arcade

  Another personal favorite because you can find many affordable shops here, like the really huge Don Quijote.

Access: Odori Subway Station, Exit 10

One of my favorite shopping malls in Sapporo, as many shops sell reasonably-priced and good quality apparels. Bought 2 stylish, affordable coats here.

Uniqlo at New Chitose Airport

If you are traveling during winter and you need Uniqlo heattech for your layers, it’s cheaper to buy in Sapporo.  Once you arrive in New Chitose Airport, look for the Uniqlo store.  The price is almost half compared to Philippines. There are other branches in Sapporo of course, but I only bought from their airport branch.

  This sprawling store not only sells electronics, but it also sells, toys, home appliances, and other goods.  There’s one near JR Sapporo Station. If you plan on buying something there, make sure to avail of the discount coupon below. It’s FREE.

GET DISCOUNT COUPON HERE

  Yodaibashi

Another camera shop, but I bought my large suitcase here. There’s one near JR Sapporo Station.

WHAT TO EAT IN SAPPORO

  miso ramen.

Sapporo is known for its miso ramen.

Where to eat: Rammen Alley, Ramen Republic, Ramen Shingen

Sapporo is also the birthplace of soup curry. I only tried it as Crazy Spice Kita Juurokujou, but it’s more like an Indian curry. I was told the Sapporo soup curry is different.

Jingisukan (lamb barbecue)

  A pretty popular dish in Sapporo that is composed of lamb or mutton grilled on a convex iron plate along with some vegatables.

  Where to eat: Sapporo Beer Garden, Sapporo Snowmobile Land

Sapporo Crab

  Sapporo and Japan in general is known for its fresh seafood and crab tops the list in Sapporo, with many varieties like the hairy crab and snow crab.  There are some restaurants in Sapporo offering unlimited crab, grilled or hotpot.

  Where to eat: Nijo Market, Curb Market

You can also enjoy a deluxe Suzukake Queen Crab Hot Pot Course in Sapporo, only 2 minutes away from Susukino Station.

Sapporo has some of the finest sushi in Japan, if not the world.  And you can enjoy them best at conveyor-belt-style sushi restaurants.  Otaru is also a good place to try the sushi.

SAPPORO ITINERARY + BUDGET

  The sample Sapporo itineraries below only cover Sapporo and nearby destinations. I will write another blogpost for Hokkaido itinerary.

  *Sample budget doesn’t include hotel, airfare, terminal tax, and shopping expenses.

  Sample Sapporo Budget Itinerary # 1 – (3 Day 2 nights Sapporo Itinerary + Otaru)

This sample Sapporo Itinerary is perfect for those on a tight budget as I included mostly FREE tourist attractions in Sapporo.

What to Use: Kitaca Card ( RESERVE HERE )

Trip Budget: ¥13,390 (₱5,477 ) – $120, RM493, SGD 164, AUD 171

Tourist Attractions:

• Nijo Market
• Sapporo Walking Tour (Odori Park, Sapporo TV Tower, Clock Tower, Former Government Building)
• Shiroi Kobito Park

Sample Sapporo Itinerary # 2 – (4 Days/3 nights Sapporo + Otaru Itinerary)

This sample Sapporo Itinerary is perfect for those on a tight budget as I included mostly FREE tourist attractions in Sapporo. But I also made sure to insert the Sapporo tourist attractions from the movie Kita Kita.

Trip Budget: ¥21,151 (₱9,313) – $190, RM778, SGD 259, AUD 270

• Fushimi Inari
• Sapporo City Walking Tour (Odori TV Tower, Odori Park, Clock Tower, Former Hokkaido Gov’t Building)
• Hokkaido Historical Village

Sample Sapporo Itinerary #3  –  (4 Days/3 Nights Sapporo  + Otaru)

Trip Budget: ¥24,287 (₱11,420) – $219, RM 894, SGD 297, AUD 311

• Okurayama Ski Jump Stadium
• Hitsujigaoko Observation Hill
• Ramen Alley
• Sapporo Beer Garden and Sapporo Beer Museum

Sample Sapporo Itinerary #4 –  (6 Days/ 5 Nights Sapporo Winter Itinerary + Otaru)

Here’s a sample Sapporo itinerary for 6 days and 5 nights.  This will only cover Sapporo Area + Otaru. This itinerary is recommended if you will be traveling in Sapporo during winter as I included here mostly winter activities.

