15 Best Things to Do in Sapporo on a Rainy Day
In the snowiest metropolitan in the world, if you think rain is going to stop your fun in Sapporo, think again! This city has literally been built for the snowy winters so there’s plenty of fun things to do indoors when the weather isn’t on your side.
From a local living in Sapporo, here are some of the best things to do in Sapporo on a rainy day, or even in the height of a snowstorm, staying dry, warm and still making amazing memories on your trip to the capital of the north!
15 Best Things to Do in Sapporo on a Rainy Day
1.Sapporo Factory Shopping
Location: 4 Chome Kita 2 Johigashi, Chuo Ward, Sapporo, Hokkaido 060-0032
The opportunities for indoor shopping in Sapporo are endless, and in the city, Sapporo Factory is one of our favourite finds.
Here you’ll find plenty of restaurants, cafes, shopping and there’s even a Lawson Cinema here if you fancy tying in a trip to the cinema as part of your rainy day plans in Sapporo.
2. Spo-Cha Unlimited Games
Location: Round One Stadium Sapporo Kita 21, 1 Chome-1-21 Kita 21 Johigashi, Higashi Ward, Sapporo, Hokkaido 065-0021
Round1 Spo-cha offers unlimited games for 3 hours, it cost ¥2,890 / £13.50 each (they also do a 90 minute option) and it’s honestly the best way to occupy adults, and kids alike! They have everything from old school arcade games, pitching and putting, drift bikes, a relaxation room with massage chairs and comics, go karting, roller blading, karaoke and so much more!
There’s also an area for food and drinks and there’s lockers so you can store your stuff away whilst working your way around all of the games. There is a huge claw machine area outside so you can spend even more time inside at this Round1 in Sapporo.
3. Sapporo Beer Museum
Location: 9 Chome-1-1 Kita 7 Johigashi, Higashi Ward, Sapporo, Hokkaido 065-8633
The Sapporo Beer Museum is an iconic landmark in Sapporo, and a must visit if you like beer! This is actually the only beer museum in Japan. Part of the museum is completely free to explore, and you can then head downstairs to the bar to grab a Sapporo beer tasting set (which we really recommend!).
Sapporo is also the only place that you can enjoy the Sapporo Classic Beer, so stock up and enjoy it whilst you’re here! We also recommend the Genghis Khan (Jinguskhan) restaurant next door, and to get a Hokkaido must eat ticked off your list!
4. Japanese Cinema Experience
Location: We recommend Frontier Cinema in Stellar Place or Lawson Cinema in Sapporo Factory.
Nothing says a cosy rainy day like hitting up the cinema, and there are so many cinemas to choose from in the city. A Japanese cinema experience is one you’ve got to experience. If you’re booking to see a western film, make sure you select Japanese subtitles, not the dubbed version, or it will be a very long film!
The food and drink options are amazing, and you get given your snacks in the little trays below which then form your tray tables. It’s worth remembering that most people stay to watch the end credits in Japan, and no one talks during the film so you really can enjoy a peaceful visit on your trip here in Sapporo.
5. Underground Shopping
Did you know that underneath Sapporo city there is an entire underground city in itself? Whether you want to escape the rain, the high heat of the summer or the cold, harsh winter, this underground shopping centre which comprises of two malls was specifically designed for this reason. Life can keep moving, without weather getting in your way.
It’s like a rabbit warren down here, the shopping malls extend in all directions and it’s really fun coming up and trying to work out where you’ve ended up. We’ve been living here for over 6 months now and probably still haven’t seen all the shops, restaurants and cafes on offer down here.
In the winter I used to spend whole days down here as there’s so much to explore, rain or not, it’s something worth adding to your Sapporo itinerary for sure!
6. Have Fun With Karaoke
Karaoke in Japan feels like a rite of passage, and it’s everywhere! There’s no shortage of venues to practice your singing skills, you get your own private booth too, so no need to get shy!
You can order food and drinks straight to your booth and pay for a set amount of hours, and you don’t need to come here just in the evening to have some fun. Whether it’s an hour, two or three, it’s a great way to pass some time on a rainy day, whilst having a truly Japanese entertainment experience!
7. Shiroi Koibito Chocolate Factory
Location: 2 Chome-11-36 Miyanosawa 2 Jo, Nishi Ward, Sapporo, Hokkaido 063-0052
Who wouldn’t want a rainy day when it involves a chocolate factory? Before you even enter the Shiroi Koibito park, the smell of chocolate is encapsulating, and you don’t even need to pay the admission fee to enjoy the treats from the cafes, restaurants and shopping.
It’s also a must have sweet treat to eat in Hokkaido, unlike traditional chocolate, they are the most delicious soft, buttery biscuits with a chocolate filling, and are absolutely incredible.
