The Best 5-Day Sapporo Itinerary for First-Timers
Last Updated on September 4, 2024 by Audrey
Have an upcoming trip to Sapporo? My Sapporo Itinerary will help you plan your trip!
If you’re considering visiting Sapporo, Japan and are looking for a Sapporo itinerary, you’re in the right place. I explored the entirety of the city and spent a few days more around the surrounding Hokkaido area, and absolutely fell in love! I didn’t expect to like it as much as I did, but it exceeded my expectations, and I can’t wait to go back!
Not many people are familiar with the city, but it is the largest city in Hokkaido (the northern region of Japan). There are myriad things to do and see in this vibrant city. Whether you are a solo traveler or a family, an outdoor sports lover, or maybe you’re focused on the food, Sapporo has something for everyone!
There are many cultural landmarks to visit and beautiful natural spots that will take your breath away, yet it also has a buzzing nightlife that you’ll enjoy! Not to mention, the food is absolutely amazing and features many Hokkaido specialties that I’ll introduce you to later!
My Sapporo itinerary will help prepare you for your upcoming trip and will help you make plans for 2, 3, 4, and 5 days in Hokkaido’s capital and the surrounding areas!
Check out my other Sapporo blog posts 👇
Unlocking Sapporo: What Makes It Worth Visiting In 2024
The Best Day Trips From Sapporo, Hokkaido (2024)
How To Go To Sapporo: The Ultimate Guide (2024)
The BEST Places To Stay In Sapporo, Japan (2024)
Day 1 Sapporo Itinerary
Breakfast at Komeda’s Coffee
I’m a coffee drinker, especially on vacation. I love tasting coffees from other countries and trying new blends. That extra shot of energy is also helpful when I have a full day of attractions to visit, which is why it’s the first stop on this Sapporo itinerary!
I really enjoyed the breakfast service at Komeda’s Coffee. They are a chain in Japan that offer delicious blends of coffee as well as pastries made with Hokkaido milk.
They open at 7:30, which is perfect if you wake up jetlagged like I did. For breakfast, they have a free bread service with a choice of jam or butter. But don’t go thinking it’s “just free bread”, alright? Their sliced bread is delicious, I tell you!
If you come during the afternoon and have a sweet tooth, their Hokkaido Cheesecake is a must try! It’s so fluffy and not too sweet. I like their Amanburan (strawberry dessert with a slightly sour twist) as well.
Attraction Details
Komeda’s Coffee (コメダ珈琲)
Opening Hours: 7:30 AM – 11:00 PM
Address: Japan, 〒060-0063 Hokkaido, Sapporo, Chuo Ward, Minami 3 Jonishi, 2 Chome−15−1 N・ヴィコロビル1階
Hokkaido Shrine
The first landmark of the Sapporo itinerary is Hokkaido Shrine, a Shinto shrine established in 1869, dedicated to four guardian gods. If you visit near the new year, you’ll get to see many people celebrating Hatsumōde, the first shrine visit of the year! Many people visit to pray for prosperity and safety for the rest of the year.
Regardless of the time of year, a visit to the shrine promises a fun experience! I visited the shrine in May for cherry blossom season. If you’re staying in one of the major neighborhoods, it will probably be a short train ride to get here. It was fun and lively, with other people praying and wishing for success in their future.
The shrine is beautiful and a reflection of Sapporo’s rich culture and history. When I visited, it wasn’t too busy and we got to partake in fortune-telling and prayers. We also got to buy some good luck charms for ourselves and as gifts!
Maruyama Park
Maruyama Park right next to the shrine has a great variety of blossoming trees throughout the year. It is a beautiful sight to see when the flowers bloom.
If you go around cherry blossom season (mid-April-early May), you’ll see food and game vendors present around the park as well.
Attraction Details
Hokkaido-jingu Shrine (北海道神宮)
Opening Hours: Everyday 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Address: Miyagaoka 474, Chuo-ku, Sapporo
Lunch at Nijo Market
If you enjoy seafood, stop by Nijo Market for lunch. Nijo Market is one of Hokkaido’s oldest and most famous markets, and provides tons of affordable fresh seafood to buy and eat. The quality of the fish is outstanding!
You can find Hokkaido specialties like sea urchins (uni), huge king crabs, and scallops for sale by local vendors. There are also tons of restaurants that prepare amazing meals!
I had a seafood donburi of uni, fresh crab, and an assortment of sashimi including toro (fatty tuna) for only $15! The quality of the fish was outstanding, and the portion left me pretty full.
👍 Pro tip: after you finish browsing the stalls, go inside the alleyways. That is where you’ll find hidden restaurants that are both delicious and affordable.
