Sapporo is the largest, northern-most city located in Hokkaido Island, Japan. The name Sapporo was stated to either derive from letters dry-wide from indigenous Ainu people, or wetland-wide-river which refers to the Toyohira River downstream basin. Initial planning of Sapporo city was based on Kyoto city model. Sapporo later gained its development through agriculture and light industries. Sapporo is now modernized with its shopping attractions and eateries, and often become a transit hub to hot springs and mountains within Hokkaido. The city became hosts for prestigious events including the 1972 Sapporo Olympic Winter Games, 2002 FIFA World Cup matches and the 2008 34^th G8 summit.

Airports in Sapporo

1. New Chitose Airport

New Chitose Airport is the largest airport in Hokkaido, located about 45 kilometers away from Sapporo city center. This airport is the third busiest airport in Japan which caters up to 17 million passengers annually. Out of this figure, more than half of these passengers travel on Tokyo Haneda – Sapporo New Chitose route. While waiting for your flight, you can explore the Hokkaido Showroom situated in the airport terminal for Hokkaido’s local produce and delicacies, natural hot spring, theatre and theme park. New Chitose Airport currently caters for various domestic and international airlines. You can ride on a direct flight by Philippines Airlines from Manila to Sapporo. As an alternative, there are also other airlines which offer flights from Manila to Sapporo with a minimum of one transit flight. Traveling to the city center from New Chitose Airport is convenient, you can ride on JR railway for 36 minutes for 1070 JPY (494 PHP), bus ride for 1100 JPY (508 PHP) which takes 70 minutes, taxi or rental car.

2. Sapporo Okadama Airport

Sapporo Okadama Airport is located in the north of Sapporo city center. The airport provides domestic service flights with smaller aircraft, corporate and general aviation, as well as the Japan Self-Defense Forces. The airport was constructed for military purposes during World War II and opened for commercial activities in the year 1956. Currently, two domestic, commercial airlines operating in Okadama Airport are Fuji Dream Airlines and Hokkaido Air System. It only takes 20 minutes from the airport to reach the city center by car. Bus and subway services are also available for your convenience.

How to Get Cheap Flights to Sapporo?

Traveloka is a travel search engine that makes it easy for travelers to find the cheapest flights to Sapporo.All you need to do is key in the information in the search box, and the application will recommend the best trip according to your budget. It compares flight prices across some trusted airlines to help you to get the best possible deal. Use Traveloka’s price alert feature to be notified of flights in your desired price range to get the best flight price to Sapporo.

When is the Best Time to Fly to Sapporo?

Sapporo experiences four seasons with its ground covered with snow for more than four months annually. Snow can fall as early as October and temperature can drop to -7 degrees centigrade. You do not need to worry about traveling around Sapporo during the snowy weather as the city is equipped with efficient snow removal measures. The hottest day in summer is dry, with an average temperature of 26 degrees centigrade. Summer in Sapporo is also not affected by rainy weather or typhoon.

Many delightful events are organized throughout the year in Sapporo. The Sapporo Snow Festival is held mainly at Odori Park in February hereby the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force members build snow and ice statues. You can look forward for cherry blossom viewing in Spring at various Sapporo parks, usually happens in early to mid-May. In the same month, you can also participate in the Sapporo Lilac Festival for the flowers, wine and live music. Also, in Odori Park, Yosakoi Soran Festival is held in June where dance teams compete in costumes. Throughout the winter season, you can view the Sapporo White Illuminations and visit the Christmas market in Odori Park nearing to the holiday season.

What are the Top 3 Things to Do in Sapporo?

Sapporo is one of the most visited cities in the world. Many attractions can be found in Sapporo.

1. Mount Moiwa – Mount Moiwa, also referred to as Moiwa-Yama by the Japanese, is one of the forested mountains located in the southwest of central Sapporo. You can enjoy the breathtaking view of Sapporo city from the peak of the mountain at its observation deck. You can ride on the ropeway to reach the base of Mount Moiwa and then on the mini cable car to reach Mount Moiwa summit to reach its observation deck, restaurant, planetarium and theater. Roundtrip cost for both the ropeway and the mini cable car is 1700 JPY (5406 PHP). The Mount Moiwa Ski Resort is not accessible from the ropeway route, so you can instead reach here by car.

2. Ishiya Chocolate Factory – While you are in Sapporo, you can drop by at Ishiya Chocolate Factory. The factory is divided into the paid zone and free zone. For 600 JPY (277 PHP), you can enter Shiroi Koibito Park to view the chocolate cookie making floor and chocolate related exhibits. Do not miss to purchase the Shiroi Koibito white chocolate cookies which are only available in Hokkaido. In the free zone, there are restaurants and souvenir store for you to shop. Shiroi Koibito Park is currently under renovation and will be reopened on 12 June 2019. However, the free zone is still accessible for you to tour in.

3. Sapporo Dome – Sapporo Dome is a stadium and home ground for Hokkaido football and baseball team. The stadium is situated in Toyohira-ku, Sapporo. The most interesting feature is the field itself, whereby the football field can be converted into a baseball field by interchanging the two pitches. Sapporo Dome has the capacity to more than 40,000 people and has been hosting various sports tournaments including the 2002 FIFA World Cup matches. Sapporo Dome is also included in the planned football venue for the upcoming 2020 Summer Olympics.