Trip Budget: ¥ 52,268 (₱23,265) – $470, RM 1923, SGD 639, AUD 668

Tourist Attractions Covered:

• Sapporo City Walking Tour (Nijo Market + Odori Park + Sapporo TV Tower + Clock Tower + Former Hokkaido Gov’t Building)
• Lake Shikotsu Ice Festival
• Snowmobile Land (Snowmobile + snow rafting + snow banana boat)
• Smelt Fishing
• Shiroi Kobito

SAPPORO TRAVEL TIPS AND REMINDERS

• When planning my itinerary, I use Hyperdia, but when I’m on the road already, since it isn’t mobile friendly, I use Google. It’s really helpful as it will provide you the platform #, train schedule and fares. So, make sure you are connected online when traveling around Sapporo.
• If you’re only traveling in Sapporo and Otaru, no need to buy JR Hokkaido Pass. Use Kitaca Card instead.
• Tipping is not common in Japan. If you wish to tip or give something, never give money. Buy pasalubong/gift for your Japanese friend instead.
• Avoid being too loud inside the train or subway. Avoid taking phone calls inside the train and subway.
• Do not eat on subways, but it’s okay to eat and drink on long-distance trains.
• When using the elevator, keep LEFT if you’re not moving.
• Smoking in public is prohibited in Sapporo. Use the designated smoking areas.
• Big backpacks are frowned upon on subways especially during rush hour. Be aware of people at your back, make sure you’re not hitting anyone in case you are carrying a big bag.
• Vending machines serve cold and hot drinks. Those in Blue light means cold, while Red light means the drink is hot.
• Be careful when walking on ice or snow.  It can be pretty slippery. I slipped once and almost broke my arm. You can buy anti-skid (anti-slip) for your shoes.
• Heatpacks are really helpful during winter. You can buy them at drugstores and convenience store.
• Heattech and other Uniqlo layers are way cheaper in Sapporo! You can buy some at New Chitose Airport upon your arrival.
• Winter jackets, coats, and boots are also cheaper in Sapporo especially if you’re traveling mid-February or late February to March when items are on sale already.  I suggest you buy your winter outfits in Sapporo, just bring one jacket and then allot half day for shopping when you arrive.  See my recommended shopping areas above.

Disclosure: Our trip to Sapporo was made possible by Jetstar and Hokkaido Tourism. But I also extended my stay in Sapporo using my personal fund and revisited Sapporo on my own.

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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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Sapporo 23°

North capital backed by nature.

Sapporo (札幌) is the prefectural capital of Hokkaido, Japan’s northernmost island. As a popular winter resort destination, Japan’s fifth-largest city also offers a wealth of culture, art, and natural beauty, alongside its ski slopes, neon nightlife, and compelling food scene.

Sapporo is a modern city of 2 million people that remarkably sees copious amounts of snow—up to 5 meters—every winter; this makes it one of the top six snowiest cities in the world. Sapporo’s chilly appeal was cemented as the host of the 1972 Winter Olympics. Even now, every year, the annual Sapporo Snow Festival brings visitors in droves, hoping to witness the snow and ice sculptures that line the city’s streets.

Nevertheless, Sapporo is an ideal destination any time of year with its cool summers gaining favor to host the marathons at Tokyo’s 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games (held in 2021). Summer also sees Sapporites head outdoors, with fireworks lighting up the skies and beer gardens in full flow. Sapporo is the proud home of Sapporo Beer, a world-famous beer first brewed in 1876. The beer pairs well with local food culture too, with miso ramen, fresh seafood including crab, and soup curry some of the standout options that define Sapporo’s food scene. Sapporo is said to be the culinary capital of Hokkaido, where all of the prefecture’s best foods are gathered.