Attraction Details
Nijo Market (二条市場, Nijō Ichiba)
Opening Hours: Everyday 7:00 am – 5:00 pm
Address: Japan, 〒060-0052 Hokkaido, Sapporo, Chuo Ward, Minami 2 Johigashi, 1 Chome, 南3条東1丁目〜2丁目
Sapporo TV Tower
Once you’re ready, head over to Sapporo TV Tower, a symbolic 147-meter tower that is one of the prominent attractions of the city.
Completed in 1956, the tower has a high observation deck where you can look over Odori Park.
If you’re a couple planning a special occasion, you can actually rent out the tower after 10 PM for ¥10,000 ($60 USD). You can display a personalized message on the first floor and also light the tower up in whatever color you wish! Make a note to come back later at night, if you’re interested.
Attraction Details
Sapporo TV Tower (さっぽろテレビ塔)
Opening Season: December 1st – May (Varies)
Opening Hours: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm, Night Skiing 4:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Address: Odori Nishi 1-chome, Chuo-ku, Sapporo
Odori Park
You can head on over to Odori Park right after the TV Tower. Although it’s called a “park”, it’s actually a street stretching over 3 blocks across the heart of Sapporo. The park features 92 different types of seasonal plants, and it’s enjoyable to stroll through and relax in the middle of the bustling city.
Odori Park hosts popular festivals that Sapporo is well known for, such as the Snow Festival in February and the Lilac Festival in the middle of May. If you get the chance, definitely visit the festival!
Snow Festival
The Snow Festival features elaborate snow and ice sculptures that are remarkably well-crafted.
For a week in February, millions of visitors can enjoy the illuminated sculptures in Susukino and Odori Park. These sculptures have various designs, modeling after major landmarks or well-known characters.
Lilac Festival
The lilac is Sapporo’s designated tree. The Lilac Festival is Sapporo’s other major festival and takes place around mid to late May when the trees bloom.
In Odori Park, visitors can walk through 400 lilac frees, take home saplings, sample wine, enjoy a music festival, and much more!
Attraction Details
Sapporo Snow Festival (さっぽろ雪まつり, Sapporo Yuki Matsuri)
Date: First week of February (Varies)
Opening Hours: Anytime. The statues are illuminated until 10:00 pm in Odori and until 11:00 pm (until 10:00 pm on the last day) in Susukino.
Admission: Free!
Attraction Details
Sapporo Lilac Festival
Date: First week of February (Varies)
Opening Hours: Around 10 am – 4 pm, but varies by exhibit
Admission: Free!
Sapporo Clock Tower
The Sapporo Clock Tower is one of the oldest buildings in Sapporo, dating back to the city’s early development in 1878. For reference, the city was officially recognized in 1868! Originating as a theatrical hall, the Clock Tower is a symbol of Sapporo’s growth and progress.
There is a small museum inside where visitors can learn about Sapporo’s origins and the Clock Tower’s history.
Conveniently located in the heart of Sapporo, the Clock Tower today is part of Hokkaido University. After visiting the Clock Tower and the free Hokkaido University Museum, visitors can stroll through streets of large elm and ginkgo trees that change colors in the seasons.
Attraction Details
Sapporo Clock Tower (Tokei-Dai)
Opening Season: December 1st – May (Varies)
Opening Hours: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm, Night Skiing 4:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Address: Kita 1-jo Nishi 2-chome, Chuo-ku, Sapporo
Enjoy Soup Curry for Dinner
Soup curry is the regional specialty that Sapporo is most well known for. You would be missing out if you left the city before having a taste!
Compared to traditional Japanese curry which has a thick sauce, soup curry has a lighter broth and an abundance of vegetables. Packed with nutrition, it’s a delicious balanced meal.
Typical soup curry in Sapporo is served with rice, a type of meat (think lamb, pork, or chicken), and a rainbow of roasted vegetables. You can customize your preferred level of spiciness, and meat selection, and add additional toppings.
Garaku Soup Curry or Suage+ are two popular soup curry restaurants both walking distance from Sapporo Clock Tower. Garaku is an 8 minute walk while Suage+ is a 15 minute walk.
If time permits, either one of these would be great options for dinner!
Attraction Details
Garaku Soup Curry (がらくスープカレー)
Opening Hours: Everyday 11:30 AM-3:00 PM, 5:00 PM-8:30 PM
Reservations: No
Address: Japan, 〒060-0062 Hokkaido, Sapporo, Chuo Ward, Minami 2 Jonishi, 2 Chome−6−1 おくむらビル B1
Attraction Details
Suage+
Opening Hours: 11:00 AM-9:00 PM
Address: Japan, 〒064-0804 Hokkaido, Sapporo, Chuo Ward, Minami 4 Jonishi, 5 Chome−6-1 都志松ビル 2階
Spend the night out in Susukino
Before the night ends, make sure you explore Susukino at least once!
