Stopping off in Sapporo soon? Hokkaido’s capital Sapporo is perhaps best known for its ski resorts (it hosted the 1972 Winter Olympics) but there is so much more to it (‘snow’ joke!)
From baseball to beer museums, street cars to Susukino entertainment district, there are so many things to do in Sapporo day and night.
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Better yet, Sapporo’s food scene is incredible with ramen alleys, soup curries and perhaps Japan’s only chocolate theme park, Shiroi Koibito Park – a very famous cookie indeed!
And you don’t need to ski to see Sapporo’s mountains – there are several city observation decks that offer panoramic views of Sapporo’s snowcapped peaks including Sapporo TV Tower.
Hokkaido is Japan’s northernmost island and brings with it bags of character including their own popular convenience store chain, Seicomart which is bigger than 7-Eleven in Sapporo!
From museums to Moerenuma Park via the huge Tanukikoji Shopping Street, here is our guide to the best things to do in Sapporo, Hokkaido in 2024.
How to get around Sapporo
Public transportation in Sapporo is fantastic and easy to navigate with an extensive subway system (Sapporo Municipal Subway), train lines, multiple bus routes and streetcars (trams).
Many subway stations are located close to popular attractions, and there are three separate lines. The subway runs from 6am until midnight.
1 day subway cards are available for 830 yen and give you unlimited use of the subway. A cheaper donichika ticket is available at the weekends for unlimited subway use for just 520 yen.
Sapporo Accommodation
Budget ($)
The Stay Sapporo
Highly rated hostel located an 8-minute walk from lively Susukino area with both private and dorm style rooms. Check rates and availability for The Stay Sapporo
Mid-Range ($$)
Premier Hotel Nakajima Park Sapporo
Popular hotel located next to Nakajima Koen Park. Facilities include a Teppanyaki restaurant, plus a free wine hour every evening. Check rates and availability for Premier Hotel Nakajima Park Sapporo
Luxury ($$$)
JR Tower Hotel Nikko Sapporo
5 star hotel with 4 onsite restaurants, two of which are on the 35th floor with panoramic views of the city. Facilities include public baths, a sauna, beauty treatments and a souvenir shop. Check rates and availability for JR Tower Hotel Nikko Sapporo
Check out the best hotels in Sapporo via Booking.com >
Things to do in Sapporo, Hokkaido
1. Sapporo Beer Museum
‘Kanpai’ to Sapporo Beer Museum! Japan’s only dedicated beer museum is a top way to taste lots of beers and learn about brewing – and Japanese beer always tastes better at the source!
One of Japan’s biggest breweries, the Sapporo Beer Museum in Hokkaido is a heritage site with a huge museum, old brewing vats, a Sapporo Beer brewery tasting room, plus several bars, cafes and restaurants.
Brewed since the 1870s (although the beer in the tap-room will likely be newer!), Sapporo Beer Museum is easily one of the best things to do in Sapporo, at any time of the year.
From inexpensive beer tasting to exclusive Sapporo souvenirs, read our guide to Sapporo Beer Museum in Hokkaido, Japan >
Try this – Top Sapporo trips and tours with Viator >
2. Shiroi Koibito Park / Chocolate factory
Sapporo’s Shiroi Koibito Park is Hokkaido’s version of Willy Wonka’s chocolate factory – a fantastic theme park ‘choc’ full of awesome attractions and the world’s most delicious gift-shop where you customise your own biscuit tins!
There is something for all ages at Shiroi Koibito Park, from family fun watching a real-life chocolate assembly line through to kid’s playgrounds and cookie making workshops – it sure is Sapporo’s ‘sweetest’ theme park!
From tasty treats and immersive games to a recreation of Britain (complete with red London bus and black and white ‘Tudor’ buildings), check out our guide to Shiroi Koibito Park in Sapporo (Hokkaido) with photos >
P.S. And yes, you can taste and buy the famous Shiroi Koibito white chocolate biscuits here to take home as souvenirs.
