Sapporo is one of my absolute favorite cities in Japan. I’ve traveled to many places in the country, but Sapporo is one of those cities I could visit year after year. The city has struck me as a place where you will never run out of things to do and see. You can sense the history just by walking down the street. It’s a foodie’s paradise with numerous dining options offering authentic Hokkaido dishes. If you are traveling to Sapporo for the first time, here’s my Sapporo itinerary. Happy trip planning!
If you’re looking to explore off-the-beaten-path destinations in Hokkaido, check out my 5-day Hokkaido itinerary for first-time visitors. It includes my actual itinerary, the hotels I stayed at, tips on getting around, and much more to help you plan an unforgettable trip!
PS: Get ready, this is quite a long read! Please have patience as it loads, hope you agree it’s worth the wait 🙂
Table of Contents
Planning your Sapporo Trip: Things to know before you go
When to Visit Sapporo
The best time to visit Sapporo depends entirely on what you want to do and experience. To avoid the crowds it’s best to go during off season. If you want to experience the winter season, December is a great time to go as prices for hotels and flights will be affordable during this month. May and October are also good months to avoid the crowds. February is the busiest month for tourism in Sapporo because of the Sapporo Snow Festival.
If it’s your first time in Japan to visit during winter, check out this guide on how to survive winter.
How to get to Sapporo
There are two options to get to Sapporo – fly or take a Shinkansen (bullet train) from Tokyo. Most people would think that taking a train is cheaper but that’s not necessarily the case in Japan.
A one-way ticket from Tokyo to Sapporo with a transfer at Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto costs around 28,000 yen and takes 8 hours. If you have a JR Pass, it is fully covered. If you don’t have a JR Pass, it is more economical and faster to fly. When I flew from Tokyo to Sapporo, my round trip tickets cost around 10,000 yen or around 5,000 pesos.
How to get around Sapporo
Many of Sapporo’s main tourist attractions are within walking distance from the city center. The city was designed with an American-style grid system, which makes navigation fairly easy even for a first-time visitor. Some attractions are a little bit further away, but Sapporo has an efficient transportation system for that.
You can use the three subway lines, Sapporo streetcar and numerous bus companies to get around. Prepaid cards like Kitaka and Sapica can be used for taking subways and buses. Even prepaid cards purchased outside of Sapporo can be used like ICOCA, Suica and PASMO.
Where to Stay in Sapporo
For a first-time visit to Sapporo, stay near Sapporo Station for convenience, Susukino for nightlife, or Odori Park for food and shopping. These central locations offer easy access to transportation and a variety of attractions to explore during your stay. Here are some of the best hotels in Sapporo:
Solaria Nishitetsu Hotel Sapporo
Address: 5-chōme-1-2, Kita 4 Jōnishi, Chuo-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido
Nearest Train Station: 5-minute walk from Sapporo Station
Mitsui Garden Hotel Sapporo West
Address: 6-2-4 Kita 5 Jonishi, Chuo-Ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido
Nearest Train Station: 5-minute walk from Sapporo Station
Hotel Vista Sapporo Odori
Address: 5-16 Minami 3-Jo Nishi, Chuo-Ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido
Nearest Train Station: 5-minute walk from Odori Subway Station
Karaksa Hotel Sapporo
Address: 5 Chome-24 Minami 3 Jonishi, Chuo Ward, Sapporo, Hokkaido
Nearest Train Station: 4 minute walk from Susukino Station
Ibis Styles Sapporo
Address: 3-10-10 Minami 8-Jo Nishi, Chuo-Ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido
Nearest Train Station: 9 minute walk from Susukino Station
What to Eat and Drink in Sapporo
Sapporo is a foodie paradise, and the best part? You can find these must-try dishes almost everywhere, from street stalls to cozy restaurants. If you want expert guidance and to make sure you don’t miss anything amazing, book a food tour! I also highly recommend joining a Sapporo Market Tour. Trust me, it’s the perfect way to kick off your foodie adventure. Here’s what you have to eat in Sapporo:
- Sapporo Ramen – Rich, savory miso broth topped with butter, corn, and all the good stuff. Head to some of the top-rated miso ramen shops in the city for the ultimate slurp session!