Susukino is Sapporo’s entertainment district, and the largest in the Hokkaido region. There is an abundance of options if you’d like to explore the nightlife, including restaurants, clubs, bars, pachinko, and more.
It is a red-light district as well, so just be aware that you may see some activities more suited towards adults.
As I was walking to a restaurant, we passed by a bar that was half blurred, but you could see the lower half of the window. So we saw a bunch of girls dressed in bunny suits, fishnets, and heels. Waist down only though!
Pachinko
You could try your hand at Pachinko, a Japanese gambling game that has some similarities to slots and pinball. I really wanted to try it once, but they stop allowing coin purchases at 10:30 PM.
Bars/Clubs
There are multiple clubs and bars located in this neighborhood too.
I wasn’t super fond of the club I went to (Utage), but to be fair I did roll up at 9:30 PM on a Tuesday. And admission was free. And they did give us LED sticks. Considering how it was pretty crowded on a Tuesday, I have a feeling it’ll be a lot more fun on a weekend, if you want to give it a chance. But the music was subpar (all American pop music), so I’ll let you judge for yourself.
I won’t leave you high and dry though, so I recommend trying out Precious Hall. It’s an underground club with a relaxed vibe and an excellent sound system.
Attraction Details
Utage
Opening Hours: Everyday 9 PM – 6 AM
Address: Japan, 〒064-0805 Hokkaido, Sapporo, Chuo Ward, Minami 5 Jonishi, 3 Chome−6−1 札幌東宝公楽ビル B1F
Attraction Details
Precious Hall
Opening Hours: Saturday 11 PM – 6 AM, Sunday 7 PM – 1 AM
Address: Japan, 〒060-0062 Hokkaido, Sapporo, Chuo Ward, Minami 2 Jonishi, 3 Chome−13-2 パレードビル B2F
Arcades
Another fun option is to visit one of Sapporo’s huge arcades. We went to a Round 1 that had 6 (perhaps more) levels and played games until 2 AM! There are so many things you can do and try here, so I definitely encourage venturing out for a bit.
After you’ve had a little fun exploring, return back to your hotel to get some sleep. The next day will have more fun Sapporo attractions!
Attraction Details
Round One Sapporo Susukino
Opening Hours: Everyday, 24 hours!
Admission: Free, but each game costs ¥10-300 yen to play
Address: 3 Chome-6-1 Minami 5 Jonishi, Chuo Ward, Sapporo, Hokkaido 064-0805, Japan
Day 2 Sapporo Itinerary
Hokkaido Museum
For Day 2 of the itinerary, we’ll start off at Hokkaido Museum, which takes a look at the nature, history, and culture of Hokkaido. You’ll get to learn about the history of Japan, and the culture of the Ainu, the indigenous people of Japan as well as the lives of immigrants from Honshu.
The museum is located about 40 minutes away from Sapporo and can be reached by car, or by taking a train and bus. Inside, many exhibits offer a look into the North-east Asian history of Japan and its environment.
You can try making sentences in the orally transmitted Ainu language (a written language was never created!). You’ll also see real fossils and learn about unique species like the Hokkaido brown bear and Ezo red fox.
Historical Village of Hokkaido (Kaitaku-no Mura)
Afterward, take a quick 9-minute walk to the Historic Village of Hokkaido, an open-air museum that displays Hokkaido during the Meiji and Taisho Periods (1868-1926), a time period significant to Hokkaido’s development. There are 4 different sections, showing the central town, as well as fishing, farm, and mountain villages.
These two museums take a deep dive into Hokkaido’s past and is a great way to spend a few hours learning about their rich history. It’s a must-visit destination for anyone interested in exploring the depth and complexity of Hokkaido’s heritage!
Attraction Details
Hokkaido Museum & Historic Village of Hokkaido
Opening Hours: Tuesday-Friday 9:30 AM – 4:30 PM, depending on the season
Closed: Mondays
Admission: ¥1000 for Historic Village, ¥800 for the Hokkaido Museum, and ¥1400 for both museums!
Address: 53-2 Atsubetsucho Konopporo, Atsubetsu-ku, Sapporo 004-0006
Lamb Barbecue for Lunch
For lunch I encourage you to try another regional specialty, Genghis Khan barbecue (Jingisukan) . This regional specialty consists of lamb barbecue on a dome shaped metal skillet, and was created in Hokkaido!
While the lamb is delicious, I think the best part about Genghis Khan is the combination of everything: the fun, relaxed atmosphere, grilling your own meat, and washing it down with a crisp Sapporo beer. It feels very meaningful to be drinking a Sapporo in its namesake city, trying a local dish and just having a great time.
I loved my experience and I do recommend you try it!