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3. Sapporo TV Tower
The best way to see downtown Sapporo and the surrounding mountains from up high, Sapporo TV Tower is one of the best activities in Hokkaido and a great way to enjoy panoramic views of Sapporo.
From the snowcapped peaks in winter to the summer flowers below in Odori Park, Sapporo TV offers year round lush landscapes and is a Sapporo activity with real ‘altitude’!
Designed by Tachū Naitō (who also designed the similar looking Tokyo Tower and Nagoya Tower), the Sapporo TV tower also has a 90 metre high observation deck, great gift shops and one of the most interesting Japanese mascots you’ll ever witness – ‘TV Daddy’.
From prices to photos of its panoramic views, here is our ultimate guide to visiting the Sapporo TV Tower in Hokkaido, Japan >
Book your Sapporo TV Tower tickets in advance here with Klook or Viator.
4. Nakajima Park and Garden
Everyone talks about Odori Park in Sapporo, but for us, Nakajima Park is Sapporo’s best green park and open space near the downtown district.
We were lucky enough to stay in Sapporo in the spring during Japan’s cherry blossom season and Nakajima Park’s cherry blossom / sakura was some of the best we saw especially around the traditional Japanese garden and ornamental pond. There were so many sakura photography sessions going on.
Nakajima Park is fine to visit any time of year and it is popular with locals for picnics plus lots of sporting activities – families also love hiring rowing boats on Nakajima’s boating lake.
You might like – Plan My Japan’s guide to Kyoto’s best cherry blossom spots + photos >
5. Hōhei Kan
Located in Nakajima Park, Hōhei Kan is perhaps Sapporo’s most popular photo spot, a beautiful blue house and former hotel that makes the perfect backdrop for selfies and group shots.
Hōhei Kan was built in the 19th century and has had many different uses over the years, from a military camp to a luxury hotel.
These days, it is open as a museum and occasional wedding venue (it has an exquisite garden out front) and appears on many of Sapporo’s souvenir postcards.
Book your Hōhei Kan admission ticket on Klook >
Read more in our guide to Hōhei Kan >
You might like – Top Sapporo tours with Get Your Guide >
6. Sapporo Clock Tower
Japan’s oldest clock tower, make some ‘time’ to visit Sapporo Clock Tower – it was built in 1878 and initially used as a mess hall by a local college.
Given its unique architecture, it feels like a little bit of midwest America in Sapporo – the clock face is USA built, imported from Boston in the 1880s.
Inside there are various displays and exhibitions including more detailed information and interpretation panels on Sapporo Clock Tower’s rich history.
We also like the photo-spots outside – some kind local man offered to take the picture of us below (Sapporo residents are very friendly).
Admission to Sapporo Clock Tower is 200 Yen per adult and free for children – prices correct as of summer 2024.
Try this – Sapporo afternoon walking tour including the Sapporo Clock Tower >
7. Susukino – Sapporo’s Evening Entertainment District
Sapporo’s Susukino district comes alive at night! Best visited after dark, Susukino is a series of narrow alleyways and streets packed full of small hole-in-the-wall style bars and tiny taprooms.
A popular place for locals after work and expats, Susukino explodes in the evening with buzzing bars, popular pubs and small sake sipping spaces (try saying that after a few highballs).
Also take note that some (but not all) Suskino bars (especially the ‘girly bars’ and dance clubs) charge an entry fee on top of the drinks and snack prices and some bars are Japanese only – so you want to double check as you enter.
‘Kanpai’ to a memorable night out in Susukino (and remember to keep an eye on your wallet).
Try this – Susukino tour with a local guide in Sapporo >
8. Hokkaido Jingu (Shrine)
Hokkaido’s most famous shrine, Hokkaido Jingu is a tranquil temple and wonderful place of worship frequented by locals and tourists.
Located in the peace and quiet of Maruyama Park, Hokkaido Jingu’s woodland setting make it one of the most photogenic and memorable shrines in Japan.
There are also several tea houses just outside the main shrine which prove incredibly popular with locals.
Originally built in 1871, Hokkaido Jingu is a Shinto shrine with a huge main hall and several outbuildings – there are lots of small counters to buy blessings, like the Omikuji random fortune papers.