In addition to its reputation as a winter resort, Sapporo excels across the board as a compelling tourism destination. Art and nature converge at many of the city’s outdoor attractions, with some stunning examples of Japanese culture and nature in harmony to be discovered, like the Tadao Ando-designed Hill of the Buddha at Makomanai.

Last but not least, Sapporo is also known as the ‘gateway to Hokkaido.’ New Chitose Airport provides the most convenient and fastest way to reach Hokkaido for most and is just 40 minutes from the city center. It’s also well-connected by bus and train, making it an ideal base from which to visit other regional destinations, like coastal Otaru further north.

Travelers heading to Sapporo may want to stay for several days, given the wealth of things to do, places to go and local dishes to eat.

Things to do in Sapporo

12 Reasons to Visit Sapporo

Buddha Hill in Makomanai

Sapporo Snow Festival 2025

• Sapporo Station

Hokkai Bon Odori 2024

Sapporo Flower Carpet 2025

Yosakoi Soran Festival in Sapporo 2025

Soup Curry Samurai

Shingen Ramen

Japanese Beer in Hokkaido

Hotel Mystays Premier Sapporo Park

Hotel Pearl City Sapporo

Emisia Sapporo Hotel

An Otaru Day Trip From Sapporo

First Time to Sapporo

Hokkaido: Top 10 Things to Do

When to Go to Sapporo

Hokkaido in Springtime

Sapporo Access Guide

• Access & Orientation
• New Chitose Airport
• Transportation reports
• First Time in Sapporo
• City Pamphlet (8MB, PDF)
• Why Visit Sapporo?
• City Map (10.8MB, PDF)
• Visit Sapporo Official Website
• Welcome to Sapporo Official Website
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Let us know how we can help.

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• Around Sapporo Station
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What to wear in Sapporo in winter. Recommended outfits for December, January and February

In winter in Sapporo, the cold and necessary clothing change around the turn of the year. Buildings are well heated inside, so layers that can be put on and taken off easily are desirable, but outside the extremely cold temperatures fall well below freezing and it is important to dress accordingly. See below for recommended outfits for your winter trip to Sapporo.

What to wear in Sapporo in spring. Recommended outfits for March, April and May  More info What to wear in Sapporo in summer. Recommended outfits for June, July and August  More info

• Recommended outfits for December

Recommended outfits for January

Recommended outfits for february.

• Watch your step during winter in Sapporo

　Recommended outfits for December

Snow falls and melts during the day before freezing over the road surface at night. For this reason, shoes with good grip are the best choice for walking outside. During this season, the snow is beautiful as it flutters down but it can mean you get a little wet. Wool fabrics are good for keeping warm, however, a down jacket or coat made of nonabsorbent material such as nylon is recommended. The cold north wind also blows on occasion, so bringing something such as a scarf to wrap around yourself is advised.

As the new year dawns, the amount of snow increases with the arrival of midwinter. The snow on the sidewalk is uneven in some places, while in others it is compacted, becoming slick and slippery. In terms of footwear, snow boots or shoes with non-slip soles are a good choice. A long, warm coat is also essential to protect you against the extreme cold of this period. Underneath, knitwear or a turtleneck over a warm inner layer is recommended. For your lower body, windproofed or fleece-lined pants are best.

The severe cold from January continues into February and inner layers with excellent heat retention and performance are a must. For tights, 100 denier or more is recommended and thick knitwear or tweed material to protect against the wind is best for the upper body. An outer layer with a hood is convenient, but a knitted hat and gloves are also needed. If you’re wearing pants, a fleece lining is a good option, along with snow boots or footwear with effective non-slip soles.

　Watch your step during winter in Sapporo

When walking on icy sections of road, make sure the entire sole of your shoe touches the ground. Take small steps, if it helps, imagine walking along like a penguin. Even if the surface seems to be covered in snow, take care as there may be ice underneath. Slip-prevention soles that can be hooked or stuck onto your shoes are available at convenience stores and shoe stores in central Sapporo for about 1,000 to 2,000 yen. Some shoe repair shops also offer to attach non-slip soles for you. This costs about 2,000 to 3,000 yen and takes around 40 minutes, but is recommended.

