Unlocking Sapporo: What Makes It Worth Visiting In 2024

Last Updated on June 24, 2024 by Audrey

Is Sapporo worth visiting when you go to Japan? I’ll help you make an answer!

I’m sure you’ve heard of Sapporo before. It’s an extremely popular Japanese beer brand! It’s also the capital of Hokkaido, the northern region of Japan. But other than that, what else is the city known for, and is it worth a visit?

While it is a bustling city, nature surrounds this area. Sapporo has a wealth of things to see and do! Most people who visit Japan will stick to the area around Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka and completely miss out on this hidden gem.

However, it’s important to be aware that there are some challenges to visit Sapporo when you come to Japan.

The long flight to Japan can be intimidating to some travelers. It is also generally colder in Northern Japan, so expect to bundle up if you head to Sapporo.

After I visited Sapporo this year, I was shocked by how lively it was. I thought I was going to the countryside! While nature is abundant, the city life is amazing, and the food is delicious. Keep scrolling to determine if Sapporo is worth visiting this year!

Check out my other Sapporo blog posts below 👇

The Best 5-Day Sapporo Itinerary For First-Timers

The Best Day Trips From Sapporo, Hokkaido (2024)

Is Sapporo Worth Visiting in 2024?

YES! Sapporo is worth visiting in 2024! It has something for everyone, whether you are a nature lover, a shopper, a culture lover, the list goes on.

Maybe you want to do some snowboarding or skiing in the Winter. Lucky for you, Sapporo is famous for its snow season. From November to March, the Hokkaido region transforms into a Winter Wonderland.

When the snow melts, beautiful lush flower fields are revealed all over the region. There are natural hot springs (onsen) towns very close by and are accessible all year round.

Despite having a great selection of nature activities, the city itself is lively and vibrant, with many parks and attractions, as well as a large entertainment district that comes alive at night.

It is tremendously easy to navigate the city, with a reliable public transportation system that is rarely delayed. You won’t need a car while you’re in Sapporo unless you plan on venturing out to other areas in Hokkaido. In that case, Sapporo is a great base as it is close to top attractions in Hokkaido and has lots of accessible information for tourists.

Foodies will fall in love with the city, which is well known for its delectable cuisines. Even if you stroll into a random restaurant, there is a 99% chance that it’s going to taste incredible.

What is Sapporo Known For?

Hokkaido is the northernmost of Japan’s main islands, known for its beautiful natural scenery, and outdoor activities. Sapporo is the largest city in Hokkaido and is known for its abundant snow season and delicious seafood.

During the Winter, Sapporo hosts the Sapporo Snow Festival, an internationally renown festival featuring incredible snow and ice sculptures.

Sapporo Beer Museum is a pretty popular attraction in the city, where visitors can see the brewing process. Sapporo has amazing cuisines and is well known for its miso ramen, soup curry, seafood, and Hokkaido dairy products.

Visitors can explore historical landmarks like the Sapporo Clock Tower and Hokkaido Shrine. With a great blend of natural beauty, cultural experiences, and amazing food, there is an abundance of things to do and try while you are in Sapporo.

At nighttime, visitors can stroll through Susukino, the largest entertainment district in the north. With big visual screens to attract your eyes, Susukino has tons of restaurants, clubs, shops, and pachinko parlors.

The 24 Best Things To Do In Sapporo

See the Snow

1. See the ice sculptures at the 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.

2. Ski Down 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!

The Eats

3. Go Beer tasting At the Sapporo Beer Museum

Do you like Sapporo Beer? If you do, then you should pay a visit to this museum. If you don’t like beer, the science behind the cooking process might fascinate you instead.

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.

4. Eat Fresh Seafood at Nijo Market

Sapporo is well-known for its delicious seafood. You have to stop by Nijo Market when you come to the city. Nijo Market is one of Hokkaido’s oldest and most famous markets and has tons of affordable fresh seafood to buy and eat.

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!

When I visited Sapporo, my first taste of seafood in Japan was in Nijo Market. It set the bar so high for the rest of my trip. 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.

Afterward, you can pick up local produce and souvenirs to bring home. We bought crab furikake and lots of dried squid!

5. Slurp Miso Ramen 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?

6. Sample Hokkaido Milk

If you can, you really should try Hokkaido milk products while you are in the region. Sapporo is filled with small cafes that all provide dairy products made of Hokkaido milk.

You really can taste the difference. Hokkaido milk has a sweeter, almost vanilla-like taste. The food alone is well worth making the trip up to Sapporo! You can find it in cheese, ice cream, butter, cakes, and more!

