Sapporo Japan 7 Day Itinerary

Sapporo, Japan 7-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival & Explore Odori Park & Sapporo Beer Museum

Arrival at New Chitose Airport, transfer to city center.

  • Morning: Settle in your accommodation and freshen up.
  • Afternoon: Visit Odori Park, a sprawling urban park with seasonal events like the famous Sapporo Snow Festival (February).
  • Evening: Explore the Sapporo Beer Museum and enjoy a brewery tour, plus tasting sessions. Have dinner at the museum’s restaurant.

Day 2: Sapporo City Sightseeing & Food Tour

  • Morning: Visit Tanukikoji Shopping Street, Sapporo Clock Tower, and Historic Village of Hokkaido. Enjoy local street food at the Odori Park Food Market.
  • Afternoon: Explore Sapporo TV Tower for panoramic city views, then relax at Otalium Spa & Wellness or Moi Moi no Yu, both onsen (hot springs) locations.
  • Evening: Dine at a local restaurant specializing in Hokkaido’s famous seafood dishes like crab, scallops, and squid. Try Sushi-zan Mai or Ishikawa.

Day 3: Day Trip to Otaru

  • Morning: Take a train or bus to Otaru (about 1 hour from Sapporo). Visit the Glass Museum, Music Box Museum, and Sakaimachi Street.
  • Afternoon: Enjoy fresh seafood at one of the canal-side restaurants, then walk along Otaru’s famous glassware shops.
  • Evening: Return to Sapporo for dinner. Consider a visit to Labo Spa in Otaru for an evening soak if you have extra time.

Day 4: Day Trip to Furano & Biei

  • Morning: Head south to Furano (about 2 hours from Sapporo) and visit the Lavender Farm (July is peak season).
  • Afternoon: Drive on to Biei, explore Shikisai no Oka, Patchwork Road, and Blue Pond.
  • Evening: Return to Sapporo for dinner. If time permits, visit Furano Winery or a farm-to-table restaurant in the area.

Day 5: Day Trip to Shiroi Koibito Park & Niseko

  • Morning: Travel to Yoichi (about 1 hour from Sapporo) and visit Shiroi Koibito Park. Sample cookies, chocolates, and learn about the production process.
  • Afternoon: Head further north to Niseko (around 1.5 hours from Yoichi). Explore Mount Yotei or enjoy outdoor activities like skiing, snowboarding, or hiking.
  • Evening: Return to Sapporo for dinner and relaxation. Consider a visit to Niseko Brewery if you’re still up for more adventure!

Day 6: Relaxation & Shopping Day

  • Morning: Spend the morning at your leisure, perhaps revisiting favorite sites or relaxing at a local cafe.
  • Afternoon: Head to Sapporo Factory, an entertainment and shopping complex with numerous stores, restaurants, and attractions.
  • Evening: Enjoy a special dinner, such as the 10-course seafood tasting menu at Ishikawa.

Day 7: Departure

  • Morning: Pack up and check out of your accommodation. If time permits, grab last-minute souvenirs or explore nearby sites.
  • Afternoon: Transfer to New Chitose Airport for your departure flight.

Things to Know:

  • Hokkaido is famous for its seafood and dairy products; be sure to try as much as you can!
  • English is less commonly spoken in Sapporo compared to larger Japanese cities, so learning a few basic phrases may help.
  • Always remember to remove shoes when entering homes or traditional Japanese buildings (like onsen).
  • Taxis are expensive in Japan, so consider using the public transportation system, which includes buses and subways.
  • A JR Rail Pass may be beneficial for travelers wanting to explore multiple cities or areas during their visit.

Transportation:

  • Bus: Sapporo has an extensive network of city buses that can take you almost anywhere within the city.
  • Subway (Metro): The Tozai Line and Toho Line connect many popular destinations in Sapporo.
  • Train: The JR Hokkaido line offers service to nearby cities like Otaru, Furano, and Niseko.