Ultimate Sapporo Neighborhood Guide: Access, Map, and Must-try Food & Highlights 2025
Sapporo, the central city of Hokkaido, is known as one of Japan's most popular tourist destinations. It's one of Japan's premier gourmet cities, and many people visit seeking cuisine that can only be experienced in Sapporo.
The fusion of urban atmosphere with nature-rich scenery is also an attractive highlight. Since popular tourist spots are concentrated in the area, you can enjoy various experiences in just 1-2 days.
This time, to efficiently tour Sapporo, we'll introduce the characteristics, access, and key points to remember for each spot. Reading this Sapporo Guide will definitely help you fully enjoy the city. Please use it as a reference for your travel plans!
What is Sapporo?
The image that many Japanese people have of Sapporo includes "abundant nature" and "fresh Seafood." Many people also associate it with beautiful cityscapes and winter snow festivals. Unlike other cities in Japan, Hokkaido is characterized by not having long rainy seasons. From spring to autumn, the humidity is low and the climate is refreshing.
For foreign tourists visiting Sapporo, the well-balanced combination of urban and natural elements seems to be the main attraction. While urban, it attracts foreigners seeking a more relaxed atmosphere than Tokyo.
Additionally, summers are cooler than on the main island (Honshu), making it comfortable to spend time there, which is another popular highlight. Many foreign tourists also visit to enjoy the nightlife in Susukino, Hokkaido's premier entertainment district neighborhood.
Sapporo's Location & Access
Sapporo, the prefectural capital, is located roughly in the center of Hokkaido. It has Japan's fourth-largest population and serves as the economic and cultural center of Hokkaido. Public transportation systems including streetcars, subways, and route buses are well-developed, making it a livable city for people of all ages.
From Tokyo to Sapporo, there are mainly the following access methods. Each has its own merits, so please choose based on your itinerary and budget!
Airplane
For those who want to "get to Sapporo as quickly as possible!" airplanes are definitely recommended.
The flight time from Haneda Airport to Shin-Chitose Airport is approximately 1 hour and 40 minutes. Including time for boarding procedures at the airport, you should allow about 3 hours total. Regular fares range from 20,000 to 38,000 yen, but with early booking discounts, you can sometimes travel for 10,000 to 20,000 yen.
From Shin-Chitose Airport to Sapporo Station takes about 40 minutes by train.
Airplane travel is recommended for people who:
- Want to minimize travel time
- Want to reduce fares by skillfully using early booking discounts
Shinkansen
You can also take the Hokkaido Shinkansen from Tokyo to "Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto Station," then transfer to a limited express train to reach Sapporo.
The total travel time by Shinkansen + limited express is about 8 hours. Fares range from 26,000 to 30,000 yen, but vary depending on when you make reservations.
Shinkansen travel is recommended for people who:
- Want to travel casually without boarding procedures or baggage checks
- Want to experience Japan's world-renowned Shinkansen
- Want to enjoy sightseeing in Hakodate, the transfer point
Around Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto Station, the transfer point, there are many tourist spots, and inside the station there are plenty of souvenir shops and gourmet spots!
Bus/Car + Ferry
While you cannot go directly from Tokyo to Sapporo by car alone, there is a method combining ferry travel.
Ferries operate between Oarai Port in Ibaraki Prefecture and Tomakomai Port in Hokkaido, with a travel time of about 18 hours. From Tokyo to Oarai takes about 1 hour and 45 minutes by express bus, and from Tomakomai to Sapporo takes about 1 hour by train.
Including transfers, you should plan an itinerary with more than a full day's buffer.
Bus/Car + Ferry travel is recommended for people who:
- Want to enjoy a leisurely journey using various modes of transportation
- Want to enjoy sightseeing at transfer points
- Feel that travel time is part of the joy of the journey
Sapporo Guide: Discover What Makes This City Special! A Travel Enthusiast's Carefully Selected Highlights of Sapporo's Charm
Here, as someone who has visited Sapporo many times, I'll introduce you to Sapporo's unique attractions in even greater detail. You'll definitely want to go there right away!
Enjoy Some of Japan's Finest Food
When it comes to Sapporo, many people visit specifically to enjoy the food, don't they? Fresh seafood is a given, but the meat dishes are also exquisite, including Hokkaido-produced wagyu beef, lamb meat, and fried chicken called "Zangi."
