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Sapporo, Japan

Destination Guide

Sapporo

Japan

Best things to do in Sapporo

28 curated attractions in Sapporo, Japan. Handpicked for every kind of traveler.

Best time

June - September

Average temp

9°C/48°F

Budget

Mid-range

Safety

Very safe

About Sapporo

Sapporo, the capital of Hokkaido and a major city in northern Japan, has a reputation for its mammoth annual Snow Festival, which is a showcase of massive snow and ice sculptures that draw visitors from all over. The city's layout features wide streets and spacious parks, a result of its design as a planned city during the Meiji period. This planning has led to a comfortable atmosphere, where you’ll find the Sapporo Beer Museum as a nod to its brewing history and numerous eateries serving hearty local dishes. The city's winter pride extends to excellent ski resorts nearby, while summer is just as enjoyable with attractions like Odori Park and Maruyama Park, which are popular with both locals and tourists. Many people come for the food, specifically the rich offerings of ramen and fresh seafood found in the Susukino Entertainment District.

Who it's for

Food lovers and anyone keen on experiencing winter festivals will find plenty to enjoy. Those looking for a city experience might feel a bit out of place, as Sapporo's charm is more about comfort and local culture than nightlife. It might not satisfy those who expect the typical Tokyo experience.

Getting around

Public transport: Good

The city centre can be walked across in about thirty minutes, which is often the best way to explore
Public transport is efficient, with a subway system that connects main attractions easily
New Chitose Airport is about an hour away by train
Sapporo Dome is a bit far for a walk, so take a bus or taxi

Teine Ski Resort

Teine Ski Resort

Hokkaido Shrine

Hokkaido Shrine

Nijo Market

Nijo Market

Food markets & food halls

Ishiya Chocolate Factory

Ishiya Chocolate Factory

Breweries, distilleries & food makers

Maruyama Park

Susukino Street

Susukino Street

Nakajima Park

Nakajima Park

Sapporo Clock Tower

Sapporo Clock Tower

Historic houses & mansions

Mt. Moiwa

Mt. Moiwa

Sapporo Dome

Stadiums & sports venues

Susukino Entertainment District

Susukino Entertainment District

Nightlife districts

Hokkaido University Botanic Garden

Hokkaido University Botanic Garden

Botanical gardens

Asahiyama Memorial Park

Asahiyama Memorial Park

Hitsujigaoka Observation Hill

Hitsujigaoka Observation Hill

Scenic viewpoints

Hill of the Buddha

Hill of the Buddha

Odori Park

Odori Park

Historical Village of Hokkaido

Historical Village of Hokkaido

Traditional villages

Moerenuma Park

Moerenuma Park

Mt. Moiwa Ropeway

Mt. Moiwa Ropeway

Mountains & volcanoes

Sapporo Beer Museum

Sapporo Beer Museum

Specialty & quirky museums

Pokemon Center

Pokemon Center

Shiroi Koibito Park

Shiroi Koibito Park

Specialty & quirky museums

Sapporo Fushimi Inari Shrine

Sapporo Fushimi Inari Shrine

Religious Sites

Sapporo Crab Market

Sapporo Crab Market

Sapporo TV Tower

Sapporo TV Tower

Observation decks & city views

Hokkaido Museum of Modern Art

Hokkaido Museum of Modern Art

Art museums & galleries

Sapporo Moiwayama Ski Area

Sapporo Moiwayama Ski Area

Sports and Recreation Venues

Tokyu Department Store

Tokyu Department Store

Malls & department stores

Where to eat in Sapporo

The places worth planning a meal around.

Ganso Ramen Yokocho

Ganso Ramen Yokocho

Japanese

★ 4.0 · 2,862 reviews

Soup Curry GARAKU

Soup Curry GARAKU

Japanese · $$

Cafe Morihiko

Cafe Morihiko

Japanese-Fusion · $$

★ 4.4

Bar Yamazaki

Bar Yamazaki

Japanese · $$

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