My favorite Hokkaido milk items were the Hokkaido cheesecake from Komeda’s Coffee, and the Bocca White Pudding for its fun presentation!

Komeda’s Coffee is a chain, so you can find it in many cities even if you aren’t in the northern area. It’s very popular among locals so there may be a small wait. They also have a free breakfast service, where you get amazingly soft bread with jam or butter!

Bocca’s white pudding is also offered in many local shops. You have to pop the balloon, and it’s really cool! I like drizzling a little bit of the caramel sauce on top. It’s not too sweet but has a flavor that is to die for.

7. Sip Soup Curry

Soup curry is Sapporo’s most well-known regional specialty. 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.

If you have open plans for lunch, consider visiting Garaku Soup Curry or Suage+, two popular soup curry restaurants conveniently located in the heart of Sapporo!

Things to do

8. Eat Chocolate at 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!

9. Go up the Sapporo TV Tower

On the eastern edge of Odori Park, you can see the Sapporo TV Tower, a city landmark completed in 1956. The tower has an observation deck where visitors can enjoy seasonal views of Odori Park and the city. It’s actually the best place to see the illuminated ice sculptures during the Snow Festival!

For couples looking to celebrate a special occasion, you can even rent out the observation tower after it closes to the public around 10 PM.

For only 10,000 yen ($60 USD) for two people, you can rent out the observation tower and enjoy a complimentary bottle of wine. Plus, you can light the tower up in a color of your choosing and display a personalized message! It’ll be a beautiful way to commemorate a special day with your date.

10. Visit the 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, including the incident of the big fire.

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.

11. Take the Cable Car to Mt. Moiwa Ropeway

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.

12. Explore the Nightlife in the Susukino District

As I mentioned earlier, Susukino is Sapporo’s entertainment district and one of the largest in Japan. It has tons of stores, bars, restaurants, clubs, and pachinko parlors. The street shines with lots of bright screens, and there are a ton of options for those looking to spend the night out.

I didn’t have the chance to spend the weekend in Sapporo, so we went to Susukino on a Tuesday night. Needing to sleep early, we went to play a few games at Round 1 but ended up stumbling into a club located one floor below the arcade.

The club name was Utage, but I don’t particularly recommend it. We only went because it was underneath Round 1 and free for international tourists. They played only American songs and the song selection wasn’t great. But for 9 PM on a Tuesday night, there were a lot of people there!

After we enjoyed some drinks for an hour, we went upstairs and played arcade games at Round 1 until 2 AM. The Round 1 I do recommend–I think it had maybe 6 floors of different games and claw machines!

After a lot of tries (the total number is embarrassing), my partner won me a large Winnie the Pooh stuffed animal. In hindsight, we really shouldn’t have tried so hard to win it because it took up so much space in my suitcase. But hey, I was pretty drunk, so I digress.

It was a great night, and I was surprised that the city was still so alive on a Tuesday! Regardless of where you end up, you’ll have a ton of fun in Susukino! A lot of places are open, and lots of people are around to meet and make friends with.

However, it is a red-light district so just be aware before you stroll into any random street. Just don’t head down the wrong alleyway by accident, if you know what I mean. 🙂

13. Learn about the Ainu at Hokkaido Museum

Hokkaido Museum takes a look at the nature, history, and culture of Hokkaido. Visitors will learn about 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.

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!

14. Shop your heart out at Sapporo Station

If you like shopping as much as I do, no need to fear. There are tons of places to shop in Sapporo!

The most popular department shopping complex in the city is likely Sapporo Factory. It was constructed on the former site of Japan’s first beer brewery, and consists of 5 stories with a bright atrium and 160 different shops!

There are restaurants, clothing shops, a movie theater, and even a beer hall. It’s a huge place and is only a 7-minute walk from the train station.

I didn’t get to visit Sapporo Factory, but the shopping mall that I visited was very close to Sapporo Station. In fact, it was more than close… it was in it!

Sapporo Station is located in JR Tower, and it is massive. JR Tower actually has 3 shopping sectors inside it: Paseo, Stellar Place, and Apia. Also located outside of the station but adjacent to JR Tower are Esta (for more discount shopping) and Daimaru.

You can spend hours there and still not have finished visiting all the stores. My particular favorite was Rage Blue and Lily Brown in Stellar Place! After you’ve finished browsing the stores, there is a broad selection of dinner options both in the mall and the station. It’s pretty amazing how much there is to do in train stations in Japan.

15. Vintage shop at Tanukikoji Shopping Arcade

Japan is well known for its huge vintage selection, and Sapporo is no exception. One of my favorite things to do while I was in the country (I told you, I’m a shopper) was vintage shop! They offer luxury goods as well as normal vintage clothing.