Additionally, various food cultures have taken root here, including local cuisine that takes advantage of Hokkaido's natural bounty and "shime parfait" - desserts enjoyed after drinking alcohol.
Easily accessible gourmet foods like Sapporo ramen are especially popular with foreign tourists.
My recommendation is the dairy products unique to Hokkaido, the dairy kingdom. Please try the gourmet dishes that generously use rich milk-based ice cream, cheese, and butter!
Enjoy Nightlife in "Susukino," One of Japan's Three Major Entertainment Districts
When you visit Sapporo, you can't miss the nightlife in Susukino neighborhood. Susukino is one of Japan's three major entertainment districts, alongside Tokyo's Kabuki-cho and Fukuoka's Nakasu.
Glittering neon lights color nighttime Sapporo, starting with Susukino's symbolic "Nikka Whisky" sign.
A highlight of this area is that you can enjoy not only alcohol but also various Sapporo gourmet foods. Many shops operate until morning, so you can play all night long. There are also shops that serve lunch and daytime drinking, so you can certainly enjoy it during the day too.
We'll explain how to enjoy Susukino in detail later, so please use it as a reference!
Abundant Natural Spots for Skiing, Hiking, and Enjoying Nature
There are several ski resorts near Sapporo where you can easily enjoy snow sports. My recommendation is "Sapporo Kokusai Ski Resort," located about an hour from the city center. The vast slopes have courses of various levels, so everyone from beginners to advanced skiers can enjoy them. The rental equipment is also well-stocked, and the attractive point is that you can go empty-handed.
How about day hiking or hiking in spring and autumn? Sapporo has many accessible mountains and hiking courses that can be reached from the city center, and the mountain paths are well-maintained for easy exploration. Walk with your own feet and experience Hokkaido's magnificent nature through the scent of plants and trees and the voices of birds!
6 Exquisite Foods You Must Enjoy When Coming to Sapporo
Here we introduce exquisite foods you must eat when visiting Sapporo. We've carefully selected 6 types, including local cuisine that takes advantage of Hokkaido's climate and soil.
All of them can be easily eaten in the city center, so please try them all!
Genghis Khan
Genghis Khan is a dish where lamb meat and vegetables are grilled together in a special pan and eaten with sauce. It has been beloved for a long time as a local dish representing Hokkaido.
The characteristic feature of Genghis Khan pans is their dome shape. By placing meat on the raised central part, excess oil drips down, allowing you to feel the fragrant umami of the meat more intensely.
Lamb meat, which is rich in protein and low in calories, is also popular as healthy food. With Genghis Khan, you can eat plenty of vegetables together, which is another pleasant point!
Hokkaido Ramen
"Hokkaido Ramen" refers to local ramen from various parts of Hokkaido. Sapporo is known as the birthplace of miso ramen. "Sapporo Ramen," characterized by miso-based soup and medium-thick curly noodles, is also delicious when topped with butter or corn.
Additionally, soy sauce-based "Asahikawa Ramen" and salt-based "Hakodate Ramen" are said to be Hokkaido's three major ramen types. Please try various local ramen unique to Hokkaido!
Ishikari Nabe
"Ishikari Nabe" is a local dish originating from Ishikari City, about 45 minutes by car from Sapporo. It's eaten by simmering Hokkaido's famous salmon and vegetables in a rich miso soup. The soup, in which the umami of salmon and sweetness of vegetables have dissolved, is exquisite.
Ishikari Nabe, enjoyed by everyone gathering around the pot, is also a staple home cooking dish. There are Japanese restaurants in Sapporo city where you can eat Ishikari Nabe. Some are arranged by each restaurant, so please try it once.
Sushi & Sashimi
The king of Sapporo gourmet is undoubtedly the array of fresh seafood such as sushi and sashimi. There are countless places in Sapporo city where you can eat seafood dishes.
My recommendation is restaurants inside markets. The exceptionally fresh seafood that has just come in from fishing ports will overturn your previous image of sushi and sashimi.
"Kaiten-zushi" (conveyor belt sushi), where sushi plates flow on lanes in front of you, is also a uniquely Japanese way to enjoy it.
