Sapporo Travel Guide: Everything You Need to Know About The Capital of Hokkaido, Japan
Written by Kris Soliongco | Edited by Bianca Versoza
Sapporo is the largest city in Hokkaido, the country’s northernmost island. Known for its relaxed atmosphere, snowy winters, and open spaces, the city offers a refreshing change of pace from Japan’s busier hubs like Tokyo and Nagoya.
Sapporo bears a fascinating history, from a frontier town in the 1800s to a modern metropolis of more than 4 million people.
There’s something for everyone here. Sapporo becomes a wonderland in winter with its annual Snow Festival and world-class ski slopes nearby. Meanwhile, during the warmer months, the city’s many parks and gardens offer plenty to explore. For foodies, local specialties such as miso ramen, fresh seafood, and the city’s signature beer will definitely make the trip to Sapporo worth the effort.
This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about visiting Sapporo, including top attractions, local dishes, seasonal highlights, and practical tips for getting around. Whether it’s your first trip to Japan or you are a seasoned traveler, Sapporo’s is guaranteed to deliver a memorable experience. Let’s dive in!
How to get to Sapporo
Getting to Sapporo is easy, thanks to Japan’s wide range of transportation options. Whether you are traveling from within the country or arriving from abroad, the city is well-connected via rail or air.
By air: New Chitose Airport
The most convenient way to reach Sapporo is by flying into New Chitose Airport. As Hokkaido’s largest airport, it serves multiple domestic routes from cities like Tokyo, Osaka, and Fukuoka and international connections from destinations in Asia, North America, and beyond.
Once you land, reaching Sapporo’s city center is quick and simple. All you need to do is take the JR Rapid Airport train for a 40-minute ride to Sapporo Station. Alternatively, you can use taxis or buses for a slightly longer journey.
By train: Shinkansen and JR Lines
For those who enjoy trains, reaching Sapporo by rail is an enjoyable scenic experience. The Hokkaido Shinkansen connects Japan’s main island of Honshu to southern Hokkaido. From Tokyo, the journey to Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto Station takes approximately four hours. Once there, you’ll need to transfer to a JR Limited Express train, which completes the trip in 4.5 hours.
Although traveling by train takes longer than flying, this method lets you see Japan’s countryside and coastline in all its glory. In addition, for Japan Rail Pass holders, this option can be highly cost-effective as this pass covers the entire route, saving you a lot on travel expenses.
When should you visit Sapporo?
Sapporo delivers a unique experience regardless of when you visit, making it an excellent destination for tourism year-round. Here’s what to expect during different seasons:
Winter (December-February)
This is the best time for winter sports enthusiasts and festival-goers to visit. The Sapporo Snow Festival draws visitors worldwide with its ice sculptures and snow displays. Meanwhile, nearby ski resorts like Niseko and Tiene present excellent skiing and snowboarding opportunities.
Spring (April-May)
Spring transforms Sapporo, with cherry blossoms blooming across the city’s many gardens and parks. During this season, temperatures are at their mildest, making it the perfect time for taking long walks and sightseeing.
Summer (June-August)
Sapporo becomes a hive of activities in summer, with events like the Sapporo Summer Festival and beer gardens set up in Odori Park. The weather during this time can be pleasantly warm or a bit hot but still tolerable, especially for me, who’s from a tropical country.
Autumn (September-November)
Fall is a quieter, more scenic time to visit Sapporo. The city and its surrounding areas, including Jonzankei Onsen, look very different due to autumn colors everywhere. Temperature-wise, you can expect cool, crisp air, sometimes below freezing.
Where to stay in Sapporo
Sapporo offers various accommodation options suited to different preferences and budgets. Here’s a breakdown of the most popular places to stay in the city:
Odori Park: Central and convenient
Odori Park is in the heart of Sapporo, making it an ideal location for first-time visitors. It’s a central hub that’s close to many of the city’s top attractions, including Sapporo TV tower and shopping areas like Tanukikoji. Furthermore, this place offers easy access to public transport, which is as extensive here as anywhere else in Japan.
Accommodation options near Odori Park:
- Mid-range: Hotel Resol Trinity offers modern rooms with great city views, perfect for visitors who want comfort at a reasonable price.
- Luxury: JR Tower Hotel Nikko Sapporo, located next to Sapporo Station, offers upscale amenities and panoramic views in most of its rooms.
