Sapporo on a Budget: 5 Days of Fun!

Experience the wonders of Sapporo without breaking the bank!

21 June 2023

A trip to Sapporo, Japan on a limited budget can be done with careful planning. There are affordable budget accommodations available, as well as cheap and delicious street food options. Activities such as visiting the Sapporo Beer Museum and exploring Odori Park are inexpensive and offer unique Japanese experiences.

Travel plan

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Day 1

Arrival and Exploration

  • Check-in at the affordable yet stylish Dormy Inn Sapporo Annex
  • Head to Odori Park, the heart of Sapporo, to admire the colorful flowers and sculptures
  • Visit the Sapporo TV Tower for stunning panoramic views of the city
  • Stop by the Old Hokkaido Government Building, a beautiful red-brick structure
  • Dine at Ramen Alley for a savory bowl of miso ramen
Day 2

Nature and Culture

  • Take a day trip to the Otaru Canal and stroll along the picturesque waterway
  • Visit the Music Box Museum to marvel at the intricate designs and enjoy a live music performance
  • Learn about the Ainu culture at the Ainu Museum and Village
  • Enjoy the beauty of Hokkaido's flowers at the Takino Suzuran Hillside National Park
  • Indulge in a seafood feast at the Nijo Market
Day 3

Snow and Ice

  • Take a day trip to the nearby Sapporo Teine Ski Resort for skiing or snowboarding
  • Visit the Sapporo Snow Festival in February, featuring mesmerizing ice sculptures
  • Soak in a relaxing hot spring at Jozankei Onsen
  • Have a bowl of piping hot soup curry at Suage+
Day 4

Shopping and Sports

  • Shop at Tanukikoji Shopping Street, offering a wide range of souvenirs, fashion, and electronics
  • Check out the Hokkaido Jingu Shrine, known for its impressive gate and sumo tournaments
  • Cheer on the Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters at the Sapporo Dome
  • Enjoy a plate of Sapporo-style jingisukan, a grilled lamb dish, at Daruma
Day 5

Gardens and Beer

  • Admire the seasonal flora at the Moerenuma Park, designed by famed architect Isamu Noguchi
  • Tour the Sapporo Beer Museum and taste the local brews
  • Take a leisurely stroll along the Maruyama Park and visit the Hokkaido Shrine
  • End the trip with a delicious sushi dinner at Sushizanmai
  • Sapporo offers a unique blend of nature, culture, and modernity, making it a must-visit destination for any traveler. With this 5-day itinerary, you can experience the best of what this city has to offer, while still staying within your budget.

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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