Soup Curry
Soup curry, characterized by watery, smooth soup, is a local curry originating from Hokkaido. It contains plenty of main ingredients such as pork, chicken, and seafood, as well as seasonal vegetables. The ingredients are cut into large pieces, so it's filling and highly satisfying.
The way to eat it is free, but it's common to pour curry soup over separately served rice or scoop rice with a spoon and dip it in curry soup.
There are several specialty shops in Sapporo city, and each shop has original menu items.
Zangi
"Zangi" refers to fried chicken. There's a theory that the name "Zangi" derives from Chinese, but it's not clear. It's beloved as Hokkaido's local cuisine and has become a familiar food for many Hokkaido residents.
Compared to general fried chicken, it's characterized by having a firm, rich base seasoning. Zangi marinated in sauce with garlic, ginger, soy sauce, etc., is perfect as a bento side dish or as a snack with alcohol.
When You Come to Sapporo, Enjoy Food Hopping at Shops Truly Loved by Locals
If you're unsure which shop to choose in Sapporo, where exquisite gourmet foods gather, why not participate in a guided food hopping tour? Local guides who know Sapporo inside and out will guide you to carefully selected shops that would be perfect highlights on any Sapporo guide map.
Please enjoy not only fresh seafood but also standard foods popular with foreign tourists, such as tempura and yakitori. Even pot dishes that are a bit difficult for first-timers to eat are safe with a guide. Please try them!
For the first shop, we'll go to a guide-recommended shop, and for the second and third shops, we'll choose shops while listening to guests' preferences.
This tour is recommended for people who want to fully enjoy Sapporo gourmet like locals do.
Meeting point: Susukino Station
Tour area: Izakaya in the Susukino neighborhood
Start time: 18:00
The Author's Recommendations! 7 Must-See Tourist Destinations to Visit When You Come to Sapporo - Your Essential Sapporo Guide
Here we've picked out the must-visit, essential tourist spots for your Sapporo trip. Many of these highlights are located in the neighborhood around Sapporo Station, making them perfect spots to visit during a 1-2 day trip that you can easily navigate on your map.
We'll introduce the key highlights of each location, so please use this as your reference!
Sapporo Clock Tower
The "Sapporo Clock Tower," which can be called the symbol of Sapporo, is located about a 10-minute walk from Sapporo Station. The charming point of this neighborhood attraction is its quaint, retro appearance nestled within the urban streetscape. The white building with a red roof has become a classic photo spot that every Sapporo guide recommends.
Every hour on the hour, the bell rings the same number of times as the time - once at 1 o'clock, twice at 2 o'clock, and so on.
Various goods are sold at the gift shop. My recommendation is a picture book featuring the clock tower, created by a picture book artist from Sapporo. Please look for your favorite souvenir!
Address: Sapporo City, Chuo Ward, Kita 1-jo Nishi 2-chome
Business Hours: 8:45~17:00
Closed: January 1st~January 3rd
Phone: 011-231-0838
Official Website: http://sapporoshi-tokeidai.jp/english/
Odori Park
"Odori Park," located in the center of Sapporo, is a vast park stretching approximately 1.5km in length. The vibrant green lawns feature flower beds and fountains, where you can enjoy nature's beauty throughout the four seasons.
It takes about 30 minutes to walk from end to end, but my favorite time to leisurely stroll through this neighborhood gem is in the early morning or after evening when there are fewer people - a highlight that any Sapporo guide would recommend on your map.
It serves as the venue for major events representing Sapporo, such as the spring Lilac Festival, June's YOSAKOI Soran Festival, summer festivals, and winter's Snow Festival, bustling with many people.
Odori Park, which also serves as a relaxation spot for Sapporo citizens, offers unique charms no matter which season you visit!
Address: Sapporo City, Chuo Ward, Kita 1-jo Nishi 2-chome
Business Hours: 8:45~17:00
Closed: January 1st~January 3rd
Phone: 011-231-0838
Official Website: http://sapporoshi-tokeidai.jp/english/
Moerenuma Park
"Moerenuma Park" is a park designed with the concept of "making the entire area one sculptural work." Within this vast site, you can experience Hokkaido's magnificent nature and art together - a true highlight for any visitor's map.