I won’t lie to you though, after a few rounds I did get a little sick of eating just lamb. However, I’ll always remember the memory of laughing with my family, grilling lamb and sipping on a Sapporo, while looking out at the beautiful city below. And for that reason I’d say it is a must try!
👍 Pro tip: Many AYCE Genghis Khan restaurants is all you can eat lamb only. You may get tired of the taste after a few rounds, so I recommend ordering a la carte for your first time.
Option 1: Sapporo Beer Garden
If you want to enjoy a beer with your first Genghis Khan experience, there may not be a better place than the Sapporo Beer Garden. It’s right next to the Beer Museum, so you can come by immediately before or after your tour of the museum.
The location is in an old beer factory that has been transformed into a barbecue restaurant, so it’s a very fun and unique experience!
Ordering is easy through a tablet, and you get to cook your own meat. A la carte or buffet options are both available.
You can reserve online or at the Sapporo Beer Museum.
Attraction Details
Sapporo Beer Garden
Opening Hours: Everyday 11:30 AM – 9:00 PM
Address: 9 Chome-2-10 Kita 7 Johigashi, Higashi Ward, Sapporo, Hokkaido 065-0007, Japan
Option 2: Extreme Salt Cured Genghis Khan
This restaurant may be a bit out of the way from the Sapporo Beer Museum, but this was where I tried Genghis Khan and I really enjoyed it. I came to Extreme Salt Cured Genghis Khan for dinner without a reservation and waited about 25 minutes.
The lamb here is delicious, and I love how they put English labels on the dishes for foreigners! But the biggest perk about this place is the location.
Located on the 10th floor of a building, it’s a stunning view. You can see the bustling streets and big screens of Susukino by the window.
If you get the chance to come here at night, it’s a beautiful view down below. Coupled with a fun, casual atmosphere and delicious food, it’s a great place to try out.
👍 Pro tip: Google Maps has trouble finding stores that are located on different buildings. This restaurant is located on the 10th building, and the entrance looks like the entrance to an apartment complex.
Attraction Details
Extreme Salt Cured Genghis Khan
Opening Hours: Monday – Friday 5:00 PM – 11:00 PM, Saturday – Sunday 1:00 – 3:00 PM, 5:00 PM – 11:00 PM
Address: Japan, 〒064-0804 Hokkaido, Sapporo, Chuo Ward, Minami 4 Jonishi, 2 Chome−14ー2 セントラルS4ビル 10F
Sapporo Beer Museum
If you ate lunch at the Sapporo Beer Garden, you’re already in the right spot for your next attraction. The Beer Museum is a great attraction for Sapporo lovers, and even if you don’t like beer, the science behind the cooking process is very interesting as well.
The Sapporo Beer Museum will walk you through the brewing process and the evolution of their brewing technology, as well as the cultural significance of beer in Japan.
The museum and garden are both free to enter. Inside, you can either opt for a free 20-minute tour or a guided tour for a small fee of ¥500 to ¥1000 yen, depending on age.
One highlight of the museum is the opportunity to taste various Sapporo beer products, including limited editions and seasonal brews, in a historic setting. Beer flight anyone? Keep note that you have to be at least 20 years old to taste the beer, though.
Whether you’re a beer enthusiast or simply curious about Japanese brewing traditions, a visit to the Sapporo Beer Museum offers a delightful and educational experience that shouldn’t be missed during your time in Sapporo.
Attraction Details
Sapporo Beer Museum (サッポロビール)
Opening Hours: 11:00 AM-6:00 PM(Last admission 5:30 PM)
Days Closed: Every Monday (or on Tuesday if Monday is a holiday)
Admission: Adults: ¥1000, Middle school age – 19: ¥500, Elementary school age and under: free
Address: 9-chōme-1-1 Kita 7 Jōhigashi, Higashi Ward, Sapporo, Hokkaido 065-8633, Japan
Tanukikioji Shopping Arcade
After finishing at the Beer Museum, it’s time to do some shopping!
I had a great time wandering the Tanukikoji Shopping Arcade, which is a 1 km (0.5 mile) street in downtown Sapporo with around 200 shops. You can find souvenir shops, vintage shops, restaurants, and, of course, arcades here. It has a nice large roof cover, which was helpful as it rained for a short amount of time while I was there.
If you’re interested in vintage, Japan is well known for its huge vintage selection! One of my favorite things to do while I was in the country (I told you, I’m a shopper) was vintage shop! There are some great options in the Tanukikoji Shopping Arcade.
Check out 2nd Street and Neuf for some great vintage selections. Other than vintage, you’ll find all kinds of other shops here too! Just make to save the Mega Don Quijote as your last stop, because I guarantee you’ll come out with a lot more than you expected…
Dinner at Ramen Alley
Sapporo’s regional specialty is miso ramen, which has a rich and flavorful broth. The miso paste is a traditional Japanese seasoning made from fermented soybeans, which gives it a distinct savory and slightly sweet taste.
