Romantic Long Weekend in Sapporo, Japan

Discover romance in the snowy wonderland of Sapporo.

22 April 2023

A romantic trip to Sapporo, Japan will take you to a city filled with natural beauty, culture, and delicious food. From exploring the famous Ishiya Chocolate Factory to taking a stroll through the scenic Odori Park, there are plenty of romantic activities to indulge in. Finally, indulge in the local cuisine such as Sapporo-style ramen and fresh seafood, and end the day with a relaxing dip in one of the city's hot springs.

Travel plan

Getting latest place information
Day 1

Romantic Getaway at Hotel Monterey Sapporo

  • Check into Hotel Monterey Sapporo, located in the heart of downtown Sapporo
  • Indulge in a spacious, English-style room decorated with classic furniture and a four-poster bed
  • Relax in the on-site spa, complete with a Japanese-style hot spring bath
  • Enjoy a delicious dinner at the hotel's French restaurant, featuring seasonal ingredients and a stunning city view
  • Sip cocktails at the hotel's bar, Piano Bar Raffiné, featuring live jazz music on weekends
Day 2

Discover Sapporo's Culture and History

  • Visit the Hokkaido Museum of Modern Art, featuring both Japanese and Western-style art
  • Stroll through the historic district of Susukino, with its traditional Japanese architecture and bustling nightlife
  • Explore Sapporo's former red-light district, Tanukikoji Shopping Street, with its unique shops and souvenir stalls
  • Visit the Sapporo Clock Tower, built in 1878, to learn about the city's history and see its iconic symbol
  • Enjoy local cuisine at Nijo Market, known for its fresh seafood and Hokkaido specialties
Day 3

Experience Nature and Adventure

  • Take a short trip to Mount Moiwa, offering stunning panoramic views of Sapporo
  • Hike through Odori Park, a large public space featuring a beautiful flower garden and outdoor summer festival
  • Visit the Sapporo Satellite Museum, showcasing the history of space exploration and technology
  • Try out winter sports at Sapporo Teine Ski Resort, featuring world-class slopes and stunning scenery
  • Savor Sapporo-style ramen at Ichigen, one of the city's most famous noodle shops
Day 4

Relax and Unwind

  • Take a scenic train ride to Otaru, known for its romantic canals and glass-blowing traditions
  • Visit the Otaru Music Box Museum, featuring a massive collection of music boxes from around the world
  • Take a relaxing dip in an onsen at Jozankei Hot Springs, known for its therapeutic mineral-rich waters
  • Enjoy a farewell dinner at Hanamaru, known for its exquisite seafood and fresh sushi
  • Catch a traditional Japanese puppet show at the Sapporo Puppet Theater, featuring unique local stories and charming characters.

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.

More travel plans

Sapporo in 5: The Ultimate City Adventure

Visiting Sapporo as a tourist allows you to explore the urban metropolis of Hokkaido's largest city, with its bustling shopping districts, modern architecture, and excellent dining scene. Visitors can also experience the city's rich cultural heritage by exploring its numerous museums, galleries, and historic sites, such as the famous Sapporo Clock Tower and the Meiji-era Hokkaido Shrine. Finally, you can't visit Sapporo without indulging in its world-famous beer and attending the annual snow festival, where you can witness enormous snow sculptures and enjoy traditional winter activities.

A Romantic 5-Day Getaway to Sapporo, Japan

A romantic trip to Sapporo, Japan promises a mix of urban and nature attractions that are sure to captivate couples seeking adventure and relaxation. Visitors can indulge in romantic walks through parks and gardens dotted with cherry blossoms or soak in natural hot springs for a rejuvenating experience. The trip is incomplete without trying out authentic Hokkaido cuisine, especially the famous Sapporo beer and fresh seafood delicacies.

Experience Sapporo's Romance in One Day

A romantic trip to Sapporo, Japan offers a perfect blend of nature, culture, and cuisine. Enjoy a peaceful stroll through the beautifully landscaped parks or catch a glimpse of the aesthetically pleasing snow sculptures at the annual Sapporo Snow Festival. Indulge in delicious seafood, try out the iconic Sapporo Ramen, and sip on locally brewed beer at the famous Sapporo Beer Museum.

Sapporo on a Budget: Culture, Cuisine & Adventure!

A trip to Sapporo, Japan on a limited budget is definitely possible with careful planning. One can stroll around the city's scenic beauty, try Sapporo beer at the famous beer garden, and indulge in delicious yet cheap street food like soup curry and ramen. Additionally, exploring sights such as the Clock Tower, Sapporo Beer Museum, and Odori Park are highly recommended to make the most of a budget-friendly trip to Sapporo.