Sapporo for First-Timers: Top Attractions and Itinerary
Last updated: October 20, 2025
Sapporo is the most vibrant city in Hokkaido and one of the snowiest large cities in the world, second only to Aomori.
Because of its convenient transportation and variety of attractions, most visitors make it the first stop on their Hokkaido trip.
by Alex Mesmer
Transportation in Sapporo
Major cities across Japan have direct flights to Sapporo.
Tokyo → Sapporo: about 1 hour 45 minutes
Osaka → Sapporo: about 2 hours
The Shinkansen currently only goes as far as Hakodate. From Hakodate to Sapporo, you need to take a limited express JR train. Traveling all the way from Tokyo to Sapporo by train takes around 8 hours, so most people prefer to fly.
New Chitose Airport is about 40 km from Sapporo
From Chitose Airport to Sapporo Station, the JR rapid train is the best option. It takes about 36 minutes and costs 1,230 yen. Airport buses go directly to some hotels in central Sapporo. The ride takes around 1.5 hours and costs 1,300 yen.
From Sapporo to other cities in Hokkaido
You can travel by train or bus.
Where to Stay in Sapporo
Sapporo Station is the city’s main transportation hub. It’s the most convenient area to stay, whether you’re heading to the airport or taking day trips to nearby cities.
The following hotels are within a 5-minute walk from Sapporo Station and are connected by underground passages, so you won’t need to drag your luggage outside on snowy days:
KEIO PRELIA HOTEL SAPPORO – 4 stars, rating 8.8, 2,300+ reviews
Hotel Forza Sapporo Station – 3 stars, rating 8.6, 1,100+ reviews
Sapporo Sightseeing Map
The main attractions in central Sapporo are close together. You can see them all in one full day. This leaves time for day trips or relaxing."
Suggested itinerary:
Stay near Sapporo Station → Walk to Hokkaido University → Take the subway for 17 minutes to Hokkaido Shrine →
Option 1: Take the subway for 10 minutes to Shiroi Koibito Park → Subway for 15 minutes → Shopping and dining in the downtown area
Option 2: Take the subway and streetcar for 36 minutes to Mount Moiwa for sunset and night views → Streetcar for 35 minutes → Shopping and dining in the downtown area
Sightseeing Map
- Hokkaido University – Free admission. Great for snow scenery. Allow 30–60 minutes. Nearest station: Kita-12-Jo (N05, Namboku Line).
- Hokkaido Shrine – Free admission. Beautiful in both cherry blossom and snowy seasons. Allow 30–60 minutes. Nearest station: Maruyama Koen (T06, Tozai Line).
- Shiroi Koibito Park – Admission 800 yen. Ideal for families and dessert lovers. Allow 30–90 minutes. Nearest station: Miyanosawa (T01, Tozai Line).
- Mount Moiwa – Round-trip ropeway ticket 2,100 yen. Famous for night views. Allow 1–2 hours. Nearest streetcar stop: Ropeway Iriguchi (SC10).
- Downtown Sapporo – Between JR Sapporo Station and Susukino Station (N08, Namboku Line).
Subway Route Map
Sapporo has three subway lines that cover most of the city’s main attractions.
Fares range from 210 to 380 yen depending on the distance (half price for children).
A one-day pass costs 830 yen on weekdays and 520 yen on weekends or holidays (half price for children). Passes can be purchased from ticket machines.
Streetcar Route Map
The city tram runs in a loop around central Sapporo. A single ride costs 200 yen for adults and 100 yen for children. Most visitors only use it when going to the Shiroi Koibito Park.
Attractions in Sapporo
1. Hokkaido University
Founded in 1876 by American educator William S. Clark, the university was part of Japan’s early modernization efforts after the Meiji Restoration. The campus covers a vast area, though the main academic zone is only 1.8 square kilometers, so it’s easy to explore. In autumn, visitors come for the ginkgo trees; in winter, it’s a peaceful place to enjoy clean, thick snow.