Sapporo miso ramen typically includes toppings such as sliced pork (chashu), corn, butter, green onions, bean sprouts, and sometimes bamboo shoots or mushrooms. The addition of butter and corn is also a signature style found in Sapporo ramen, adding richness and sweetness to the dish.
Ramen Alley is the birthplace of miso ramen and was built in the 1950s. I stumbled across it by chance while walking around downtown Sapporo one day.
Once you walk past the opening, you’ll find cozy alleyways populated with small ramen shops serving local customers and tourists alike. The immersive ramen experience and homely atmosphere give off Naruto vibes. What better place to sample the city’s specialty than here?
Attraction Details
Ganso Ramen Yokocho Sapporo
Opening Hours: Everyday 11:00 AM – 3:00 AM (Shops vary)
Address: Japan, 〒064-0805 Hokkaido, Sapporo, Chuo Ward, Minami 5 Jonishi, 3 Chome−8番 N・グランデビル ラーメン横丁
Sapporo Fushimini Inari Shrine
If you venture just a little bit outside of downtown, you’ll find the Sapporo Fushimini Inari Shrine. Modeled after the famous Fushimi Inari Shrine in Kyoto, this shrine is renowned for its picturesque rows of vibrant red torii gates that create a mesmerizing pathway through sacred grounds. It makes a stunning photo spot, and it has a lot less visitors than the shrine in Kyoto!
One of the highlights is walking through the torii gate tunnel, which symbolizes the transition from the mundane to the sacred. Each step along this path offers a moment of reflection and connection with Japanese spiritual practices.
Additionally, the shrine is home to several smaller shrines and statues, allowing for exploration and discovery of different aspects of Shinto beliefs. It’s a must stop attraction if you’re interested in Japanese culture, and it’s along the way to Mt. Moiwa Outlook (our last stop for the day!)
Mt Moiwa Outlook
Just 45 minutes away from the city, you can go to a summit observatory for breathtaking panoramic views of Sapporo. Mt. Moiwa Ropeway has been listed as one of the three major night views of Japan.
You can choose to access the observatory either by ropeway or Mo-risu Car (cable car) for a fun experience! Both operate in 15-minute intervals, so it’s easy to get up there quickly.
On top of the mountain, there is an exquisite French restaurant called The Jewels, for those wanting to enjoy a fine dining meal.
It is relatively easy to get to, as you only need to hop on a 45-minute train from the city to get there. If you drive, it’s 30 minutes away and has free parking at the transportation spot.
👍 Pro tip: Make sure to check the observation deck live camera before deciding to head up there, as the view can be obstructed on a particularly cloudy day.
Attraction Details
Mt. Moiwa Ropeway (藻岩山ロープウェイ, Moiwayama Rōpuwei)
Opening Hours: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM, depending on the season
Admission: ¥2,100 Roundtrip for adults, ¥1,050 Roundtrip for children 12 and under
Address: 5 Chome-3-7 Fushimi, Chuo Ward, Sapporo, Hokkaido 064-0942, Japan
Day 3 and 4 Sapporo Itinerary: Day Trips From Sapporo
For a portion of your trip, I encourage you to head outside of Sapporo and explore the rest of Hokkaido! Sapporo is the perfect base for exploring the breathtaking landscapes and cultural treasures of the region.
There are many destinations very close to Sapporo that can easily be made into a fun day trip or weekend trip.
You could visit Shikotsu-Toya National Park for a day or two, and enjoy the sulfur lakes, hike up the volcanoes, or kayak on Lake Toya if you’re a fan of the outdoors. You could visit Jozenkei for a relaxing hot spring bath, or see the brilliantly colored Blue Pond near Biei.
There are a ton of possibilities, and quite frankly too many to put in this post, so I’ll direct you to my other blog post Day Trips From Sapporo to check out some ideas.
👉 Check out my blog posts on Day Trips from Sapporo that you can do easily! It covers:
- Otaru
- Yoichi
- Shikotsu-Toya National Park
- Jigokudani
- Asahikawa
- Furano
- Biei
- Blue Pond
Day 5 and beyond Sapporo Itinerary
Although there are a couple more destinations in Sapporo I think would be worth visiting, I couldn’t fit it all into day 5! For that reason, I’ve included more attractions that may catch your interest, in no particular order.
Don’t worry about trying to see all these places at once, as some destinations will take a few hours. Instead, I would select a couple spots that you’re interested in and dedicate your day to those main attractions.
Shiroi Koibito Park
You may be familiar with Shiroi Koibito, an iconic Hokkaido chocolate snack. It’s a European-style cookie that consists of chocolate sandwiched between langue de chat.
