Sapporo Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Sapporo
Sapporo
Sapporo
Sapporo
Sapporo

Sapporo Travel Guide Video

Excellent ski slopes, beautiful parks, festivals and beer gardens make this bustling city on the Japanese island of Hokkaido a year-round destination. 

The lively metropolis of Sapporo is one of Japan’s major cities and is a popular tourist destination. The city was the host of the 1972 Winter Olympic Games and is renowned for its winter sports. In summer, explore the city’s parks, bars and beer gardens.

Unwind in Odori Park. This large and lush common, which encompasses 12 city blocks in central Sapporo, is full of fountains, benches and gardens. On the eastern side of the park is the Sapporo TV Tower, which stands 90 metres (295 feet) above street level. Visit the tower’s viewing platform for spectacular views of the city. During the month of February, the park hosts the weeklong Sapporo Snow Festival, which has snow rides, ice sculptures and concerts.

In the winter, visit the ski resorts that dot the mountains around Sapporo. Go cross-country skiing around the lake in Nakajima Park or take a peaceful night ski at Sapporo Bankei Ski Area. Children will love sledding and inner-tubing down the gentle slopes of Mount Moiwa Ski Resort. Non-skiers can also partake in the mountain fun with computer-simulated ski activities in the Winter Sports Museum, which is situated at the base of the Okurayama Ski Jump.

Sapporo is also famous for its beer. In the summertime, there are many beer gardens in parks and on rooftops throughout the city. Relax in one of these idyllic settings as you sip on the city’s renowned brews. To learn more about the history of beer in Sapporo, go to the Sapporo Beer Museum.

Take part in Sapporo’s nightlife. Wander through the city’s large entertainment district, Susukino, which is made up of nightclubs, bars and restaurants. Dine on fresh sushi in one of the Sushi-ya restaurants. Visit Ramen Yokocho, a narrow street lined with numerous ramen eateries, for a steaming bowl of noodles.

To get to Sapporo, fly into New Chitose Airport, which is located 48.3 kilometres (30 miles) southeast of the city. Once in Sapporo, navigate the city using public transportation, or a rented bicycle or car.

Where to stay in Sapporo

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Sapporo City Centre

4.5/5(68 area reviews)

Enjoy the popular shops in Sapporo City Centre. Odori Park is a worthwhile stop, and you can jump on the metro at Nishi-Yon-Chome Stop or Odori Station to see more of Sapporo.

Sapporo City Centre
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Susukino

Spend some time visiting places like Susukino Street while getting to know Susukino, and be sure to check out the abundant dining options. You can hop aboard the metro at Susukino Station or Hosui-Susukino Station to see more of the area.

Susukino
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Chuo-ku

4.5/5(20 area reviews)

You might enjoy the skiing while in Chuo-ku. Odori Park is a notable sight, and you can get around town at Maruyama-koen Station or Nishi-Nijuhatchome Station to see more of the city.

Chuo-ku
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Jozankei

Jozankei is noteworthy for its hot springs, and you can make a stop at top attractions like Jozankei Hot Spring and Kokusai Ski Resort.

Jozankei
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Odori

Shopping, hot springs and coffee shops highlight some notable features of Odori. Make a stop by Odori Park or Tanukikoji Shopping Street while you're visiting, and jump aboard the metro at Nishi-Hatchome Stop or Nishi-Yon-Chome Stop to get around town.

Odori

Shinsapporo

Unique features of Shinsapporo include the shopping and restaurants. Make a stop by Sapporo Science Center or Sunpiazza Aquarium while you're exploring the area.

Shinsapporo
SAPPORO HOTEL by GRANBELL
SAPPORO HOTEL by GRANBELL
4 out of 5
2-chome-2-2 Kita 6 Johigashi, Higashi Ward, Sapporo, Hokkaido
The price is NZ$178 per night from 30 June to 1 July
NZ$178
30 June - 1 July
Stay at this 4-star spa hotel in Sapporo. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and 2 restaurants. Popular attractions Odori Park and Sapporo Clock Tower are ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (66 reviews)
"Great new hotel. Good location"

Reviewed on 24 May 2025

SAPPORO HOTEL by GRANBELL
Sapporo Prince Hotel
Sapporo Prince Hotel
4 out of 5
Nishi 11-chome, Minami, 2-jo, Chuo-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido
The price is NZ$86 per night from 29 June to 30 June
NZ$86
29 June - 30 June
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Sapporo. Enjoy free WiFi, 3 restaurants, and hot springs on site. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,003 reviews)
"Staff is superb."

Reviewed on 20 Jun. 2025

Sapporo Prince Hotel
The Royal Park Canvas – Sapporo Odori Park
The Royal Park Canvas – Sapporo Odori Park
4 out of 5
Odorinishi 1-12, Chuo Ward, Sapporo, Hokkaido
The price is NZ$158 per night from 30 June to 1 July
NZ$158
30 June - 1 July
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Sapporo. Enjoy free WiFi, a rooftop terrace, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (886 reviews)
"Cute hotel in a great location with hipster vibes. The 2nd floor lobby bar and rooftop lounge are popular hangouts. Turntables in every room and a library of vinyl to choose from."

Reviewed on 17 Jun. 2025

The Royal Park Canvas – Sapporo Odori Park
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Minn Chitose
Minn Chitose
3 out of 5
2-1-1 Kashiwadaiminami, Chitose, Hokkaido
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly apartment in Chitose. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the clean rooms in our ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (530 reviews)
"Everything about the property is fine- it's spacious and clean. There are 2 shower areas, laundry and a kitchen. The lounge Unfortunately, the nearby outmall mall is now closed despite Google's assurances to the contrary. We were not fans of the check in process either. Even our 22 y at old daughter ..."

Reviewed on 20 Jun. 2025

Minn Chitose
Minn Kitahiroshima Station East
Minn Kitahiroshima Station East
4 out of 5
Chuo, 5-8-1, Kitahiroshima, Hokkaido
Stay at this 4-star aparthotel in Kitahiroshima. Enjoy free WiFi, a 24-hour front desk, and concierge services. Popular attractions Es Con Field Hokkaido and ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (6 reviews)
"とても満足です。また利用したくなりました。"

Reviewed on 13 Jun. 2025

Minn Kitahiroshima Station East
Villa Koshido Odori
Villa Koshido Odori
3 out of 5
14-3-18 Odorinishi, Chuo Ward, Sapporo, Hokkaido
Stay at this 3-star apartment in Sapporo. Enjoy free WiFi, a 24-hour front desk, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Odori Park and Tanukikoji Shopping ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (79 reviews)
"Very clean and comfortable, would / will stay again"

Reviewed on 26 Jan. 2025

Villa Koshido Odori
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Activities

Reviews of Sapporo

4.5
Top destination
5 - Excellent
41
5 - Excellent 55%
4 - Good
31
4 - Good 41%
3 - Okay
3
3 - Okay 4%
2 - Disappointing
0
2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
1 - Terrible 0%

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

Enjoyed the park and shrine

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Sapporo is a very beautiful city in winter when it’s snowing

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Went in winter (Early February) for the Snow Festival which was simply amazing a must do for anyone's bucket list

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Great Ski area but a little bit more limited on things to do than say kyoto or osaka

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Loved walking around the ice sculptures!

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

So much to do so to see and to eat!

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