Recommended Visit Time: 30–60 minutes
Things to do:
① Try the ice cream at Café & Labo, made with milk from the university’s own dairy farm.
② Visit the free Hokkaido University Museum (closed on Mondays) to see various specimens and exhibits.
③ Eat at the Central Cafeteria (closed to visitors from 11 am to 1 pm). The food is basic student fare.
④ Walk along the Ginkgo Avenue in autumn.
Getting There:
About a 10-minute walk from Sapporo Station, or take the subway to Kita-12-Jo Station (Exit 2).
Watch: Winter Scenery Hokkaido University
Watch: Hokkaido University Ginkgo Avenue in Autumn
2. Hokkaido Shrine
Hokkaido Shrine is the most important Shinto shrine in the region. It’s beautiful year-round—cherry blossoms in spring, snow scenes in winter. Built in 1869, it enshrines four deities: Okunitama (god of land and harvest), Onamuchi (god of medicine and agriculture), Sukunahikona (god of craftsmanship and healing), and Emperor Meiji, symbol of Japan’s modernization and pioneering spirit.
Hours: 6 am–5 pm in summer, 7 am–4 pm in winter
Admission: Free
Recommended Visit Time: 30–60 minutes
Things to do:
① Pray, draw omikuji (fortune slips), or buy omamori (charms).
② Try Japanese sweets at the nearby Rokkatei or Jinguu Chaya teahouse.
③ Walk around Maruyama Park, especially beautiful in the snow (the shrine is located inside the park).
④ Visit Maruyama Zoo nearby. Admission 800 yen.
Official Site: hokkaidojingu.or.jp
Getting There: Take the subway from Sapporo Station to Maruyama Koen Station (Exit 3), about 25 minutes total and 250 yen, then walk 15 minutes to the shrine.
Watch: 諏訪神社、北海道神宮、北湯澤綠之風度假村
Watch: Snow Day in Sapporo’s Park
3. Shiroi Koibito Park
This chocolate-themed park was converted from a factory complex. It includes a museum, production line, and European-style garden. It’s ideal for families or anyone who enjoys sweets.
Hours: 10 am–5:30 pm
Admission: 800 yen for adults, 400 yen for children
Recommended Visit Time: 30–90 minutes
Things to do:
① Visit in the afternoon to enjoy both the exhibits and the evening illumination.
② Try ice cream or light meals at the on-site café.
③ Join the cookie-making workshop (1,500 yen per person). Reservations are required at least two days in advancee, though some simple activities — such as decorating pre-made cookies with chocolate pens — can be booked on-site via ticket machines.
Official Site: shiroikoibitopark.jp
Getting There: From Sapporo Station, take the subway to Miyanosawa Station (Exit 3). The trip takes about 30 minutes and costs 290 yen, followed by a 7-minute walk.
Watch: Shiroi Koibito Park, Sapporo Japan
4. Mount Moiwa Night View
Mount Moiwa, 531 meters high, is one of Hokkaido’s best night view spots, second only to Hakodate. The observation deck offers a 360° view of Sapporo.
Hours: April–Nov 10:30 am–9:30 pm / Dec–Mar 11 am–9:30 pm
Ropeway ticket (round trip): 2,100 yen for adults, 1,050 yen for children, book on-site or through Klook.
Recommended Visit Time: 1–2 hours
Notes:
① The ropeway has two stages: first to the middle station, then a smaller cable car to the top.
② Check the official website before visiting, as the ropeway may close due to weather.
③ It’s colder at the top, so bring warm clothes.
④ There’s a restaurant at the summit. Reservations available online.
Official Site: mt-moiwa.jp
Getting There: Take the subway from Sapporo Station to Odori Station, then transfer to the streetcar to Ropeway Iriguchi Station. The trip takes about 40 minutes and costs 360 yen. From there, take a free shuttle (2 minutes, every 15 minutes) or walk 8 minutes to the ropeway station.
