The Five Best Neighborhoods in Sapporo

Home to about two million inhabitants, Sapporo is one of the largest cities in Hokkaido. It’s well known for its famous Sapporo Snow Festival, a weeklong annual festival with all kinds of creative sculptures made from ice and snow.

But no matter what time of year it is, there’s always plenty to see and experience in Sapporo. It’s famously a stellar culinary destination because of its access to some of the best produce and seafood in the entire country. Try unique dishes like miso ramen noodles and soup curry or local catches like uni sea urchin and king crab. Sapporo is also the gateway to some of the most rugged nature you’ll find in all of Japan. Lakes, national parks, coastal cliffs, and more can be found all across this island.

The city itself is divided into 10 wards, each with its own distinct feel and merits. Check out our top favorite neighborhoods in Sapporo below!

By far, the most central neighborhood in all of Sapporo is Odori Park. If it’s your first time in the city, this is a good area to use as your home base since you’ll only be a few minutes’ walk from Sapporo Station. If you’re lucky enough to be in town for the Sapporo Snow Festival, Odori Park is where you’ll find all the action.

During the winter holidays, the park is home to Christmas illuminations and festive markets. Come cherry blossom season, locals gather in the park to enjoy the blossoms and picnic under the trees. And in summertime, there’s a popup beer garden where you can enjoy the iconic Sapporo beer. 

There’s also Sapporo TV Tower at the end of the park, a well-known Sapporo landmark. Head up to the top of the tower, and you’ll get the best vantage point of the city. Or, walk a bit further to Nijo Market, a historical fishing market that’s been going on for over 100 years. You’ll find about 20 stores in the market that sell fresh Hokkaido seafood and produce. There’s even a section of the market that sells ready-made food: warm bowls of rice topped with fresh sea urchin, squid, and whatever suits your fancy.

Not too far from Odori Park, you’ll find Susukino. This area is well known as the main entertainment district of the city. In fact, it’s often referred to as one of the largest entertainment districts in Japan along with Kabukicho in Tokyo and Nakasu in Fukuoka. If you’re looking to explore the vibrant nightlife that Sapporo offers, there’s no better place to stay. Though you may not get the most restful sleep, it’ll certainly be an exciting experience to be in the heart of Sapporo’s party scene.

Walking through Susukino after dark, you’ll see it come to life with endless bars, nightclubs, and restaurants. It makes for some great people-watching, too: street performers dancing and singing on the corner, locals and travelers alike drinking in cozily lit izakaya bars, and more.

And if you’re ready to end your night with a full belly, check out Ramen Alley — a narrow winding street with small ramen noodle shops that have existed since the 50s. You can get a steaming bowl of the famous Sapporo miso ramen for just a few hundred yen. There’s also the Noria Ferris Wheel that you can ride for beautiful views of the city from above. And if you’re in the mood to shop, check out the underground shopping mall that starts at Susukino Station and extends all the way to Sapporo Station.

For a calmer and more peaceful Sapporo experience, check out Nakajimakoen. Located south of Sapporo's center, it's a great choice for families or those seeking respite from a big city's hustle and bustle. The neighborhood's namesake, Nakajima Park itself, is a massive urban park with a beautiful pond, an observatory, a concert hall, and more. Located only a four-minute subway ride from Sapporo Station, it's also quite well connected.

The stores and restaurants in this area feel more local and traditional compared to the center of the city, likely because Nakajimakoen sees less tourism. If you're interested in literature, the Watanabe Junichi Museum of Literature is not to be missed. This cozy museum is dedicated to the famous Japanese novelist and has some fascinating exhibits on Japanese literature.

On the western side of Sapporo, you’ll find the trendy neighborhood of Maruyama. It’s a great place to spend an afternoon cafe hopping or boutique shopping, and you’ll see a lot of European influence in the architecture and restaurants here. You’ll find no shortage of English tearooms, French restaurants, and Italian cafes. It’s only three stops away from Odori Station but it feels like an entirely different world.

The neighborhood is also home to the famous Maruyama Zoo, a popular spot for visitors of all ages. Here, you’ll find polar bears, elephants, tigers, and more. Maruyama Zoo’s philosophy is to create spaces that resemble as much of the animal’s natural habitat as possible and teach visitors about how these animals exist in nature. With a heavy emphasis on education, Maruyama Zoo’s guides explain environmental problems around the world in an effort to teach people about the importance of biodiversity conservation.

In the northern part of Sapporo, you'll find Kita Ward. Though it's a bit more removed from the city's center, it's still very easily accessible by subway, bus, or car. If you're curious about how the Sapporo locals live, this residential area is where you'll find a slice of everyday life. Despite being a quieter area, you'll find all the amenities you could need: supermarkets, restaurants, shops, and convenience stores. It's also home to a young, vibrant student population, as Hokkaido University is located here, and it is a famous spot for viewing beautiful gingko trees in autumn.

Although not in Kita Ward, for a unique experience, check out the nearby Shiroi Koibito Park, a theme park with a chocolate factory and museum. It's operated by the confectionery manufacturer of Shiroi Koibito, one of the most famous cookies in Japan. Here, you can even participate in a cookie-making workshop or watch a live chocolate-making demonstration!

If you’re looking for some relaxation in an onsen (hot spring), Jozankei Onsen located in Minami Ward is a must-visit. It’s about an hour’s drive or bus ride from Sapporo Station and offers a wide range of ryokans and modern hotel accommodations to meet various travel needs. It’s also a great place to enjoy the seasonal beauty of the surrounding nature. From around early May, enjoy pink cherry blossoms, and in autumn, spectacular golden foliage.