So much to enjoy in Sapporo in winter

Central Sapporo sparkles with illuminations from various events as Christmas approaches. In the new year, the famous Sapporo Snow Festival takes place from the end of January to the beginning of February. In keeping with the season, a variety of outdoor winter activities such as snowboarding and skiing can be seen. Making sure to wear the correct clothing to protect against the cold is the best way to enjoy winter in Sapporo and make the most of the unique experiences that the season has to offer.

• #Sapporo Lilac Festival
• #Hot Spring
• #Conveyor belt sushi
• #Cherry Blossoms
• #Soup Curry
• #Hitsujigaoka Observation Hill
• #Sapporo TV Tower
• #Sapporo Clock Tower
• #Jingisukan

Best of Hokkaido in Winter

The above itinerary is somewhat fast-paced. Tourists preferring a slow pace of travel should consider spending more time at some of the destinations along the way.

Questions? Ask in our forum .

Weather and climate in Sapporo (Japan)

Sapporo - Weather by month

Summer Adventure! Sapporo Day Trip to Enjoy Gorgeous Lavender Fields

Lavender, with its vibrant purple hue and pleasant fragrance, colors Hokkaido's summer from late June to early August, peaking in July. While Furano 's fields are famous, Sapporo was the first place in Japan to cultivate lavender, starting in 1940 in Minamisawa, Minami Ward. As the birthplace of Japanese lavender, Sapporo boasts several stunning locations to enjoy these blooms. Join us on a one-day trip to explore three of these beautiful spots and experience Sapporo 's lavender magic. This page may contain promotional material

10 AM: Head To Makomanai Takino Cemetery from Sapporo Station

1 pm: arrive at sapporo hitsujigaoka observation hill, 4:30 pm: views of sapporo city from horomitoge lavender garden, immerse yourself in sapporo's summer sensations.

Makomanai Takino Cemetery, located in Minami-ku, Sapporo , is one of the largest cemeteries in Hokkaido, and is a rather unusual spot in Japan that also serves as a sightseeing attraction. Spread across the vast grounds are a number of monuments, restaurants, shops, and other facilities.

• By car: From JR Sapporo Station: Take Toyohiragawa Dori (Approx. 35 min)
• By public transportation: From Sapporo Subway Station, take Namboku Line to Makomanai Station, then transfer to cemetery-bound bus or local bus Takino Line 108 (approx. 40 min)
• View full directions here

Atama Daibutsu: A Great Buddha Statue Surrounded By Lavender!

Upon entering the main gate, you'll immediately spot the popular attraction known Atama Daibutsu (literally “Head of Buddha;” also known as Hill of the Buddha) on the right. This attraction encompasses both the 13.5-meter-high stone statue (Daibutsu), as well as the dome-shaped hall (Daibutsuden) that surrounds it. The Daibutsu state was built as a symbol to watch over visitors and serve as a memorial to the spirits of the dead for all eternity. Originally, the statue stood alone, and it wasn’t until 2016 that the dome was constructed by world-renowned architect Tadao Ando in commemoration of the park 's 30th anniversary. The design aimed to "spark imagination through the unseen," with the hall's roof concealed beneath a hill where thousands of lavender plants bloom annually around July. At this time, the park also holds the Lavender Festival, featuring a promenade known as the “Road of Prayer,” open on weekends and holidays for visitors to get an up-close view of the Daibutsu’s face while reveling in the blossoms.

Surround Yourself by Hills of Lavender

The main types of lavender here are the select varieties known as Elegance Purple, Deep Purple, Hayasaki Komurasaki 3 (Early-Blooming Dark Purple 3), and Yotei. Here's a quick look at each type: ・ Elegance Purple : This variety is distinguished by its many branches sprouting from the base of the leaves on the stem, and a constant yield of large flowers. ・ Deep Purple : True to its name, this variety produces deep purple flowers and is ideal for dried flower arrangements. ・ Hayasaki Komurasaki 3 (Early-Blooming Dark Purple 3) : A rather early-bloomer that starts flowering from around mid-June, with long-lasting, deep blue-purple blossoms that spectators can enjoy for a long time ・ Yotei : Named for its cultivation near Mount Yotei, this variety features fragrant, reddish-purple flowers. A Variety of Lavenders In Bloom: This hillside area is also carpeted with fresh green in the spring and snow in winter , making it a place you'll want to revisit time and again for its seasonally changing scenery!

