How To Spend 3 Days In Sapporo: Ultimate Itinerary

Last Updated on May 2, 2025 by Audrey

Want to know the best way to spend 3 days in Sapporo? My itinerary covers everything!

If you're planning a visit to Sapporo and need a schedule, you’re in the right place. I explored the city and surrounding Hokkaido area and completely fell in love—it exceeded my expectations, and I can't wait to go back!

Sapporo, the largest city in Hokkaido, is a hidden gem packed with cultural landmarks, stunning natural scenery, and lively nightlife. Whether you’re a solo traveler, with family, an outdoor enthusiast, or a foodie eager to try Hokkaido's famous dishes, Sapporo has something for everyone.

This 3-day Sapporo itinerary will help you make the most of your time in Japan’s northern gem, offering tips to explore the city and nearby attractions!

Day 1 Sapporo Itinerary

Grab Breakfast at Komeda's Coffee

I’m a big coffee person, but it becomes essential when I'm traveling. If you think I'm going to walk 10,000 steps and run around sightseeing all day with no caffeine, you're crazy. Grabbing a cup of coffee is always my first stop, especially when waking up jetlagged!

On our first day in Japan, we wandered the sleeping streets until we stumbled upon this cozy cafe at 7 am. They open bright and early at 7:30, which was perfect for our messed up sleep schedule.

Komeda’s Coffee is a popular cafe chain in Japan, and it’s so good. They’re known for their tasty coffee blends and pastries made with creamy Hokkaido milk, plus they offer an amazing free breakfast service.

For breakfast, they give you free bread with your choice of jam or butter. But trust me, their bread is thick, fluffy, and tastes amazing. Why is Japan bread just better?

If you swing by later in the day and have a sweet tooth, their Hokkaido Cheesecake is a must. It’s fluffy and lightly sweet. I also love their Amanburan—it’s a strawberry dessert with a slightly tangy twist.

Pray for good luck at Hokkaido Shrine

Our first main stop for today is Hokkaido Shrine, a Shinto shrine built in 1869 dedicated to four guardian gods.

If you visit near the new year, you'll see many other visitors celebrating the first shrine visit of the year, also known as Hatsumōde! Many people come to pray for prosperity, health, and safety for the rest of the year.

Regardless of when you visit, a visit to the shrine promises a fun experience! If you're staying around the city center, it'll be a short train ride to get here. When I visited, many other people were there, but it wasn't too crowded.

You get to see the beautiful shrine that reflects Sapporo's history and culture, pray for good health, and buy fortunes and good luck charms. The charms are cute gifts to bring home for others!

Stroll through Maruyama Park

Maruyama Park is adjacent to the shrine and has a great variety of blossoming trees throughout the year.

When I visited there were plum blossoms, cherry blossoms, and magnolia trees in full bloom.

If you go during Sapporo's cherry blossom season around April and May, you'll see food and game vendors around the park too.

Eat Kaisen Don at Nijo Market

If you’re a seafood lover, make sure to stop by Nijo Market for lunch! It’s one of Hokkaido’s oldest and most famous markets, offering tons of fresh, affordable seafood. The quality here is amazing, and a bit cheaper in comparison to Tokyo's Tsukiji Market.

You’ll find Hokkaido specialties like sea urchin (uni), massive king crabs, and scallops sold by local vendors. There are also plenty of restaurants serving up incredible seafood dishes.

When I visited, I got a kaisen don (seafood donburi) loaded with uni, fresh crab, and an assortment of sashimi, including buttery toro (fatty tuna), all for just $15! The fish was so fresh, and the portions were solid. I could eat one every day and not get sick of it.

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See the city from Sapporo TV Tower

Next up, head over to the Sapporo TV Tower, a 147-meter-tall symbol of the city and one of its most iconic landmarks.

Built in 1956, this tower offers a high observation deck with views of Odori Park down below and the surrounding cityscape. It’s especially beautiful during winter when the city becomes a snowscape, or during events like the Sapporo Snow Festival.

