Sapporo, Japan-7-day-itinerary
Sapporo Travel Guide
Day 1: Arrival in Sapporo
Morning
- Arrive at New Chitose Airport
- Take the JR Airport Express train ( approx. 30-40 minutes, ¥540) or a bus (approx. 45 minutes, ¥900) to Sapporo Station
- Check-in at Hotel Niseko Higashiyama ( approx. ¥10,000 per night)
Afternoon
- Visit the Sapporo Clock Tower (free admission), a historic landmark and one of Japan’s most iconic buildings
- Explore the nearby Odori Park (free admission), a beautiful urban park with gardens and walking paths
Evening
- Dinner at Kani Hoken ( approx. ¥2,000 per person), a Sapporo institution serving crab dishes
- Walk around the lively entertainment district of Susukino (free admission)
Day 2: Sapporo Beer Museum and more
Morning
- Visit the Sapporo Beer Museum (¥1,500 admission), which showcases the history of beer brewing in Japan
- Enjoy a craft beer tasting at the museum’s bar
Afternoon
- Explore the nearby Susukino Shopping District (free admission), with its many shops, restaurants, and bars
- Visit the Sapporo Central Wholesale Market (free admission), where you can see fresh seafood and local produce on display
Evening
- Dinner at Tsurugibashi ( approx. ¥2,000 per person), a restaurant serving traditional Hokkaido cuisine
- Enjoy the evening atmosphere in Susukino
Day 3: Maruyama Zoo and Park
Morning
- Visit the Maruyama Zoo (¥500 admission for adults, free for children under 6), home to over 800 animals from around the world
- Explore the beautiful Maruyama Park (free admission) surrounding the zoo, with its walking paths, gardens, and picnic areas
Afternoon
- Visit the nearby Sapporo Botanical Garden (free admission), which features a wide range of plant species and scenic views
Evening
- Dinner at Matsuba ( approx. ¥2,000 per person), a restaurant serving fresh seafood and local ingredients
- Enjoy the evening atmosphere in Sapporo’s city center
Day 4: Otaru and the Sea of Japan
Morning
- Take a day trip to Otaru (free admission), a charming coastal town with a rich history and culture
- Visit the Kitaichi Glass Store (free admission), famous for its beautiful glassware and crystal
- Enjoy fresh seafood at one of Otaru’s many restaurants (approx. ¥2,000 per person)
Afternoon
- Take a scenic stroll along the Otaru Canal (free admission), lined with historic buildings and shops
- Visit the nearby Sakaiminato (free admission), a picturesque fishing village with beautiful coastal views
Evening
- Return to Sapporo for dinner at Yamagishi ( approx. ¥2,000 per person), a restaurant serving traditional Hokkaido cuisine
- Enjoy the evening atmosphere in Sapporo’s city center
Day 5: Nikka Whisky Distillery and more
Morning
- Visit the Nikka Whisky Distillery (¥3,500 admission for adults, free for children under 18), which showcases the production of Japan’s famous whisky
- Enjoy a whisky tasting at the distillery’s bar
Afternoon
- Explore the nearby Yoichi Beach (free admission), with its beautiful coastal views and scenic walking paths
- Visit the Hokkaido Museum of Northern Peoples (¥500 admission for adults, free for children under 6), which features exhibits on the history and culture of Hokkaido
Evening
- Dinner at Sapporo Beer Garden ( approx. ¥2,000 per person), a beer garden with outdoor seating and live music
- Enjoy the evening atmosphere in Sapporo’s city center
Day 6: Hokkaido University and more
Morning
- Visit Hokkaido University (free admission), one of Japan’s top universities and home to many famous researchers and scientists
- Explore the nearby Sapporo City Museum (¥500 admission for adults, free for children under 6), which features exhibits on the history and culture of Sapporo
Afternoon
- Visit the nearby Odori Park (free admission), a beautiful urban park with gardens and walking paths
- Enjoy fresh seafood at one of Sapporo’s many restaurants (approx. ¥2,000 per person)
Evening
- Dinner at Sakura-tei ( approx. ¥2,000 per person), a restaurant serving traditional Hokkaido cuisine
- Enjoy the evening atmosphere in Sapporo’s city center
Day 7: Departure from Sapporo
Morning
- Spend some time shopping for last-minute souvenirs or exploring any areas of Sapporo you may have missed earlier
- Depart from New Chitose Airport ( approx. ¥540 by JR Airport Express train, approx. ¥900 by bus)
Transportation
- JR Airport Express ( approx. ¥540): runs frequently between New Chitose Airport and Sapporo Station
- Bus ( approx. ¥900): runs less frequently than the JR Airport Express, but offers a scenic route to Sapporo Station
- Taxi: available at New Chitose Airport, but may be more expensive than public transportation
Tips and Other Information
- Currency Exchange: Yen is the official currency of Japan. You can exchange your money for yen at airports, banks, or currency exchange machines.
- Weather: Sapporo’s climate is generally cool and rainy during the spring months (March-May), with temperatures ranging from 10-20°C (50-68°F). Summer (June-August) brings warm temperatures (20-30°C / 68-86°F), while autumn (September-November) sees comfortable temperatures (5-15°C / 41-59°F).
- Safety: Sapporo is generally a very safe city, but be mindful of pickpocketing and petty theft in crowded areas.
- Tipping: Tipping is not customary in Japan, but you may want to round up the bill or leave small change for exceptional service.
Accommodation
- Hotel Niseko Higashiyama ( approx. ¥10,000 per night): a comfortable hotel with modern amenities and scenic views of the surrounding area.
- Sapporo Guest House ( approx. ¥5,000 per night): a cozy guest house with shared facilities and a warm atmosphere.
Note: Prices are approximate and may vary depending on the season and availability.