Sapporo, Japan-6-day-itinerary

Sapporo 6-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival and City Exploration

  • Morning: Arrive at New Chitose Airport and take the JR Rapid Airport train to Sapporo Station ( approx. 35-40 minutes, ¥1,070)
  • Afternoon: Visit the Sapporo Clock Tower, a historic landmark and symbol of the city
  • Evening: Explore Susukino, a lively entertainment district with many restaurants, bars, and shops
    • Try some local cuisine at Ramen Yokocho, a popular ramen alley with multiple shops
    • Stay at Mercure Hotel Sapporo, a comfortable hotel with easy access to the city center

Day 2: Sapporo Winter Festival (February only) or Maruyama Zoo

  • Morning: Visit the Sapporo Snow Festival (if traveling in February), one of Japan’s largest winter festivals
    • Marvel at intricate snow and ice sculptures, and enjoy food stalls and live music
  • Alternative: Visit Maruyama Zoo, home to over 170 species of animals, including penguins and giraffes
    • Take a leisurely stroll through the zoo’s beautiful gardens and forests
    • Grab lunch at Ramen Kyowakoku, serving delicious ramen with a variety of toppings

Day 3: Otaru Day Trip

  • Morning: Take a day trip to Otaru, a charming port city known for its well-preserved Meiji-era architecture ( approx. 30-40 minutes by train, ¥620)
    • Stroll along the picturesque Otaru Canal, lined with old warehouses and shops
    • Visit the Sakaimach Street, a historic district filled with cafes, restaurants, and souvenir shops
    • Try some fresh seafood at Kaisen Ichiba, a bustling marketplace

Day 4: Sapporo’s Outdoors

  • Morning: Take a short bus ride ( approx. 30 minutes, ¥230) to Mt. Teine, offering stunning views of the city
    • Hike one of the many trails, ranging from easy to challenging, and enjoy the scenery
    • Visit the Sapporo Teine Ski Resort in winter for skiing and snowboarding
    • Enjoy dinner at Ginza Sushi ichi, serving high-quality sushi at reasonable prices

Day 5: Culture and History

  • Morning: Visit the Sapporo Art Park, a beautiful park featuring various art installations and exhibitions
    • Explore the Hokkaido Museum, showcasing the region’s history, culture, and natural environment
    • Stop by the Sapporo Beer Museum, learning about the brewing process and sampling some local beers

Day 6: Departure

  • Morning: Spend some time shopping for souvenirs or visiting any last-minute attractions
  • Afternoon: Take the JR Rapid Airport train back to New Chitose Airport ( approx. 35-40 minutes, ¥1,070)

Things to Know

  • Sapporo has a convenient and efficient public transportation system, including buses, trams, and subways
  • Many restaurants and shops accept cash only, so it’s a good idea to have some yen on hand
  • Hokkaido is known for its cold winters, so pack warm clothing accordingly

Tips

  • Consider purchasing a Hokkaido IC Card, which can be used for public transportation and some vending machines
  • Learn some basic Japanese phrases, such as “konnichiwa” (hello) and “arigatou” (thank you)
  • Be prepared for variable weather conditions, especially in winter

Other Things of Interest

  • Sapporo Dome: A multipurpose stadium hosting various events, including sports games and concerts
  • Hokkaido University: A beautiful campus with a mix of modern and traditional architecture
  • Jozankei Hot Spring: A relaxing hot spring resort located in the nearby mountains

This itinerary provides a mix of city exploration, cultural experiences, and outdoor activities, giving you a well-rounded taste of what Sapporo has to offer. Enjoy your trip!