Sapporo, Japan-7-day-itinerary

August 31, 2024

Sapporo 7-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival and Exploring Susukino

Arrive at New Chitose Airport and take the train (JR Rapid Airport) to Sapporo Station ( approx. 35-40 minutes)
Check-in to your hotel in Susukino, a popular entertainment district
Visit the Sapporo Clock Tower (), a historic landmark and symbol of the city
Walk around the lively streets of Susukino and try some local street food
For dinner, head to Ramen Yokocho, a famous ramen alley with many delicious options

Hotel Suggestion: Mercure Hotel Sapporo or similar

Day 2: Sapporo City Highlights

Start the day at Odori Park (), a beautiful park that stretches for 1.5 km and offers great views of the city
Visit the Sapporo Central Wholesale Market () to try some fresh seafood and local specialties
Take a short walk to Sapporo JR Tower (), which offers panoramic views of the city from its observation deck
For lunch, try some delicious crab at Kani Doraku, a popular restaurant with many crab dishes
In the evening, visit the Sapporo Beer Museum () and learn about the history of beer in Japan

Day 3: Sapporo Snow Festival (February only)

If you’re visiting in February, today is dedicated to the famous Sapporo Snow Festival ()
Visit Odori Park, Susukino, and other areas to see the incredible snow sculptures and illuminations
Try some hot chocolate or coffee to keep warm while enjoying the festival

Day 4: Otaru Day Trip

Take a day trip to Otaru, a charming port city known for its well-preserved canal area and historic architecture ( approx. 30 minutes by train)
Visit the Otaru Canal (), a beautiful and romantic spot
Explore the Sakaimach Street (), a historic street lined with shops, cafes, and restaurants
Try some fresh seafood at one of the many restaurants in Otaru

Day 5: Sapporo’s Outdoors

Take a day trip to Shikotsu-Toya National Park (), a beautiful park with lakes, mountains, and hot springs ( approx. 1 hour by bus)
Visit Lake Toya, a stunning lake surrounded by mountains
Soak in the natural hot springs at Toya Hot Spring ()
For dinner, try some local BBQ at Jozankei BBQ

Day 6: Sapporo’s Culture and Food

Visit the Hokkaido University Campus (), a beautiful campus with many Western-style buildings
Explore the Sapporo Central Market (), a bustling marketplace with fresh seafood, fruits, and vegetables
Try some delicious soup curry at Soup Curry Garako, a popular restaurant
In the evening, visit the Sapporo Ramen Republic (), a theme park dedicated to ramen

Day 7: Departure

Spend the morning shopping for souvenirs or visiting any last-minute attractions
Take the train back to New Chitose Airport ( approx. 35-40 minutes) and depart from Sapporo

Things to Know:

Sapporo is a winter sports hub, so be prepared for cold weather and potential snow
Many restaurants and cafes have English menus or picture menus, but it’s still a good idea to learn some basic Japanese phrases
The city has an efficient public transportation system, including buses and trains

Transportation:

Train: The most convenient way to get around Sapporo is by train. You can use the JR Hokkaido Railway or the Sapporo Municipal Subway.
Bus: Buses are a good option for shorter distances or areas not covered by the train network.

Tips:

Try to avoid visiting during peak season (February) if you’re not interested in the Snow Festival, as it can get very crowded
Pack warm clothing, including gloves, hats, and scarves
Don’t be afraid to try new foods and drinks, but also be mindful of any dietary restrictions or allergies

Other Things of Interest:

Sapporo White Illumination: A beautiful winter illumination event held in December and January
Sapporo Autumn Fest: A festival celebrating the autumn season with food, drinks, and live music (September to October)
Maruyama Zoo: A popular zoo with a wide range of animals, including penguins, giraffes, and monkeys

This itinerary provides a good balance of city exploration, cultural experiences, and outdoor activities. However, feel free to customize it based on your interests and preferences!