The Ultimate 7 Days Sapporo Itinerary – By A Local
We moved to Sapporo earlier this year, and we’ve had so much fun exploring everything Sapporo has to offer, as well as finding those hidden, off the beaten track places that no one talks about on social media!
If you’re planning a 7 day trip to Sapporo, we’ve pulled together an extensive itinerary to pack your week out with local finds, the best day trips and amazing places to eat along the way.
This is the ultimate 7 days Sapporo itinerary, most importantly, put together and tested by us, locals living in Sapporo, bookmark this one for your next trip to the capital of the north!
The Ultimate 7 Days Sapporo Itinerary – By A Local
Day 1
Nijo Fish Market
Location: 〒060-0052 Hokkaido, Sapporo, Chuo Ward, Minami 2 Johigashi, 1 Chome, 南３条東１丁目〜２丁目
Start the day early by heading to the Nijo fish market, the restaurants open at this popular fish market at 6am (retail stores at 7am) so you can grab a famous seafood donburi for breakfast.
It’s worth bearing in mind that this fish market is slightly more expensive and touristy than other places in Sapporo. Most restaurants don’t open until 10am in Japan so this is a great way to start your first day early.
If you’re not a fan of seafood and are looking for another breakfast spot, Komeda’s coffee is one of our favourite chains in Japan, they do a great breakfast set which is very inexpensive.
Odori Park & The TV Tower
Odori Park is an iconic landmark that is central to Sapporo city, and depending on what month you visit, there’s usually something happening that brings a fun and unique experience to your trip. In February there is the snow festival, the lilac festival in June, a beer festival in the summer and the Munich Christmas Market arrives mid November and runs until Christmas Day.
Of course, you can’t explore Odori Park without ascending the TV tower. Entry is ¥1,200 for adults and it is one of the best places to take in the city from a completely different perspective. Enjoy the 360 degree views of the city before heading back down. There is also a FREE option to see the city from the city hall building next door to the TV tower, head to the 19th floor and enjoy the best views of the city, barely anyone knows about this little hidden gem!
From spring to early November, the corn wagon is in Odori park, and you can’t visit Sapporo without trying some delicious buttered corn, it is a staple food here in Hokkaido.
The Sapporo Clock Tower & Red Brick Former Hokkaido Government Building
Take in the beautiful architecture of the Sapporo Clock Tower, this is a great photo spot earlier in the day (it gets super busy!), there’s also a small museum inside which costs ¥350 for adults if you want to learn more about the history of the clock tower.
After a photo stop, I recommend a trip to the Red Brick Building, barely any tourists come here and there is a great little cafe inside that sells limited edition akarenga red sando biscuits (see below), along with plenty of souvenirs and gifts! This is the only place you can get them in Sapporo, and they are a delicious mid morning treat.
Cake In A Can
Okay, it’s another sweet treat but one that’s a real novelty on our way to the next stop. Heading towards Susikino, grab the Namboku subway line from Odori Park to Susikino.
Parfaiteria Bel vending machine sells their cakes in a can, and the experience is every bit a novelty as you’d expect, but the cake is actually really tasty!
They sell a variety of different flavours, the strawberry shortcake cake is a very popular dessert in Hokkaido, and it comes complete with a plastic spoon to eat it on the go, or save it for later in the day when you need a pick me up.
Susikino
Experience bustling city life, neon lights and see the Nikka man in the Susikino area of the city. This lively area is packed full of things to do, and whilst this is a very touristy area, everyone needs to experience it on their trip to Sapporo.
Head to Tanukikoji Shopping Street and you will find 100’s of shops, restaurants and cafes to explore, a perfect place to head for a couple of hours if it’s a rainy day, or to escape the heat.
If you like beauty and skincare shopping, you’ll find a huge Don Quijote here! If you’re looking to stock up on gifts during your trip, this shopping street literally has everything!
