Sapporo
Hokkaido's vibrant capital. Famous for miso ramen, beer, the spectacular Snow Festival, and access to Japan's best skiing.
A completely different Japan: wide streets, incredible food, frontier spirit.
Sapporo Ramen
Miso ramen originated here. Rich, savory, butter-topped bowls that warm you through Hokkaido winters.
Snow Festival
February's spectacular event with massive snow sculptures. Book hotels 6+ months ahead.
Ski Resorts
Niseko, Rusutsu, Furano. Some of the world's best powder snow, all accessible from Sapporo.
Beer Culture
Sapporo Beer was Japan's first. Tour the museum, drink in the beer garden, explore craft scene.
Neighborhoods
Sapporo is easy to navigate with a grid system. Most attractions are downtown.
Odori & Tanukikoji
Central, shopping, festivalsThe heart of Sapporo. Odori Park hosts festivals, Tanukikoji arcade for shopping.
Must do: Walk Odori Park, explore Tanukikoji's covered shopping
Susukino
Entertainment, nightlife, foodHokkaido's biggest entertainment district. Neon lights, ramen alleys, izakaya.
Must do: Late-night ramen at Ramen Alley, explore izakaya scene
Sapporo Station Area
Transit hub, modern shoppingMajor train hub with excellent department stores and underground shopping.
Must do: JR Tower observation, underground shopping maze
Maruyama
Upscale, quiet, residentialLeafy neighborhood near the shrine and zoo. Excellent cafes and boutiques.
Must do: Hokkaido Shrine, Maruyama Park (cherry blossoms)
What to Eat
Hokkaido food is legendary. Dairy, seafood, and the birthplace of miso ramen.
Miso Ramen
Ramen Alley (Susukino)
Sumire and Shirakaba Sansou are legendary
Soup Curry
Citywide
Sapporo invention. Try Suage+ or Garaku
Genghis Khan
Beer Garden, specialty restaurants
Grilled lamb on dome grill. Sapporo Beer Garden classic
Kaisendon
Nijo Market
Fresh seafood rice bowls with Hokkaido uni and crab
Soft Cream
Everywhere
Hokkaido dairy is exceptional. Try melon flavor
Day Trips from Sapporo
Sapporo is a perfect base for exploring Hokkaido.
Otaru
30-40 min by trainCanal town, glasswork, sushi, sake breweries
Niseko
2-3 hours by busWorld-famous powder skiing, onsen, outdoor adventure
Noboribetsu
1 hour by trainDramatic Hell Valley, top-tier onsen resorts
Furano/Biei
2 hours by trainLavender fields (July), patchwork hills, Blue Pond
When to Visit
Winter (Dec-Feb)
Snow Festival, skiing, true Hokkaido experience. Cold (-5 to -10°C) but magical.
Summer (Jun-Aug)
Escape Japan's humidity. Lavender blooms, outdoor festivals, pleasant 20-25°C.
Spring (Apr-May)
Cherry blossoms late April. Quiet season, good deals.
Autumn (Sep-Nov)
Beautiful foliage, clear skies, fewer crowds. Gets cold late season.
Practical Info
Getting There
New Chitose Airport (CTS) - 37 min by JR rapid to Sapporo Station
Getting Around
Subway (3 lines), JR trains, buses. City is walkable downtown.
JR Pass
JR Hokkaido Pass useful for day trips. Nationwide pass overkill unless coming from Tokyo.
Stay Duration
2-3 days for city, add days for ski trips or Hokkaido exploration.
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