The Best Day Trips From Sapporo, Hokkaido (2024)

Last Updated on June 24, 2024 by Audrey

Wondering what Sapporo Day Trips Are the best? I’ll fill you in!

Sapporo, the vibrant capital of Hokkaido, offers more than its bustling city life and renowned attractions. It’s also a great city to use as a base when taking a day trip to explore the rest of Hokkaido!

Just a short journey from the city, you’ll find a treasure trove of stunning landscapes, charming towns, and natural wonders waiting to be explored.

Whether you’re craving serene lakes, majestic mountains, or quaint historical towns, Sapporo’s surrounding areas have something to captivate every traveler.

This guide goes hand-in-hand with my 5-Day Sapporo Itinerary, so make sure to check that out when you have a chance to arrange your perfect Sapporo trip. Now, pack your bags and get ready to discover the diverse and awe-inspiring destinations that make perfect day trips from Sapporo!

👉 Looking for a place to stay in Sapporo? Find the best deals here! 🇯🇵

Easy Sapporo Day Trips

If you have more than three days to spend in Sapporo, then going on a day trip to explore the surrounding Hokkaido region will be one of the best uses of your extra time.

If you only have three days or less, it might be hard to fit a day trip into your schedule. Regardless, here are some of the best day trip options from Sapporo!

1. Otaru & Yoichi

Best for: Street Food, Culture, Historical Sites, Whiskey Distillery, Canal Views

Otaru and Yoichi are two towns close to each other and very close to Sapporo, making it a perfect day trip option. Otaru is a small harbor city only 30 minutes away from Sapporo by train, while Yoichi is a small town known for its whiskey distillery.

It is easy to visit both in the same day, and you can start at either destination. I recommend starting at Yoichi for the whiskey tour, and then heading over to Otaru to walk around and shop at your leisure. However, since Otaru is closer to Sapporo, I’ll start with this town first.

Otaru

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

Otaru is well known for Sakaimachi Hondori Street, which has many small local boutiques and street stalls.

There are many street food vendors where you can sample delicious specialties like seafood or Hokkaido dairy products. I had delicious Wagyu skewers and tried fresh uni for as little as 500 yen here!

There is also a beautiful canal area modeled after the Venice canals a short walk from the small local shops located on Sakaimachi Hondori street.

Otaru was my last destination during an all-day 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 of hours exploring. Most shops close around 5-6 PM.

However, I will note that the city is more for eating, leisure shopping, and sightseeing. If you’re looking for affordable easy souvenirs to bring home, it’s not really the place for that. You won’t find a large general department store around these local shops.

How to Get to Otaru from Sapporo

To get to Otaru, go to Sapporo Station and take the Rapid Airport Train heading to Otaru. From there, it’s a quick 30-minute train ride to Otaru Station!

---

Yoichi

After visiting Otaru (or before, based on your preference), it’s a very short train ride to Yoichi next. At Yoichi, there is Nikka Whisky Yoichi Distillery, a famous Whisky Distillery, as well as Yamamoto Fruit Orchard, where you can pick as many fruits as you’d like to bring home for only 2,000 yen.

Nikka Whisky Yoichi Distillery

Yoichi is best known for the Nikka Whisky Yoichi Distillery, created by Masataka Taketsuru, who is often referred to as the father of Japanese whisky.

Taketsuru was the first Japanese to master whisky-making in Scotland, bringing his expertise back to Japan. Taketsuru specifically chose Yoichi to build his distillery because of its resemblance to the Scottish Highlands. The close proximity to the sea imparts a distinct briny hint to the whisky during maturation.

If you’re a whisky lover, the Nikka Whisky Distillery will definitely interest you. At the distillery, you can visit the museum, opt for a paid tasting, or take a free guided tour.

Currently, self-guided tours are on hold, so you need to reserve a guided tour. These tours typically last around 70 minutes and can accommodate groups of up to 9 people. Tours are usually reserved two weeks in advance, so plan accordingly.

🍣 Want to take a private sushi-making class with fresh fish in Yoichi? Check it out here! 🍣

Getting to Yoichi

From Otaru to Yoichi, it is only a 25-minute train. You can take either the train or the bus from Otaru to Yoichi. The distillery itself is only a 3-minute walk from the train station.

Heading Back to Sapporo From Yoichi

After you finish your tour, it is about an hour and a half back to Sapporo by train. From Yoichi Station, you’ll take the Hakodate Line to Otaru. Once you get to Otaru Station, transfer to the Hakodate Line heading to Ebetsu, and you’ll be able to get off at Sapporo Station.

2. Shikotsu-Toya National Park

Best for: Outdoor Lovers, Onsen, Caldera Lakes, Hiking, Scenic Views

If you enjoy outdoor adventures, Shikotsu-Toya National Park is an ideal place to experience the natural beauty of Hokkaido. This national park has it all: beautiful landscapes, active volcanoes, crystal-clear lakes, and relaxing onsen towns. It’s a serene environment, perfect for a weekend getaway.