Originating from Sapporo, the Shiroi Koibito Park is a theme park in the city that combines sweets, history, and art for a super fun all-day experience.
You can take a chocolate factory tour, and see the process of how to make the popular cookie. Afterward, you can join a cookie-making workshop to decorate your own cookies and create a personalized souvenir to enjoy at home.
There is a museum and picturesque garden, styled after European architecture. Founder Isao Ishimizu loved the beauty of England and built a Tudor House to merge British and Hokkaido culture together.
Spending a day at this theme park is a great option for families, couples, or anyone who loves sweets! I bought a ton of boxes to bring home for myself and to give as gifts. The cookies are super yummy, and if you buy a bigger box you get a beautiful blue tin that makes for a great souvenir!
Attraction Details
Shiroi Koibito Park (白い恋人パーク)
Opening Hours: Everyday 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Admission: ¥800 for adults, ¥400 for children ages 4-15
Address: 11-36 Miyanosawa 2-jo 2-chome, Nishi-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido
Hokkaido University
Another point of interest that you might enjoy visiting is the Hokkaido University and its adjacent University Museum, Botanical Garden, and Ainu Center.
Hokkaido University is already a scenic place to be in itself. The streets have large elm and ginkgo trees that change colors with the seasons, and it’s a pleasant area to take a stroll in. But there are also a couple of areas that you can check out to learn about Hokkaido and Sapporo’s history!
Hokkaido University Museum
If you’d like to learn more about the Hokkaido region, the Hokkaido University Museum offers a captivating journey through the Hokkaido’s natural history, cultural heritage, and current scientific projects.
The museum features exhibits showcasing the diverse ecosystems of Hokkaido, from its lush forests to its icy landscapes. And because the museum is part of Hokkaido University, it also highlights the institution’s scientific research and discoveries. You can learn about ongoing research projects such as the Artic Research Center.
Attraction Details
Hokkaidō University Museum
Opening Hours: Tuesday-Sunday 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Closed: Mondays (and Tuesdays when Monday is a holiday)
Admission: Free!
Address: Kita 10-jo, Nishi 8-chome, Kita-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido Prefecture 060-0810
Hokkaido University Botanic Garden
Once you’re done viewing the Museum, head on over to the Botanic Garden. In the Spring and Summer, the Botanic Garden at Hokkaido University transforms into beautiful seasonal blooms. Visitors can spend some time strolling the garden and seeing the different flowers, especially during the peak times of May and June.
Attraction Details
Botanic Garden Hokkaidō University
Opening Hours: Tuesday-Sunday 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Closed: Mondays (and Tuesdays when Monday is a holiday)
Address: North3, West8, Chuo-ku, Sapporo, 060-0003, Japan
Hokkaido Ainu Center
In addition to the many different species of plants you’ll find here, there is also a small museum dedicated to the history of the Ainu people, regional animals, and local history. It’s located near the Botanic Garden and will be easy to stop by on the way.
Aoao Aquarium
Locals and tourists alike both love visiting the Aoao Aquarium, so I can guarantee you’ll enjoy it too! It’s located right in downtown Sapporo, within Tanukikoji Shopping Street. You’ll be able to see beautiful aquatic animals, shop to your heart’s content, and grab a bite at a delicious restaurant all within walking distance of each other!
The first standout feature is Aoao’s Northern Rockhopper penguin habitat, renowned for their distinctive hopping antics. Set within a dynamic environment of movable hexagonal blocks, the habitat allows visitors and penguins to interact together!
Another must-see highlight at Aoao Aquarium is the mesmerizing digital art exhibit “Blue Room,” dedicated to the UNESCO World Heritage site, the Shiretoko Sea. It features a massive 20-meter screen, where you’ll get to encounter life-size killer whales and sperm whales swimming through the ocean as if you’re seeing them in real life.
One notable feature of this aquarium is its extended hours; it stays open until 10 pm! With all the different things to do and see while you’re in Sapporo, it can be challenging when most attractions close around 5-6 PM. With Aoao open day and night, you can come after dinner and enjoy winding down a long day with a relaxing experience in the ocean world.
Attraction Details
Aoao Aquarium
Opening Hours: Monday – Sunday 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM (Last entry 9:00 PM)
Admission: Adults 2,000 yen, Children 1000 yen
Address: 3 Chome-20 Minami 2 Jonishi, Chuo Ward, Sapporo, Hokkaido 060-0062, Japan
Sapporo Hitsujigaoka Observation Hill
On a sunny day, take a walk up to Hitsujigaoka Observation Hill to see the most photographed statue in Sapporo.
The hill features a statue of Dr. Clark, a prominent American professor who helped establish Hokkaido University. You can find the iconic phrase “Boys, Be Ambitious!” on his statue, along with a scenic view overlooking the city and the hills!