- Soup Curry – A Sapporo classic! Think curry meets soup. Spicy, flavorful, and loaded with veggies and meat. So comforting.
- Genghis Khan (Jingisukan) – Grilled lamb perfection. Bonus points if you try it at the Sapporo Beer Garden.
- Hokkaido Seafood – This should be a non-negotiable! Fresh crab (king, snow, or hairy), sea urchin (uni), and scallops. Hit up Nijo Market for a seafood feast.
- Hokkaido Milk Soft Serve – Creamy, dreamy, and made with Hokkaido’s famous milk. Yes, ice cream in winter is a vibe.
- Hokkaido Sweets – Treat yourself to the iconic cookies at Shiroi Koibito Park or hoard boxes after boxes of Nama Chocolate at Royce’ Chocolate World (New Chitose Airport).
- Zangi (Hokkaido-style deep fried chicken) – Fried chicken, but make it Hokkaido-style. Marinated in soy sauce and spices.
- Ishikari Nabe – A salmon and veggie hot pot in a miso-based broth. Perfect for those chilly Sapporo nights.
- Sapporo Beer – You’re in Sapporo, so you have to drink the beer. Fresh from the source at the Sapporo Beer Museum or just about anywhere in Sapporo.
Top Tourist Spots and Things To Do in Sapporo
Sapporo Snow Festival
Known as one of the best winter destinations in Japan, Sapporo attracts thousands of both local and international visitors each year because of Sapporo Snow Festival. It is a very popular winter event which features spectacular snow and ice sculptures. The festival usually begins first week of February and last for about one week. The best collections of ice sculptures are mainly exhibited in Odori Park, Susukino, and Tsu Dome.
Odori Park, the main site of Sapporo Snow Festival, is where you will find the biggest ice sculptures. It also hosts concerts and events, many of which use the sculptures as their stage.
Susukino, Sapporo’s biggest and liveliest entertainment district, also hosts over a hundred snow and ice sculptures each year. I would suggest this area if you want to party or drink all night after the snow festival.
Tsu Dome, also known as Sapporo Community Dome, is mostly geared toward families with kids. It features snow slopes, snow sculptures and other winter activities.
Winter Activity at Moerenuma Park
Moerenuma Park, located on the outskirts of Sapporo, is a sprawling park designed by the renowned landscape sculptor Isamu Noguchi. It features a large playground, sports fields, picnic areas, the iconic glass pyramid known as “Hidamari,” and so much more to explore.
This park holds a special (and chilly!) memory for me. It’s where I almost got frostbite because I wasn’t wearing proper protective footwear. Never again, UGG! Despite that, Moerenuma Park remains one of the best parks I’ve visited in Japan. Its unique design and serene atmosphere make it a must-see.
How to get to Moerenuma Park: from Odori or Susukino, take the Toho Subway Line to Kanjodori-higashi Station (one way fare is 250 yen and travel time is about 15 minutes) and then local bus number 69 or 79 to get to the east gate (one way fare is 210 yen and travel time is about 25 minutes).
Climb up to Moiwayama Observatory Deck
Standing 531 meters above sea level on the peak of Moiwayama (Mt. Moiwa in English), the observatory deck boasts a breathtaking view of the streets of Sapporo and the forested mountains southwest of the city. Many people come to the observatory deck thru the Mount Moiwa Ropeway before sunset, so be sure to arrive in advance to get the best vantage point for taking photos.
How to get to Moiwayama Observatory Deck: Take Sapporo streetcar to Ropeway Iriguchi station from Susukino (one way fare is 200 yen and travel time is about 25 minutes). From there, take the free shuttle bus to get to the lower ropeway station.