If you're celebrating a special occasion, the tower offers a unique experience: you can rent it out after 10 PM for ¥10,000 (around $60 USD). This includes a complimentary bottle of wine, lighting the tower in a color of your choice, and displaying a personalized message on the first floor.

Even if you're not renting it out, the tower is worth revisiting again at night, when it’s illuminated and adds to Sapporo’s charming skyline. It's a great photo spot with a beautiful view.

Stroll through Odori Park

After the TV Tower, you can descend down to Odori Park, a massive street park stretching over 3 blocks across Sapporo's city center. The park features over 90 different types of plants, and it's a perfect momentary break from the bustling city.

Odori Park is home to some of Sapporo's most famous festivals, including the Snow Festival in February and the Lilac Festival in mid-May. If you’re visiting during these times, don’t miss the chance to experience these iconic events!

Snow Festival

Held every February, the Snow Festival is one of Sapporo’s biggest highlights, featuring stunningly detailed snow and ice sculptures. These masterpieces are illuminated at night, creating a magical atmosphere in both Odori Park and Susukino.

The sculptures range from famous landmarks to beloved characters, attracting millions of visitors over the week-long celebration.

Lilac Festival

The Lilac Festival, held in mid to late May, celebrates lilacs, Sapporo’s official tree. Odori Park comes alive with the bloom of over 400 lilac trees, offering a serene and picturesque setting.

Visitors can enjoy live music, sample local wines, participate in events, and even take home a lilac sapling.

Sapporo Clock Tower

From Odori Park, it's a 4-minute walk to the Sapporo Clock Tower, another of Sapporo's key landmarks.

The Sapporo Clock Tower is one of the city’s oldest and most historic landmarks, dating back to 1878—just a decade after Sapporo’s official recognition in 1868. Originally built as a theatrical hall, it's now a symbol of the city’s early development and progress.

Inside, there’s a small museum where you can explore the history of the Clock Tower and learn about Sapporo’s origins. It’s a quick and informative stop on the city's origin!

Located right in the heart of Sapporo, the Clock Tower is also near the Former Government Office and Hokkaido University. I've included these two stops since they're close by if you have the time and energy to visit, but you can skip them if you've had enough sightseeing for the day.

Former Hokkaido Government Office

If you walk for 10 minutes, you'll arrive at the "red brick office", officially known as the Former Hokkaido Government Office. This office was created in 1888, a decade after the Sapporo Clock Tower and two decades after the city's recognition.

You might notice how Western the building looks, incorporating American architecture that signifies Hokkaido's cultural integration with the West.

For now, the building is closed for renovation until July 2025, so feel free to skip this stop as you can only see the exterior.

Hokkaido University

Still have enough in you to make one more stop? Hokkaido University is just next door! The University is a scenic place to stroll around, with large elm and ginkgo trees that turn into beautiful foliage as the seasons change.

You can visit the University Museum which walks you through Hokkaido's natural history and cultural heritage and lets you peek into ongoing research scientific projects.

You can also swing by the Botanic Garden to view the beautiful seasonal blooms and stop by the small Ainu Center to learn about the indigenous people of Hokkaido.

Enjoy Soup Curry for Dinner

Soup curry is Sapporo’s most iconic regional specialty, and it’s a must-try before you leave the city!

Unlike traditional Japanese curry, which is thick and rich, soup curry features a lighter, flavorful broth loaded with fresh, colorful vegetables. It’s a hearty and nutritious meal, typically served with rice, and a choice of protein (such as lamb, chicken, or pork), along with roasted veggies.

You'll have to backtrack to the Clock Tower to get to the good food spots. I recommend Garaku Soup Curry or Suage+, both in the Susukino area. Both are fantastic spots to experience authentic soup curry for your first dinner in Sapporo!

Spend the night in Susukino

After dinner, you'll find yourself in Susukino, the largest entertainment district in Hokkaido. There's tons of stuff to do here, especially when it comes alive at night.

There are great restaurants, clubs, bars, and even pachinko if you want to try your hand at Japanese gambling.

