3 Day Sapporo Adventure Guide

Discover the winter wonderland and gastronomic delights of Sapporo, Japan.

03 May 2023

A trip to Sapporo, Japan as a tourist offers a unique experience of the Japanese culture. A visit to the Sapporo Beer Museum is a must-see attraction for those who love beer. The city is also known for its delicious food scene, including the famous Sapporo-style ramen and fresh seafood dishes.

Travel plan

Getting latest place information
Day 1

Sapporo Adventures

  • Stay at Dormy Inn Sapporo Annex, a cozy and affordable hotel close to the subway. Start the day at Maruyama Park, surrounded by forests and home to Hokkaido Shrine. Grab breakfast at Hanamaru, known for their delicious soba noodles. Head to Sapporo Beer Museum for a tour and beer tasting. Explore Odori Park, a long stretch of greenery that hosts seasonal events and a great view of the TV Tower. End the day at Ramen Yokocho, a narrow alleyway filled with the best ramen joints in town.
Day 2

Winter Wonderland

  • Visit the Sapporo Snow Festival, held every February, and marvel at incredible snow sculptures. Have breakfast at Coffee Stand Jun, a cozy coffee spot with a vintage feel. Take a stroll around the historic district of Kitaichi Glass, full of glasswares and shop don't miss Otaru Canal, a picturesque location skirting the town. For lunch, try Sapporo Soup Curry Coco Ichibanya, a unique local dish of curry soup. End the day with a soak at Jozankei Onsen, a natural hot spring in the scenic mountains.
Day 3

Foodie Paradise

  • Wake up and visit the Nijo Market, a bustling fresh seafood market with rows of vendors. Try Uni (sea urchin) donburi or Kaisendon (seafood rice bowl) at a nearby stall for breakfast. For those with a sweet tooth, the Rokkatei Sapporo main store is a must-visit, selling yummy biscuits. Wander around the pedestrian street of Tanukikoji and drop by Kita no Ice Cream for lavender-flavored soft serve. End the day at one of the savoriest izakayas in Sapporo, Sake Yokocho, known for striking variety of sake and tasty yakitori.

How to get there

Plane

The best way to get to Sapporo by plane is to fly into New Chitose Airport, which is located approximately 45 minutes outside of the city center. There are direct flights to New Chitose from many major cities in Japan, as well as from other countries in Asia. Once you arrive at the airport, you can take a train or bus into the city.

Car

If you plan on driving to Sapporo, the most common route is to take the Hokkaido Expressway from Tokyo. The journey can take up to 17 hours depending on traffic and weather conditions. You can also take the ferry from Aomori to Hakodate and drive from there.

Train

There are several train options for getting to Sapporo, but the most popular is the JR Hokkaido Limited Express from Tokyo to Sapporo. The journey takes approximately 9 hours and includes a transfer in Hakodate. Alternatively, you can take the Hokkaido Shinkansen to Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto station and transfer to a local train to Sapporo. This option takes approximately 5 hours.

Boat

The ferry is a popular option for getting to Hokkaido from other parts of Japan. The most popular ferry route is from Aomori to Hakodate, which takes approximately 3 hours. From there, you can drive or take a train to Sapporo. Another option is to take the ferry from Niigata to Otaru or Tomakomai, which takes approximately 19 hours.

Bus

There are several bus options for getting to Sapporo from Tokyo, Osaka, and other major cities in Japan. The journey can take up to 24 hours depending on your departure point and the bus company you choose. The most popular bus companies for traveling to Sapporo are Willer Express and Hokkaido Access Network. Both offer comfortable seats and amenities, such as free Wi-Fi and power outlets.

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