For convenience, you may also avail a package with a round trip hotel pick up in Central Sapporo, admission to Mt. Moiwa ropeway and mini cable car round-trip ticket.
Visit the Sapporo Clock Tower
Built in 1878, Sapporo Clock Tower is one of the city’s most iconic attractions. Although small in size in comparison with other buildings in Sapporo, it still attracts a lot of local and international tourists. Originally, it was built as a place for student education and military training. Today, it now houses a museum showing the history of Sapporo. In the Filipino movie, Kita Kita, Lea took an old couple to see the Clock Tower as part of her Sapporo City Tour.
How to get to Sapporo Clock Tower: Walk for about 10 minutes south of JR Sapporo Station or about 5 minutes north of Odori Park. It’s quite easy to spot so I’m pretty sure you won’t miss it.
Former Hokkaido Government Office Building
Also known as the Red Brick Office, the former Hokkaido Government Office Building served as the government office of the whole Hokkaido prefecture for about 80 years. Functioning now as conference venue and tourist information center, the building has seen its share of history. Inside it, you will find a museum dedicated to Hokkaido development and rich history. Aside from this iconic building, I personally love the pond which is located in front of it.
How to get to Former Hokkaido Government Office Building: Take the west exit of JR Sapporo Station and walk for about 10 minutes.
Take a Stroll at Odori Park
Odori Park is Sapporo’s most famous park. Located in the heart of Sapporo, it hosts to the Annual Sapporo Snow Festival. The park is about one kilometer and provides a tranquil escape from the busy urban center around it. This park is always included in any Sapporo itinerary.
How to get to Odori Park: Take a short walk from JR Sapporo Station or Odori Subway Station.
Walk around Hokkaido University
Hokkaidō University or Hokudai is probably the prettiest university I have ever seen in Japan. Its garden is one of the best gardens of its kind in Sapporo and you will find various attractions here as well.
When I visited last winter, I saw a lot of local families spending time together in the garden and pond surrounding the campus’ buildings. The kids were sledding down the frozen pond, which looked really enjoyable.
How to get to Hokkaido University: Walk for about 20 minutes from JR Sapporo Station. Alternatively, take the Nanboku Line Subway and get off at Kita 12-jo Station.
Go skiing or snowboarding
The are a couple of ski resorts in and around Sapporo. Sapporo Teine Ski Resort, one of the most famous ski resorts on the outskirts of the city, is well suited for beginners to experts, with a variety of gentle slopes, intermediate and advanced courses. It is only about 40 minutes from Central Sapporo and one of the ski resorts you can easily take a day trip to.
How to get to Sapporo Teine Ski Resort from Sapporo: Take a JR train from JR Sapporo Station and get off at Teine Station (one way fare is 340 yen and travel time is about 10-15 minutes). At Teine Station, board a JR bus (number 70) bound for Teine Highland and get off at Sapporo Teine Ski Resort (one way is 400 yen and travel time is approximately 30 minutes).
When I traveled solo in Sapporo during the winter, I availed a 1-day ski lessons (around 10,600 pesos or $200) in Klook. This small group package includes the following:
- English speaking instructors
- Private round trip hotel pick-up in Sapporo
- Cable car tickets
- 4-hour beginners course at Sapporo Teine Ski Resort (2 hours in the morning and 2 hours in the afternoon)
- Japanese brand equipment and ski clothing (complete set)
- Free photography
Travel Tip: Book your ski lessons with Klook and get up to 5% off when you use my code PROJECTGORAKLOOK.
Visit Maruyama Park and Hokkaidō Shrine
Maruyama Park is my favorite park in Sapporo. Located about 20 minutes from JR Sapporo Station, the park features huge lawns, gardens and ponds. It is extremely popular during the cherry blossom season and equally fascinating during the winter. Within the massive Maruyama Park, you will also find Hokkaidō-jingu Shrine, which is home to the soul of Emperor Meiji and the gods protecting Hokkaidō.