Jingisukan & Parfait
Finish your first day in Sapporo, Hokkaido style. Genghis Khan (Jingisukan) is a very popular dish in Hokkaido which involves cooking mutton and lamb over a dome shaped metal skillet. An interactive eating experience which is a lot of fun! There’s plenty of restaurants in the Susikino area where you can grab this, I recommend Genghis Khan and Motsunabe Hirobei Susukino Branch.
If it’s your first time visiting Japan, you might notice how restaurants don’t tend to offer desserts. Well, if you have a sweet tooth, you need to get to know about the late night parfait culture in Sapporo. With many not opening until 5/6pm, these parfait establishments are open until the very early hours of the morning, common for pairing with an alcoholic beverage of your choice.
In Susikino you have so much choice, but Parfaiteria Pal is one of the most extravagant we have tried here in Sapporo so far, the designs are had crafted, and contain so many delicious ingredients. They also have an English menu available.
If you don’t fancy heading back to your hotel just yet, head to Round1 for a game of bowling, karaoke, or try the iconic claw machines and try to win something!
Day 2
Day Trip To Otaru
This is a no car itinerary, but just as good if you do have a rental car on your trip to Sapporo. If you’re spending a full week in Sapporo, there are so many amazing, short day trips you can take from the city. Otaru is one of the most popular destinations, taking just around an hour to reach there.
There are a number of day tours that operate from Sapporo, but getting public transport will enable you to spend more time in Otaru, and spend it how you like.
Otaru offers such a different vibe to Sapporo and there’s so much explore. A quaint fishing village on the coast that is so cute! You can’t miss the steam clock tower at the beginning of the shopping street which emits steam and Westminster chimes every 15 minutes.
Head along the little shopping street to see Miffy Village, and grab a miffy themed treat for a mid morning snack. Otaru is also really well known for their delicious seafood, so do stop by one of the many seafood restaurants for a taste of it.
In the middle of the city is their romantic canal, at a quick glance you could be in Europe, rather than Japan! Stay dry, or ride the canal up the river to take in Otaru from a different angle.
If you like walking, take a stroll up to Temiya Park, it has stunning gardens which boast a picturesque view over the coastline of Otaru. If you visit during early spring, this is a must have viewing spot for sakura!
Otaru is also most well known for their glass making, and there is a museum you can explore in Otaru to learn more about their rich history of glass making, or stroll through the many artisan shops in the city.
We have a full Otaru day trip guide on everything you can do here during your visit, if you’re looking for some more inspiration!
Day 3
Shiroi Koibito Chocolate Factory
Start day 3 in the sweetest way by heading to the Shiroi Koibito chocolate factory. A perfect activity for both kids and adults, the smell of the chocolate hits you way before you see the factory looming!
You can visit the cafe and shop for free, but I do recommend paying for admission to the factory as there’s plenty of interactive elements, you can see into the factory and what’s being made (along with a running tally of how many cookies they have made that day!) and there’s plenty of interesting facts leading up to it.
The video screening area on the way in is in Japanese unfortunately, but most of the literature around the factory is also there in English.
Upon entry you’ll be given a free Shiroi Koibito cookie to eat, and life will never be the same again! This is not just a normal chocolate factory, the cookies are essentially a buttery, biscuit sandwich with chocolate in the centre, and they are absolutely delicious.
The cafe is worth a visit during your trip to sample some of the other Shiroi Koibito products, and you can easily spend a lot of time in the souvenir shop on the way out.
If you’re not overly fussed about seeing the chocolate factory, swap for the Sapporo Beer Museum which is a must visit if you’re a beer lover, and no one does beer quite like the Sapporolites!
Botanic Garden Hokkaido University
Location: 〒060-0003 Hokkaido, Sapporo, Chuo Ward, 北３条西８丁目
In the middle of the city lies the most beautiful, peaceful escape from the bustling city, and it’s always so quiet here! Entry is only ¥420 for adults.
Explore the beautifully, well kept gardens, seasonal flowers and peace that can literally be found in the middle of such a busy city! Give yourself an hour here to fully appreciate the grounds.