Lake Shikotsu and Lake Toya are two beautiful caldera lakes formed by volcanic eruptions from the adjacent mountains Mount Yotei, Mount Tarumae, and Mount Usu. They are the main highlights of Shikotsu-Toya National Park and are must-see destinations! Both lakes offer stunning natural scenery and various outdoor activities, making them a relaxing escape from the city.

Many species of wildlife can be found in this stunning area, and it’s well known for its numerous natural hot springs. There are many onsen resorts near the park where you can enjoy a relaxing soak in the natural spring water, famous for its beneficial health properties.

Highlights that you can’t miss are Jigokudani, Lake Shikotsu, the Mount Usu Ropeway for sweeping views of Lake Toya and Nakajima Island, and Hohei Gorge.

Getting to Shikotsu-Toya from Sapporo

Shikotsu-Toya is about 2 hours away from Sapporo, and public transportation to the park is limited, so I recommend you take a tour or rent a car for a day or weekend.

Taking a Tour to Explore Shikotsu-Toya National Park

If you’re short on time and only have one free day to explore, I recommend taking a full-day tour like I did! You’ll be transported to and from Sapporo and taken to the park’s highlights without worrying about the hassle of driving. It’s a great way to see all the best highlights of the park and the nearby towns.

🌟 I recommend this tour, which takes you to Cape Chikyu, Lake Toya, and Jigokudani/Noribetsu! You’ll get to see Hokkaido’s top destinations all in one day! 🌟

Renting a Car to Explore Shikotsu-Toya National Park

If you want to do some hiking and are interested in spending the whole weekend at Shikotsu-Toya Park, renting a car is your best option. For those interested in hiking up the volcanoes, having a car is essential to reach the trailhead starting points.

 🚗 Book your car rental in advance here! Klook is a reliable booking service frequently used for Japan.

Lake Shikotsuko (支笏湖)

If you’re heading from Sapporo, you’ll hit Lake Shikotsu first. Lake Shikotsu is about 50 kilometers from Sapporo and is surrounded by Mount Eniwa, Mount Fuppushi, and Mount Tarumae. Its crystal-clear waters make it perfect for outdoor water activities like boating, kayaking, and paddleboarding. You can also opt for hiking and cycling on the trails.

For avid adventurers, climbing Mount Tarumae in less than an hour (though it’s quite steep) offers a beautiful view over Lake Shikotsu. You will need a car to drive up to the trailhead.

In terms of development around the area, there is one town nearby called Shikotsu Kohan, where you can rent water gear and bicycles or schedule a sightseeing glass-bottom boat tour.

On the other side of the lake is Marukoma Onsen, a ryokan with open-air onsens that are connected to the lake! The onsen is gender-segregated and is open for day visitors who won’t be staying the night as well.

Jigokudani

Jigokudani, also known as “Hell Valley,” is a famous volcanic valley known for its collection of sulfur lakes. It’s located in Noboribetsu, a renowned hot spring resort that provides some of the best hot spring waters in Japan. The name “Hell Valley” comes from the steam vents, sulfurous streams, and rocky terrain that give the area an otherworldly appearance.

Visitors to Jigokudani can experience the unique geological features of the valley, including the sulfurous smell, hot steam vents, and the Oyunuma natural hot spring.

You’ll smell the sulfur lakes before you see them, but they are a beautiful natural attraction! You can walk around them safely with fences protecting you from accidentally touching the water. There are also some nice hills you can hike up for a better view of the baths.

Oyunuma

The Oyunuma is a large milky-colored pond that is a popular scenic spot. The bubbling steam from the lake makes it look like a steaming cauldron!

Pro tip: After you stop by the Oyunuma, there is a foot pond 500 meters down the stream where you can dip your feet in the hot spring water running off of Oyunuma River!

Noribetsu Onsen

Noboribetsu Onsen is another famous hot spring resort, just a 15-minute walk from Jigokudani. In addition to the natural wonders, Noboribetsu offers hiking trails, foot baths, and many Japanese ryokans (traditional Japanese inns) around the area.

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 featured in the hot springs. The best way is to book a stay at a ryokan that also offers an onsen on-site. It’s a popular destination if you’d like to experience natural hot springs will enjoying picturesque landscapes of Hokkaido.

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.

Mt. Usuzan Ropeway

As you head around to the other side of the park, you’ll see Mount Usu, which most recently erupted in 2000! The Usuzan Ropeway will bring you close to the top of Mount Usu, and you’ll get to enjoy panoramic views of Lake Toya and Showa Shinzan, another nearby volcano. There is also a second observation deck close by that has stunning views of the ocean and the Usuzan West Craters.

