Sapporo 10 days

Sapporo's main international airport, serving as the gateway to Hokkaido. It features a wide range of shops, restaurants, and even an amusement park.

• Allow ample time for immigration and customs, especially during peak seasons.
• Consider purchasing a Hokkaido Rail Pass here if planning extensive train travel.

A convenient and quick train service connecting New Chitose Airport directly to Sapporo Station. The journey takes approximately 40 minutes.

• Trains run frequently, usually every 15-20 minutes.

The bustling hub around Sapporo Station, offering a mix of modern shopping complexes, department stores, and restaurants. It's a great starting point to get acquainted with the city.

• Explore the underground shopping malls for a unique experience.
• Look for the Sapporo Beer Garden sign for a future culinary excursion.

A historic complex where you can enjoy fresh Sapporo beer and Genghis Khan (lamb barbecue). The rustic atmosphere in the converted brewery is a highlight.

• Reservations are highly recommended, especially for dinner.
• Try the all-you-can-eat Genghis Khan course for a hearty meal.

A long, verdant park stretching through the heart of Sapporo, famous for its flower beds, fountains, and seasonal events like the Snow Festival and Lilac Festival. It's a refreshing urban oasis.

• Visit during spring for the Lilac Festival or autumn for vibrant foliage.
• Check the park's schedule for any ongoing events or markets.

Located at the eastern end of Odori Park, this iconic tower offers panoramic views of the city and surrounding landscape from its observation deck.

• Best visited on a clear day for optimal visibility.
• The area around the tower is a popular spot for photos.

A symbol of Sapporo, this historic building houses a museum detailing the city's early development. It's a picturesque landmark with a distinctive clock.

• The clock still chimes hourly.
• It's a popular spot for photos, especially with the surrounding greenery.

A narrow alley packed with small ramen shops, each offering its unique take on Sapporo's famous miso ramen. The atmosphere is lively and cozy.

• Be prepared for potential queues at popular shops.
• Try a shop that specializes in miso ramen for an authentic experience.

Located within the beautiful Hokkaido University campus, this museum showcases the natural history and scientific endeavors of Hokkaido, with exhibits on geology, zoology, and botany.

• The campus itself is worth exploring, with many pleasant walking paths.
• Look for the iconic Ginkgo Avenue, especially stunning in autumn.

An expansive outdoor sculpture garden and museum complex set amidst nature. It features a vast collection of contemporary art installations and performance spaces.

• Wear comfortable shoes as there is a lot of walking involved in the outdoor areas.
• Consider visiting the indoor museum for a more comprehensive art experience.

A unique public park designed by Isamu Noguchi, transforming a former landfill into a surreal landscape of glass pyramids, fountains, and geometric hills. It's an art installation in itself.

• The Glass Pyramid features an art gallery and a cafe.
• Rent a bicycle to explore the vast grounds more efficiently.

Sapporo's entertainment district, famous for its neon lights, numerous restaurants, bars, and nightlife. It's a vibrant area to experience the city after dark.

• Look for the iconic Glico running man sign.
• Explore the smaller side streets for hidden izakayas and bars.

A scenic train line connecting Sapporo to the charming port city of Otaru. The journey offers glimpses of the Hokkaido countryside.

• Sit on the left side of the train for better sea views on the approach to Otaru.
• Purchase a round-trip ticket for convenience.

A picturesque canal lined with historic stone warehouses, now converted into shops, restaurants, and museums. It's the iconic image of Otaru.

• Consider a romantic evening stroll when the gas lamps are lit.
• Take a boat cruise along the canal for a different perspective.

Otaru's main street, famous for its glasswork shops, music boxes, and confectionery stores, particularly its wide variety of LeTAO cheesecakes and Rokkatei sweets.

• Sample the local sweets and treats.
• Look for unique souvenirs like hand-blown glass or music boxes.

Otaru is renowned for its fresh seafood and excellent sushi. This street (and surrounding areas) offers numerous sushi restaurants, from traditional to modern.

• Look for restaurants displaying their fresh catch of the day.
• Don't be afraid to try local specialties like sea urchin (uni).

Sapporo's largest park, home to the Hokkaido Shrine, Maruyama Zoo, and beautiful cherry blossoms in spring. It's a popular spot for relaxation and nature walks.

• Combine your visit with the Hokkaido Shrine for a cultural and natural experience.
• The park is especially beautiful during the cherry blossom season (late April to early May).

The principal shrine of Hokkaido, dedicated to the three Hokkaido Kaitaku-jin (Pioneering Spirits) and Emperor Meiji. It's a serene and important spiritual site.

• Observe the traditional Shinto rituals and architecture.
• You can purchase omamori (amulets) for good luck.

Ascend Mount Moiwa via a scenic ropeway and mini cable car for breathtaking panoramic views of Sapporo, especially stunning at sunset and night. It's considered one of Japan's best night views.