Watch: DRONE×HOKKAIDO 4K 札幌もいわ山
Watch: Night view from the observatory at the top of the Sapporo Moiwa ropeway
5. Downtown Sapporo
The city’s main commercial area stretches from JR Sapporo Station to Susukino Station.
Odori Park:
Odori Park is a green oasis in the city center—perfect for a quick stroll, but it shines brightest during the Sapporo Snow Festival (Feb 4–11, 2026), with epic snow sculptures across Odori, Susukino, and Tsudomu. The Sapporo TV Tower (147.2 m) stands at the park’s east end, admission 1,000 yen.
Watch: 北海道 さっぽろテレビ塔から望む札幌の景観
Susukino:
Take a photo of the famous Nikka Whisky sign at the main intersection. This area is known for nightlife, izakaya, and bars, but it has few shopping malls.
Note: The southwest side has adult entertainment, so families might prefer the brighter northern areas.
by KWON YOUN
Tanukikoji Shopping Street:
A 900-meter covered pedestrian arcade with seven sections filled with restaurants and drugstores.
Watch: Sapporo Tanukikoji shopping street on a weekend night
Underground Shopping Street:
A network connecting JR Sapporo Station and Susukino Station. You can reach most malls and Tanukikoji without going outside in winter.
Watch: Sapporo Underground Mall Pole Town ⇒ Aurora Town Walking tour 2025
Malls:
Stellar Place, Daimaru, Tokyu, PARCO, and Mitsukoshi are all in this area.
Anime & Manga:
The largest shop is Surugaya, next to Mandarake. You can also visit Animate Sapporo, Melonbooks (for doujinshi), and BookOff (for secondhand items).
Watch: Surugaya Sapporo Norbesa Store Walking tour 2025
Attractions Around Sapporo
Nearby Destinations Map
Sapporo → Otaru: 30 min by regular train, 800 yen / 60 min by bus, 730 yen
Sapporo → Asahikawa: 1 hr 25 min by limited express, 4,910 yen (round trip 6,040 yen; zoo package 7,069 yen)
Sapporo → Noboribetsu: 1 hr 50 min by direct bus, 2,500 yen / 1 hr 15 min by train, 4,890 yen
Sapporo → Takino Park: 25 min by subway, 290 yen + 32 min by bus, 600 yen
Sapporo → Iwamizawa: 41 min by regular train, 1,040 yen / 25 min by limited express, 1,670 yen
Sapporo → Bibai: 35 min by limited express, 2,530 yen (round trip 3,460 yen) + 10 min shuttle, 300 yen
Otaru
A charming port town about 40 km from Sapporo, known for its historic canal, dessert shops, and glass crafts.
Best time to visit: All year, especially winter
Recommended Visit Time: Half to one day
Getting There: 30 minutes by train or 1 hour by bus; both around 800 yen one way.
More Information: Otaru Day Trip: Itinerary and Tips
by KWON YOUN
Asahikawa
Located in northern Hokkaido, Asahikawa is the island’s second-largest city with about 320,000 residents.
In winter, it’s famous for the penguin parade at Asahiyama Zoo (late Dec–March).
In summer, visitors stay here to explore nearby Biei and Furano.
Best time to visit: All year, winter recommended
Recommended Visit Time: Half to one day
Getting There: 1.5 hours by limited express train from Sapporo, round trip about 6,040 yen.
More Information: Top Things to Do in Asahikawa
by Natalie Su | eeelsahey oo
Noboribetsu
Hokkaido’s largest hot spring town, located in the southwest.
Typical itinerary: Visit the Bear Park in the morning, then walk around Jigokudani (“Hell Valley”) and enjoy hot springs in the afternoon.
Best time to visit: All year
Recommended Visit Time: One day or overnight
Getting There: About 2 hours from Sapporo by bus or train, round trip about 5,000 yen.
More Information: Noboribetsu Day Trip: Itinerary and Tips
by Nopparuj Lamaikul | あま あわれ
Takino Suzuran Hillside Park
A large national park in Sapporo’s suburbs. From late December to late March, it becomes Takino Snow World, featuring a 200-meter snow tubing slope for both kids and adults, free of charge.