To get to the ropeway, you’ll have to drive to Kazan-Mura, located at Showa Shinzan.

Lake Toyako (洞爺湖, Tōyako)

Your last stop will be Lake Toya before you head back for the day. Located about 2 hours from Sapporo, Lake Toya is the second caldera lake and has many outdoor activities available throughout the park, similar to Lake Shikotsu. In addition to the lake and Usu Ropeway, there are many ryokans and onsens available in the area. You can also visit Nakajima Island which floats in the middle of Lake Toya.

Numerous onsen ryokans overlook 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: From late April to October, there are fireworks every Friday around 8:00 PM, depending on the weather. However, the last bus back to Sapporo leaves around 7:00 PM, so you’d either need a car, or you can book this tour that allows you to catch the fireworks at Lake Toya!

3. Jozankei

Best for: Onsen, Footbaths, Hot Springs, Scenic Nature, Autumn Foliage

If you’re interested in the hot springs that Japan is famous for, you should go to Jozankei Resort and Spa! Despite being located in Shikotsu-Toya National Park, Jozankei is very close to Sapporo (less than an hour) and is a very popular day trip option.

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.

How to get to Jozankei From Sapporo

To get to Jozankei From Sapporo, you have some options. You can reach Jozankei in 45 minutes by car, or you can take the convenient Kappa Liner bus for 1 hour. You could also take the Rapid 7 or 8 public bus from Sapporo Station, but they are around 20 minutes longer than the Kappa Liner.

Kappa Liner

The shuttle bus departs from Sapporo, Odori, and Susukino stations (reservation required). One roundtrip ticket is 1,920 yen.

From Sapporo, the Kappa Liner is located at stop No. 27 in front of the Hokuren building outside Sapporo Station. In Sapporo Station, take the Exit 23 to arrive outside closest to the bus stop.

Kappa Liner + One Day Hot Spring Ticket Package

There is a terrific package deal for both the Kappa Liner bus roundtrip from Sapporo to Jozankei, plus a hot spring ticket to either Koganeyu or Matsunoyu for just 2,200 yen for adults and 1,100 yen for children.

Since a Kappa Liner ticket is already almost 2,000 yen, this is a great value! You can book the package deal on the official website here.

Hohei Gorge

If you’re interested in hiking, Hohei-kyo Gorge is a popular hiking trail that is about 7 kilometers from Jozankei hotspring and turns beautiful colors throughout the year. It is most popular during autumn, as it’s a prime location to admire the fall foliage amongst the beauty of canyons and forests.

4. Asahikawa

Best for: Zoos, Gardens, Museums, Local Cuisine, Winter Sports

Asahikawa City is the second largest city in Hokkaido, after Sapporo of course. It is 1.5 hours from Sapporo by Limited Express train, so it’s a little out of the way but still doable for a day trip.

There are many things to do in Asahikawa, such as the Asahiyama Zoo, Ueno Farm and Asahikawa Ramen Village, just to name a few. During the Winter the city also hosts its own Winter Festival just like Sapporo. The Winter Festival includes beautiful ice sculptures and snow activities to celebrate the winter.

How to Get to Asahikama from Sapporo

To get to Asahikama from Sapporo, I suggest taking the Limited Express train called the Asahikawa Express. It will take you from Sapporo Station to Asahikama in just around 2 hours. It also stops at Odori Station in Sapporo if you are closer to Odori instead.

The bus stop is located at Platform 14 at the Sapporo Station Bus Terminal, or Platform 3 at the Chuo Bus Sapporo Terminal if you are at Odori Station. A round-trip ticket will run you about 4,350 yen. Buses depart every 30 minutes. You can check on the site for more information.

Asahiyama Zoo

I tend to stay away from visiting zoos, especially in foreign countries, because it can be hard to determine whether the animals are being held in captivity for the sake of protection versus human entertainment.

While I can’t give advice about Asahiyama Zoo, I would be amiss to not mention it as it is Asahikawa’s #1 attraction. I have heard that they host a penguin parade in the winter and also have underwater viewing tunnels for polar bears and seals. I encourage you to do your own research first to determine if Asahiyama Zoo may fit your preferences.

Ueno Farm

Ueno Farm is a beautiful English-style garden, with 2000 different varieties of flowers acclimated to the colder climate of Hokkaido. You can witness beautiful blooms throughout the year, from springtime to autumn. In addition to the farm, there are two different gardens, a pond, and a cafe.

The farm is a 30 minute drive from Asahikawa, and two hours from Sapporo. During the blooming season, there are some day trip tour options you can take to explore Ueno Farm and Asahikawa.

