Train in Sapporo | Image credit: Klub Boks/Pexels
Sapporo, located on Hokkaido Island, is an underrated tourist destination in Japan. As the country’s northernmost island, it is known for its relaxed pace of life, snowy winters, stunning natural beauty, delicious craft beer, and vibrant food scene. Whether you plan to stay for a few days or a month, we have the perfect itinerary so you don’t miss the top attractions and things to do in Sapporo.
Visiting the island? Read our 10-day Hokkaido itinerary to explore beyond the usual tourist trail in Japan.
The best time to visit Sapporo
Fall at Sapporo Art Park | Image credit: necopunch/Flickr
The ideal time to visit Sapporo depends on the season and the experiences you seek. If you travel between December and February, you’ll have the chance to enjoy snow activities and winter festivals. You can witness the cherry blossoms blooming at Maruyama Park and Hokkaido Shrine from April to May.
Summer is a popular time to visit Sapporo, offering plenty of things to do. Although the season is warm and humid, visitors can enjoy summer festivals and beer garden events. If you prefer cooler temperatures, consider visiting from September to November in autumn. This is the ideal time to experience beautiful fall foliage, go hiking, and attend food festivals.
Book your stay at Jozankei Tsuruga Resort Spa Mori no Uta via Agoda
Book your stay at Jozankei Tsuruga Resort Spa Mori no Uta via Booking.com
Top things to do in Sapporo
Maruyama Park | Image credit: badstitchs/Flickr
Sapporo is a laid-back city with a closer connection to nature, wider roads, and less congestion than Tokyo and Osaka’s fast-paced buzz. It offers a perfect blend of urban charm and outdoor beauty, making it a great destination year-round. When in Hokkaido, it’s worth exploring these must-visit Sapporo attractions.
Parks & gardens
Hokkaido University Botanical Gardens | Image credit: 63highland, CC BY 2.5, via Wikimedia Commons
Nature lovers will enjoy the spacious and peaceful parks and gardens in the capital city of Hokkaido. Odori Park is conveniently located in the city centre and is a lovely place for a morning stroll. For visitors who enjoy picnics, cycling, running, and photography, Moerenuma Park has plenty of green spaces to explore. There’s also another gorgeous park near Hokkaido Shrine called Maruyama Park. It is a popular spot for fall foliage and cherry blossom viewing. During winter, you can indulge at this family ski resort in Hokkaido.
For those eager to learn about the Ainu Culture and see some rare plants and flowers, the Hokkaido University Botanical Gardens is the place to be. There is also a theme park, a chocolate factory, and a lovely European-style garden at Shiroi Koibito Park. If you love flowers, especially lilies, the best place to see them is Yurigahara Park.
Museums & galleries
Sapporo Beer Museum | Image credit: Jaeyoung Geoffrey Kang/Unsplash
Sapporo’s museums and galleries are among its top attractions. To explore Hokkaido’s natural history, archaeological discoveries, primitive architecture, infrastructure, and academic research, visit the Hokkaido Museum, Historical Village of Hokkaido, and Hokkaido University Museum.
Beer enthusiasts should visit the Sapporo Beer Museum to explore its history and enjoy a tasting session. If you’re a fan of the art scene, you’ll have the best time at JR Tower Art Gallery, Sapporo Art Park, Miyanomori International Museum of Art, and the Hokkaido Museum of Art.
Tea lovers can also add an interesting stop at Uji, Japan’s matcha Capital, to their itinerary.
Temples & shrines
Hokkaido Shrine, Sapporo | Image credit: ON VIXION/Pexels
Sapporo may not be as famous as Kyoto for shrines, but its temples are still among the city’s top attractions. The most popular shrine is the Hokkaido Shrine next to Maruyama Park. Be ready to be awed by its wooden architecture and surreal forest trails. Another shrine popular among expectant mothers and families is the Sapporo Suitengu Shrine. Visitors pray for a healthy pregnancy and the safe delivery of the baby. Those seeking spiritual guidance in meditative environments find peace at the Joganji Temple, Shinzenkoji Temple, and the Hoganji Temple Sapporo Betsuin.
Historical landmarks
Former Hokkaido Government Office | Image credit: Yuri Yuhara/Pexels
If you’re visiting Sapporo, don’t miss these iconic historical landmarks. The Former Hokkaido Government Office is a must-visit, offering beautiful gardens, insightful exhibitions, and a glimpse into Hokkaido’s rich history. For a panoramic view of Odori Park and beyond, head to the Sapporo TV Tower, a key landmark in tourism and broadcasting.
Another iconic site is the Clock Tower, built in 1878, which remains one of Sapporo’s most recognisable historical structures. To experience a touch of imperial elegance, visit Hoheikan, a Western-style guest house from 1880 that once hosted the imperial family and distinguished foreign guests, now nestled within Nakajima Park. Lastly, the Historical Village of Hokkaido provides a fascinating open-air museum experience, showcasing traditional Japanese townscapes, buildings, and architecture.
Book your stay at Grand Blissen Hotel Jozankei via Agoda
Book your stay at Grand Blissen Hotel Jozankei via Booking.com
Souvenir shopping
Tanukikoji Shopping Street, Sapporo | Image: Tetsushi Kimura/Flickr
Shopping is one of the best things to do in this beautiful city. In addition to dairy products, the city is known for sweets like Royce Chocolates and Marusei butter sandwiches, lavender and horse oil skincare products, and local crafts such as Otaru glassware and Ainu crafts. You can shop for these goods at the Tanukikoji Shopping Street, the Sapporo Stellar Place Mall, Apia Mall, and Ario Sapporo Mall.