If you can, try to time your visit with the cherry blossom in March / April or the famous Sapporo festival in mid June, where hundreds of worshippers carry parades toward Hokkaido Jingu.
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Try this – Hokkaido: Asahiyama Zoo, Furano, and Ningle terrace tour >
9. Sapporo Don Quijote Susukino – Japan’s first Night-Time Donki
If you’ve ever spent any time in Japan, you’ll likely know about Japan’s most joyful discount store, Don Quijote or the MEGA Don Quijotes.
They are home to thousands of items generally at low prices, from gachapons and games to Pocky and Kit Kats (plus more interesting ‘adult sections’ featuring TENGA).
However, Don Quijote Susukino is Japan’s first ‘Night Donki’ which opened in late 2022.
A Don Quijote store like no other, this Night Donki branch opens later and sells huge volumes of alcohol (including chilled sake), late night snacks and beauty products.
It has purposely been tailored to attract partygoers and revellers in Sapporo’s Susukino neighborhood, popular for its nightlife and hedonistic clubs.
The Susukino Night Donki has lots of cool themes like neon lights plus a statue of Donpen serving champagne and a bling staircase to the basement – let’s go party in Sapporo Don Quijote!
Check out guide to Don Quijote stores and tax free shopping here >
Do you love all things Don Quijote and Don Don Donki? Join our Donki Fans Facebook group!
10. Sapporo Maruyama Zoo
Located in Maruyama Park, very close to Hokkaido Jinja (so it’s easy to do a shrine and seal combo), Sapporo Maruyama Zoo is very inexpensive (around 800 Yen – approx £4 / $5) and Hokkaido’s oldest zoo.
From red pandas to polar bears, hyenas and hippos, Sapporo Maruyama is a fun thing to do in Sapporo with kids and has various enclosures like a chimpanzee pavilion, monkey mountain and elephant house.
We thought the Sapporo Maruyama Zoo was OK given its low cost, but nothing special.
Try this – Hokkaido: Biei blue pond and Furano flower farm day trip from Sapporo >
11. Historical Village of Hokkaido
Opened just over 30 years ago (so more of a recreation than an actual heritage site), the Historical Village of Hokkaido is an alfresco museum that depicts what life used to be like from the 1860s to 1920s, with over 50 dwellings and buildings.
There are four main zones including a farm, mountain and riverside village but the highlight is the town recreation complete with wooden buildings and a horse drawn car.
Nearby, Hokkaido Museum delves deeper into the development of the local area and has several permanent galleries as well as temporary displays.
Get your Historical Village of Hokkaido ticket here >
12. Take a ride on the Sapporo Streetcar
Sapporo’s Streetcar is a familiar sight in downtown as you’ll see the historic trams doing the city-loop (as well as more modern day versions), which dates back to 1909.
The entire Streetcar city loop takes around 1 hour to complete and allows you to see almost 10km of the city from the comfort of your carriage.
If you’d rather ride on something more up-to-date, we also spotted a Hello Kitty branded Sapporo Streetcar on our trip – so go take a tram tour of Sapporo right ‘miaow’.
Love cute and ‘kawaii’ stores in Japan?
Check out our shopping guides!
• Tokyo Character Street stores
• Studio Ghibli stores
• Don Quijote stores
• Doraemon Future Department store
• B-Side Label stores
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Plus our guide to the best kawaii things to do in Tokyo >
13. Sapporo Factory
You will never be short of shopping malls in Sapporo as there are loads dotted around downtown, from underground malls like Aurora Town to more mainstream shopping centers like Parco.
One of the best Sapporo shopping malls is the Sapporo Factory, a conservatory-like mall that is built next to a former brewery. It has multiple levels of shopping plus dozens of chain restaurants and local eateries.
Alas at the time of writing, the Sapporo Factory Brick Building next door is closed down – it used to be a brewery taproom with a restaurant and food stalls.