- Budget: Sapporo Grand Hotel has affordable rates in a central location without compromising quality.
Susukino: The place to be for nightlife
Susukino is Sapporo’s nightlife district, filled with bars, izakayas, restaurants, ramen shops, and entertainment venues. If you enjoy exploring the city’s food scene or experiencing its nightlife, this is the place to be. Plus, it’s just a short walk from Odori Park, making it very accessible.
Accommodation options in Susukino:
- Mid-range: Mercure Hotel Sapporo is a stylish and convenient choice with modern amenities, located a few steps from Suskino’s entertainment hotspots.
- Budget: For a more affordable option, Grids Sapporo Hotel & Hostel has both private rooms and dormitories, which makes it ideal for travelers on very tight budgets.
Jozankei: Relaxing hot spring resorts
If you seek a more peaceful experience, consider staying in Jozankei, a hot spring town about 30 minutes outside Sapporo. This nearby area provides a serene escape from the city with its nature-filled surroundings and a wide variety of ryokans and resorts.
Accommodation options in Jozankei:
- Luxury: Jozankei Tsuruga Resort Spa Mori no Uta provides an elegant ryokan experience with traditional tatami rooms and private onsens.
- Mid-range: Shogetsu Grand Hotel is a popular option because of its beautiful location and extensive range of amenities, including a large public onsen.
- Budget: Budget-friendly ryokans like Jozakei Onsen Hotel deliver comfortable experiences with easy access to hot springs at a lower price.
Top attractions in Sapporo
Sapporo is a dynamic city, and it has something in store regardless if you’re interested in outdoor activities, cultural immersion, or seasonal festivals.
Below is a guide to some of the city’s top attractions:
Nature and parks
Odori Park
As mentioned earlier, Odori Park is situated in the center of Sapporo and is a hub for cultural events. The park stretches over 1.5 kilometers and is surrounded by skyscrapers, much like New York’s iconic Central Park.
This place is a popular venue for Sapporo’s most famous events, including the famous Sapporo Snow Festival in the winter and the Yosakoi Soran Festival in the summer. On top of that, Sapporo’s well-known TV Tower, where you can get panoramic views, is located here.
Maruyama Park
Just west of central Sapporo, Maruyama Park is another popular green space. This park is famous for its Hokkaido Shrine and has superb walking trails, picnic areas, and a zoo.
Maruyama is especially beautiful in the spring, when cherry blossoms bloom, and in the fall, when the leaves turn red and orange. However, if you want to see the park at its greenest, I recommend visiting between June and August, during the height of summer.
Moerenuma Park
Opposite Maruyama, on the other side of Sapporo, is Moerenuma Park. Renowned artist Isamu Noguchi designed this expansive area, and its layout combines art and nature. With sculptural elements, geometric shapes, and vast lawns, it’s an ideal spot for a leisurely walk or bike ride.
This park is the only one on this list with a lake. In addition, it’s home to a glass pyramid structure and the Muntain, a man-made hill that overlooks the area.
Cultural and historic sites:
Sapporo Clock Tower
The Sapporo Clock Tower is one of the city’s most famous historical landmarks.
Located in the middle of downtown, the clock tower was built in 1878 and has since stood as an iconic symbol of the city’s early development. While it is no longer officially in use, the clock tower serves as a museum, allowing visitors to get first-hand insights into Sapporo’s origins.
Historical Village of Hokkaido
Another key historical site in Sapporo is the Historical Village of Hokkaido, an open-air museum that preserves and showcases buildings from the Meiji and Taisho eras. This place allows you to step back in time and experience what life was like in Hokkaido at the time. In the museum, you can find everything from historic houses to costumed staff members with period-accurate outfits.
Hokkaido Shrine
The Hokkaido Shrine is situated in Maruyama Park. It is one of the most important spiritual sites in Sapporo and is dedicated to the deities of Hokkaido.
This attraction boasts grand torii gates, ancient trees, and a tranquil atmosphere, making it a peaceful retreat for those seeking cultural and spiritual immersion. Its surrounding area has beautiful pathways to explore and is teeming with wildlife, such as exotic birds and chipmunks.
Winter attractions:
Sapporo Winter Festival
Sapporo is a must-visit destination in winter, thanks to the world-famous Sapporo Snow Festival, which takes place every February. The festival features incredible snow and ice sculptures, drawing millions of visitors from all over the world. This event isn’t held in one location but across many areas of Sapporo, such as Odori Park, Susukino, and Tsudome.