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.

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…

nature lovers

16. Stroll through Odori Park

Odori Park is a large street park located right in the heart of Sapporo. Featuring 92 types of trees and flowers, it hosts several festivals every season, such as the Snow Festival in the winter or Lilac Festival in the spring.

You can get a great view of the Sapporo TV Tower here, an iconic 147-meter-high tower that is a notable symbol of the city itself.

It’s a great place to walk through on a sunny afternoon, and you can reach beginning to end of the park in about 30 minutes.

17. See the Cherry Blossoms at Hokkaido Shrine

The primary reason I went to visit Sapporo and Hokkaido was because I wanted to see the cherry blossoms. My trip was in May, and cherry blossom season was over in the Tokyo/Kyoto area which blooms in late March. Because it’s colder up north, cherry blossoms bloom in late April-early May in Hokkaido.

If you are planning to visit Sapporo around that time, make sure to visit Hokkaido shrine! It is a Shinto Shrine dedicated to four guardian gods. It is about a straightforward 20-minute train ride from downtown Sapporo.

The shrine itself is beautiful. When I visited, it wasn’t too busy and we got to pick out fortunes and pray. We also got to buy some good luck charms for ourselves and as gifts. I got a lucky cat charm to put in my wallet for good fortune.

Maruyama Park right next to the shrine has a great variety of blossoming trees throughout the year. It is a beautiful sight to see during cherry blossom season, and food and game vendors are present around the park as well. We got to catch the tail end of some blossoming trees, and overall spent about an hour there.

18. Smell the flowers at Hokkaido University 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.

In addition to the many different species of plants you’ll find here, there are also a few small museums dedicated to the history of the Ainu people, regional animals, and local history.

If you’re on a tight schedule I would opt out of this attraction, but if you have a free day or two in the Spring or Summer you can consider stopping by to see the fresh flowers!

19. See the Glass Pyramid at Moerenuma Park

Moerenuma Park is a fascinating comprehensive park in Sapporo that offers a blend of art, nature, and recreational activities. Designed by sculptor Isamu Noguchi with the concept of “the whole being a single sculpture”, the fountain and hills form geometric shapes to fuse nature and art.

The park has several interactive art installations including the iconic Glass Pyramid, Sea Fountain, Tetra Mount, and Play Mountain that add a sense of creativity and fun to the park’s landscape.

If you’re lucky enough to visit during cherry blossom season, there are 1,900 cherry blossom trees that bloom in the spring. In the summer, visitors can dip their feet to cool off in the fountain or wading pool. While the fall brings changing colors, the winter fills the park with enough snow to sled and ski in.

Regardless of when you decide to visit, Moerenuma Park has something to do!

Take a day trip

20. Dip in Hot springs at Jozankei Onsen

If you’re interested in the hot springs that Japan is famous for, you should go to Jozankei! Located inside Shikiotsu-Toya National Park, Jozankei is a very popular day trip for its close proximity to Sapporo.

You can reach Jozankei in 45 minutes by car, or you can take the convenient Kappa Liner bus for 1 hour. The shuttle bus departs from Sapporo, Odori, and Susukino stations (reservation required).

Since it has become such a popular hot spring destination, there are tons of ryokan, restaurants, and shops for visitors to browse through.

Several facilities offer day use of the onsens for a small fee (¥500-¥2000 yen) in case you aren’t able to stay overnight, so it’s the perfect idea for a day trip! There are also many free foot baths all around the town for those who just want to dip in the natural spring water.

If you’re visiting in the fall, Jozankei is well-known for having a grand display of changing foliage when the trees turn to beautiful reds and yellows. There Is also Iwato Kannodo temple, which is worth a visit as most of the temple is located in a cave.

21. Sample street food at Otaru

Otaru is a small harbor city and is only 30 minutes away from Sapporo by train. It used to be a major port when Hokkaido was developing in the 19th century.

I stopped by here on the last leg of my tour, and it was a nice peaceful way to end the day. I spent about an hour and a half here because I didn’t get there until 4 PM, but if you come before noon you could easily spend a couple hours here. Most shops close around 5-6 PM.

Otaru has tons of street food vendors where you can sample delicious specialties like seafood or Hokkaido dairy products! I had delicious Wagyu skewers, and we tried uni for as little as 500 yen here.

There is also a beautiful canal area modeled after the Venice canals, and you can stroll through the small local shops located all over town.

However, I will note that the city is more for eating and leisure sightseeing. I wouldn’t recommend it for intentional shopping like you’d find in a department store.

