Sapporo Hotels

Sapporo is the capital city of Japan’s northernmost island, Hokkaido, which among all of the country’s prefectures experiences the longest winter season. It can sometimes begin as early as September and end as late as May.

After hosting the first Winter Olympics ever held in Asia in 1972, the city gained its fame as a travel destination. Sapporo has quickly established itself as a go-to destination for tourists looking for a cozy, snowy getaway. During February, the city attracts the most number of visitors as it holds its annual Sapporo Snow Festival.

How to Go

The best way to get to Sapporo is to fly from Haneda Airport to New Chitose Airport. Tokyo-Sapporo is one of the busiest routes in Japan, offering multiple flights per day via different airlines including Japan Airlines, All Nippon Airways, Air Do, and Skymark Airlines.

Travel time from Haneda to New Chitose is about 1.5 hours. Alternatively, you can also get to Sapporo by taking a flight from Kansai International Airport in Osaka. Flights for this route are less frequent but equally reliable. Travel time from Kansai to New Chitose is approximately 2 hours.

To get to the city proper coming from the airport, you have the option to either use the train or bus system. To travel via JR rapid trains, get on the New Chitose Airport station and alight at the Sapporo station. Airport buses, on the other hand, make stops at major hotels and landmarks in the city.

Getting Around

Sapporo is laid out in a neat grid city plan, making navigation easy breezy. And thanks to its extensive public transport network, finding your way through the town’s corners comes in a snap.

You’ll mostly rely on the subway system as this is the most convenient way to get around Sapporo. It caters to the major points of interest in the city and comprehensive enough for tourists to easily find their way through. You can also find some bus terminals directly connected to various subway stations. For the southwestern part of Sapporo where there is no subway service, you can use the streetcar line.

Getting around on two wheels is another flexible and fashionable way to explore Sapporo. Simply use Porocle, the city’s bike-sharing service, to rent and return a bicycle at various ports scattered throughout the area.

Top Things to Do

Out of the many things to do in Sapporo, the Snow Festival tops our list. This is the city’s annual week-long event that attracts millions of visitors in February. Here, you’ll find hundreds of intricately built ice sculptures staged in three sites which are Odori Park, Susukino, and Tsudome. Another major attraction in the city is the Sapporo Beer Museum. Go here to take a guided tour and get a sip or two of some freshly brewed draft beer after.

If it’s your first time here, make sure to go on a day tour to check out the city’s highlights. Some of the major tourist spots in Sapporo are the Clock Tower, Former Hokkaido Government Office, Sapporo TV Tower, and Hokkaido Shrine.

If you’re traveling with kids, we highly recommend paying a visit to Maruyama Zoo, Japan’s largest animal facility. It houses over 170 different mammals, birds, and reptiles including some adorable polar bears. Another must-visit place when traveling with youngsters is the Ishiya Chocolate Factory. Take a tour of the facilities and find out how Sapporo’s signature white chocolate Shiroi Koibito is made.

Finally, if you’re planning to visit Sapporo during winter—which we suggest you do—make time in your itinerary to go skiing at Teine Ski Resort. This is the venue for the 1972 Winter Olympics, where you can find the torch standing above as a monument. Do this for the complete Sapporo experience.

What to Eat and Where

In Sapporo, seafood is the real deal. Kegani or horsehair crab is a crab species mainly found around Hokkaido. Head over to Nijo Market to get a lip-smacking taste of this luxurious type of crab and other more. Kaisen Don is another must-try for seafood lovers out there. This meal is composed of a rice bowl with fresh raw seafood on top.

The city is also known as a big lover of ramen. While Japan, in general, is known to offer some tasty noodle soup flavors, Sapporo is specifically known for its miso or soybean-based broth. Another great food idea to warm you up during the winter season is the soup curry. This dish is a specialty in Sapporo so be sure to sample it as well.

And to finish a meal on a sweet note, there’s no better way to do this than by having yourself a serve of the iconic Sapporo soft serve ice cream. Head over to Milk Mura where they serve a mug of creamy ice cream with a chase of liquor.

Nightlife

Find your way to Susukino District for some incredible nocturnal entertainment. When the sun goes down, this neighborhood comes alive with thousands of bars, clubs, and karaoke for you to spend the night away.

King Xmhu is one of the most popular party spots in Sapporo. Stretching three stories wide, this club is just impossible to miss out. While you’re already there to dance the night away, get the full local experience by ordering Japan’s oldest beer brand which happens to be Sapporo beer.

Where to Stay

With so many sights to see and places to visit, it isn’t smart to go unprepared in the largest city of Hokkaido. If you want to make the most out of your stay in Sapporo, you have to make sure that you’re in the right area based on your lifestyle as a traveler.

Susukino, Nakajima Koen, and Kita Ward are three of the best neighborhoods to look for hotels in Sapporo. Susukino is the town’s entertainment hub dotted with thousands of shops and restaurants. This makes it perfect for tourists who want to be in the center of the city.

Meanwhile Nakajima Koen is a quieter, more laid-back neighborhood than Susukino. As it is located just south of the city center, it is recommended for families who are looking for a more peaceful stay without sacrificing convenience. Sapporo hotels in Kita Ward, on the other hand, are close to the city’s main station. This makes it ideal for on-the-go travelers who have jam-packed itineraries.

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