The symbol of this park is the "Glass Pyramid." Its entire surface is made of glass, reflecting the colors of the outside scenery, whether snow-covered landscapes or vibrant green lawns. I happened to visit at sunset, so I was able to enjoy the pyramid dyed in the evening glow.
In addition, there are features that both children and adults can enjoy, such as the story-like "Sea Fountain" and the "Cherry Blossom Forest" where 126 pieces of playground equipment are hidden throughout this unique neighborhood attraction.
Please feel the nature and art with your whole body!
Address: Sapporo City, Higashi Ward, Moerenuma Park 1-1
Business Hours: 7:00~20:00 (L.O. 19:30)
Closed: Open year-round
Phone: 011-790-1231
Official Website: https://moerenumapark.jp/english/
Sapporo Hitsujigaoka Observation Hill
Source:Official website
If you want to enjoy Hokkaido's magnificent scenery, how about "Hitsujigaoka Observation Hill"? This observation deck, famous for its statue of William Smith Clark, known as the "Father of Hokkaido Development," is a popular tourist spot about 30 minutes by bus from Sapporo - a must-have highlight on any Sapporo guide map.
In summer, you can enjoy lavender fields as far as the eye can see, and in winter, dynamic snow scenery spreads out before you. When I visited, sheep happened to be grazing, and I could enjoy watching them spend their time leisurely in this peaceful neighborhood setting.
At the shop where you can buy souvenirs and light meals, please try the soft serve ice cream flavored like "Shiroi Koibito," a famous Hokkaido confection. The rich, creamy milk flavor unique to Hokkaido is exquisite!
Address: Sapporo City, Toyohira Ward, Hitsujigaoka 1
Business Hours: 9:00~17:00 (until 18:00 from June to September)
Closed: Irregular holidays
Phone: 011-851-3080
Official Website: https://www.hitsujigaoka.jp/?lang=en_US#googtrans(ja|en)
Sapporo Nijo Market
When it comes to unmissable gourmet spots for Sapporo sightseeing, "Sapporo Nijo Market" is a must-visit highlight. This market, which began long ago when fishermen brought in their catch, has supported Sapporo citizens' food culture for many years.
Not only fresh seafood unique to Hokkaido, but also sweets, fruits, vegetables, alcohol, and processed marine products - everything is available. Inside the market, the lively and spirited calls of energetic shop staff echo throughout, and you can enjoy the atmosphere just by walking around this vibrant neighborhood.
Many restaurants operate from early morning, so getting up early to go for breakfast is also recommended. People who want to fully enjoy Hokkaido's seafood should definitely visit this essential map location!
Address: 4 Minami 3-jo Higashi 1-chome, Chuo-ku, Sapporo
Business Hours: 8:45~17:00
Closed: January 1st~January 3rd
Phone Number: 011-222-5308
Official Homepage: https://nijomarket.com/en/top_en/
Sapporo Beer Garden and Sapporo Beer Museum
Source:Sapporo Tourist Association
For enjoying delicious draft beer in Sapporo, "Sapporo Beer Garden" is a recommended highlight. In the charming interior that evokes the pioneer era, you can taste factory-direct draft beer made with Hokkaido water and exquisite Genghis Khan (grilled lamb). The retro and charming brick building is also certified as a Hokkaido Heritage site.
The adjacent museum also holds guided tasting tours. You can enjoy beer from Sapporo Beer's founding era that can only be tasted here! Please fully enjoy the depth of Japanese Beer that Japan is proud to share with the world.
[Sapporo Beer Garden Kaitakushi-kan]
Address: 2-10 Kita 7-jo Higashi 9-chome, Higashi-ku, Sapporo
Business Hours: 11:30~21:00 (L.O. 20:40)
Closed: December 31st
Phone Number: 0570-098-346
Official Homepage: https://sapporo-bier-garten.jp/
[Museum]
Address: 1-1 Kita 7-jo Higashi 9-chome, Higashi-ku, Sapporo
Business Hours: 11:00~18:00 (Last admission 17:30)
Closed: December 31st
Phone Number: 011-748-1876
Official Homepage: https://www.sapporobeer.jp/brewery/s_museum/
Susukino
After enjoying daytime sightseeing, let's enjoy Sapporo's nightlife in Susukino! Susukino, one of Japan's three major entertainment districts, brings together Hokkaido's specialty gourmet foods in this dynamic neighborhood.