Ramen Alley
In the evening, head to Susikino to eat in the infamous ramen alley! A narrow ramen filled alleyway with 17 ramen shops which gets very busy in the evenings. Head for an early ramen at 5pm to beat the crowds, or be prepared to queue to get in to your chosen ramen shop as they often have very limited seats.
I recommend Higuma which is just at the beginning of the alley – try the miso or corn ramen which are both a Sapporo ramen speciality.
Day 4
Nakajima Park
Start the morning at Nakajima Park, a short ride on the Namboku subway line. This is one of our favourite parks in Sapporo, and it’s such a lovely area to explore, there is a Japanese garden inside the park too which is so tranquil!
I recommend grabbing a reuben sandwich from Hasamiya for breakfast as they open at 8am – they do the best sandwiches in Sapporo, so good!
Underground Shopping
The underground shopping scene is one of the coolest things about how the city of Sapporo has been built. There’s literally a city underneath the city, designed for the harsh winter that Sapporo gets, life still goes on down here and you can walk across the entire city under here.
There are two shopping malls in the underground shopping area, with tons cafes and restaurants, along with 2 high end department stores which are Daimaru and Stellar Place. Endless shopping opportunities, no matter what type of thing you’re interested in.
Head to Kinatoya for their apple pie and award winning soft serve ice cream, it is one of the best in Sapporo!
Cafe Nagayama Rest
Head over to Cafe Nagayama Rest for lunch. This little retro cafe is housed in the most gorgeous building, you can actually explore it downstairs for free before going to the cafe.
They have a small, but ridiculously good menu. I recommend the curry or pizza toast followed up by the famous Nagayama parfait. Their parfaits are reasonably priced and look beautiful – a mixture of ice cream, cream, jelly, cake and mochi balls.
If you’re visiting solo, they have solo seats that look out over the foyer in the house, the most perfect place to stop and watch the world go by with a good book and delicious parfait.
Ropeway To Mount Moiwa
For sunset, head up to Mount Moiwa ropeway to take in the spectacular views of the city. You might want to move this bit of the itinerary around depending on the weather during the trip so you can go up and get the best experience possible.
It costs ¥2,100 for adults to ride the ropeway, however, if you book a table at The Jewels Restaurant for dinner, just let the staff know and you can ride up for free, so it’s definitely worth doing if you want a truly unforgettable evening in Sapporo.
Booking a table at this restaurant has been one of the most incredible dinner experiences for us in Sapporo so far. We paid extra for luxury seats, and you literally have a cosy sofa to yourself looking out at the views. We had a 7 course tasting menu and it was all so delicious. You get completely undisturbed views from this restaurant and watching the sunset go into evening, there’s nowhere else you can do it like this in Sapporo.
Day 5
Lake Toya Day Trip
This day trip is easily doable whether you have a rental car or are relying on public transport as Lake Toya is well connected by trains and day tours on a bus.
We have a full itinerary on Lake Toya, along with everything we recommend doing here. Arriving early morning, I recommend heading up to to Mount USU on the ropeway to take in the views of Lake Toya below, and hiking to the inner crater before making your way back down.
There’s so much to explore around Lake Toya, and if you come here during the summer you can rent swan boats to go out onto the water as well which is such a peaceful and lovely way to take in the beauty of this place.
Because it’s an onsen town, you’ll find a number of natural spring foot baths around the town to dip your feet in, and don’t worry if you don’t have a towel with you as they have towel vending machines next to most of the foot baths! (of course they do, it’s Japan, a country that literally thinks of everything!).
If you’ve come by car or your bus stops on the way home, swing by Lake Hill Farm – the most incredible dairy ranch which has a soft serve cafe and a restaurant with pizza, apple pies and delicious hearty food. Definitely one of those hidden gems in the area that we always stop at!