However, I would recommend paying to tour the factory as there’s plenty to see, interactive elements for kids and you can even see inside the factory and the shiroi koibito biscuits being made. You’ll also get a free biscuit to try on entry!
If you head to the cafe during your trip, I recommend getting the ice shiroi koibito chocolate drink, it’s so good!
8. Es Con Field Hokkaido
Location: １番地 F Village, Kitahiroshima, Hokkaido 061-1116
In a city where snow doesn’t stop in the winter, the sports are designed here so the game can still go on, and where better than heading to the Es Con Field.
Plus, you don’t actually have to be going to a baseball game to enjoy this incredible stadium. The stadium is open during the week (some operating times of restaurants inside may vary) so you can explore all of the incredible food they have on offer, a field side onsen, a hotel, pitching and putting and so much more.
We recently went to our first baseball game at the Es Con Field and we just couldn’t believe it. The size, the amount of stuff on offer and we can’t wait to go back on a non game day to really explore everything there is to do.
9. Sapporo Olympic Museum
Location: 1274 Miyanomori, Chuo Ward, Sapporo, Hokkaido 064-0958
Sapporo hosted the 1972 Winter Olympics, which was the first to ever take place in Asia, and if you have an interest in winter sports, the Sapporo Olympic Museum is such a fun museum to check out!
There are some really fun interactive activities to try out along the way as well including ski jumping, cross country skiing, bobsled race and so much more. The entry fee is ¥670 for adults.
10. Sapporo TV Tower
Location: 1 Chome Odorinishi, Chuo Ward, Sapporo, Hokkaido 060-0042
An iconic landmark of Sapporo, it might be one worth skipping on an overcast day, but if it’s a little bit rainy and the horizon is clear, get yourself up the TV tower!
Give yourself around 40 minutes for this activity, ascend to the top and take in the incredible sweeping views of the mountainous landscape and beauty of Odori Park from below. No matter what season you visit here in, you’ll always have a very distinctive and beautiful view to enjoy.
11. Tanukikoji Shopping Street
Location: 〒060-0062 Hokkaido, Sapporo, Chuo Ward, 南2・3条西1～7丁目
Situated in the bustling area of Susikini is Tanukikoji Shopping Street, if you like shopping and fancy doing some that’s not underground, you’ll be spoilt for choice here.
The covered shopping street stretches for a whopping 7 blocks with around 200 shops and restaurants to explore. A great place to dive in for cover from the rain until you’re ready to move on.
12. The Red Brick Building – Former Hokkaido Government Main office
Location: 〒001-0907 Hokkaido, Sapporo, Chuo Ward, Kita 3 Jonishi, 6 Chome 1番地
Known by the nickname of the red brick building, what was the former Hokkaido government main office is now a really delightful museum to explore.
It costs ￥300 for entry and there are numerous exhibitions to explore including Hokkaido heritage and culture, Ainu culture and history and the history of the red brick building.
There’s also a fab cafe and souvenir shop inside that is free to enter, I recommend getting the limited edition red brick akarenga sandwich biscuit, it’s so good, and you can only get it from here!
13. Round1 – Susikino
Location: 3 Chome-6-1 Minami 5 Jonishi, Chuo Ward, Sapporo, Hokkaido 064-0805
Whilst this Round1 branch doesn’t offer spo-cha, there is honestly so much to do under one roof here that you could spend a whole day here, if you really wanted to.
Start off with some bowling and food, a game of pool before heading for some karaoke, darts or to the endless rows of claw machines. You’re guaranteed to have plenty of fun, and the prices are very reasonable.
14. Grab A Parfait & Watch The World Go By
Sapporo is renown for its parfait culture, and what better way to while away a couple of hours with a delicious parfait, reading a book or just taking in the world and people of Sapporo.
You really will be spoilt for choice when it comes to parfaits, and there is a big late night parfait scene here with some open to as early as 6am! I highly recommend Cafe Nagayama Rest, a lovely retro cafe with delicious pizza toast, curries, and of course parfaits.
15. The Hokkaido University Museum
Location: 8 Chome Kita 10 Jonishi, Kita Ward, Sapporo, Hokkaido 060-0810
Entry to The Hokkaido University Museum is completely free and worth adding onto an itinerary, regardless of whether it’s a rainy day or not! There’s plenty of exhibits and interactive elements to explore here.
Don’t leave without checking out the museum cafe (open 10-4:30pm) which uses selected organic ingredients from Hokkaido and of course, the iconic soft serve that we all love here in Hokkaido!
So, on your next rainy (or snowy!) day here in Sapporo, there is so many things to choose from that will only enrich your trip to the capital of the north!