You might like – 35 Best Japanese Foods Guide >
14. JR Tower Observatory T38
See Sapporo from upon high day or night from the JR Tower Observatory 38, located on the 38th floor (and handily above a huge shopping center).
This opulent observation deck is 160 metre high and offers panoramic vistas of Sapporo, including the Mashike Mountains and Hidaka mountain in the background. On a clear day, you can also see the Sea of Japan and the snowy Ishikari Heigen ski fields.
Admission to the JR Tower Observatory T38 costs 800 Yen as of summer 2024 – if you are feeling flush, treat yo self afternoon tea at the tower’s T’CAFE.
Get your JR Tower Observation Deck T38 ticket in Hokkaido here >
15. Tanukikoji Shopping Street
A 7 block arcade full of shops, izakayas, craft beer bars and restaurants, Tanukikoji Shopping Street was our go to place at night in Sapporo for evening meals and cheap as chain restaurants.
You’ll find all your foodie favourites here like Tasty Quick Value and Ginza Lion, plus a cluster of konbinis (Japanese convenience stores) like 7-Eleven, Lawson and FamilyMart.
There are lots of independent izakayas along the way and there is always something to east, drink or see anytime of night – it is also a nice contrast to the slightly more seedier Susukino area nearby.
Given Tanukikoji Shopping Street is mainly covered, this is an all weather affair and a rainy day activity in Sapporo – just eat, drink and be merry!
You might like – Our guide to Japan’s oldest beer hall, the Ginza Lion or the 500 Yen Kirin Brewery Tour
16. Odori Bisse
Overlooking Odori Park, Odori Bisse shopping mall is five floors of fun and speciality retail therapy. Whilst not as big as say nearby Aurora Town underground mall or Sapporo Factory, it is an OK shopping center that is centrally located and quite modern.
In particular, the first floor ‘Bisse Sweets’ which is full of cute confectionery shops, sweet shops and hedonistic Hokkaido desserts (although it will never be ‘sweet’ as the Shiroi Koibito Park / Chocolate factory).
Many rate Kinotoya Cafe in Odori Bisse as the most blissful cake and coffee shop in Sapporo – so take your sweet tooth along, take a seat in the window and enjoy caffeine brews with park views.
You might like – Our guide to Tokyo’s best shopping malls and districts >
17. Try Sapporo Soup Curry
A famous local Japanese food in Hokkaido, the Sapporo soup curry is a combination of a soup and a traditional Indian curry with multiple spices including turmeric, cumin, coriander and cardamom.
Ingredients usually include meats such as chicken, beef or lamb chops, plus chunky vegetables such as broccoli, pumpkin, eggplant and okra.
One of the most popular places in Sapporo to try soup curry is Suage restaurant (map). This is a very popular spot so you may need to queue to get in during peak hours.
Japan checklist
We love using booking.com and agoda.com for researching and booking all our hotels, and Hostelworld for booking hostels.
For booking tours, transfers and SIM cards we recommend Get Your Guide, Viator or Klook.
18. Seicomart
As regular readers of ‘Plan My Japan’ are likely aware, we are big fans of Japanese convenience stores (‘konbinis’) and love all they have to offer from egg sandwiches to karaage fried chicken.
We’ve written about 7-Eleven, Lawson, FamilyMart and Daily Yamazaki but did you know Hokkaido has its own chain of convenience stores called Seicomart?
7-Eleven barely exists in Sapporo as it is all about Seicomart, with around 1,200 Seicomart stores in Japan (which are easy to spot with their bright orange branding).
Rated as one of the best convenience stores in Japan with their own in store bakeries and ‘Hot Chef’ counters, Seicomart Japan should be high on your hit list next time you are in Sapporo – read our guide to Seicomart stores here >
You might like our Japanese convenience stores guides >
19. Nijo Market
A historic Sapporo fish market, Nijo Market is open from 7am to 5pm every day and has a handful of fresh fish stalls.
However, if you are expecting anything on the scale of Tsukiji Outer Market or Tokyo Toyosu Fish Market, think again as this is very small and takes about 2 minutes to see.