How to get to Maruyama Park: Take the subway to Maruyama Koen Station on Tozai subway line (one way fare is 250 yen and travel time 15 minutes).
Pay respect at Sapporo Fushimi Inari Shrine
Sapporo has a Fushimi Inari Shrine too! Famous for its 27 vermilion torii gates, the shrine is an important spiritual ground dedicated to Inari, the Shinto god of rice. TripAdvisor says this place is quite crowded but luckily I had it all to myself when I visited last winter. It was definitely one of the best places I’ve added in my Sapporo itinerary!
How to get to Sapporo Fushimi Inari Shrine: Take the loop 50 City bus from Maruyama Subway Station, and get off at Jikeikaimae bus stop (one way fare is 210 yen and travel time 15 minutes).
Visit Shiroi Koibito Park
Shiroi Koibito Park is a must-visit sweets-themed park in Hokkaido, home to the iconic Shiroi Koibito cookies. 🍪✨ Here, you can watch how these famous treats are made and even create your own version! The park features a free area with a shop, café, and restaurant, as well as a paid area offering various chocolate-themed exhibits and experiences. Join a cookie-making workshop for a hands-on experience. Tickets are available at the park on the day of your visit or online.
How to get to Shiroi Koibito Park: Take the Tozai Subway Line from Odori Station to Miyanosawa Station (travel time is 15 minutes, one-way fare is 290 yen). From there, it’s a 10-minute walk to the park.
Travel Tip: Book your activities with Klook and get up to 5% off when you use my code PROJECTGORAKLOOK.
Otaru Day Trip from Sapporo
One of the best day trip destinations to add in your Sapporo itinerary is Otaru, a small harbor city located northwest of Sapporo. I visited it last winter and wished I had stayed overnight because there are many amazing sights this city has to offer. If you are pressed for time like me, a day trip would definitely suffice. You can also join a group tour of Jozankei Onsen and Otaru Day Tour from Sapporo.
How to get to Otaru from Sapporo: From JR Sapporo Station, take a rapid train along the JR Hakodate Main Line and get off at Otaru Station (one way fare is 750 yen and travel time is about 35 minutes).
Explore Sapporo in 5-7 Days
While Sapporo is the largest city in Hokkaido, 5–7 days is enough to get a good introduction to the city. To make the most of your trip, it’s important to organize your Sapporo itinerary based on the proximity of attractions to minimize travel time. Google Maps can help you with this!
5-day Sapporo Itinerary
Arrival in Sapporo (Day 1)
- Arrival at New Chitose Airport
- Leave your luggage at the hotel
- Lunch at Soup Curry Suage+ Honten*
- Sapporo Clock Tower
- Odori Park Site (Sapporo Snow Festival)
- Beer Tasting and Jingisukan (Genghis Khan) at Sapporo Beer Museum*
- Susukino Site (Sapporo Snow Festival)
Sapporo Ski Day (Day 2)
- Whole day Ski or Snowboarding lessons
- Sunset viewing at Sapporo TV Tower (IMO, the views here are better compared to the JR Tower Observatory T38)
- Snow crab dinner at Hyosetsu no Mon*
Otaru Day Trip from Sapporo (Day 3)
This might look cramped, but trust me, these attractions are just a short walk from one another.
- Breakfast at Sankaku Market
- Tourist Information Center if you need some pamphlets
- Otaru Canal
- Optional: Otaru Art Base (Get this pass to access all four museums – Stained Glass Museum, Nitori Museum of Art, Former Mitsui Bank Otaru Branch and House of Western Art)
- Bank of Japan Otaru Museum
- Lunch at Isezushi (sushi) or Yabuhan (soba)*
- Sakaimachi Dori Shopping Street
- Kitaichi Glass Otaru No. 3 Bldg.