Love shopping for eatables? Try out these Japanese convenience store snacks that locals love.
Best places to eat in Sapporo
Sashimi Meal at Nijo Fish Market | Image credit: kudumomo/Flickr
Sapporo is known for its incredible food scene, along with its many attractions and things to do. Here are some must-visit restaurants based on cuisine.
If you’re craving fresh seafood bowls, crab, or sushi, check out Nijo Market, Sushi Hanamaru, Sapporo Kanigen, Kitano Gurume, and Chuo Ichiba.
Head to Sumire, Ramen Yokocho, Menya Saimi, or Ramen Shingen for rich and flavourful miso ramen.
Dairy lovers can indulge in fresh milk, ice cream yoghurt, and cheese at Yamanaka Dairy Farm, Milk House Sapporo, Kita Kitchen, and Kinotoya Bake.
For a taste of the iconic Jingisukan (grilled lamb), visit Daruma Main Shop, Jinjin, Fukuroutei, Matsuo Jingisukan, or the Sapporo Jingisukan Main Branch.
Lastly, if you’re in the mood for beer and BBQ, don’t miss Sapporo Beer Garden, Asahi Beer Hokkaido Factory, and Kirin Beer Garden for a classic Hokkaido experience.
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Best hotels in Sapporo
Hotels in Sapporo offer a perfect blend of luxury, comfort, and breathtaking scenery. Whether you choose Chalet Ivy Jozankei, a luxury ryokan fused with tradition and modernity, the romantic Jozankei Tsuruga Resort Spa Mori no Uta, boasting natural hot springs with views of the surrounding greenery, or the refined elegance of Grand Blissen Hotel Jozankei, each promises an opulent stay amidst nature.
Book your stay at Chalet Ivy Jozankei via Agoda
Book your stay at Chalet Ivy Jozankei via Booking.com
Also, read our article on the best new and upcoming hotels in Japan while planning your visit.
Insider tips for visiting Sapporo
Snow season in Sapporo | Image credit: Denny Ryanto/Unsplash
Most of the events in Hokkaido are based on the seasons, so plan your trip accordingly.
Sapporo has long and cold winters, so carry warm jackets, quality innerwear, sweaters, and boots to stay warm.
Use the Sapporo underground walkway in case of a snowstorm.
Buy cheap heat packs (kairo) at convenience stores to keep your hands and pockets warm,
Purchase a Suica/Pasmo card in advance to travel seamlessly.
Check local event calendars for information on free admission to public parks and museums.
Since streets get slippery and covered with ice during winter, opt for slip-resistant shoe covers.
To sample multiple dishes at restaurants, order half portions.
If you want to sample fresh seafood, visit Nijo Market early in the morning.
Shop for souvenirs at local shops in the city instead of the airport prices.
(Feature image: Klub Boks/Pexels)
Related | Exploring Japan’s Lantern Festivals, Beautiful Displays Of Light And Tradition
Note:
The information in this article is accurate as of the date of publication.
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FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
How do I get to Sapporo from Tokyo?
You can choose between a flight or the Shinkansen (bullet train) to get to Sapporo from Tokyo. Remember that the flight takes about 1.5 hours, while the Shinkansen journey lasts around 8 hours.
What are the best night views in Sapporo?
To get the best night views in Sapporo, visit the observation deck at Mt. Mowa Summit, the Sapporo TV Tower Observation Deck, the Asahiyama Memorial Park, the JR Tower Observatory T38, and the Moerenuma Park.
What are some cultural experiences in Sapporo?
Hokkaido is known for its dairy products, so you must visit its local farms to try its cheese, fresh milk, and ice cream. If you visit during winter, attend the Sapporo Snow Festival in February and the Sapporo White Illumination event in December.
How much time is required to explore Sapporo?
If you visit only famous spots like Odori Park, the Sapporo Beer Museum, Maruyama Zoo, and the Sapporo TV Tower, you can explore Sapporo in 3 to 4 days.
What are the best ways to commute around Sapporo?
The subway, local buses, and bicycle rentals are the best ways to commute around Sapporo. Taxis are convenient too, but more expensive.
What are the best day trips to take from Sapporo?
Visit Furano for breathtaking flower fields, the blue pond in Biei, and the charming canals at Otaru. Apart from Otaru which is only an hour away from Sapporo, it takes three hours to reach Biei and Furano via train.
Where can I see the best views of Sapporo?
You will get the best panoramic views of Sapporo’s skyline from the JR Tower Observation Deck T38, Sapporo TV Tower, and Mt. Moiwa Ropeway.
Where can I try the best Sapporo miso ramen?
For the best bowl of miso ramen in Sapporo visit The Ramen Alley, Menya Saimi, Sumire, Aji no Sanpei, and Ramen Shingen.
What are the best family-friendly attractions in Sapporo?
If you’re traveling with your family to Sapporo, take them to Maruyama Zoo to see the polar bears, the Sapporo Snow Festival to see massive snow sculptures, and the Shiroi Koibito Park for a chocolate factory tour.
What are the most unique festivals celebrated in Sapporo?
Some unique festivals celebrated in Sapporo are the Sapporo Lilac Festival, the Sapporo Snow Festival, The Sapporo White Illumination, and the Sapporo City Jazz Festival.
Written By
Sharon Alphonso
Sharon is from Mumbai and currently lives in Tokyo with her Japanese husband. Before moving to Japan, ..Read Moreshe worked with POPxo, Grazia and MTV India. She now writes for several English magazines in Japan, including Savvy Tokyo, Tokyo Weekender, and GoConnect Japan. Her favourite way to unwind is to listen to lo-fi music while reading a book and sipping on a matcha latte. Read Less
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