• Check the operating hours for the ropeway and mini cable car.
• The summit has a restaurant and observation deck.

Enjoy Hokkaido's specialty grilled lamb dish, Jingisukan, at a local restaurant. It's a hearty and flavorful meal, often cooked at your table.

• Many restaurants offer all-you-can-eat options.
• The meat is typically marinated, making it tender and delicious.

A bustling public market where you can find fresh seafood, local produce, and various Hokkaido specialties. It's a great place for breakfast or to sample local delicacies.

• Try the fresh seafood bowls (kaisendon) for breakfast.
• Many stalls offer free samples of local products.

Learn about the history of Sapporo Beer and the brewing process. Includes a tasting lounge where you can sample different varieties of Sapporo beer.

• The museum offers free admission.
• The tasting lounge has a fee but offers a good selection.

A charming theme park and factory dedicated to Hokkaido's famous 'Shiroi Koibito' cookies. Features beautiful gardens, a chocolate factory tour, and themed shops.

• The park is especially magical during the Christmas illuminations.
• Enjoy the various sweets and treats available for purchase.

Located on the 10th floor of the ESTA building (connected to Sapporo Station), this 'ramen theme park' gathers famous ramen shops from across Hokkaido, offering a variety of regional styles.

• Each shop has a ticket vending machine for ordering.
• It's a great place to try different types of ramen in one visit.

A scenic bus ride from Sapporo Station to the hot spring resort town of Jozankei. The journey takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes through mountain scenery.

• Buses run regularly from Sapporo Station Bus Terminal.
• Consider purchasing a day-use onsen ticket for a relaxing experience.

A charming hot spring resort nestled in a valley, known for its natural beauty and numerous onsen (hot springs). Explore the town and enjoy the therapeutic waters.

• Many ryokans (traditional inns) offer day-use onsen facilities.
• Take a stroll along the river and enjoy the natural hot springs bubbling up.

Located near Jozankei, this garden showcases the alpine flora of Hokkaido. It's a peaceful place for a walk and to appreciate the local plant life.

• Best visited during the warmer months when the plants are in bloom.
• Look for unique alpine flowers native to the region.

Enjoy a meal at one of Jozankei's local eateries, often featuring regional specialties and fresh ingredients. Many offer a cozy atmosphere after a day of relaxation.

• Inquire about seasonal dishes.
• Some restaurants may be part of ryokans, offering a more traditional dining experience.

A legacy site from the 1972 Winter Olympics, this stadium offers a glimpse into the world of ski jumping. You can visit the museum and take a lift up to the top of the hill for views.

• Check if there are any training sessions or competitions happening during your visit.
• The view from the top is quite impressive.

Another Olympic legacy site, this stadium offers a panoramic view of Sapporo from the top of the jump. A chair lift takes you up, and there's a small museum.

• This is distinct from the Hokkaido Ski Jumping Stadium and offers a different perspective.
• The chairlift ride itself is an experience.

Located in a beautiful setting within the Moerenuma Park area, this museum focuses on Ainu culture and contemporary art, with a striking architectural design.

• It's a good complement to a visit to Moerenuma Park.
• The museum's architecture is as much a draw as the exhibits.

Experience Sapporo's vibrant nightlife by visiting a few local izakayas (Japanese pubs). Sample various small dishes and drinks in a casual atmosphere.

• Look for izakayas that specialize in local Hokkaido ingredients.
• Many izakayas offer a 'kaiseki' course for a fixed price.

A lively market offering a vast array of fresh seafood, produce, and local delicacies. It's a great spot for breakfast and to buy edible souvenirs.

• Arrive early for the freshest selection and fewer crowds.
• Try the grilled scallops or sea urchin.

Sapporo's largest covered shopping street, featuring a wide range of shops selling souvenirs, clothing, cosmetics, and local snacks. It's a great place for souvenir hunting.

• Look for unique Hokkaido-themed souvenirs.
• Many shops offer tax-free shopping for tourists.

A large shopping and entertainment complex housed in a former beer brewery. It features a variety of shops, restaurants, a cinema, and a glass-covered atrium.

• Check out the 'Red Brick' building for its historical architecture.
• The complex is a good place to find both local and international brands.

Enjoy a final taste of Hokkaido's famous Genghis Khan (lamb barbecue) at a popular restaurant. Daruma is a well-known chain offering a classic experience.

• Be prepared for a wait, especially at popular branches.
• The grilled lamb is typically served with a special sauce.

Last-minute souvenir shopping or a final Hokkaido breakfast near Sapporo Station before heading to the airport.

• Pick up any last-minute snacks or gifts.
• Confirm your train times to the airport.

Take the convenient train service back to New Chitose Airport from Sapporo Station.

• Allow extra time for potential crowds at the airport.
• This train is covered by the Japan Rail Pass if you have one.

Depart from Sapporo.

• The airport has many shops and restaurants if you have time before your flight.
• Consider purchasing airport-exclusive Royce' chocolate.