Mt. Okmura Ski Jump Stadium
Another winter highlight is the Mt. Okura Ski Jump Stadium, a historic venue that hosted the 1972 Winter Olympics.
Here, visitors can take an elevator to the top of the ski jump for open views of Sapporo and the surrounding mountains. Aside from that, the attraction also features a museum showcasing the Olympics and ski jumping history.
Modern highlights:
Sapporo Beer Museum
If you’re interested in local history and culture, the Sapporo Beer Museum is a must-see. It’s housed in a historic brick building and provides an interesting overview of the history of beer production in Sapporo, with a focus on the iconic Sapporo Beer, which dates back to 1876.
This museum exhibits vintage advertisements and historical brewing equipment. By looking at these, visitors can learn how beer became a staple of Japanese social life.
Interestingly, the Sapporo Beer Museum doesn’t charge an entrance fee. Plus, its visitors can enjoy a myriad of Sapporo brews in the adjacent Sapporo Beer Garden while sampling some delicious locally grilled food.
Tanukikoji Shopping Street
Spanning 7 blocks, Tanukikoji Shopping Street is one of Sapporo’s longest-standing and most popular shopping arcades. Covered and bustling with activity, this street is lined with over 200 shops offering a mix of modern and traditional goods. Visitors here can explore everything from fashion boutiques to electronic stores.
Tanukikoji is also home to a wide variety of dining options, including ramen shops, cafes, and izakayas, making it an ideal place to sample Hokkaido’s famous dishes. I highly recommend visiting at the end of the day when locals and tourists alike go here to shop, dine, and socialize.
Nijo Market
For a taste of Hokkaido’s renowned seafood, Nijo Market is the place to be. Located in central Sapporo, this vibrant market has been serving locals and visitors for over a century. It has numerous stalls and small restaurants offering fresh seafood, including crab, uni (sea urchin), scallops, and salmon roe.
A specialty of the market is the donburi (rice bowl) stalls, where you can create your own bowl by selecting from an array of fresh ingredients. Many vendors also ship seafood nationwide, so you can bring a taste of Hokkaido home with you.
Where and what to eat in Sapporo, Japan
Sapporo’s culinary culture reflects Hokkaido’s natural resources and local traditions. From bowls of ramen to sweet berry-inspired desserts, the city boasts a food scene with something to satisfy every palate. Here is a comprehensive guide to Sapporo’s must-try dishes and local specialties:
Iconic must-try dishes:
Miso ramen
Sapporo is the birthplace of miso ramen, a noodle soup dish with a thick miso-based broth. This iconic dish often features toppings like buttery corn, pork belly, bean sprouts, and green onions, creating a rich and satisfying meal. Many restaurants also add a dollop of butter to enhance the flavor, a nod to Hokkaido’s famous dairy products.
To experience the best of miso ramen, head to Ramen Alley (Ganso Sapporo Ramen Yokocho) in Susukino, where you’ll find a variety of renowned ramen shops.
Jingisukan
Named after the legendary Mongol leader, Genghis Khan, Jingisukan is a grilled lamb dish.
The meat is cooked in a special dome-shaped skillet that allows the juices to drip down and flavor the accompanying vegetables like bean sprouts, cabbage, and onions. This dish is tender and flavorful and served with a soy-based dipping sauce. For a traditional experience, visit the Sapporo Beer Garden, where you can enjoy Jingisukan with freshly brewed Sapporo beer.
Sapporo-style soup curry
A Sapporo original soup curry is a spiced, aromatic dish that’s filled with hearty vegetables, potatoes, meat, or seafood. It’s hard to find outside of Hokkaido and is definitely something visitors shouldn’t miss out on.
Served with a side of rice, the dish is customizable, allowing you to choose its spice level and toppings. Restaurants like Garaku or Sama are well-known for their creative takes on soup curry, which often features seasonal produce from Hokkaido.
Fresh seafood
As Hokkaido is surrounded by nutrient-rich seas, Sapporo has some of the freshest seafood in Japan. Signature items include crab (king, snow, and hairy crab), uni (sea urchin), scallops, salmon, and ikura (salmon roe). A favorite way to enjoy these delicacies is through a kaisendon (seafood rice bowl), which combines a bed of rice with assorted freshly sliced sashimi.
