Are you planning a trip to Hokkaido and wondering what to do in Sapporo? For us, discovering what to do in Sapporo was the starting point for exploring Hokkaido on an unforgettable road trip during our third visit to Japan. We had 12 days reserved to explore Hokkaido by car, but first we spent two full days discovering the city. And we didn’t regret it for a second.
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Why visit Sapporo
Sapporo is the largest city in Hokkaido and one of the most vibrant in northern Japan. It’s famous for its snow festival in February, delicious food – like ramen or fresh seafood – and its unique blend of modern urban life and nature. When thinking about what to do in Sapporo, it’s impossible not to be carried away by this youthful energy that’s simultaneously more relaxed than Tokyo or Osaka.
How many days are ideal for visiting Sapporo?
We stayed 3 nights in Sapporo, which gave us time to see the city’s essentials without rushing. We had the opportunity to explore what to do in Sapporo at leisure before picking up our rental car and starting our journey through the island’s interior. If you’re short on time, two full days might be enough, but we recommend at least three to enjoy it more comfortably.
Where to stay in Sapporo
Choosing the right area to stay can make all the difference in your experience. The city has good transportation, but some areas are more practical for exploring main attractions on foot. We’ve written a complete guide with the best areas and hotels in Sapporo for all budgets – from economical accommodations to luxury options with city views.
Check out our article here: Where to stay in Sapporo
What to do in Sapporo – 8 experiences
1. Try the famous Hokkaido Cheese Tarts
One of the first things we did was try the Hokkaido Cheese Tarts from KINOTOYA BAKE, located in Pole Town, an underground shopping center beneath Tanukikoji Shopping Street.
We’d tried these tarts elsewhere in Japan, but here they were truly special. The filling is light, creamy, with a delicious acidic touch. The crispy base melts in your mouth. It was one of those moments when we stopped everything just to savor it.
After eating, take time to explore the area – full of small shops, cafes and restaurants. It’s always busy, but it’s one of those places where you just want to sit and watch the city happen.
2. Eat ramen at Ganso Ramen Alley
The Ganso Ramen Alley is a small street in Susukino district, packed with small ramen specialty restaurants. It’s a must on any list of what to do in Sapporo. We went there for dinner and tried the miso ramen, typical of Hokkaido – hot, comforting and full of flavor. It was perfect for the cold night.
Susukino is also a great area to explore at night, with neon lights everywhere and great atmosphere.
3. Visit the Hokkaido Museum of Modern Art
If you like art, the Hokkaido Museum of Modern Art is a great option. Located in a beautiful, peaceful building, it features works by contemporary Japanese artists, including some from Hokkaido.
It was a pleasant visit, and we appreciated how well organized the museum is. It’s an ideal place to take a break from the city’s pace.
4. Climb Mount Moiwa (or try to)
We really wanted to climb Mount Moiwa in the late afternoon to see the sunset and the illuminated city view. The weather was perfect, but suddenly the wind picked up and they closed the cable car. We ended up not being able to go up.
Still, we recommend adding this to your list of what to do in Sapporo because it seems to offer one of the best panoramic views of the city. The ascent is via scenic cable car and then a small funicular to the top, where there’s a 360º viewpoint. You can check here in real time whether the cable car is operating or not.
5. Walk through Hokkaido University and Ginkgo Avenue
We planned to visit the Hokkaido University Museum, but it was closed. We ended up walking around the campus, which is large and pleasant.
What impressed us most was Hokkaido University Ginkgo Avenue, a street lined with ginkgo biloba trees. Even outside the golden autumn season, it’s a beautiful spot for a peaceful walk.
6. Eat rice bowls at Nijo Market
The Nijo Market is known for its fresh fish and seafood. Vendors aren’t big fans of photos, but we were well received. We chose to eat at Kondo Noboru Shoten, a restaurant inside the market.
We ordered rice bowls with raw fish – kaisendon – and everything was super fresh and well served. The service was very friendly, the kind that puts you in a good mood immediately.
7. See cherry blossoms at Nakajima Park
Cherry blossoms in Sapporo appear later than in other parts of Japan. We were lucky: we caught Nakajima Park in full bloom in early May, and it was beautiful.
The park is spacious, with ponds, trails, trees and a very calm atmosphere. It’s one of those places that must be on your list of what to do in Sapporo, where you just want to sit and watch the flowers while enjoying the moment.
8. Dinner at an izakaya
We wanted a more authentic izakaya experience and ended up at 串やき居酒屋炭おやじ, a small, simple place full of atmosphere.
The food was good, the space welcoming, and we had an unexpected conversation with a Japanese customer who had been to Portugal – she told us she decorated her bathroom with Portuguese tiles from her trip. We loved this personal detail. Just a warning: the restaurant doesn’t accept children.
Practical tips for visiting Sapporo
- How to get from the airport: From New Chitose Airport to central Sapporo takes about an hour. The train (JR Rapid) is faster and more comfortable than the bus. You can use your credit card for tap and go or your IC card (like Suica or Pasmo) on the train. When you arrive at Sapporo Station, you’ll have access to the subway and other local lines.
- Language: One thing that surprised us was how many people in Sapporo spoke English without difficulty, which helped immensely. Still, we recommend having a translation app on your phone, just in case.
- Best time to visit Sapporo: It all depends on what you’re looking for. In winter, Sapporo becomes a snow destination, ideal for winter sports and visiting the famous Snow Festival. We went in May because we wanted to do a road trip without snow on the roads. Spring is cool, with clear days and nature blooming.
- Public transportation: There are several subway and streetcar lines that take you to various locations in the city. Payment is easier if you use an IC Card or tap and go with a credit card. Single tickets are also available and sold at stations.
- City secret: Sapporo is one of those cities where it never seems crowded. The truth is the city hides a secret: underground shopping malls that connect to other malls and subway stations.
If you’re planning a trip to Hokkaido, Sapporo is an excellent starting point to get acquainted with northern Japan. We loved the atmosphere, the food and how the city combines modernity with tradition. There’s plenty to do in Sapporo and we hope this guide helps you make the most of your stay!