Attraction Details
Sapporo Hitsujigaoka Observation Hill
Opening Hours: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Admission: 600 yen
Address: 1 Hitsujigaoka, Toyohira Ward, Sapporo, Hokkaido 062-0045, Japan
Okurayama Observatory
Okurayama Observatory was the site of the 90m ski jump competition at the 1972 Olympics. You can ride a double lift to the top of the ski lift for a beautiful view of the city! It looks truly magical, especially at night. Check the official website as hours vary depending on the season!
Attraction Details
Okurayama Observatory
Opening Hours: 8:30 to 18:00 (late April to June, and October)
8:30 to 20:30 (July to September)
9:00 to 17:00 (November to late April)
Admission: 1000 yen (chairlift roundtrip only), 1300 yen (chairlift and museum)
Address: 372P+79, Miyanomori, Chuo Ward, Sapporo, Hokkaido 064-0958, Japan
Sapporo Winter Itinerary
Although many of Sapporo’s attractions are accessible all year round, there are a few special destinations that are only available during the Winter.
Sapporo Snow Festival
The Sapporo Snow Festival is the biggest annual event in Sapporo, and attracts 2 million visitors a year! It is a spectacular display of elaborate ice sculptures. For the first week of February, Visitors can visit Odori Park and Susukino to see displays of glassy models of famous landmarks or unique artistic creations illuminated by colorful lights.
In addition to admiring the sculptures, visitors can enjoy various winter activities like snow slides, snow rafting, and ice skating. The festival also includes food stalls offering Hokkaido specialties and cultural performances, making it a must-see event for anyone visiting Sapporo during winter.
Attraction Details
Sapporo Snow Festival (さっぽろ雪まつり, Sapporo Yuki Matsuri)
Date: First week of February (Varies)
Opening Hours: Anytime. The statues are illuminated until 10:00 pm in Odori and until 11:00 pm (until 10:00 pm on the last day) in Susukino.
Admission: Free!
Ski at Sapporo Teine
An international ski resort on top of Mt. Teineyama, Sapporo Teine prides itself on being one of the best ski resorts in Japan thanks to its snow quality and course layout!
It has a great variety of trails, from gentle slopes to fast advanced courses. In fact, two runs available were used during the 1972 Sapporo Winter Olympics. On a sunny day, you can overlook the city as you ski down.
What’s even better is how accessible this ski resort is. It’s only 30 minutes from Sapporo. You can get there quickly by taking two trains and can ski the whole day!
Attraction Details
Sapporo Teine (サッポロテイネ)
Opening Season: December 1st – May (Varies)
Opening Hours: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm, Night Skiing 4:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Admission: ¥6,300-6,900 for 1 Adult 1 Day Pass, Varies by Age and season
Snowmobile Land
Only available during three months in the Winter, you can take a snowmobile tour through the powder white snow in Sapporo! You can go on a fun excursion for 60-90 minutes, and can ride alone or with a partner. You can even choose to have a guided lesson with a tour guide who will show you how to ride down the harder slopes. It’s a super fun interactive activity that isn’t offered anywhere else!
For adults, prices range between 13,000-30,000 yen, but vary based on the type of tour and number of people riding. Prices for children are around 9,000. For such a unique activity, I think it’s worth experiencing!
⛄ Book your snowmobile tour here on Klook to ride on the snow in Sapporo! ⛄
Attraction Details
Snowmobile Land Sapporo
Opening Season: End of December-End of March (varies)
Opening Hours: 9:00 am – 3:00 pm
How many days are enough for Sapporo?
3-7 days is ideal to explore most of Sapporo and Hokkaido.
I stayed in Sapporo for 3 days, and I believe 2-3 days is enough to fully enjoy the city itself. You’ll have enough time to explore the main highlights, try the local cuisines and specialty dishes, and get a feel for the city’s vibe!
I recommend spending another few days exploring the nearby areas in Hokkaido (Days 3-4 in my Sapporo Itinerary) to fully appreciate everything that Hokkaido has to offer.
Sapporo is a terrific place to use as a base, and you can easily day trip out to Otaru or Jozankei!
Where to Stay in Sapporo
I recommend staying either near Sapporo Station or in Susukino. Being near the Station will provide ease of travel for many destinations on the Sapporo itinerary. On the other hand, Susukino is where most of the city’s nightlife and restaurants are located, as well.
I like Sapporo Station or Susukino because it’s better to either stay next to the train station or next to the shops and restaurants. You will most likely be traveling almost exclusively by train, which can sometimes be faster than a car! Either of these areas would make a good base, with plenty of hotel options and easy access to transportation.
Places near Odori Park would also be great for first-timers, as it is central to the city. Nakajima Koen could be an option as well if you prefer a quieter neighborhood.