From high-end restaurants with private rooms to casual izakaya that can be enjoyed casually, there are various types of dining establishments, making it easy to choose according to your budget and preferences - which is a delightful point for any Sapporo Guide.
Walking through the brilliantly shining neon district will heighten your travel mood even more! In the next topic, I'll introduce the charms of Susukino, full of highlights, from my perspective as a sake lover. Please use this map of experiences as a reference.
Highlights of "Susukino," Sapporo's Premier Nightlife Spot Recommended by a Drinking Enthusiast Author
Enjoy Bar Hopping to Your Heart's Content in a District That Comes Alive at Night
In Susukino, where about 3,500 dining establishments gather in this concentrated neighborhood, you can enjoy various genres of alcohol and food. While there are high-end restaurants where you can leisurely savor full courses, there are also standing bars with just counters, and the abundance of casual drop-in establishments is also an attractive point.
My recommended way to enjoy is Bar Hopping - having about 1-2 drinks and some light snacks at each establishment while visiting various shops. It's good to choose shops by food genre or type of alcohol, but choosing by atmosphere and liveliness is also interesting.
This is a way of spending time unique to Susukino, where many dining establishments are densely packed. If you're unsure about choosing a shop, try enjoying Bar Hopping - it's a true highlight of any comprehensive Sapporo Guide!
Enjoy Hokkaido's Local Cuisine Famous for Exquisite Dishes
Source:Oga Official website
Enjoying local cuisine unique to that place is also one of the real pleasures of travel. Susukino has many shops where you can easily taste Hokkaido's local cuisine throughout this gourmet neighborhood.
Just as home cooking differs slightly from household to household, local cuisine is something where you can feel each shop's individual dedication. Ishikari nabe (salmon hot pot) and soup curry also have places that add original arrangements to the taste and ingredients, so comparing different versions is also enjoyable - making this a must-visit map location for food lovers.
At the Zangi (fried chicken) specialty shop "Sapporo Zangi Honpo," there are 10 different flavors including cheese and tartar sauce. My recommendation is the spicy "Red Hot." Please enjoy it paired with a refreshing lemon sour!
Abundant Nightclubs and Bars with Many Spots to Enjoy Until Morning
After savoring Hokkaido cuisine, my standard routine is to move on to nightclubs and bars to thoroughly enjoy drinks. Susukino, also called "the city that never sleeps," has many establishments open until morning.
For those who want to enjoy drinks leisurely in a calm atmosphere, I recommend "THE NIKKA BAR." Please savor Hokkaido's famous NIKKA Whisky to your heart's content.
For people who want to drink in a lively atmosphere, how about nightclubs where you can enjoy DJ play and music events, dart bars, or bars where you can watch magic shows?
Choose establishments according to your preferences and mood at the time, and thoroughly enjoy Susukino's nightlife!
To Deeply Enjoy Susukino, Have a Guide Who Knows the Night Scene Thoroughly Show You Around
If you want to enjoy Susukino more deeply, participating in a guided tour is also recommended. In this tour, a local guide who knows Susukino's nightlife thoroughly will take you to three izakaya pubs and bars.
My recommended highlight of this tour is that you can visit local favorites not found in guidebooks. You might also learn about hidden famous sake and delicious drinking methods. Let's make a lively toast at izakaya pubs where locals gather.
After enjoying the first establishment, they'll select the second and third venues while listening to your preferences. This tour is recommended for people who want to fully enjoy Susukino's nightlife and delicious drinks.
Meeting point: Susukino Station
Tour area: Izakaya pubs around Susukino neighborhood
Start time: 18:00
Sapporo Has Different Charms Each Season! A Seasonal Enjoyment Guide
Sapporo, which shows different expressions throughout the four seasons, has the attractive feature that you can enjoy it no matter which season you visit. Here we introduce ways to enjoy each season in Sapporo.
We've picked highlight points unique to each season, including events, gourmet food, and activities. Please use this as reference when planning your travel itinerary!
Spring in Sapporo (March-May)
Sapporo from March to May is characterized by still having some remnants of winter. As the snow remaining on the ground gradually melts and you begin to see plant buds emerging little by little, spring arrives in Sapporo. Taking leisurely walks through parks and streets while viewing such scenery is a way to enjoy this time of year. You can also see cherry blossoms blooming in early May.
