Sapporo, Japan

Sapporo Travel Guide

Welcome to Sapporo, the largest city on the northern island of Hokkaido in Japan! This vibrant metropolis is a must-visit destination for any traveler. From its stunning natural beauty to its rich cultural heritage, Sapporo has something for everyone.

Places to Visit

1. Sapporo Clock Tower

The iconic Sapporo Clock Tower is one of the city’s most famous landmarks. This historic clock tower was built in 1878 and served as a school building before becoming a clock tower. Today, it stands as a symbol of the city’s rich history.

  • Address: Kitanagaski Nishi-3, Chuo-ku
  • Hours: 9am-5pm (closed Mondays)
  • Admission: Free

2. Odori Park

Stretching over 1.5 kilometers through the heart of Sapporo, Odori Park is a beautiful green oasis in the midst of the city. This park was created for the 1972 Winter Olympics and features a stunning snow-covered landscape during winter.

  • Address: Nishi-4, Chuo-ku
  • Hours: Open 24/7
  • Admission: Free

3. Sapporo Beer Museum

The Sapporo Beer Museum is dedicated to the history of beer-making in Japan. The museum showcases a collection of vintage beers and offers a tasting experience.

  • Address: Kita-1, Chuo-ku
  • Hours: 10am-6pm (closed Sundays)
  • Admission: ¥500

4. Sapporo Maruyama Zoo

The Sapporo Maruyama Zoo is home to over 500 animals from around the world. The zoo offers a fun day out for families and animal lovers.

  • Address: Kita-1, Chuo-ku
  • Hours: 9am-5pm (closed Mondays)
  • Admission: ¥820

5. Sapporo Central Wholesale Market

The Sapporo Central Wholesale Market is one of the largest seafood markets in Japan. The market offers a fascinating glimpse into Hokkaido’s fishing industry and features an impressive array of fresh seafood.

  • Address: Kita-1, Chuo-ku
  • Hours: 9am-5pm (closed Sundays)
  • Admission: Free

Activities

1. Skiing and Snowboarding

The nearby Sapporo Teine Ski Resort offers world-class skiing and snowboarding experiences for all levels.

  • Address: Minami-hoshinuma, Nishi-ku
  • Hours: Vary by season
  • Admission: ¥2,000 (lift ticket)

2. Sapporo Beer Festival

The Sapporo Beer Festival is a must-visit event in June that showcases the best of Hokkaido’s craft beers.

  • Address: Kita-1, Chuo-ku
  • Hours: Vary by year
  • Admission: ¥2,000 (drinking ticket)

3. Sapporo Snow Festival

The Sapporo Snow Festival is one of Japan’s most famous winter events, featuring stunning snow sculptures and illuminations.

  • Address: Odori Park, Chuo-ku
  • Hours: Late February to early March
  • Admission: Free

Where to Eat

1. Sapporo Beer Garden

The Sapporo Beer Garden is a must-visit restaurant for beer enthusiasts, offering a wide selection of Hokkaido’s craft beers.

  • Address: Kita-1, Chuo-ku
  • Hours: 10am-11pm (closed Sundays)
  • Price Range: ¥500-¥2,000

2. Jin Jinn

Jin Jinn is a popular restaurant serving delicious Hokkaido-style hot pot and other regional specialties.

  • Address: Kita-1, Chuo-ku
  • Hours: 10am-11pm (closed Sundays)
  • Price Range: ¥500-¥2,000

3. Sapporo Central Wholesale Market

The Sapporo Central Wholesale Market offers a fascinating experience of fresh seafood at the market’s restaurants.

  • Address: Kita-1, Chuo-ku
  • Hours: 9am-5pm (closed Sundays)
  • Price Range: ¥500-¥2,000

Where to Stay

1. Hotel Natura Sapporo

Hotel Natura Sapporo is a luxurious hotel located in the heart of the city.

  • Address: Kita-1, Chuo-ku
  • Phone Number: +81-11-211-1111
  • Price Range: ¥10,000-¥50,000 per night

2. Sapporo Grand Hotel

The Sapporo Grand Hotel is a historic hotel located in the heart of the city.

  • Address: Kita-1, Chuo-ku
  • Phone Number: +81-11-211-1111
  • Price Range: ¥8,000-¥30,000 per night

3. Hotel Sapporo

Hotel Sapporo is a budget-friendly hotel located in the heart of the city.

  • Address: Kita-1, Chuo-ku
  • Phone Number: +81-11-211-1111
  • Price Range: ¥2,000-¥5,000 per night

Things to Know

1. Weather

Sapporo experiences a humid continental climate with cold winters and mild summers.

  • Average Temperature: -3°C (27°F) in January (winter), 23°C (73°F) in August (summer)

2. Language

Japanese is the official language of Japan, but many locals in Sapporo also speak some English.

  • Useful Phrases:
    • Hello: (konnichiwa)
    • Thank you: (arigatou)
    • Goodbye: (sayonara)

3. Currency

The Japanese yen (JPY) is the official currency of Japan.

  • Currency Exchange Rate: Approximately ¥1USD0.009

Transportation

1. New Chitose Airport

New Chitose Airport is the largest airport in Hokkaido and serves as a major hub for domestic and international flights.

  • Address: Otonoshima, Toyoura-ku
  • Phone Number: +81-11-686-5111

2. Sapporo Subway System

The Sapporo Subway System is a convenient way to travel around the city.

  • Train Frequency: Every 5-10 minutes
  • Ticket Price: ¥200 (single ride)

3. Bus

The Sapporo City Bus Network offers a wide range of routes and frequencies.

  • Bus Frequency: Every 10-20 minutes
  • Ticket Price: ¥200 (single ride)

Tips

  1. Try to learn some basic Japanese phrases to communicate with locals.
  2. Be prepared for crowds during peak travel seasons.
  3. Don’t drink tap water in Japan.
  4. Bring a power adapter for charging your devices.
  5. Respect local customs and traditions.

Other Things of Interest

1. Sapporo Snow Festival

The Sapporo Snow Festival is one of Japan’s most famous winter events, featuring stunning snow sculptures and illuminations.

  • Address: Odori Park, Chuo-ku
  • Hours: Late February to early March

2. Hokkaido Museum

The Hokkaido Museum is a great place to learn about the history and culture of Hokkaido.

  • Address: Kita-1, Chuo-ku
  • Hours: 9am-5pm (closed Mondays)
  • Admission: ¥500

3. Sapporo Beer Garden

The Sapporo Beer Garden is a must-visit restaurant for beer enthusiasts, offering a wide selection of Hokkaido’s craft beers.

  • Address: Kita-1, Chuo-ku
  • Hours: 10am-11pm (closed Sundays)
  • Price Range: ¥500-¥2,000