Sapporo is the vibrant capital city of Hokkaido, Japan. Known for its annual Sapporo Snow Festival, this is a city that beautifully blends urban with stunning natural landscapes. Sapporo, Hokkaido, boasts a rich cultural heritage and delicious culinary delights—including its famous Sapporo ramen, fresh seafood, and its popular Sapporo beer!
It’s my first time visiting Sapporo, and one main reason why I wanted to visit this place was to fully experience snow and the winter season. To be honest, I didn’t know much about Sapporo apart from it being one of the best places to visit in winter and its well-known craft beer. Hokkaido is known for having the finest snow in the world, and it’s truly magical during the winter season. With that being said, I can attest that Sapporo, Hokkaido, is one of the most magical places I’ve visited in Japan after seeing the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Shirakawa-go.
If you’re planning to visit Japan anytime soon, you might want to consider adding Sapporo to your itinerary and bucket list! Thus, here’s an ultimate travel guide to Sapporo for 4 days and 3 nights!
Table of Contents
Understanding Sapporo, Hokkaido
Sapporo is the capital city of Hokkaido, which is said to be the largest city in the island of Hokkaido and also the fifth largest city in Japan! According to the Japan National Tourism Organization, the city’s name means “important river flowing through a plain” in the indigenous Ainu language.
Sapporo is well-known for its annual Sapporo Snow Festival that features different ice sculptures. Not to mention the fact that this is where the famous Sapporo craft beer originated.
How to Get to Sapporo?
Many other domestic airports also have direct flights to Sapporo. Then, you can take a 40-minute JR train ride to Sapporo Station.
By plane
- From Tokyo: If you’re heading from Tokyo, there are dozens of flights that depart from Tokyo to Sapporo’s Chitose Airport from Haneda Airport or Narita International Airport every day. This is the most convenient and fastest way to get to Sapporo.
- From Osaka: Take the Nankai Airport Line or JR trains from central Osaka. Then, you can fly from either Kansai International Airport (KIX) or Osaka Itami Airport (ITM) to New Chitose Airport (CTS), which is located about 40 minutes from Sapporo by train.
If you opt to take a plane, you have the options to fly either with Peach Aviation, Jetstar Japan, ANA, or JAL. In my case, I decided to fly with Peach Aviation since this is where I booked the cheapest flight from Osaka to Sapporo!
By train
- From Tokyo: You can take the Hokkaido Shinkansen from Tokyo to Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto, which is a 4-hour ride, and transfer to the Hokuto limited express to Sapporo, a 3-hour ride.
- From Osaka: You can take the Tokaido Shinkansen from Shin-Osaka Station to Tokyo Station. Then, transfer to the Hokkaido Shinkansen at Tokyo Station and head to Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto. Travel time is approximately 4 hours. From Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto, take the limited express train to Sapporo. Travel time is approximately 3.5 hours.
Apparently, if you opt to travel via train, it takes longer hours to get to Sapporo. But if you want to enjoy the scenic route, you can take the shinkansen (bullet train) from Osaka to Sapporo or from Tokyo to Sapporo. Although this route is much longer than flying, it offers an opportunity to experience Japan’s high-speed rail and beautiful countryside.
Essential Travel Guide & Tips
- Winter for the Sapporo Snow Festival, spring for cherry blossoms, and autumn for the fall foliage.
- Sapporo’s efficient subway system and JR trains make it easy to navigate the city and take day trips. Utilize the Sapporo Subway and JR trains for easy access to attractions.
- You can stay near Sapporo Station for convenience. Most of the main tourist attractions are just nearby or within walking distance within this area.
- When in Sapporo, you must try miso ramen, Genghis Khan lamb, and seafood like crab and salmon unique to Hokkaido.
- If you’re a Philippine passport holder or you need a visa upon entering Japan, make sure that you have applied for a Japan tourist visa, whether it’s a single-entry Japan tourist visa or multiple-entry Japan tourist visa.
Getting around Sapporo, Hokkaido
Sapporo has an efficient public transport system that includes:
- Subway: The main method of getting around the city.
- JR trains: For trips outside of the city center, such as Otaru or New Chitose Airport.
- Buses: For areas not covered by the subway or train lines.
- Taxis: Available but more expensive; recommended for short trips or if traveling in a group.