Just be aware that it's a red-light district, so you may see activities more suited to adults. I once passed by a bar that was filled with women wearing bunny suits and fishnets, but the glass was partially blurred out so I only got a glimpse!

Bars/Clubs

I've only gone clubbing once in Sapporo, so I can't give a totally fair testimonial.

I visited Utage at 9:30 PM on a Tuesday, and admission was free (for obvious reasons. It's was a Tuesday, remember?).

The music was pretty subpar, playing American music that sounded 5-10 years old. But even though it was a Tuesday, it was pretty crowded!

I feel like it's a lot more fun on the weekends if you want to give it a try. Just know that I warned you about the music!

I also heard good things about Precious Hall. It's an underground club with a relaxed vibe and an excellent sound system if that seems more like your vibe.

Arcades

You can also visit one of Sapporo’s huge arcades. We walked to Round 1 which had multiple levels and played games until 2 AM!

We won a big Pooh bear that we then had to lug around for the remainder of our 10-day Japan trip (do not recommend winning crane toys early on in your trip).

After you’ve had a little fun exploring, return back to your hotel for a good night's rest. Tomorrow will have even more fun Sapporo attractions!

Day 2 Sapporo Itinerary

Hokkaido Museum

We'll begin our day by heading to the Hokkaido Museum for insight into the nature, history, and culture of Hokkaido. You’ll get to learn about the history of Japan, and the Ainu, the indigenous people of Japan.

The museum is located about 35 minutes away from Sapporo by car, or under an hour by train or bus. It's a little out of the way, but has a ton of cultural significance about the Northern region so I think it's worth visiting.

Inside, many exhibits offer a look into the North-east Asian history of Japan and its environment. You'll learn how to make sentences in the orally transmitted Ainu language (they never created a written language!). You'll also see fossils and learn about regional species like the Ezo red fox and Hokkaido brown bear.

Historical Village of Hokkaido (Kaitaku-no Mura)

After the museum, take a short 9-minute walk to the Historic Village of Hokkaido, an open-air museum that brings to life the Meiji and Taisho periods (1868–1926).

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This era was pivotal to Hokkaido’s development, and the village is divided into four sections: the central town, fishing villages, farms, and mountain settlements. You get to wander through historic buildings and imagine life during Japan’s early modernization efforts.

These two destinations provide a deep dive into Hokkaido’s heritage, making them a perfect way to spend a few hours learning about Japan's history.

Grill Genghis Khan for Lunch

For lunch, I encourage you to try Genghis Khan (Jingisukan), another Hokkaido regional specialty. No, it's not the Mongolian leader I'm talking about. Genghis Khan is a lamb barbecue cooked on a dome-shaped metal skillet—originating from Hokkaido!

While the lamb is delicious, what makes the experience truly memorable is everything else: a fun, laid-back atmosphere, grilling your own meat, and enjoying it with a Sapporo beer in its namesake city. It's a memorable experience that you'll remember long after you return home.

I’ll be honest—after a few rounds, I did get a little tired of eating just lamb. But what stayed with me was grilling a local specialty with my family and taking in the beautiful view of the city below. It’s an experience I’ll always treasure, so I hope you try it too.

Option 1: Sapporo Beer Garden

If you’re planning to pair your first Genghis Khan experience with a beer, there’s no better spot than the Sapporo Beer Garden! It's right next to the Sapporo Beer Museum, which also happens to be our next destination.

Housed in a former beer factory turned barbecue restaurant, the Beer Garden offers a fun and unique atmosphere. You’ll get to cook your own meat on a grill at your table, with the option to order à la carte or go for AYCE (All-you-can-eat). Ordering is quick and easy via a tablet system.

Option 2: Extreme Salt Cured Genghis Khan

This restaurant might be a little out of the way from the Sapporo Beer Museum, but it’s where I tried Genghis Khan, and I had such a great experience! I went to Extreme Salt Cured Genghis Khan for dinner without a reservation and had a short 25-minute wait.