Best time to visit: Winter
Hours: Winter 9 am–4 pm / Spring & Autumn 9 am–5 pm / Summer 9 am–6 pm
Admission: Free in winter, 450 yen in other seasons
Recommended Visit Time: Half to one day
Notes:
① Check the official site before visiting; the snow tubing slope opens only when there’s enough snow.
② There’s a small ski area for children, but lessons are in Japanese, so it’s better for kids who already know how to ski.
Getting There:
Take the subway from Sapporo Station to Makomanai Station (25 min, 290 yen), then bus “Makomanai 106” to Suzuran Koen Higashiguchi stop (32 min, 600 yen, one bus per hour).
Official Site: takinopark.com
Watch: 滝野の冬といえば「そりゲレンデ 」
Iwamizawa
If you think Sapporo doesn’t have enough snow, visit Iwamizawa! Located about 41 km away, this small city gets twice as much snow as Sapporo due to its geography. Snow piles up thickly because of slower snow removal.
Best time to visit: Winter
Recommended Visit Time: 30–60 minutes
Things to do:
① Visit in the morning for the best snow scenery before sunlight melts it.
② Iwamizawa isn’t a tourist town. Just walk around the station area, enjoy the quiet snowy streets, have lunch at a local restaurant (most are southeast of the station), then head back.
Getting There:
From Sapporo Station, take a regular JR train (41 min, 1,040 yen, Suica accepted) or a limited express (25 min, 1,670 yen, tickets sold at machines or counters).
Watch: 去岩见泽看雪
Bibai Alpen Snowland
If you want to do more than just look at snow, head farther to Bibai. It has almost the same snowfall as Iwamizawa and offers snow activities at Alpen Snowland. Bibai is a small city—only 20,000 residents—but it’s a great spot for snow fun.
Open season: Early December – late March, 9 am–4:15 pm
Admission: From 2,000 yen for adults, discounts for children under 12. Booking required via official website or Klook.
Recommended Visit Time: Half to one day
Things to do:
① Free use of snow tubes, bubble balls, and bicycles
② Paid activities and packages available: snow rafting, snowmobiles, etc. (see website for details)
③ On-site restaurants available, around 3,000 yen per person; outside food not allowed
④ Snow clothing, boots, and gloves available for rent (prices on website)
Notes:
① For simple, free snow tubing with kids, try Takino first—it’s hassle-free.
② Snowland excels for adventure seekers with add-ons like snow rafting or snowmobiles
Getting There:
Take the limited express train from Sapporo to Bibai, about 35 minutes, 2,530 yen. Single tickets are not cost-effective; it’s recommended to buy a round-trip Sapporo–Bibai S Ticket at the station (adult round-trip 3,460 yen, children half price). From Bibai Station west exit, take a 10-minute shuttle to Snowland, 300 yen one way. Schedule available on the website.
Official Site: alpen-group.net
Watch: Alpen Snowland
Hokkaido Rail Pass
Notes:
- These passes offer great value for multi-stop trips, though they’re best if your route matches—otherwise, individual tickets give more flexibility.
- In winter, trains sometimes stop running, so buses can be more reliable.
- It’s recommended to finalize your itinerary and calculate costs carefully before buying.
Options:
If you plan to visit Otaru, Iwamizawa, and Noboribetsu:
Sapporo–Noboribetsu Area Rail PassAdult: 10,000 yen, Children (6–11): half price, valid for 4 daysIf you plan to visit Otaru, Bibai, Asahikawa, Biei, and Furano:
Sapporo–Furano Area Rail PassAdult: 11,000 yen, Children (6–11): half price, valid for 4 daysIf these passes don’t cover your route:
Hokkaido Rail PassAdult: 22,000 yen (5 days), 28,000 yen (7 days), 37,000 yen (10 days)
Thank you for reading. Hope you have a wonderful journey! ヽ(´▽`)/