We liked it as it was a nice way to see local life but it was very quiet and didn’t really have an inner section to explore or any sashimi stalls as you might expect.
However, if you want to get your Sapporo seafood fix, there are several fish and seafood stalls on the outskirts of Nijo Market – you’re welcome!
You might like – Our guide to Tsukiji Outer Market / Tokyo Fish Market >
20. Moerenuma Park
10km away from downtown Sapporo and a couple of bus rides away, Moerenuma Park is a famous Sapporo sculpture park that is free to visit and blessed with statues big and small, designed by USA Japanese artist Isamu Noguchi.
Located on a former landfill site, Moerenuma Park was built to create a new green space to encourage locals to get out more and enjoy such facilities as the fountains, mini mountains and even a man-made beach (Moere Beach).
Explore the 4 kms of pathways by foot or hire a bike and enjoy the experience on two wheels.
Try this – Experience making soba noodles and the king of Japanese cuisine, tempura, in Sapporo >
21. Sapporo Ramen Alley / Ganso Sapporo Ramen Yokocho
A slew of ramen restaurants to relish (try saying that after several sakes), Ganso Sapporo Ramen Yokocho is an awesome indoor alley of retro ramen restaurants and izakaya style establishments.
Located in the Susukino district, it was established in the 1950s and doesn’t look to have changed much at all!
Sapporo’s original ramen alley, there are around a dozen or so small eateries inside cooking up a storm – some of the more popular ramen restaurants have huge queues (as most have small eating areas).
With oodles of noodles to choose from (best served with ice cold Sapporo beer – cheers), it can be hard to decide what to devour. Local favourites include Ramen Ryuto and Menya Kunimitsu.
Ganso Sapporo Ramen Yokocho is open daily from lunchtime until late.
22. Sapporo Skiing
A bit like Nagano, Sapporo is popular for its ski resorts and once held the Winter Olympics (in 1972). The Sapporo ski season usually runs from November to late February / early March and is a n-’ice’ time to visit.
There are several Sapporo ski resorts within an hour’s drive (or sledge!) of downtown including Sapporo Kokusai Ski Resort, Snow Cruise Onze and Hoshino Resort Tomamu Ski Resort.
One of the closest areas to downtown is Sapporo Bankei Ski Area, where local families like to ski.
And if you want to see the snow capped mountains of Sapporo without actually skiing, you can see all the mountains from the top of Sapporo TV Tower.
Check out these Sapporo Winter Sport experiences with Viator or Klook Sapporo skiing tours.
23. Watch a Sapporo Baseball Game
Baseball in Sapporo and Japan is one of the countries most popular sports (along with sumo wrestling).
So if you happen to be visiting Sapporo during the Japanese Baseball season (usually March to October), try to purchase tickets and make a home-run to see the Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters at ES CON Field Hokkaido.
Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters have been Hokkaido’s baseball team since 1945 and have been the Pacific League Champions 7 times and the Nippo Champions 3 times.
Please note Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters used to play their baseball games at the Sapporo Dome but this changed to ES CON Field Hokkaido in 2023, which is a lot further out.
You might like – Our guide to Japanese baseball and how to get Tokyo baseball tickets >
Sapporo, Hokkaido – Our final thing to do
24. Sapporo Ramen Republic (Closed)
2024 update – Sapporo Ramen Republic appears to have closed down, which is a shame as there were lots of cute ramen restaurants in one place with its own ramen railway line that took you between restaurants.
We’ve already mentioned the 15 or so ramen restaurants in Hokkaido’s famous Sapporo Ramen Alley, but if you’re still in search of superb soba or utopia udon noodles, head on up to the Ramen Republic in the ESTA shopping mall by Sapporo JR Station.
There are 8 ramen restaurants serving different styles of ramen from all over Hokkaido and Japan, with some stores seemingly straight out of a Studio Ghibli movie.
There is even a small Harry Potter style train you can ride on at the weekends around the Ramen Republic, a very fun thing to do with small kids.
You might like – Our review of Ghibli’s Grand Warehouse or guide to Japan’s Studio Ghibli shops, Donguri Republic
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