The lamb here is delicious, and I love how they put English labels on the meat—foreigners will be able to see what cut of meat they're eating. However, the real highlight of this place is the location.

From the 10th floor, the restaurant offers a stunning view of Susukino’s lively streets and glowing billboards. Paired with a relaxed vibe and tasty food, it's the perfect place to enjoy Genghis Khan.

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Sapporo Beer Museum

If you had lunch at the Sapporo Beer Garden, you’re already in the perfect spot for your next stop. The Sapporo Beer Museum is a must-visit for fans of the brand, but even if beer isn’t your thing, the science and history behind the brewing process are pretty interesting.

The museum walks you through Sapporo's brewing process, how their technology has evolved, and beer's cultural significance in Japan. Both the museum and garden are free to enter, and you can choose between a quick 20-minute self-guided tour or a guided tour for just ¥500–¥1000 (depending on age).

The highlight of the tour is getting to taste a variety of Sapporo beers, including rare and seasonal options, in a historic setting. Keep in mind you’ll need to be at least 20 years old to enjoy this beer flight!

If beer isn't really your thing, feel free to skip this stop. However, it is one of the top attractions in Sapporo!

Tanukikioji Shopping Arcade

After the Beer Museum, let's do some shopping! As an avid shopper, I must confess: this is one of my favorite spots in Sapporo...

Tanukikoji Shopping Arcade is a 1 km (0.5 mile) street in downtown Sapporo with over 200 shops to browse at your leisure.

You can find souvenir shops, vintage shops, restaurants, and, of course, arcades here. It has a nice large roof cover, which is helpful as rain and snow aren't unusual in Sapporo.

If you like vintage, preloved, or thrifting, you're in the right place! One of my favorite things to do when I visited Japan was shop at vintage stores! There are some great options in the Tanukikoji Shopping Arcade, like 2nd Street and Neuf.

Other than vintage, you'll find all kinds of other shops here too!

Just make to save the Mega Don Quijote as your last stop, because you'll definitely do some damage while you're there...

In case you didn't know, Don Quijote is the biggest discount store in Japan, and you can find anything and everything here. Snacks, beauty, even pre-loved luxury items are sold for a discount here. Oooh, this store is the best.

Dinner at Ramen Alley

Sapporo is famous for its miso ramen, a regional specialty with a rich, flavorful broth. Unlike traditional ramen, this variation uses miso paste, a traditional Japanese seasoning made from fermented soybeans. This gives the ramen its signature savory and slightly sweet taste.

Sapporo-style miso ramen often comes loaded with toppings like sliced pork (chashu), corn, butter, green onions, bean sprouts, and sometimes bamboo shoots or mushrooms.

You probably haven't tried butter and corn in your ramen before, have you? In fact, this combo is a Sapporo classic, adding an extra layer of richness and sweetness.

I discovered Ramen Alley completely by accident while wandering downtown Sapporo. Built in the 1950s, this cozy alley is the birthplace of miso ramen! The small alley is lined with small ramen shops catering to both locals and tourists.

Walking in felt like I was living out a scene from Naruto—the homely vibes, steaming bowls of ramen, and intimate atmosphere made me feel nostalgic, despite never being here before.

If you’re going to try miso ramen, there’s no better place than here!

Our final stops, the Sapporo Fushimi Inari Shrine and Mount Moiwa Outlook, are located a little far from downtown, so it's up to you if you want to make the journey to see them.

If you don't want to make the 40-minute train ride to south Sapporo (or a 16-minute taxi ride), I've provided Aoao Aquarium as an alternative.

Keep scrolling to learn more about each site before you make your final decision.

Sapporo Fushimi Inari Shrine

This shrine is inspired by the famous Fushimi Inari Shrine in Kyoto, featuring stunning rows of bright red torii gates that create a magical pathway through sacred grounds. But unlike the Kyoto version, this spot is much less crowded, so you can soak in the beauty and snap some amazing photos without the crowds!

The Torii gate tunnel symbolizes stepping from the ordinary world into the sacred. Walking through it feels serene and reflective, allowing you to connect with Japanese spiritual traditions.