- Enjoy coffee and cake at LeTao Flagship Store*
- Marchen Crossroads
- Otaru Music Box Museum
- Back to Otaru Canal (it is beautifully lit up at night)
- Travel back to Sapporo
- Jingisukan (Genghis Khan) dinner at Daruma Honten*
Sapporo City Tour (Day 4)
- Maruyama Park
- Rokkatei Jingu chaya (the perfect stop for a cold, winter morning 🙂 )
- Hokkaido-jingu Shrine
- Lunch at Hokkaido Soup Curry Restaurant*
- Fushimi Inari
- Sunset at Moiwayama Observatory Deck
- Take the Sapporo City Streetcar from Ropeway Iriguchi Station to Higashihonganji-Mae Station (counter clockwise!)
- Dinner at Ebisoba Ichigen Honten*
- Nightcap at Gotsubo Oyster Bar*
Last day in Sapporo (Day 5)
- Check out from your hotel and leave your belongings at a coin locker/hotel reception)
- Hokkaido University or Moerenuma Park
- Lunch at Nemuro Hanamaru JR Tower Stellar Place*
- Souvenir shopping at Sapporo Underground Shopping (Aurora Town and Pole Town)
- Travel to New Chitose Airport
- Early dinner at Ramen Dojo*
Note: Those with * are some of the BEST places to eat in Sapporo and Otaru, and should absolutely need to be included in any Sapporo itinerary.
7-day Sapporo Itinerary
Arrival in Sapporo (Day 1)
- Arrival at New Chitose Airport
- Leave your luggage at the hotel
- Lunch at Soup Curry Suage+ Honten*
- Sapporo Clock Tower
- Odori Park Site (Sapporo Snow Festival)
- Beer Tasting and Jingisukan (Genghis Khan) at Sapporo Beer Museum*
- Sapporo Underground Shopping (Aurora Town and Pole Town) or back to your hotel
Sapporo City Tour (Day 2)
- Morning Sapporo Food Tour with a Local Guide (this is the best opportunity to ask a local about all the must-try food in Sapporo!)
- Moerenuma Park (take the subway or take a cab – this park is quite far from the city center)
- Early dinner at Sushi Miyakawa*
- Susukino Site (Sapporo Snow Festival)
Sapporo Ski Day (Day 3)
- Whole day Ski or Snowboarding lessons
- Sunset viewing at Sapporo TV Tower (IMO, the views here are better compared to the JR Tower Observatory T38)
- Snow crab dinner at Hyosetsu no Mon*
Otaru Day Trip from Sapporo (Day 4)
This might look cramped, but trust me, these attractions are just a short walk from one another.
- Breakfast at Sankaku Market
- Tourist Information Center if you need some pamphlets
- Otaru Canal
- Optional: Otaru Art Base (Get this pass to access all four museums – Stained Glass Museum, Nitori Museum of Art, Former Mitsui Bank Otaru Branch and House of Western Art)
- Bank of Japan Otaru Museum
- Lunch at Isezushi (sushi) or Yabuhan (soba)*
- Sakaimachi Dori Shopping Street
- Kitaichi Glass Otaru No. 3 Bldg.
- Enjoy coffee and cake at LeTao Flagship Store*
- Marchen Crossroads
- Otaru Music Box Museum
- Back to Otaru Canal (it is beautifully lit up at night)
- Travel back to Sapporo
- Jingisukan (Genghis Khan) dinner at Daruma Honten*
Sapporo City Tour (Day 5)
- Maruyama Park
- Rokkatei Jingu chaya (the perfect stop for a cold, winter morning 🙂 )
- Hokkaido-jingu Shrine
- Lunch at Hokkaido Soup Curry Restaurant*
- Fushimi Inari
- Sunset at Moiwayama Observatory Deck
- Take the Sapporo City Streetcar from Ropeway Iriguchi Station to Higashihonganji-Mae Station (counter clockwise!)
- Dinner at Ebisoba Ichigen Honten*
- Nightcap at Gotsubo Oyster Bar*
Overnight Onsen Getaway from Sapporo (Day 6)
On Day 6, explore any Sapporo attractions you might have missed from Days 1–5. Alternatively, wrap up your trip with a relaxing onsen getaway to Jozankei.