During this period called "umi-ake" (sea opening) when drift ice has disappeared, hair crab, spear squid, mantis shrimp, and others are caught. Please also enjoy spring flavors unique to this time, such as "fuki-no-tou" (butterbur sprouts) and "warabi" (bracken fern) mountain vegetables with their subtle bitter taste, and "asparagus" with concentrated sweetness.
Events You Can Enjoy in Spring Sapporo
In spring Sapporo, events related to gorgeous spring flowers and celebrations of children's growth are held.
March-May Events:
- Hiraoka Plum Festival (late April - late May)
- Cherry blossom viewing at Hokkaido Jingu (late April - mid May)
- Jozankei Onsen Stream Carp Streamers (mid April - mid May)
- Lilac Festival (late May)
At Hiraoka Park's regular event "Hiraoka Plum Festival," please savor plum gourmet foods like ice cream and soba while viewing flowers blooming on approximately 1,200 plum trees.
At the historic shrine Hokkaido Jingu, you can enjoy luxurious cherry blossom viewing as both cherry blossoms and plum blossoms reach their peak simultaneously. The Lilac Festival that turns Odori Park purple is also recommended.
Autumn in Sapporo (September-November)
Autumn in Hokkaido, with no lingering summer heat and refreshing air, is the most comfortable time of year. In October, mornings and evenings become quite chilly, and the city begins to be colored with autumn leaves. Just walking through the city provides many photo-worthy spots. When I visited in autumn, I enjoyed the autumn foliage while canoeing downstream.
October is said to be the most delicious season for autumn salmon and salmon roe. Salmon that swim against the river current to return to their birthplace for spawning have less fat, firm flesh, and a refreshing taste.
As it becomes chilly during this time, spending time relaxing in hot springs is also recommended.
Events You Can Enjoy in Autumn Sapporo
Autumn in Sapporo is packed with events for enjoying art, sports, and autumn flavors.
September-November Events:
- Sapporo Autumn Fest (mid September - early October)
- Hokkaido Art Fireworks (September)
- Sapporo Marathon (October)
- Apple picking, pear picking, chestnut gathering, etc. (September-November)
"Sapporo Autumn Fest," held at Odori Park where Hokkaido's autumn gourmet foods gather, has become a popular Sapporo event with over 2 million visitors annually.
At "Hokkaido Art Fireworks" held at Moerenuma Park, please enjoy dynamic fireworks across the vast grounds, including 3D productions you can't see elsewhere!
For families, hands-on events like fruit picking and chestnut gathering are also recommended.
Winter in Sapporo (December - February)
The two major highlights of winter in Sapporo, as featured in any comprehensive Sapporo Guide, are "crab" and "winter activities." Crab, which is said to be the king of Hokkaido's winter flavors, comes into season with various types such as snow crab, horsehair crab, and king crab. Please enjoy the firm flesh with its sweet and rich flavor.
Until January, hunting season is open, and game dishes such as Ezo deer are also recommended. High-protein, low-fat game cuisine has been gaining attention in Japan in recent years.
My recommendations are activities unique to Sapporo's winter, such as ice fishing for smelt and snowmobiling. Tours where you hike through the mountains at night wearing snow spikes are also enjoyable!
Events to Enjoy in Winter Sapporo
In winter, many Sapporo-like events related to "snow" are held throughout various neighborhoods across the city.
December - February Events:
- Sapporo Snow Festival (February)
- Yukitoro (late January)
- Odori Park Christmas Event (December)
The "Sapporo Snow Festival" is a festival of snow and ice sculpture art. This event, held at several venues including Odori Park and Susukino neighborhoods, has become a major event representing Hokkaido and should be marked on any tourist map.
My recommendation and highlight is "Yukitoro" held at Jozankei Shrine. Handmade snow candles fill both sides of the path, and you can enjoy mystical presentations where light and images blend with nature.
Please also enjoy the Christmas event at Odori Park with its beautiful illuminations!
Summer in Sapporo (June - August)
Sapporo's summer is characterized by low humidity and refreshing climate. In recent years, daytime temperatures can exceed 30 degrees Celsius in August, but it becomes cool from evening onwards, making it comfortable to spend time.
