24 Hours in Sapporo: Everything You Need to Know

Sapporo is the vibrant capital of Hokkaido – Japan's northernmost island. Beckoning both local and overseas travelers, the city blends the stunning natural scenery of Hokkaido with the cultural richness of urban life, from beer museums to snow festivals and temples up to ski jump ramps - the scenic landscapes and sounds of the city are sure to impress.

In this article, we'll cover a 24-hour itinerary of everything you need to make your stay in Sapporo a trip to remember; we'll share how to get to Sapporo, the best areas to stay, and things to do in the morning, afternoon, and evening. Join us as we dive into Hokkaido's central city's essential places and activities.

You can get to Sapporo in several ways - it all depends on your travel preference and where you're starting or continuing your trip. Sapporo is serviced by New Chitose Airport (CTS), and both domestic and international flights make daily trips here. If you're coming from Tokyo, Nagoya, Osaka, Fukuoka, or any other major domestic airport, you'll be able to find regular flights to and from New Chitose.

If by any chance you have an all-inclusive Japan Rail Pass, you could brave the hours it takes from Tokyo Station to Sapporo Station: all you need to do is change trains from the Tohoku Shinkansen to the limited express train Hokuto at Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto Station. For reference, a flight from Haneda Airport to New Chitose Airport is only around an hour and a half non-stop. There's also a JR Hokkaido Pass for those who want to explore the region in more depth.

Sapporo boasts a range of accommodation options, and the best area for your short stay largely depends on your interests. However, we have three simple recommendations: Susukino, Nakajima Park, and the Odori Park areas.

For easy access to the city's iconic attractions and bustling nightlife, consider staying in Susukino. This entertainment district is famous for its bars, restaurants, and vibrant energy.

If you prefer a quieter and more cultural experience, the Nakajima Park area is an excellent choice. It's home to several museums, galleries, and the serene Nakajima Park itself.

The other fantastic option is the Odori Park area, which is at the city center and offers proximity to various shops, restaurants, and the scenic Odori Park.

If you're staying in Sapporo for only one night, we recommend Cross Hotel Sapporo or the Hotel Resol Trinity Sapporo. Cross Hotel Sapporo is only a five-minute walk from Sapporo Station, whereas the Hotel Resol Trinity Sapporo is only a two-minute subway and a short walk away; this gives you flexibility for your onward journey, either by train or by plane.

Start your day with a visit to the Sapporo Clock Tower, an iconic city symbol. Originally built as a drill hall of the Sapporo Agricultural College in 1878, it now serves as a museum about the building and the city. You can get to the clock tower either by walking ten minutes south from JR Sapporo Station or walking 4 minutes north from Ōdōri Subway Station.

Once you're done, make your way south to Odori Park, a green oasis with 92 different types of trees. It's also home to the famous Sapporo TV Tower (Purchase e-tickets here). You can take time to go up the tower now, but we'll be coming back to this area in the evening to see the city's beautiful lights shine. 

After exploring a little, it's time to get some food, and the ever-popular Donguri should be on your list of places to get your morning fix. Originally established as a coffee shop, Donguri now has over ten stores, and around seven have dine-in spots where you can sit, grab a drink, and warm up. Try one of their best-sellers, the chikuwa bread. It may deceptively look like a hot dog bun but is actually a tube-shaped fish cake and tuna stuffed in a fluffy bun.

After charging up with some caffeine, you have two choices: The Sapporo City Maruyama Zoo (and its nearby park and shrines) or the Sapporo Beer Museum. Visitors with families will realistically only have one choice here, but if you’re traveling alone or with a few others, then it’s worth deciding which one you’ll visit. Of course, if you plan well, you could squeeze both in, but they’re 50 minutes apart by train.

Zoo goers will appreciate the fact that there are lots of things to do in the Maruyama area, including a Shinto Shrine (Hokkaido Jingu), a wooded park (Maruyama Park), as well as a hiking trail that brings you to the summit with a gentle one-hour walk (Mount Maruyama).

If you visit the beer museum, make sure you try out the beer tasting. If you have time after that, see Sapporo Factory, a former factory-turned-mall - only a short walk from the museum. Want more options? Make your way to Nakajima Park, a large city park that is home to a number of things: The Kitara Concert Hall, Hokkaido Museum of Literature, a pond with rental boats, and a teahouse.

For lunch, we recommend heading to Nijo Market, a bustling market for fresh seafood known for its dining stalls. It’s a great way to get some food, soak in the atmosphere, and sample the freshness that Hokkaido is known for.

As the sun sets, make your way to the enchanting Susukino district. It's one of, if not the biggest nightlife district north of Tokyo. Take in its neon-lit streets, bustling with bars and izakayas (type of Japanese bar).

There are lots of things to do and see. You could stroll through the Tanuki Koji Shopping Arcade, a covered shopping street that opened in 1873.

Alternatively, you could wander through Odori Park at night and gaze over all the pretty lights and restaurants that only open up after dark.

On the topic of food, don't forget to try Sapporo's famous miso ramen at one of the many local ramen joints. On the other hand, you could also try kegani, a crab that is known as a local specialty. After dinner, cap off your night with a visit to a karaoke bar or a vibrant nightclub and experience Sapporo's lively nightlife scene.