The shrine also has smaller shrines and statues scattered throughout, giving you plenty to explore and a deeper look into Shinto beliefs. If you're curious about Japanese culture, this is a must-visit! It's open 24/7 and conveniently located on the way to our final stop for the day, Mt. Moiwa Outlook.

From Ramen Alley, getting here is pretty straightforward. You can take the Sapporo Shiden tram line followed by a short walk, or hop on a couple of buses. Public transportation will take 40–50 minutes in total. If you're in a hurry, a taxi will get you there in just 16 minutes.

Mt Moiwa Outlook

Our last stop of the day is Mount Moiwa Outlook, a summit observatory with breathtaking panoramic views of Sapporo. Mount Moiwa Ropeway was listed as one of the top three night views in Japan in 2018.

From the Fushimi Inari shrine, the entrance to the ropeway is a 10-minute walk. If you drive here, there's free parking at the entrance. From there, you can choose to access the observatory either by ropeway or Mo-risu Car (cable car) for a fun experience! Both operate in 15-minute intervals, so you won't wait long.

On top of the mountain is The Jewels, a gourmet French Restaurant that provides a luxurious fine dining experience on top of the incredible view.

👍 Pro tip: Check the observation deck live camera before you make the commute to Mt. Moiwa, as the view can be obstructed if it's cloudy.

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Aoao Aquarium

Alternatively, if the weather isn't ideal for sightseeing, or you don't want to make the long commute to Fushimi Inari and Mt Moiwa, you can stay in Susukino and visit Aoao Aquarium instead.

Locals and tourists alike love visiting Aoao Aquarium, and I’m pretty sure you will too! Conveniently located in downtown Sapporo along Tanukikoji Shopping Street, this aquarium has some unique features you won’t want to miss.

One standout is the Northern Rockhopper penguin habitat. These guys are famous for how they hop around, and the habitat is designed with movable hexagonal blocks, creating an interactive space where you can get to see them up close.

Another highlight is the breathtaking "Blue Room," a digital art exhibit inspired by the Shiretoko Sea, a UNESCO World Heritage site. It features a massive 20-meter screen where life-sized killer whales and sperm whales swim by, making it feel like you’re actually underwater.

The best thing about Aoao, though, is it’s open late until 10 PM! This makes it perfect for a post-dinner visit, especially since most attractions in Sapporo close by 5 or 6 PM. It’s the ideal way to end your second day in the city, relaxing in the blue waters of the ocean.

Day 3: Day Trip from Sapporo

For your last day in Sapporo, I encourage you to head outside and explore other areas of Hokkaido! Sapporo is the perfect base for exploring the breathtaking landscapes and other cities around the area.

There are plenty of amazing spots near Sapporo that make for great day trips or even weekend getaways.

You could visit Shikotsu-Toya National Park and enjoy the sulfur lakes, hike up the volcanoes, or kayak on Lake Toya if you enjoy the outdoors.

Or, you could visit Jozenkei for a relaxing hot spring bath in this famous onsen town.

Alternatively, you could head towards Furano and Biei to see the brilliantly colored Blue Pond.

There are a ton of possibilities, so I'll direct you to my other blog post Day Trips From Sapporo to check out some ideas.

Is 3 days in Sapporo Enough?

Yes, 3-7 days is ideal to explore Sapporo.

I stayed in Sapporo for 3 days, and I believe 2-3 days is fine for seeing a decent amount of the city.

Two days is enough to see the main highlights, try Hokkaido's specialty dishes, and get a feel for the city's vibe while leaving one day to take a tour of the surrounding Hokkaido area.

If you have a few extra days, you can check out my 5 day Sapporo Itinerary which includes more things to see and do in Sapporo.

Where to Stay in Sapporo

I recommend staying either near Sapporo Station or in Susukino for your first time in Sapporo.

Being near the Station will make it very easy to get around the city. You will most likely be traveling almost exclusively by train, unless you rent a car.