When it comes to summer in Hokkaido, lavender is famous. At "Horomitoge Lavender Garden," you can enjoy spectacular views overlooking Sapporo city with about 8,000 vibrant lavender plants. The lavender harvesting experience is also recommended and should be a highlight on any Sapporo Guide itinerary.
When it comes to summer seafood in Sapporo, sea urchin and squid come into season. In Hokkaido, where dairy products are delicious, please also try cold ice cream and yogurt!
Events to Enjoy in Summer Sapporo
In Sapporo from June to August, there are plenty of events where you can fully feel summer across different neighborhoods.
June - August Events:
- Sapporo Summer Festival (late July - late August)
- Makomanai Fireworks Festival (mid-July)
- SAPPORO CITY JAZZ (August)
- YOSAKOI Soran Festival (June)
The summer tradition of Sapporo, "Sapporo Summer Festival," has Odori Park as its main venue, where classic Japanese summer content such as Bon dancing, beer gardens, and portable shrines gather. This event, which lasts for a month, colors the entire city with a festival mood and can be found on any tourist map.
The "Makomanai Fireworks Festival," which is one of Hokkaido's largest, is a popular event where about 20,000 fireworks and music are combined.
For music lovers, "SAPPORO CITY JAZZ," one of Japan's largest jazz festivals, is also recommended!
Recommended Tourist Destinations to Visit Along with Sapporo
Hokkaido has many attractive cities other than Sapporo. Here I have picked six places I have visited that should be included in any comprehensive Sapporo Guide. I will introduce the recommended highlights of each city, including the atmosphere, local cuisine, and enjoyable activities that make each neighborhood unique.
If you have the opportunity, please definitely visit these places together with your Sapporo sightseeing and mark them on your travel map!
Hakodate
Hakodate, located about 1.5 hours by plane from New Chitose Airport, is a city famous for its glittering night views. It is also one of the "world's three major night views" and is called the "million-dollar night view."
Hakodate, which was the first port to open in Japan, is characterized by exotic streetscapes influenced by Western culture. The unique topography where the city center is sandwiched between seas allows you to enjoy beautiful city lights that sparkle as if floating on the sea.
The spectacular views from the Hakodate-yama Ropeway and Mount Hakodate's observation deck will become unforgettable travel memories.
My recommendation is "Ikameshi," a local dish of squid stuffed with glutinous rice and simmered in sweet sauce. Please definitely try it!
[From Sapporo Station to Hakodate Station]
3 hours 30 minutes to 4 hours by JR Limited Express Hokuto
[From New Chitose Airport to Hakodate]
About 1 hour 30 minutes by plane
Niseko
Niseko is a popular ski resort known for its premium powder snow. Niseko, which is said to have the second-highest snowfall in the world, attracts many foreign tourists every year to enjoy skiing and snowboarding.
Niseko's top season is indeed winter, but you can enjoy various outdoor activities in other seasons as well. Thrilling white-water rafting and horseback riding experiences that dash through magnificent nature are my favorites.
After moving your body to the fullest, heal your fatigue in hot springs located in magnificent nature.
Please also taste Niseko's specialty vegetables and fruits such as potatoes, corn, and melons that have received abundant natural blessings.
[From Sapporo Station to Niseko Station]
About 3 hours by express bus / 2 hours 30 minutes by JR (via Otaru)
[From New Chitose Airport to Niseko]
About 3 hours by JR
Asahikawa
Asahikawa is a city located in central Hokkaido. More than 130 rivers flow through the city, including the Ishikari River and Biei River, making it known as the "City of Rivers." Many events are held along the beautifully scenic waterfront, and rivers are a familiar presence for citizens.
What has become synonymous with Asahikawa is "Asahiyama Zoo." The zoo maintains an environment where animals can naturally express their individual abilities and characteristic behaviors. Rather than just viewing animals, the popular highlight is being able to observe their carefree appearances throughout each season.
My recommended gourmet dish is the soy sauce-based "Asahikawa Ramen." The flavorful broth made from pork bones and seafood is absolutely exquisite!