SAPPORO BUDGET HOTELS
⭐ Budget Hostel: Hotel Plus Hostel SAPPORO
Hotel Plus Hostel SAPPORO is, as the name implies, a hotel and a hostel and is located in the heart of Susukino (Location!). Large beds with lots of free amenities are provided, as well as desks and a large common area to hang out with friends after a night out exploring the city.
⭐ Budget Hotel Theatel Sapporo
Theatel is a fun play on the fact that the hotel is decorated to resemble a theater. If you want to try a new experience, Theatel is a capsule hotel hostel.
What is a capsule hotel? Imagine you’re traveling in space: futuristic bed pods, optimized utilization of space, and it’s almost like bunking or camping. Each room is like it’s one little tiny home!
You share common facilities like showers, lounges, and eating areas, which saves you a lot of money on the accommodation cost.
Some available rooms have 4 separate beds if you’re looking for budget travel as a group. These rooms come equipped with a projector for a movie night as well.
You can’t beat the location, as Theatel is a short walking distance to the train station. For solo travelers, this is a fun option.
⭐ Budget Hotel HOTEL MYSTAYS Sapporo Station
HOTEL MYSTAYS is a great budget option for couples and/or families. If you get lucky, a room with a double-sized bed can be as cheap as $60 a night! Double beds can be a little hard to find when you’re looking for budget options, as many lower-priced hotels will opt for twin beds.
It’s in a prime location, being only a 5-minute walk to Sapporo Station. There’s even a breakfast option and free cancellation!
SAPPORO MID-RANGE HOTELS
⭐ Mid Range Hotel: APA Hotel Sapporo (Either Housuisusukino Ekimae or Susukino Ekimae)
I stayed at APA while I was in Sapporo and really enjoyed my stay! It was close to Susukino and only a 5-minute walk to the train entrance.
I got a double bed room with my partner, and we had all the essentials, plus some great amenities (slippers, robe, shampoo, hair ties (an essential for most women!), tea, etc.).
Later, I peeked into my mom’s single traveler room and was shocked that it was bigger than ours! She had two double beds and lots of space to move around, while we only had one double bed! I don’t know how that happened, but there is a chance you’ll get a big room when you book.
The location is amazing. The hotel is next to many stores and restaurants in downtown Susukino. And if you wake up jet lagged, there’s a ramen shop a short walk away that opens at 7 am (I’m speaking from experience)!
I stayed in the Housuisusukino Ekimae location and recommend it. If you’d like to be even closer to the Susukino district, then I would pick Susukino Ekimae. They are both similarly priced around $150/night during high season.
⭐ Mid Range Hotel: Mitsui Garden Hotel Sapporo
In an excellent location just a few minutes walk from Sapporo Station, Mitsui Garden has large comfortable rooms. It’s a four-star hotel, but during the off-season, rooms can be as cheap as $100/night if you book ahead! A public onsen is even available for those who’d like to experience public bathing (with tattoo stickers if needed)!
⭐ Mid Range Hotel The Base
While The Base is a bit of a farther walk to Susukino Station (10 minutes), it is ideal for big groups and families. The typical price will be around $300 a night for up to groups of 6, averaging about $50 per night. Not too bad, right?
The spacious rooms have a large amount of beds and can host up to 9 people in one room! A kitchen and washing machine is also available inside.
Luxury hotels
⭐ JR Tower Hotel Nikko Sapporo
This four-star hotel has it all. It’s located inside the train station, making transportation easier than, well, anything really. You’ll have all the restaurants and shops to choose from. The hotel itself has two restaurants that offer panoramic views of the city. It’s simply beautiful and top-of-the-line!
If you plan on taking the subway and exploring a lot of Hokkaido, you’ll love staying here. It has everything you could possible need, with tremendously easy transportation.
⭐ Onsen Ryokan Yuen
It’s extremely rare to find a ryokan with an onsen so close to the city, but Yuen makes it work! With beautiful, serene rooms, a sauna, and a hot spring bath, Yuen is ideal for couples looking to add romance effortlessly or for travelers looking to experience a ryokan without having to travel too far from Sapporo.
Conclusion: Sapporo Itinerary
I hope you enjoyed my Sapporo Itinerary, and took some ideas to use on your next trip to Hokkaido’s big city! I absolutely loved my time in Sapporo, and I know that you will like it too.
Not only is it a vibrant city with so much to do, see, and eat, but you can find unbelievably beautiful landscapes if you venture out just a few minutes from the city. Whether you’re savoring the unique flavors of Hokkaido’s culinary delights or immersing yourself in the cultural and historical sites, this itinerary ensures a well-rounded and unforgettable experience.
Happy traveling! If you need any assistance with planning your trip, feel free to reach out to me! And if you’re still unsure if you want to visit Sapporo or not, check out my other blog post!
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