[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
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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)
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Genghis Khan Roast Lamb
- Hokkaido specialty barbecue, lamb grilled in an iron pan with vegetables.
- Recommended restaurants: Sapporo Beer Garden, Daruma
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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
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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+
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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.