Inside Daibutsuden, the Great Buddha Hall

The approach leading to the interior of the Daibutsuden, or the Great Buddha Hall, is a highly recommended photo spot, the symmetrical layout of the buildings allowing for beautiful shots.

Upon entering the Daibutsuden, you'll find the "water garden " along the approach, said to serve as a boundary. Passing by this water garden is believed to purify the minds of visitors and help transition them to a more serene state of mind. *Note: Garden not accessible during winter due to freezing temperatures. Additionally, it may not be filled with water on maintenance days, so please check in advance of your visit.

After passing through the dark tunnel, said to symbolize the "womb" or the "birth of the Buddha," you'll at last be greeted by the full view of the Daibutsu (the great Buddha statue), solemnly seated and towering above.

Inside the Daibutsuden are omikuji and ema (fortunes and votive tablets). The ema tablets featuring designs of the lavenders and the Daibutsu also make great souvenirs!

Indulge in Lavender Sweets and Exclusive Goods at Cafe and Store

To the left of the water garden you'll find Rotunda Cafe & Store. Aside from drinks and desserts, the store also carries original Atama Daibutsu goods that you'll only find here.

Highly recommended are the lavender-flavored sweets , particularly the lavender ice creams crafted by Missu House, a shop specializing in handmade ice cream.

In the summer you can also enjoy lavender soft-serve ice cream and lavender soda (available from mid-April to late October). Both are definitely worth a try if you're visiting Atama Daibutsu!

Takino Hakkakudo, located on the premises, offers a unique bell-ringing experience, allowing visitors the chance to try ringing the large bells for themselves! This activity is immensely popular amongst both domestic and international visitors alike, so if you're visiting the area, why not give it a try? (*There's a small fee of 100 yen, for maintenance purposes.)

Explore the Other Monuments Across the Park!

Right outside the main gate stands a line of Moai statues. The word "Moai" comes from the Rapa Nui language of Easter Island, in which "mo" means "future" and "ai" means "life". It was constructed to "preserve the legacy of everyone’s stories for future generations."

Additionally, there's also a replica of British World Heritage Site , Stonehenge, a permanent memorial tomb constructed to "instill hope for the future in generations to come."

Things to note when visiting the park:

Remember that Makomanai Takino Cemetery is, first and foremost, a cemetery. Please respect its primary purpose as a sacred place for visitors to pay respects to their loved ones. If you're there to sightsee around the Moai statues, Stonehenge, or Atama Daibutsu, kindly follow the park 's traffic and visitation regulations to ensure that everyone can fully enjoy their visit.

• Address 2 Takino Minami-ku, Sapporo-shi, Hokkaido 005-0862

Hill of the Buddha (Atama Daibutsu) ・Hours: Apr–Oct: 9 AM–4 PM; Nov–Mar: 10 AM–3 PM ・Closed: Designated days, maintenance days, and other days when closed due to weather conditions ・Admission: 300 yen (free for elementary students and under) ・Parking Lot: 7 AM–4 PM, 500 yen per vehicle per use Road of Prayer Promenade ・Hours: July (Sat/Sun/National holidays only): 9 AM–4 PM ・Admission: Junior high and older: 500 yen; Elementary students and younger: Free Furusato Mausoleum, Hakkakudo ・Hours: Apr–Oct: 8:30 AM–5 PM; Nov–Mar: 9 AM–3:30 PM

Next, head to Sapporo Hitsujigaoka Observation Hill, a spot well-known for its statue of Dr. Clark. Located in Sapporo , Hokkaido's largest city, this scenic spot offers an idyllic view of grazing sheep and the expansive Ishikari Plains. It takes about 20 to 30 minutes by car from Makomanai Takino Cemetery. Just a 20-30-minute drive from Makomanai Takino Cemetery, various seasonal events are held here throughout the year, including spring sheep-shearing tours and winter snow parks , giving Hokkaido visitors something to enjoy all year round!