22. Relax at Lake Toya

If you get a chance, take a day trip out to Lake Toya! Located about 2 hours from Sapporo, Lake Toya is a beautiful volcanic lake in Shikotsu-Toya National Park. In addition to the lake, hot springs, and an active volcano, Mount Usu, many outdoor activities are available throughout the park.

There are numerous onsen ryokans overlooking Lake Toya, offering a perfect setting for a relaxing overnight stay or a memorable weekend getaway. These traditional Japanese inns combine luxurious hot spring baths with stunning views of the lake and surrounding mountains, providing a serene and rejuvenating experience.

👍 Pro tip: In certain seasons, there are fireworks every Friday around 8:00 PM, depending on the weather. However, you’d have to spend the night or have a car in order to stay and see them, as the last bus back to Sapporo leaves around 7:00 PM.

I was able to see Lake Toya on an all-day tour, and can verify that it is indeed huge! It’s certainly beautiful, and I wish I could have stayed the day there to go down to the lake and touch the water.

If you don’t have the time or accessibility to make the trip down by yourself, a tour is a great way to see many destinations without stressing over transportation.

24. See sulfur hot springs at Noribetsu

Noribetsu Onsen is another famous hot spring resort, providing some of the best hot spring waters in Japan. It features amazing sulfur lakes in Jigokudani or “Hell Valley”, just a short 15-minute walk from the town.

You’ll smell the sulfur lakes before you head up to see them, but they are a beautiful natural attraction! You can walk around them with the safety of a fence to protect you from accidentally touching the sulfur (very dangerous), and there are some nice hills to overlook the baths.

One feature I liked is that the town is “inhabited by oni”, and you can find statues of Japanese ogres all over town!

Noboribetsu would be a great place to stay overnight, so you can spend some time indulging in the 11 different types of water (!) that are featured in the hot springs. The best way is to book a stay at a ryokan that also offers an onsen on-site.

However, if you can’t stay overnight, many hotels also offer day use for ¥700-¥2000 yen. I recommend Noboribetsu Grand Hotel, which has three different baths, including an indoor Roman bath and an outdoor bath with beautiful views of the garden. You can find more day trip onsens and their available hours here.

When is the best time to visit Sapporo?

I believe Sapporo (and Hokkaido) is one of those rare places where any month is a good time to visit, depending on what you’re looking for.

If you want to experience the Sapporo Snow Festival, then February is the ideal time to visit. On the other hand, if you’re interested in cherry blossoms, like I was, aim for the last week of April.

If those reasons don’t align with your visit, keep reading! Sapporo has something special to offer in every season. You’ll enjoy the city regardless of what month you go.

Spring (April-June)

I may be biased because I went to Sapporo to see the cherry blossoms in late April to early May, which was perfect. If you’d like to see cherry blossoms, spring is the time to go!

Hokkaido is a bit colder than the southern part of Japan, so the cherry blossoms bloom a bit later. You’ll be able to catch the cherry blossom viewing season in mid/late April to early May.

The viewing season does run into Japan’s Golden Week, but I found that the city wasn’t abnormally busy. I read a lot of articles that scared me into believing I shouldn’t visit Japan during Golden Week, but I did not find Sapporo to be too busy! On the other hand, Tokyo and Kyoto can get quite crowded.

👍 Pro tip: Look at the park’s Facebook page or a site that tracks the cherry blossoms (here, or my favorite here) before you make the trip out. They provide up-to-date information on whether the flowers are blossoming, not yet bloomed, or starting to scatter. You will need to use Google Translate though.

Summer (July-August)

Sapporo would be great to visit during summer, as it won’t be too hot, unlike the rest of Japan. If you’re interested in outdoor activities like hiking, then you’d probably want to go in summer. You’ll avoid the rain, and you’ll be able to see all of Sapporo’s lush scenery outdoors!

Fall (September-November)

Sapporo turns into a picturesque scene of yellow-red foliage, changing colors with the season. To catch the best view of the changing leaves, October will have the most vibrant colors. Nature is abundant near the city, and the views will blow you away just like the leaves. (Haha.)

As it gets closer to winter, temperatures will drop to as low as 20s °F or single digits °C, so bring a thick jacket!

Winter (December-March)

If you are coming to Sapporo with the intention of skiing or snowboarding, then you have to come in the winter. Sapporo and Hokkaido are well known for their powder-soft snow, and lots of it! You’ll get to do all the snow activities you’re dreaming of. Just don’t forget to pack a thick jacket, and bundle up!

February is also when the famous Sapporo Snow Festival takes place, which brings in millions of viewers annually. If you get the chance to go, you’ll be able to see some crazy snow displays!

