When visiting Japan, people often stay on the main island of Honshu to see places like Tokyo, Tokyo Disney, Kyoto, and Osaka. However, if you want a more unique Japan experience, then you may want to head to the island of Hokkaido to spend one day in Sapporo. Additionally, it makes for a great pit stop on your way to do some skiing in Niseko.
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History of Sapporo
Sapporo, the capital of Hokkaido, has a relatively young history. Before Japanese settlement, the area was inhabited by the Ainu people, who lived off the land through hunting, fishing, and subsistence farming. The name “Sapporo” itself is derived from the Ainu language, meaning “dry, great river.”
Sapporo’s layout was influenced by Western urban planning, particularly that of American cities, with a grid system unusual for traditional Japanese towns. The city grew quickly, especially with the arrival of the railway in the late 1800s.
By the 1900s, Sapporo became a key regional hub and hosted the 1972 Winter Olympics. Today, Sapporo is known for its vibrant snow festival, beer culture, and role as a gateway to Hokkaido’s natural beauty, all while continuing to grow as a modern and livable city with deep historical roots.
When to Spend One Day in Sapporo
The prime time to spend one day in Sapporo is during the winter season as it is known for its snow sports and winter festival. However, visiting during other months is well worth it too as it will not be as cold, and it is good weather for hiking in the area. If you want to attend Sapporo’s Ice Festival, held in early February, make sure to plan early. It transforms the city into a winter wonderland with massive ice and snow sculptures, dazzling light displays, and lively seasonal events.
How to Get to Sapporo
Sapporo has one international airport: New Chitose Airport. You can fly here from all over Japan and many destinations across Asia. Skyscanner is my favorite way to search for flights. To get from the airport, you can take a private transfer, the bus, or the train to the main city center. It will take about an hour.
Transportation in Sapporo
Public transportation is the best way to get around Sapporo. There are three subway lines, streetcars, and a multitude of buses. Transportation fares run from ¥210 to ¥389 or you can buy a day pass for ¥830.
Where to Stay in Sapporo
TripAdvisor is a great place to start your hotel search. Check out the best hotels in Sapporo here! You can always try searching Priceline Express Deals for a better price or try to price match a hotel. In Sapporo, we used points to stay at the ANA Holiday Inn Sapporo. It was not fancy, but it was a great location with decent rooms. Alternatively, you can stay at Fairfield Inn Sapporo and Courtyard Sapporo.
What to do During One Day in Sapporo
We decided Sapporo is like the Vegas of Japan. It has a very similar vibe and offers numerous restaurants and bars. Therefore, much of your one day in Sapporo may be spent eating and drinking your way across the city.
Sites to See
Hokkaido Jingu
Start your one day in Sapporo with a visit to Hokkaido Jingu, the local shrine. It is dedicated to four deities including Emperor Meiji. Surrounded by nature, it is especially popular during cherry blossom season and the annual Sapporo Festival in June.
Sapporo Museum and Beer Garden
Next, head to the Sapporo Museum and Beer Garden. The Sapporo Beer Museum, located in a historic red-brick building, showcases the history of one of Japan’s oldest and most iconic beer brands. Visitors can learn about the brewing process and enjoy beer tastings, including limited-edition brews. Next door, the Sapporo Beer Garden offers a lively dining experience with classic Hokkaido dishes and grilled meats. They also have many indoor dining venues for the wintertime.
Restaurants
Tonkatsu Aoki Sapporo
Another option for food during your one day in Sapporo is Tonkatsu Aoki in Sapporo. This restaurant is renowned for its perfectly crispy and tender breaded pork cutlets with curry. The restaurant offers a welcoming atmosphere and a menu that highlights traditional Japanese comfort food with expert preparation. Try and make a reservation. If not, plan to wait a little bit for your meal.
Nouilles Japonaise Tokuichi
During your one day in Sapporo you will not want to miss eating at Nouilles Japonaise Tokuichi. This cozy restaurant known for its authentic handmade Japanese noodles and flavorful broths. They have the best truffle ramen I have ever had. Popular among locals and tourists alike, it offers a warm atmosphere and carefully crafted dishes that highlight traditional Japanese culinary techniques. We waited about 30 minutes to get in when we went for an early lunch. Make sure to bring cash as you buy your food ticket out a machine.
Aiyo Sapporoeki
If you are looking for another traditional Japanese meal, make sure to head to Aiyo Sapporoeki Kita3Jo. This izakaya restaurant near Sapporo Station, offering a variety of delicious Japanese small plates and drinks in a casual, welcoming atmosphere. You will for sure need a reservation to eat here, so make sure to book that online ahead of time.
Bars
When spending one day in Sapporo, you will not want to miss the plethora of bars Sapporo has to offer. You can find a bar for any style you are looking for. The following three are the favorites we visited during our time in Sapporo. Note that many bars in Sapporo are quite small and hold 10-20 people, so you may have to wait or come back later. Many bars also have a “cover fee” because you are severed snacks along with your drinks.
Kinoole: This is a newer speakeasy style gin bar. They have over 100 gins from all around the world. You can opt for a pour of one, or they have several different basic cocktails, such as a gin and tonic they can make you with the gins.
Morohaku Bar (Sake): If you are interested in trying a variety of sake, you will not want to miss Morohaku Bar. The owner of this bar travels all around the country (and the world) looking for the best sake to bring back to her bar.
Cats and Dogs Piano Bar: For those who want to enjoy live music, you will not want to miss the Cats and Dogs Piano Bar. Some evenings, there is live jazz, so make sure to check the schedule before you visit.
More Than One Day in Sapporo?
If you have more than one day in Sapporo, it is a great place to base yourself to take some day trips. You could also visit the Sapporo TV Tower, go on a Sapporo walking tour, a Night ramen crawl, or visit the Beer museum.
Teine Highland Ski Center
If you love skiing and do not want to pay the premium prices of Niseko, check out Teine as a day trip from Sapporo. About an hour by bus, you can buy various ski packages to visit for the day. While not as good as Niseko, it is the most cost-effective option if you want to base yourself in Sapporo.
Otaru
Otaru is a charming port city that makes for an easy day trip from Sapporo. It will take about an hour by train to get there. It is known for its scenic canals, historic buildings, and glassware craftsmanship. Once a thriving center of trade and fishing, the city retains its nostalgic atmosphere with preserved warehouses and gas lamps lining the Otaru Canal.
Niseko
While not quite a day trip, Sapporo is a great pit stop on your way to Niseko. Niseko is infamous as being one of the best skiing areas in the world. If you visit during the summer, there is mountain biking and hiking in the area.
Final Tips for One Day in Sapporo
One day in Sapporo is a fantastic way to spend the day to get to know another Japanese city. It is a great pit stop before visiting Niseko. If you have more time, add on visits to other places in Japan, such as Tokyo, Tokyo Disney, Osaka, or Kyoto.