• By car: From JR Sapporo Station (approx. 34 min)
• By public transportation: From Sapporo Subway Station, take Toho Line to Fukuzumi Station, then transfer to bus bound for Hitsujigaoka Observation Hill from Fukuzumi Station Bus Terminal Platform 4 (approx. 23 min)
• View full directions from Makomanai Takino Cemetery

A True Hokkaido Experience: A Beautiful Blend of White Birch and Lavender

Behind the Austrian Pavilion, recognized by its red triangular roof resembling a mountain hut, lies a lavender field spanning approximately 1,200 square meters. The variety cultivated here, known as "Okamurazaki," is known for its deep purple hues and delightful fragrance. Widely grown throughout Hokkaido, its aromatic flowers are often used in sachets and potpourri. The field is home to around 1,000 plants, each of which can produce an average of 300 flowers, totaling nearly 300,000 blooms! The lavender fields are also surrounded by rows of white birch trees, adding to the picturesque landscape of Hokkaido.

Experience Lavender Harvesting For Yourself!

The lavender fields also offer a free harvesting experience. Scissors, rubber bands, and bags for collecting lavender are provided at the reception tent, eliminating the need for your own personal tools. Visitors are allowed to harvest up to 50 lavender plants per person that they can take home. We recommend using your harvested lavender for making your own potpourri or dried flower arrangements! Note that harvesting will require moving and bending in order to pick your plants, so we recommend wearing comfortable attire. ・Event Period: July 4–18, 2024 ・Hours: 10 AM–3 PM (Last admission: 2:45 PM) *Schedule subject to change or cancellation due to weather or blooming conditions. Please contact for more information.

Indulge in Limited-Time Lavender Soft Serve Ice Cream!

At the Austrian Pavilion, visitors can indulge in lavender-flavored soft serve at Hitsujigaoka Soft, located on the first floor.

This lavender soft serve ice cream features a fresh lavender aroma that envelopes your taste buds from the very first bite. It's mildly sweet with a refreshing taste that brings joy with every spoonful.

For Lunch, Enjoy Jingisukan, Hokkaido's Gourmet Dish

After treating yourself to lavender sweets , satisfy your hunger with some of Hokkaido's famous gourmet dishes! Next to the Austrian Pavilion at Hitsujigaoka Rest House, visitors can enjoy jingisukan (a mutton dish) while marveling at the expansive view right outside the windows.

The special jingisukan grill features custom-made cast iron designed to cook meats at high temperatures in a single go. For the best flavor, grill the lamb atop a bed of vegetables as if steaming. The restaurant's homemade sauce, a signature since its inception, blends sweet and tangy tastes that further enhances the meat's own flavor.

Honoring Hokkaido's Legacy with a Statue of Dr. Clark!

The statue of Dr. Clark stands proudly against the beautiful landscape as a symbol of Sapporo . Sculpted by Saka Tando, this bronze statue is modeled after William Smith Clark, the father of the father of the Hokkaido Reclamation. Known as "Clark on the Hill," the statue depicts Dr. Clark with his famous motto "Boys, be ambitious!" His raised right hand is said to point towards "the eternal truth far, far away." Why not stand beside Dr. Clark and join him in his iconic pose for a photo?

City and Nature Views from the Chapel Roof!

Sapporo Blanc Birch Chapel is a wedding chapel located on the premises where you can hold your ceremony right in the midst of nature ! In fact, the third floor rooftop is partially open as an observation space for sightseers. From this elevated viewpoint, visitors can see cityscape views of Sapporo , the observatory’s own facilities, and the nearby lavender fields!