- Check out from your Sapporo hotel (leave your belongings at a coin locker in Sapporo Station)
- Take the bus at Sapporo Station Bus Terminal for Jozankei Onsen (Jotetsu Bus number 7 or 8)
- Check in to your chosen ryokan and enjoy onsen
- Jozankei snow candle way (from January 25 to February 1, 2025)
Last day in Sapporo (Day 7)
- Check out of your ryokan and head back to Sapporo Station. (Yes, you’ll need to return to the station for your luggage, and it’s also the way to the airport.)
- Hokkaido University
- Lunch at Nemuro Hanamaru JR Tower Stellar Place*
- Souvenir shopping at Sapporo Underground Shopping (Aurora Town and Pole Town)
- Travel to New Chitose Airport
- Early dinner at Ramen Dojo*
Note: Those with * are some of the BEST places to eat in Sapporo and Otaru, and should absolutely need to be included in any Sapporo itinerary.
Staying connected in Japan
In Sapporo, free Wi-Fi is widely available in cafes, restaurants, hotels, and popular tourist spots. However, connection quality can vary by location and time, and public networks may come with security risks.
For a more reliable and secure internet connection, I highly recommend using Holafly eSIM Japan. It’s my go-to choice for staying connected during my travels in Japan. use my code PROJECTGORA to get 5% off!
Pin this for future reference!
And that wraps up my adventure in Sapporo! I hope this Sapporo itinerary inspires you to plan an unforgettable trip to this beautiful region. If you have any comments, questions, or suggestions, feel free to drop them below. I’d love to hear from you!
For more travel tips, inspiration, and updates, follow me on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, and Pinterest. Have an amazing day, and happy travels!
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10 replies on “Sapporo Itinerary for First Time Visitors (2025)”
Some genuinely interesting details you have written. Aided me a lot, just what I was searching for 🙂
Hi! Have you been to Sapporo in early or mid-April? What did you do, and do you have any recommendations or changes you’d suggest to the itinerary?
You can definitely use this exact itinerary for spring! The main difference is that skiing won’t be an option, but you can swap it out for a fun side trip depending on your interests. Some great alternatives are Jozankei, Noboribetsu, Furano, and Asahikawa for scenic countryside views. 😊
Hi! Planning to visit Hokkaido on December. Any recommendations for the clothing and shoes? We’ve visited Kansai twice already during winter but there’s no snow, so I’d like to ask some insights on what to wear when it snows. Thanks!
Hello Nico! Dressing in layers is the key to staying warm and comfortable in Hokkaido during December. Since you’ve experienced winter in Kansai without snow, here’s how to prepare for snowy weather:
Clothing layers and accessories:
– In the Philippines, grab a pair of Heattech innerwear (Uniqlo is great for this) to keep you warm without bulk.
– Add a winter jacket and ski pants if possible. Check out ukay-ukay shops or online IG sellers for budget-friendly options.
– Don’t forget essentials like gloves, scarves, and a beanie or earmuffs to keep exposed areas warm.
Shoes:
– Skip buying winter boots in the Philippines and get them in Japan. You’ll find better options and prices in major cities like Osaka or Tokyo if you’re transiting. Look for waterproof boots with good traction for walking on snow and ice.
If you’re traveling through major cities like Osaka or Tokyo before heading to Hokkaido, you can shop for winter gear there. It’s more affordable and offers a wider selection. 🙂
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Hi. Going to Sapporo next year. Travelling with my husband, teenager daughter and my senior mother who both love to shop. May I know your recommendation for the best and most convenient location? I found this nice and reasonable hotel in Susukino but I am having thoughts because I know it’s mostly for the active night life, which we aren’t really into. Hope you can help.
Hello Kim! Susukino is a great place to stay in Sapporo. It is certainly the liveliest part of the city but not that loud and super crowded like Shinjuku or Shibuya in Tokyo. Lots of food and shopping places in this area.