Sapporo, Japan-4-day-itinerary

Day 1: Arrival and Exploration

Morning

  • Arrive at New Chitose Airport (CTS) and take the JR train or bus to Sapporo Station
  • Check-in to your hotel (see below for recommendations)
  • Visit the Sapporo Clock Tower, a historic landmark and one of Japan’s oldest surviving clock towers
  • Grab a coffee or snack at the nearby Odori 1-jo street, lined with cafes and shops

Afternoon

  • Head to the Sapporo Central Wholesale Market, where you can try some fresh seafood at the market stalls
  • Visit the adjacent Maruyama Park, which offers beautiful gardens and a peaceful atmosphere
  • Stop by the Sapporo Beer Museum to learn about Japan’s oldest brewery

Evening

  • Enjoy dinner at Kanpai, a popular restaurant serving traditional Japanese cuisine
  • Explore the lively entertainment district, Susukino, known for its bars, clubs, and restaurants

Where to Stay

  • Hotel Okura Sapporo: a luxurious hotel with comfortable rooms and excellent service
  • Sapporo Grand Hotel: a mid-range hotel with modern amenities and a great location

Things to Know

  • Sapporo has a humid continental climate, with cold winters and mild summers
  • Be prepared for crowds and lines during peak tourist season (June-August)
  • Learn some basic Japanese phrases, such as “konnichiwa” (hello) and “arigatou” (thank you)

Day 2: Sapporo Snow Festival

Morning

  • Visit the Sapporo Snow Festival, a world-famous event featuring intricate snow sculptures and illuminations
  • Explore the various zones, including the main festival area, Odori Site, and the smaller Susukino Site
  • Try some delicious hot chocolate or other winter-themed drinks at one of the many stalls

Afternoon

  • Take a stroll through the beautiful Maruyama Park gardens, which are especially lovely during the snow festival
  • Visit the Sapporo Beer Museum to learn about Japan’s oldest brewery and sample some local beers

Evening

  • Enjoy dinner at Tsuki no Ame, a restaurant serving traditional Japanese cuisine with a focus on seasonal ingredients
  • Explore the lively entertainment district, Susukino, known for its bars, clubs, and restaurants

Transportation

  • Use the JR train or bus to get around Sapporo, which has an efficient public transportation system
  • Consider purchasing a prepaid IC card, such as SUICA or ICOCA, for convenient travel

Day 3: Otaru and Cape Noshappu

Morning

  • Take a day trip to Otaru, a charming coastal town known for its historic canal and glassworks
  • Visit the Otaru Canal, which features beautiful glasswork shops and restaurants
  • Stop by the nearby Sakaimachidori shopping street, lined with unique boutiques and cafes

Afternoon

  • Head to Cape Noshappu, a scenic spot located on the northern coast of Hokkaido
  • Enjoy stunning views of the surrounding coastline and take a leisurely walk along the beach

Evening

  • Return to Sapporo and enjoy dinner at Yasaiya, a restaurant serving high-quality local ingredients
  • Explore the lively entertainment district, Susukino, known for its bars, clubs, and restaurants

Day 4: Hokkaido University and Shopping

Morning

  • Visit the Hokkaido University Museum, which features exhibits on natural history, art, and culture
  • Stop by the adjacent Botanical Garden, which offers a peaceful atmosphere and beautiful gardens

Afternoon

  • Spend some time shopping at the Sapporo Underground Market, which features unique boutiques and local goods
  • Visit the Odori 1-jo street, lined with cafes and shops, for some last-minute souvenir hunting

Evening

  • Enjoy a farewell dinner at Sakura Tei, a restaurant serving traditional Japanese cuisine with a focus on seasonal ingredients
  • Reflect on your wonderful time in Sapporo and make plans to return!