Best Practices for Sun Protection

Not only is early to mid-July when the lavender fields are in full bloom, it also marks the peak of summer , when the sunlight is most intense. Due to limited shade in the fields, we recommend bringing a hat and sunscreen. Facility Information Observation Deck, Austrian Pavilion ・Hours: Jun–Sept: 9 AM–6 PM; Oct–May: 9 AM–5 PM *Opening hours may differ for the Austrian Pavilion food court Hitsujigaoka Rest House ・Hours: May–Sep: 11 AM–4 PM; Oct–Apr: 11:30 AM–3 PM ・Closed: Open daily ・Admission: Adults: 600 yen; Children: 300 yen

• Address 1, Hitsujigaoka, Toyohira-ku, Sapporo-shi, Hokkaido, 062-0045 View Map
• Nearest Station Fukuzumi Station （Toho Line） 10 minutes by bus
• Phone Number 011-851-3080

The final destination is the Horomitoge Lavender Garden , managed by Dream Studio Sato. Situated at the end of a mountain road on the west side of downtown Sapporo , this garden opens for a limited time in July every year. For 2024, it's scheduled to run from July 5-31.

The lavender garden is located at the top of Horomitoge at an elevation of around 280-300 meters. Since there's no direct public transportation, we recommend taking a taxi from Maruyama Koen Station on the Tozai Subway Line. However, as the distance from the station to the garden is just about 4-5 km, those in good physical shape may consider making it a leisurely hike! From Sapporo Hitsujigaoka Observation Hill, it's about a 30-minute drive to the garden .

• By Car: From JR Sapporo Station, approx. 25 min.
• By public transportation: From Sapporo Subway Station, take Namboku Line to Odori Station, transfer to Tozai Line to Maruyama Koen Station, then take a cab (25 min)
• View complete directions from Sapporo Hitsujigaoka Observation Hill

Experience the Stunning Sapporo Cityscape Beyond the Lavender Carpets of Purple

The Horomitoge Lavender Garden has been cultivating lavenders since 1987. Starting with a mere 120 lavender plants, there are now nearly 8,000, making it the largest lavender field in Sapporo , and an immensely popular spot both locally and beyond. The lavenders grown here primarily belong to three varieties of the angustifolia family: Nana Narisawa, Violet Memory, and Noshihayazaki (Dark Purple Early-Blooming 3). ・ Nana Narisawa : This lavender was cultivated in the 1990s by Narisawa Farm in Hokkaido, characterized by its darker hues and longer flower spikes. ・ Violet Memory : A captivating variety with a vibrant purple hue. The flowers also tend to retain their color well when dried, making them perfect for dried arrangements. ・ Dark purple early bloomer No. 3 : An exceptionally early bloomer that starts flowering around mid-June. The buds are deep blue-purple in color, and spectators can admire their beauty for a long time. In addition to these, there's a wide variety of other lavenders cultivated here, as well!

For great photos, we recommend taking them from an angle that includes central Sapporo City against the lavender fields. You’ll also be able to see the Sapporo TV Tower and JR Tower in the pic!

Harvesting Experiences Available Through July!

Visitors can also experience lavender harvesting any day during its period of operation. We recommend visiting around July 10-20, when the flowers are in full bloom! There are different areas priced at 500 yen, 800 yen, and 1,000 yen, where you can harvest any of the plants in the area. For example, the 500 yen area typically allows 50 to 100 of each plant. If you wish to harvest even more lavender, opt for the 800 yen or 1,000 yen areas.

Lavender Goods Available at Sales Corner

Near the lavender fields is a shop corner with a variety of goods. Popular items include handmade essential oils and floral waters using lavender from the garden , crafted by Dream Studio Sato. You can also find potpourri, bouquets, and fresh flowers on sale.

A Stunning Night View from the Observation Parking Lot

At the summit of Horomitoge, the Horomitoge Observation Parking Lot stands as Japan's only dedicated night-view parking area, offering visitors the opportunity to admire the cityscape from the comfort of their cars. Recognized as a Japan Night View Heritage Site, the panoramic night view here is a breathtaking experience that extends well beyond sunset. The view overlooking the lavender fields adds a touch of magic, making it the perfect setting for a romantic evening.