On the other hand, Susukino is where most of the city’s nightlife and restaurants are located, so you can't go wrong by staying there.

If you intend to day trip out to other parts of Sapporo, both of these areas make a good base, with plenty of hotel options and easy access to transportation.

I explore all the best hotels to stay at in Sapporo here, as well as the best onsen hotels and ryokan in Sapporo here.

7. JR Tower Hotel Nikko Sapporo ($$$)

• ⭐ Perfect for: Luxury stays, families, couples, day trips
• 💎 Known For: Best location, food, top-of-the-line service, amazing views, convenience
• 🏨 Check rates and availability on Booking.com

This four-star hotel has it all. It’s located inside the train station, making transportation extremely easy. You’ll have all the restaurants and shops to choose from, plus the hotel itself has two restaurants that offer panoramic views of the city.

There's a public onsen with skyline views, a sauna, a hot tub, and a spa and wellness center. It’s simply beautiful and top-of-the-line!

If you plan on taking the subway and exploring a lot of Hokkaido, you’ll love staying here. It has everything you could possibly need, with tremendously easy transportation. If you have the budget for it, and don’t mind a splurge, this is the best luxury option out there.

This four-star hotel truly has it all. Conveniently located inside the train station, getting around will be a breeze. You'll have access to a wide variety of restaurants and shops as soon as you leave your room, and the hotel itself boasts two restaurants with stunning panoramic city views.

Relax in the public onsen with breathtaking skyline vistas, or unwind in the sauna, hot tub, and wellness center. Everything is top-notch and beautifully designed!

If you plan on exploring Hokkaido via the train often, this hotel is perfect for you. It’s packed with amenities and offers the ultimate convenience for travel. If you’re looking to splurge and want the best luxury experience, I recommend JR Nikko.

8. Onsen Ryokan Yuen

• ⭐ Perfect for: Couples, Adults, Zen Seekers, Luxury Minimalists
• 💎 Known For: Authentic ryokan experience, serene atmosphere, retreat-like stay
• 🏨 Check rates and availability on Booking.com

Finding a ryokan with an onsen in Sapporo is quite rare, but Onsen Ryokan Yuen stands out as the best in the city!

This 3-star ryokan offers serene rooms with a beautiful blend of traditional and modern style, complete with a sauna and hot spring bath. It’s perfect for travelers seeking an authentic, high-end ryokan experience right in the heart of Sapporo.

The onsen is the main highlight, featuring Karurusu hot spring water sourced from Noboribetsu, housed in a tranquil open-air bath made of soft stone. Guests can also enjoy exquisite kaiseki meals with top-quality seasonal ingredients from around Hokkaido.

With its quiet luxury and meticulous attention to detail, Yuen is easily the top ryokan in Sapporo.

Nearby attractions include the Botanic Garden of Hokkaido University and the Hokkaido Museum of Modern Art, and it's just an 8-minute walk from the subway.

3 Days in Sapporo Conclusion

I hope you found my Sapporo itinerary helpful and picked up some inspiration for your own adventure in Hokkaido’s bustling capital! I absolutely loved my time in Sapporo, and I’m confident you will too.

It’s a city bursting with endless things to do, see, and eat.

Plus, if you take a short trip outside the city, you’ll discover breathtaking landscapes that will leave you in awe.

From indulging in Hokkaido’s incredible cuisine to exploring its rich cultural and historical spots, this 3 day Sapporo itinerary was designed to help you have an unforgettable experience.

Happy traveling! If you need any assistance with planning your trip, feel free to reach out to me at audrey@getlostinjapan.com.

Check out my other Sapporo blog posts 👇

Unlocking Sapporo: What Makes It Worth Visiting In 2024

The Best Day Trips From Sapporo, Hokkaido (2024)

How To Go To Sapporo: The Ultimate Guide (2024)

The BEST Places To Stay In Sapporo, Japan (2024)

12 Best Ryokan And Onsen Sapporo Has To Offer

The Best 5-Day Sapporo Itinerary for First-Timers