Haskap
The haskap, also known as the “blue honeysuckle,” is a small, blueberry-like berry native to Hokkaido. Valued for its high vitamin and antioxidant content, it is often used in jams, syrups, wines, and desserts. You’ll find haskap ice cream, candies, and even craft cocktails featuring this unique berry in various restaurants, cafes, and shops around Sapporo and Hokkaido as a whole.
Sapporo sweets
Sapporo is a hub for creative and indulgent desserts, with a particular emphasis on dairy-based treats. Popular options include Shiroi Koibito, a famous langue de chat cookie filled with white chocolate, and Hokkaido cheesecake, prized for its rich, creamy texture. Local bakeries and patisseries also craft delightful pastries, cream puffs, and pudding desserts, often incorporating Hokkaido’s high-quality butter and milk.
Local Sapporo favorites:
Hokkaido dairy products
Hokkaido’s thriving dairy industry makes it Japan’s leading producer of high-quality milk, butter, and cheese.
A treat you must try in Sapporo is soft-serve ice cream, which is unique due to its creamy texture and rich flavor. Available in varieties such as melon, lavender, and sweet corn, these options were created to showcase Hokkaido’s agricultural strength and are perfect while you’re exploring on a hot day.
Sapporo beer and sake
As previously mentioned, Sapporo is closely tied to beer culture. After all, it is the birthplace of Japan’s oldest beer brand, Sapporo Beer.
For sake enthusiasts, Sapporo boasts a range of locally brewed options. Hokkaido’s cold climate contributes to sake with clean, crisp flavors, and many izakayas (casual bars) and restaurants feature sake-tasting options, allowing you to explore different varieties of this drink.
Day trip destinations from Sapporo
Sapporo is an excellent base for exploring the diverse attractions of Hokkaido. But where should you go? These day trips are fantastic extensions to your trip’s itinerary:
Otaru: Historic canals, glassworks, and seafood
Otaru is a port city located 30 minutes by train from Sapporo. It’s famed for its well-preserved historic canals and vintage warehouses.
This industrial town’s streets are lined with shops that sell hand-blown glassware, music boxes, and other crafts, making it a hotspot for shopping. Moreover, food enthusiasts will enjoy the seafood this place offers, as there’s excellent sushi and sashimi in the Sankaku Market.
Noboribetsu: Hot springs and volcanic landscapes
A two-hour journey from Sapporo takes you to Noboribetsu, one of Hokkaido’s most renowned hot spring resorts. The area is home to Jigokudani (Hell Valley), a geothermal wonder with steaming vents, bubbling pools, and sulfuric streams.
After exploring the volcanic landscapes, you can relax in one of the area’s many hot spring baths or ryokans (traditional inns). Simply put, I’d say Noboribetsu is perfect for travelers looking to unwind while immersing themselves in Hokkaido’s natural beauty.
Asahikawa: Asahiyama Zoo and ramen village
Asahikawa is home to the famous Asahiyama Zoo, one of Japan’s most treasured wildlife parks. The zoo features innovative enclosures that allow close views of animals like penguins, polar bears, and red pandas. Highlights include the penguin walk during winter and underwater observation tunnels for arctic species such as penguins, seals, and even polar bears!
After the zoo, head to Asahikawa Ramen Village to enjoy the city’s signature soy-based ramen. This dish is known for its rich broth and firm noodles, and the village houses several renowned ramen shops, each with its twist on the classic recipe.
Furano and Biei: Lavender fields and rolling hills
Approximately 2-2.5 hours from Sapporo, Furano and Biei showcase some of Hokkaido’s most striking landscapes. In summer, Furano’s lavender fields, particularly at Farm Tomita, come to life with rows of purple flowers stretching to the horizon. Visitors here can enjoy lavender treats, including ice cream and pastries unique to the area.
Meanwhile, Biei offers rolling hills and farmland along the Patchwork Road, creating stunning scenery. The Blue Pond, with its deep blue water surrounded by standing trees, is a peaceful and unique sight that draws photographers and nature lovers alike.
Travel tips for first time Sapporo travelers
When visiting Sapporo, these tips will help you navigate the city, prepare for changing weather conditions, manage your budget, and understand the local culture to guarantee a smooth and enjoyable experience:
Navigating the city
Sapporo has a well-organized and convenient public transportation system, which includes the subway, buses, and JR trains. The Sapporo Subway is the quickest way to get around the city, with three main lines covering major areas such as Odori Park, Susukino, and Sapporo Station.
