4 Days of Adventure: Sapporo, Japan on a Budget

Sapporo: Affordable exploration of the Land of the Rising Sun.

21 June 2023

Sapporo is a great destination for budget travelers in Japan. With a vibrant blend of city life and natural beauty, there are plenty of free or affordable activities available, such as exploring the parks, tasting local food, and visiting the Hokkaido Shrine. Hostels and guesthouses are abundant, which means you can easily find budget accommodation options.

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Travel plan

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Day 1

Exploring the Heart of Sapporo

  • Breakfast at Lucky Pierrot for their famous burgers
  • Visit the Hokkaido Shrine and admire the colorful torii gates
  • Stroll around Odori Park and enjoy the flowers in spring
  • Head to Sapporo Beer Museum for a free tour and beer tasting
  • Dinner at Ramen Yokocho for delicious and affordable ramen dishes
  • Stay at the Sapporo Classe Hotel for a budget-friendly and comfortable stay
Day 2

Sapporo's Winter Wonderland

  • Breakfast at Soup Curry Garaku for their unique soup curry
  • Take a subway ride to Sapporo Moiwayama Ski Resort for skiing or snowboarding
  • Visit the Sapporo Snow Festival for stunning ice sculptures and hearty winter food
  • Dinner at Sapporo Beer Garden for all-you-can-eat Genghis Khan (grilled lamb)
  • Relax in the hotel's onsen after a chilly day
Day 3

A Day of Culture and Cuisine

  • Breakfast at Bakery & Table by BIEI, known for their freshly baked breads
  • Visit the Former Hokkaido Government Office Building for a glimpse of Sapporo's history
  • Explore the bright and lively Susukino neighborhood
  • Lunch at the famous Soup Curry Suage+ for their signature soup curry
  • Check out the underground shopping center for unique souvenirs
  • Dinner at Kumagera for their affordable yet delicious izakaya-style dishes
Day 4

Nature Escape in Jozankei

  • Breakfast at Otaru Sankaku Market for fresh seafood and dairy products
  • Take a bus to Jozankei Onsen for a relaxing hot spring bath amidst beautiful nature
  • Visit the Jozankei Dam for a stunning view of the surrounding mountains
  • Lunch at Sennaritei for their delicious soba noodles
  • Return to Sapporo for dinner at Izakaya Kura for a wide selection of yakitori (grilled chicken skewers)
  • Don't forget to try Sapporo's famous soft serve ice cream and buy some Hokkaido milk products as souvenirs!

Length of stay

1 day 2 days 3 days 4 days 5 days

Type of trip

Standard trip Budget Family Friendly Romantic Stag do

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.

Destination

Sapporo

Welcome to a city where winter coats are a fashion statement all year round and ramen is as ubiquitous as air. Yes, we're talking about the place that brews beer so good, you'll forget you're standing in sub-zero temperatures.

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Number of days

1 2 3 4 5

Type of trip

Standard trip Budget Family Friendly Romantic Stag do

More travel plans

Sapporo Snowscape: A Family-Friendly Adventure on a Budget

Sapporo, Japan offers a delightful family-friendly trip with its captivating blend of nature, culture, and entertainment. Embark on a fascinating journey to the enchanting Odori Park, where kids can indulge in refreshing outdoor activities amidst picturesque landscapes. Discover the marvelous Sapporo Snow Festival, where towering ice sculptures, concerts, and thrilling snow slides will leave the whole family in awe. After exploring, relish mouthwatering Hokkaido cuisine, including their famous miso ramen, ensuring that your family's trip to Sapporo is filled with unforgettable memories.

Savor Sapporo: A Budget Day Trip Guide

A trip to Sapporo, Japan on a limited budget can still be an exciting adventure. Visitors can take advantage of the city's free attractions such as the Sapporo Clock Tower and Odori Park. For accommodation, budget-friendly options like capsule hotels or Airbnb rentals can be found. Finally, enjoying local street food and buying groceries from supermarkets can cut down on expensive restaurant expenses.

3 Day Sapporo Adventure Guide

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.

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.