[Latest 2025 Travel Guide] Sapporo

❄ Editor's Perspective: Sapporo Travel Guide

Sapporo, the capital of Hokkaido, offers a unique charm each season: winter brings snow and skiing, spring boasts cherry blossoms and vibrant greenery, summer offers a cool escape from the summer heat, and autumn offers captivating autumn foliage and delicious food festivals. More than just a city of ice and snow, Sapporo is a foodie paradise!


🏙 Recommended must-see attractions

1. Odori Park

  • Highlights : The green lung of downtown Sapporo and the main venue for the winter snow festival.
  • Editor’s Tip : From a beer garden in the summer to a snow sculpture exhibition in the winter, there are activities for all seasons.

2. Sapporo TV Tower

  • Highlights : Climb the tower to overlook the panoramic view of Datong Park.
  • Editor’s tip : Take photos at dusk when the light and shadows are most beautiful.

3. Tanukikoji Shopping Street

  • Highlights : A rooftop shopping street that stretches nearly 1 kilometer, offering a variety of shopping, dining, and cosmetics.
  • Editor’s tip : There are so many duty-free shops here that you can get a tax refund directly after shopping.

4. Former Hokkaido Government Office

  • Highlights : The red brick buildings and gardens are a symbol of Sapporo's history.
  • Editor’s Tip : Admission is free, and the snowy scenery is super romantic in winter.

5. Sapporo Beer Museum

  • Highlights : Learn about the history of Japanese beer and try fresh Sapporo beer on site.
  • Editor’s tip : Pair your Genghis Khan with the adjacent Sapporo Beer Garden.

6. Mount Moiwa

  • Highlights : One of the three major night views in Sapporo, you can take a cable car up the mountain.
  • Editor’s tip : Winter snowscape + night view doubles the romance.

7. Shiroi Koibito Park

  • Highlights : A popular souvenir factory where you can watch desserts being made and take fantastic photos.
  • Editor’s tip : Remember to make an appointment for the DIY handmade cookie experience.

🍜 Must-eat food in Sapporo

  1. Sapporo Miso Ramen

    • The rich miso soup base is topped with thick-cut barbecued pork, corn, and cream, warming both the stomach and the heart.
    • Recommended stores: Sumire (Sumire), Keyaki (Keyaki)
  2. Genghis Khan Roast Lamb

    • Hokkaido specialty barbecue, lamb grilled in an iron pan with vegetables.
    • Recommended restaurants: Sapporo Beer Garden, Daruma
  3. Seafood Donburi & Sushi

    • The fish caught in Hokkaido is super fresh and is sticky and sweet when eaten raw, melting in your mouth.
    • Recommended places: Nijo Market, Otsuka Market
  4. Soup Curry

    • It’s richly spiced and topped with plenty of vegetables and chicken thighs, making it a super warming dish in the winter.
    • Recommended stores: GARAKU, Suage+
  5. White Lover & Hokkaido Desserts

    • White Lover cookies, Rokkatei pastries, and LeTAO cheesecake are must-have souvenirs.

🚋 Sapporo Transportation Guide

City transportation

  • Sapporo Subway : Three lines (Namboku Line, Tozai Line, and Toho Line) connect major attractions.
  • Sapporo City Tram (Streetcar) : The circular route is suitable for exploring the city center.
  • Bus : Make up for the suburban attractions that the subway does not reach, such as Mt. Moiwa and Shiroi Koibito Park.

From New Chitose Airport to the city center

  • JR Airport Rapid Service : Approximately 40 minutes to Sapporo Station.
  • Airport Limousine Bus : Approximately 1 hour direct to major hotels and shopping districts in Sapporo.

🗓 My personal 2-day itinerary suggestion

Day 1 (Classic Downtown Route)
Odori Park → Sapporo TV Tower → Tanukikoji Shopping Street → Former Hokkaido Government Building → Sapporo Beer Museum & Beer Garden Dinner

Day 2 (Romantic Suburban Route)
Shiroi Koibito Park → Seafood breakfast at Nijo Market → Soup curry lunch → Mt. Moiwa night view


💡Editor 's friendly reminder :

  • The snow is slippery in winter, so remember to wear non-slip shoes.
  • Sub-zero temperatures are common in Sapporo in winter, so indoor heating is sufficient and clothing should be easy to put on and take off.
  • Restaurants tend to be fully booked during peak hours, so it is recommended to make reservations in advance.
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