Day 6
Jozankei Onsen Town
Hokkaido is known for their relaxing, rejuvenating onsens and I don’t think you can come to Sapporo without seeing a proper onsen town. Jozankei is one of the best as it’s only 1 hour from the centre of Sapporo by car, and it’s easily accessible by bus.
Whatever season you visit Jozankei, there’s something different on that you can enjoy. They have plenty of day onsens in the area that you can just turn up to on the day.
The best one for access without a car is the Jozankei Manseikaku Hotel Milione which is near to the Ontamu-no-yu where you cook the onsen eggs or Yunohana Jozankeiden which is a public bath house.
If you like hiking, you can hike up the Mount Asahidake trail which takes around 1 hour to summit (approx 598m). Afterwards, grab a delicious Hokkaido apple pie as a reward from ふる川果日 J.glacée.
If you want the full onsen town experience, you’ve got to grab some eggs from the souvenir shop and cook them over the hot onsen, it’s a lot of fun and just one of those experiences you can’t get anywhere else.
If you’ve got time, take a stroll to Hoheikyo Dam, it’s been selected as the top 100 Water Resource Forests and Top 100 Dam Lakes in the world, and the views are absolutely breathtaking. Autumn is particularly special as the whole landscape comes alight with fiery reds.
Day 7
Hill of The Buddha
It’s your last day, so it’s time to hit up some more must see sights near Sapporo. The Hill of The Buddha isn’t too far from the city by public transport, and it’s the ideal place to spend a couple of hours in the morning.
The cafe, store and seeing the Moai statues is completely free, it costs ¥1,000 per person to see the hill of the buddha and the mini Stonehenge.
On approach to the Big Buddha is a 40m long tunnel and water garden to admire, intentional architecture that leads you straight into the Buddha. Designed by world-renowned architect Tadao Ando and completed in July 2016, this striking worship hall is known as the “Hill of the Buddha.”
One of the best times of year to visit is during July when the thousands of lavender plants bloom surrounding the Buddha, although, each season tends to be just as magical here in Sapporo!
Soup Curry
One Sapporo signature dish you have to try when staying here is the soup curry! A much lighter version than a traditional curry, packed full of veggies and super spicy. In most restaurants you can pick your spice on a sliding scale, so it’s best to start with a low number if you’re not used to spice!
If you’re driving by car, our top recommendation is Hokkaido Soup Curry Restaurant Okushiba Shoten Sapporo Makomanai, the curry is incredible and the owner is really lovely, they also do a vegetarian option here (see image below).
If you’re back in the city, there are plenty of soup curry options to choose from, SOUPCURRY&GYOZA NUMU is a very popular one.
Maruyama Park /Hokkaido Shrine
In the afternoon, catch the Sapporo Municipal Subway Tozai Line (orange line) to Maruyama -Koen Station (T06). Next to the park is Hokkaido Shrine, a very busy shrine with visitors during festivals and flower viewings.
It is a very popular spot during cherry blossom viewing too in late April-early May, and it becomes even more magical during the winter, snowy months. They even have a small area for free snow tubing here in the winter that you can enjoy.
The area of Maruyama is one of the most affluent in Sapporo, and just wandering around the streets here is enjoyable as they have many delicious cafes, restaurants and cute stores to explore.
Dinner In The City
For your last night, keep it local in the city and enjoy another popular Japanese dish to end what has hopefully been an incredible trip!
Whilst Okonomiyaki isn’t a Hokkaido specific dish, it is a traditional japanese dish and is absolutely delicious.
You won’t typically find tourists in Nandeyanen as whilst it’s in the heart of the city, it’s in the 5th floor of a building so is really unassuming, but it’s the best okonomiyaki we have had in Sapporo, and I recommend getting the mini gyozas too!
We hope you find this 7 days Sapporo itinerary useful for your next trip to Sapporo, if you have any questions please leave us a comment below! Also, if the weather is not too great during your visit and you’re looking for alternatives, we have a whole host of things we recommend doing during a rainy day in Sapporo that will keep you dry indoors!