Buses are useful for reaching areas not served by the subway, like the Jozankei Hot Spings. In any case, for both subway and bus rides, you can use a prepaid IC card like Kitaca, Suica, or PASMO, which are all widely available at subway stations and the city’s convenience stores.
Weather considerations and packing essentials
The weather in Sapporo varies greatly depending on the season, so packing wisely is essential to having a good trip:
- Winter: Expect frigid temperatures, heavy snowfall, and icy conditions, particularly in January and February. Pack warm clothing, including insulated jackets, thermals, wool hats, gloves, scarves, and even waterproof boots. Also, bring suitable gear if you plan to go skiing or snowboarding, although rental shops are widely available.
- Spring: Spring brings milder temperatures but can still be chilly in early March. Layers are key, so pack light sweaters, jackets, and comfortable shoes for walking. You might also want to carry an umbrella, as spring can be rainy.
- Summer: Summers are relatively mild but can be humid. A light jacket or sweater for cooler evenings, along with rain gear, is useful. In addition, comfortable clothes and shoes for walking are a must-have, especially if you actively explore outdoor areas.
- Autumn: Autumn is the most comfortable season in Sapporo, with cool temperatures that only seldom go below freezing. During this time, it’s important to wear clothes that can easily be layered to stay comfortable throughout the day.
Budgeting: average costs for meals, transport, and attractions
Sapporo’s dynamic nature allows you to enjoy it regardless of your financial situation. Here’s an overview of the average costs you can expect:
- Meals: Casual dining, such as ramen shops or conveyor-belt sushi, will cost around ¥1,000–¥1,500 per person. Mid-range restaurants may cost ¥2,000–¥3,000, while high-end dining or specialty meals, such as Hokkaido crab, can cost ¥5,000 or more.
- Transportation: Subway rides start at ¥200–¥300, with a one-day subway pass costing around ¥800–¥1,000. Bus fares are generally similar, depending on the distance. Meanwhile, taxi cabs start at ¥600, with an additional charge per kilometer.
- Attractions: Many parks, markets, and landmarks are free to visit. However, entry fees for museums and attractions such as the Sapporo Beer Museum or Hokkaido Shrine typically range from ¥500–¥1,000.
- Accommodations: Budget accommodation like hostels or guesthouses costs between ¥ 2,500–¥5,000 per night. Mid-range hotels cost around ¥6,000–¥12,000 per night, while luxury hotels can exceed ¥15,000 per night.
Pro tip: Consider bento boxes from convenience stores for budget-friendly meals on the go, and look for discount passes for public transport or tourist attractions to save money.
Language tips and cultural etiquette
Though many in Sapporo understand basic English, knowing a few Japanese phrases is helpful. Basic phrases such as “arigatou” (thank you) and “sumimasen” (excuse me) will be appreciated by locals.
In addition, there are more cultural etiquette tips to follow in Sapporo:
- Shoes: Always remove your shoes when entering private homes, temples, and traditional ryokan inns. Often, you’ll be provided with indoor slippers to wear.
- Public behavior: Speaking loudly in public places, especially in transport or restaurants, is considered extremely impolite, so always speak quietly and respectfully in public.
- Tipping: Tipping is not customary in Japan and may even be considered rude. Instead, show appreciation with a polite thank you or a small gesture.
- Cash vs credit: While credit cards are accepted at larger establishments, smaller shops, markets, and rural areas usually prefer cash. Therefore, make sure you always carry Yen and withdraw money from ATMs at convenience stores or bank branches.
- Onsens: If you visit an onsen (hot spring), thoroughly wash and rinse your body before entering the communal baths.
- Wrapping up your Sapporo adventure
Sapporo seamlessly blends modern convenience with natural beauty, allowing it to provide a unique experience to every type of traveler. From its iconic winter festivals to the vibrant food scene and stunning parks, this city’s charm is undeniable.
However, don’t stop in Sapporo alone. Hokkaid’s surrounding areas, like Asahikawa, are equally well worth exploring for a complete experience of the region.
Start planning your trip today and embrace the many wonders of Sapporo.
For more travel inspiration and tips on the best times to visit Japan, check out our detailed guide on the best time to visit Japan!