👉 Are the tour options not including all the destinations you want to see? Make a custom tour with a private driver to take you anywhere in Hokkaido! 🚌

5. Furano, Biei, and Blue Pond

Best for: Scenic Landscapes, Flower Farms, Rolling Hills, Azure Waters, Photography Spots

Farm Tomita (Furano)

Farm Tomita, located in Furano, is one of Japan’s most famous flower farms, and for good reason! It’s renown for its stunning lavender fields, which usually bloom from late June to early August. You’ll get to experience vast purple fields with the perfect picture of the Tokachi Mountains in the back.

While Farm Tomita is most well known for its extensive lavender fields, it also features a variety of other flower fields that look like a rainbow during the summer bloom.

It’s a beautiful location to experience and take pictures of, and there is also a perfume workshop, a dried flower house, cafes, and several gift shops where you’ll have the opportunity to take some beautiful lavender-scented souvenirs home.

Shikisai no Oka in Biei

Biei is a beautiful rural town in the Tokachidate mountain range that attracts people with it’s vast rolling hills and fields. It’s most well known for Shikisai-no-Oka flower fields, colorful flower fields that make perfect stripes over the hills.

Shikisai-no-Oka is best visited during late April to late October, when the flowers are in full bloom. I promise you, if you visit you won’t regret it! Various flower stripes over vast curving hills provide a gorgeous landscape that you won’t find anywhere else.

You can also pay a little extra to ride along a tractor bus (300-500 yen) or even rent a cart (2,000 yen for 15 minutes) to take you around the fields!

Alpaca Ranch

Not only is Shikisai-no-oka a beautiful sight, it also has adorable alpacas! For a small fee of 300-500 yen (depending on age), you can visit the alpaca ranch during any season, and can even feed them. Some of the shops sell alpaca wool products on the farm to enjoy as well.

Shirogane Blue Pond (Aoiike)

The Blue Pond is a naturally colored blue turquoise pond just outside the city of Biei. It’s deep blue color is due to natural minerals that dissolve in the water. If you’re already in Biei, you should swing by and check out this vibrant phenomenon.

Where to Stay in Sapporo

Sapporo is an ideal place to stay in if you’d like to explore the city and also see some amazing natural landscapes around Hokkaido. While it is a bustling city, it is also a great location to set up a base in and use it as a hub of transportation, as the subway system is very well functioning.

I recommend that you either stay near Sapporo Station (especially if you plan on traveling out a lot) for easy convenience of travel. You can also plan to stay in Susukino, the downtown Sapporo neighborhood, as that is where most of the shops and restaurants are located. I’ve provided the best options I found for Sapporo down below!

SAPPORO BUDGET HOTELS

SAPPORO MID-RANGE HOTELS

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.

Sapporo Day Trips FAQ

Is Sapporo Worth Visiting?

Yes!!! Sapporo is completely worth visiting. The city has tons of things to see and do, and yet you can also find a whole different world with many scenic nature destinations just 30 minutes out of Sapporo. I let you know about all the cool things you can do in Sapporo in my other blog post here.

I think Sapporo and Hokkaido are underrated. The area is astoundingly beautiful, and yet there is a vibrant nightlife in the city as well. It really is the best of both worlds.

How Many Days do you need in Sapporo?

5-7 days is ideal to explore most of Sapporo and Hokkaido.

I truly recommend alloting 5-7 days for your trip to the Hokkaido region. That way, you’ll get around 3 days to enjoy Sapporo and another 2 days to take day trips to the areas I mentioned!

If you’re really pressed for time, 3 days is enough to enjoy Sapporo, and you can squeeze a day trip in if you don’t mind missing out on some of Sapporo’s attractions. 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 can, I recommend spending another few days exploring the nearby areas in Hokkaido to fully appreciate everything that Hokkaido has to offer. You can check out a sample of things to do in my 5-day Sapporo Itinerary that includes days for day trips.

What is the best month 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. Depending on the Sapporo day trips that you are interested in, the weather could affect if certain activities will be open or closed.

However, Sapporo has something special to offer in every season. Summer is wonderful since the northern region doesn’t get too hot. And in the fall, the changing foliage brings out a beautiful burst of autumn colors. You’ll enjoy the city and Hokkaido regardless of what month you go.

Conclusion: The Best Sapporo Day Trips

I fell in love with Hokkaido because it just has so much to offer! Sapporo and Asahikawa are cultural treasures, but if you venture just a short distance away from the cities you’ll be able to witness beautiful natural wonders like Shikotsu-Toya National Park, the dramatic sulfuric baths of Jigokudani, and the stunning vistas of Furano, Bieim and Blue Pond.

Embarking on day trips from Sapporo opens up a world of diverse experiences, from serene natural landscapes to vibrant cultural encounters. Each of these destinations have their own distinct allure, and will not only enrich your journey through Hokkaido but also leave you with lasting memories of Japan’s northernmost island.

I encourage you venture out, explore, and let the beauty and charm of these remarkable day trips enhance your Sapporo experience!