Spectacular View of the Morning Sun Over Sapporo City and the Lavender Fields

The views of the lavender fields are amazing not only at night, but also during the early morning hours. Sapporo sunrises typically occur around 4 AM between June and August, making this a highly recommended time for a visit. Witnessing the morning glow illuminating the lavenders is bound to leave lasting memories you'll never forget!

• Address 471-110 Bankei Chuo-ku, Sapporo-shi, Hokkaido 064-0945

Horomitoge Lavender Garden ・Season: Early July to the end of July ・Hours: 9 AM–5 PM ・Admission: Free (Parking fee: 500 yen) Horomitoge Observatory Parking Lot ・Season: April 1–November 30 (subject to change depending on weather conditions. Please see website for details) ・Hours: Open 24/7 (Gated checkout system) ・Pedestrian entrance: 9 AM–5 PM ・Parking: 500 yen (3 AM–5 PM) / 800 yen (5 PM–3 AM) ・Capacity: 31 cars ・Closed: Open daily

Nearby Accomodations

• Address 6-14-1 Minamigojyo-nishi Chuo-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido, 064-0805 View Map
• Nearest Station Shiseikan shogakko mae Station （Sapporo Streetcar Yamahana Line） 3 minutes on foot

Vacancy search, reservation

• from 10,878JPY 1room, 2adults View Deal

Check with our partner site as the latest rates, rate details, and guest room requirements may vary.

• Address Minami 8-jo Nishi 5-chome 289-111, Sapporo, Hokkaido, 064-0808 View Map
• Nearest Station Yamahana ku jo Station （Sapporo Streetcar Yamahana Line） 4 minutes on foot
• from 12,600JPY 1room, 2adults View Deal

• Address Minami 3-jo, Nishi 2-chome 17-17, Sapporo, Hokkaido, 060-0063 View Map
• Nearest Station Tanuki-Koji Station （Sapporo Streetcar Yamahana Line） 3 minutes on foot
• from 8,231JPY 1room, 2adults View Deal

Surrounding yourself with lavender is a delightful way to experience Hokkaido's summer season through sight, scent, and even taste, with delicious dishes showcasing all its local flavors. Whether you seek a summery Sapporo experience, or simply wish to immerse yourself in nature , this is the perfect place for a visit! So check out the recommended spots mentioned in this article, and let the lavenders paint your summer memories! (*Information as of June 2024. Please see each facility's and organization's official websites for the latest updates and information.) English translation: Krys Suzuki

Written by:

Minna no Kotoba Sha

Minna no Kotoba Sha is a production company founded by an editor with extensive experience in editing local magazines in Sapporo. For over 20 years, our team has conducted research and written articles across Hokkaido, with Sapporo as our primary hub. Our diverse portfolio includes the production of various books such as travel guides, informational magazines, and collections showcasing the picturesque landscapes of Hokkaido. Comprised entirely of women, the team at Minna no Kotoba Sha boasts diverse interests, including a passion for travel, culinary delights, and alcoholic beverages. The scope of our communication efforts spans a wide range, covering everything from introducing notable restaurants to providing coverage of local events and sharing stories of leisure experiences.

• Area Sapporo / Chitose
• Category Other Nature

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Football: Vissel, Consadole share spoils in Sapporo

July 13, 2024 (Mainichi Japan)

SAPPORO (Kyodo) -- Vissel Kobe settled for a 1-1 draw away to bottom club Consadole Sapporo in the J-League first division Saturday.

Kobe moved to 41 points, five behind leaders Machida Zelvia after Yuya Osako's 48th-minute header canceled out Ryota Aoki's 39th-minute opener at Sapporo Dome.

Aoki's free kick from just outside the box was the first goal in six matches for Consadole, who ended an eight-match losing streak.

The home team missed a golden chance to regain the lead 30 minutes into the second half when Kobe keeper Daiya Maekawa caught Musashi Suzuki's penalty kick.

Machida, and Kashima Antlers and Gamba Osaka, each also on 41 points, have a game in hand and play away matches Sunday.

In Saturday's only other match, FC Tokyo defeated Albirex Niigata 2-0, thanks to goals from Keita Endo and Leon Nozawa.

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