[From Sapporo Station to Asahikawa Station]
Express bus: 2 to 2.5 hours / JR Limited Express: approximately 1.5 hours
[From New Chitose Airport to Asahikawa]
JR: approximately 2 hours (transfer at Sapporo)
Otaru
Otaru, reachable in just 30 minutes from Sapporo Station, is a neighborhood where beautiful streetscapes look like they've jumped out of a picture book. Stone-built retro buildings line the gently curved streets along the Otaru Canal, where you can enjoy a nostalgic atmosphere.
Rich in fresh seafood and abundant nature throughout the four seasons, Otaru has become popular not only for tourism but also as a relocation destination.
A place I always stop by in Otaru is the glasswork shops. Otaru is also known as a glass city, and there are workshops where you can enjoy hands-on experiences. The beautiful glasswork that links with Otaru's landscape makes perfect souvenirs for yourself.
Please definitely visit Otaru, which is so close to Sapporo!
[Access from Sapporo Station to Otaru Station]
JR Hakodate Main Line: 45-60 minutes / Rapid Airport: 30-40 minutes
[Access from New Chitose Airport Station to Otaru Station]
JR Rapid Airport: 1 hour 20 minutes
Shiretoko & Kushiro
Shiretoko, a World Natural Heritage site, is a place where you can feel coexistence with nature. Wild animals inhabit the area, and there's a strong focus on environmental protection.
The highlight is the Shiretoko Goko Lakes surrounded by virgin forests. The mystical landscape where you can immerse yourself in the natural world is its attractive point. Hot springs overlooking the Sea of Okhotsk are also popular.
Speaking of Kushiro, it's famous for "Kushiro Marsh," Japan's largest wetland. Various flora and fauna inhabit the area, including the special natural monument red-crowned cranes and marimo (moss balls).
My recommended highlight is the sunset sky, considered one of the "world's three greatest sunsets." Looking up at the sky dyed crimson red by the setting sun, a breathtakingly beautiful scene unfolds.
These are two cities I recommend for people who want to fully enjoy Hokkaido's great nature.
[From Sapporo Station to Kushiro Station]
JR Limited Express "Super Ozora": minimum 4 hours / Express bus: 5.5-6 hours
[From New Chitose Airport to Kushiro]
Flight: approximately 1 hour 40 minutes
3 Things People Visiting Sapporo Should Check in Advance - Your Essential Sapporo Guide
For Central Sapporo Tourism, 1 Night and 2 Days is OK
Since Sapporo's popular tourist spots are gathered within relatively close distances, if you're only touring the central area, you can fully enjoy it in 1 night and 2 days.
How about spending the first day's daytime visiting tourist spots around Sapporo Station such as the Clock Tower, Odori Park, and Nijo Market, then enjoying Sapporo gourmet food and drinks in Susukino at night?
On the second day, I also recommend visiting spots a little farther from the city center like Hitsujigaoka Observatory and Moerenuma Park to enjoy a leisurely time.
If You Want to Enjoy Skiing or Hiking, You Need an Additional 1-2 Days
If you want to enjoy outdoor activities like skiing or hiking, it's safe to add another 1-2 days to your stay.
Sapporo has large ski resorts reachable within about an hour from the city center and mountains where you can casually enjoy mountain climbing, so you can visit on day trips. However, since outdoor activities consume physical energy, I recommend moving with a reasonable schedule.
Let's take proper rest and slowly enjoy hot springs as well.
Transportation Disruptions Due to Snow Occur Easily
In winter, transportation disruptions due to snow occur easily, so it's important to create a schedule with plenty of time. Don't pack your schedule on travel days or departure days, and enjoy sightseeing near airports or stations. New Chitose Airport has abundant shopping and gourmet facilities, so arriving early and enjoying the airport is also recommended.
Also, it's reassuring to research several different access methods to your destination in case your planned transportation stops.
Winter Requires Cold Protection, Spring and Autumn Require Sun Protection
Sapporo in deep winter is very cold, with days below 0°C continuing for many days. Use thermal innerwear to maintain body temperature and choose outerwear like down jackets that shut out cold air. When touring outdoor tourist spots, having hats and gloves provides peace of mind.
Indoors are very warm with heating, so clothing that's easy to put on and take off is recommended. If you're doing outdoor activities, please prepare proper equipment.
Spring and autumn have many sunny days and are comfortable, but use hats for sun and UV protection.