Places to visit and where to stay in Sapporo

Neighborhoods

For the sake of convenience, I recommend staying either near Sapporo Station or in Susukino, where most of the city’s nightlife and restaurants are located. Either of these areas would make a good base with plenty of hotel options and easy access to transportation.

Since you’ll likely be traveling mostly by train, being close to a train station is beneficial. Sapporo can get chilly at night, so ensure your hotel is conveniently located near a station.

During my stay around Susukino, I absolutely loved it! It was easy to get around on foot, with numerous dining options, and just one train stop away from Sapporo Station.

On our first morning, we woke up at 4 am due to jet lag and couldn’t fall back asleep. We decided to have ramen at 7 am, which was only a 7-minute walk from our hotel! Later, we enjoyed a cafe before returning to our hotel in less than 10 minutes.

I’ve included my favorite recommendations for accommodations in Sapporo based on your travel interests. They are all situated near Sapporo Station or Susukino to make it easy for you to travel around the city or to get to other areas of Hokkaido quickly.

FAQs: Visiting Sapporo

Is Sapporo Safe?

Now, I may have scared you earlier by mentioning that Sapporo has a red-light district. Rest assured, Sapporo is extremely safe! The city has a low crime rate, and I never had any trouble walking around at night. Everyone is very kind, helpful, and welcoming to foreigners.

However, like with any major city, always practice common-sense safety measures such as being aware of your surroundings and making sure your belongings are secure. Overall, Sapporo is very welcoming to visitors and I don’t think you’ll have any trouble during your stay.

How Many Days Do You Need in Sapporo?

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!

If you plan to travel around to nearby areas and take a day trip out to Otaru or Jozankei, perhaps add another day or two (4-5 days total) and use Sapporo as your base.

Are there any reasons not to visit Sapporo?

Long flight time

It’s good to be aware that you cannot fly directly into Sapporo/Hokkaido internationally. You must land at an international airport such as Narita (NRT) or Haneda (HND) first, then take a second (or maybe even third, like I did) to get to Sapporo.

When I went to Sapporo, I took three flights in one day. My flight to Narita took 14.5 hours including a 2-hour layover, and after another 3-hour layover, I hopped on a 2-hour flight to Sapporo.

You should also note that the airport closest to Sapporo is the New Chitose Airport, which is actually a 35-minute train ride from the airport to Hokkaido’s capital. In total, the total commute time to arrive at the city could well be 20 hours.

Now, despite the challenge it may be to reach the northern region, I wholly believe that Sapporo is worth a 20-hour commute time! Yes, it sounds crazy, but Sapporo is vibrant, beautiful, and FUN! I was blown away by how much I loved the city.

If the long flight time deters you, you could consider resting in Tokyo for a night before heading out to Sapporo the next day.

👍 Pro tip: Local planes in Japan have a carry-on weight limit, so double-check the weight limits for your Sapporo flight. I recommend taking advantage of luggage shipping services to keep your carry-on light.

Don’t go to the zoo

As I was researching attractions near Sapporo, I saw that Asahiyama Zoo is a recommended attraction. I haven’t been there myself, so I can’t give a clear opinion.

Usually, I try to shy away from Zoos (especially in foreign countries) because you can’t be sure if the animals are there for humane intentions, like recovery, or if they are being held for entertainment.

I briefly went to Bear Park in Noboribetsu and did not like it at all. The bears were held in cages and looked extremely bored. While each animal attraction is different (Safari Parks seem to be okay) I would advise against visiting a zoo in Hokkaido unless you do extensive research and feel that the animals are being properly cared for.

Smoking is still prevalent in Japan

While it is not very common, smoking is still prevalent in Japan compared to the United States. There are designated smoking areas in some public places like train stations, cafes, and restaurants.

It never really bothered me because the areas are well separated, and I don’t recall ever breathing in secondhand smoke. However, if you have a sensitive respiratory system, it’s good to be aware that you may encounter people smoking more often in Japan.

Conclusion: Is Sapporo Worth Visiting?

Sapporo is undeniably worth visiting for a myriad of reasons. It’s where stunning natural beauty blends with a rich vibrant city filled with cultural heritage.

It has something to offer everyone, with fun nightlife, delicious cuisine, outdoor adventures, and exciting festivals. There will always be something for you to do while you are here, and if you get tired of the city life you only need to hop on a train for less than an hour to reach relaxing hot springs with nature all around!

I was shocked by how much I fell in love with this city. Everyone usually thinks of Tokyo when they go to Japan, and most people have not stumbled upon this hidden gem yet. I guarantee that you will love Sapporo as much as I do!