On the other hand, if you’re just staying within Sapporo or nearby Sapporo station, most of the main tourist attractions are very accessible and just walking distance! Based on my experience, I personally enjoyed walking around the area. I think the only time I had to take the train was when I had to go to Hokkaido University and the airport!
Best Places to Visit in Sapporo
Sapporo Clock Tower
This is one of the city’s most iconic historical landmarks. From here, you can go up to the Sapporo TV Tower to see the stunning view of the city from above. The best time to visit is during the sunset.
Odori Park
The heart of Sapporo, which stretches over 1.5 km and is home to the famous Sapporo Snow Festival (if you visit in winter).
Susukino District
Sapporo’s vibrant entertainment district. Make sure to visit the legendary Ramen Alley to taste Hokkaido’s signature miso ramen. In addition, Susukino offers a variety of bars, karaoke spots, and izakayas to explore.
Tanokikoji Shopping Street
Tanokikoji Shopping Street is a long shopping street in the heart of Sapporo. You can purchase a lot of good, cheap finds and nice local restaurants in this area.
Sapporo Beer Museum
No visit to Sapporo would be complete without a tour of the Sapporo Beer Museum, where you can learn about the history of Japan’s oldest beer brand. After taking a tour around the Sapporo Beer Museum, you can order some beer and chill for two hours! It’s such a nice experience as a first-timer visiting Sapporo!
Hokkaido University
Hokkaido University is known for its beautiful architecture and seasonal foliage. To be honest, I rarely visit universities when traveling abroad, but I didn’t know that I would have had fun visiting Hokkaido University. I truly enjoyed walking around the university.
Afterward, explore the Botanical Gardens, where you’ll find over 4,000 plant species, including rare native plants from Hokkaido.
Sapporo Station
Sapporo Station is a huge area; thus, you can take time to shop for souvenirs in the bustling Sapporo Station area. From here, you’ll find everything from local Hokkaido snacks to trendy Japanese fashion. Don’t forget to buy Hokkaido cheesecake! Ahhh! It’s so good!
Other Places to Visit
- Otaru: A charming port town famous for its canal, music boxes, and fresh seafood, located just 30-40 minutes by train from Sapporo.
- Noboribetsu: A hot spring town known for its “Hell Valley” and onsen (hot springs), about 1.5 to 2 hours by train.
- Furano & Biei: Popular for their lavender fields (in summer) and beautiful landscapes, located about 2 to 3 hours from Sapporo by train or car.
4D3N Sapporo Itinerary
Day 1
- Arrival at New Chitose Airport
- Arrival in Sapporo
- Check-in at the accommodation (Plat Hostel)
- Sapporo Clock Tower
- Odori Park
- Susukino
- Tanukikoji Shopping Street
Day 2
- Sapporo Beer Museum
- Susukino District
- Tanokikoji Shopping Street
Day 3
- Hokkaido University
- Sapporo Clock Tower
- Sapporo TV Tower
- Odori Park
- Honoko Sauna Spa
- Tanokikoji Shopping Street
Day 4
- Sapporo Station
- Departure from New Chitose Airport
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best time to visit Sapporo?
The best time to visit Sapporo is during the winter season. You can experience the finest snow and try the best seafood and ramen. However, you may also visit Sapporo in other seasons, depending on your preference.
How many days in Sapporo is enough?
Four days is enough in Sapporo if you’re traveling for the first time. You can visit different tourist attractions within Sapporo for a few days and add another day for a side trip outside Sapporo.
Is it expensive in Sapporo?
Sapporo can accommodate a wide range of budgets. While accommodations and dining can be pricey during peak seasons (especially the Snow Festival), budget travelers can find affordable hostels, guesthouses, and budget-friendly restaurants. Public transport is also affordable.
I truly fell in love with Sapporo! It was the best decision to visit here during the winter season. Not only because of the snow but what I loved more was the serene vibe that it had! I felt like Sapporo was less touristy than any other city that I’ve visited in Japan! Sapporo has become one of my favorite cities in Japan, and I wish to go back anytime soon.
If you’re considering visiting Sapporo, this is your sign! You can follow this ultimate travel guide to Sapporo for your next visit to Japan!
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Hey, my name is Ara Patria—a solo female traveler who is in her quest of traveling the world. I write and learn about life through the lenses of my camera, personal experiences, and adventures. Join me as I unravel the mystery of life through exploring the wanders of the world.