Where to Stay in Sapporo: The BEST Areas and Hotels

Last Updated on March 16, 2026 by Audrey

Looking for where to stay in Sapporo? Here are the BEST places to stay while visiting Hokkaido's biggest city!

Sapporo is a magical place. Known as the biggest city in the northern Hokkaido region, this city is pretty awesome. But with great size comes great accommodation optiotns.

After visiting Sapporo, I learned that there are a ton of options on where to stay. It's important to book somewhere convenient, as walking in the cold rain or snow can dampen your trip quite a bit.

It's difficult to choose where you'll set up camp while exploring this amazing city, but I've made that easy for you. I've compiled the best places to stay in Sapporo, and what will suit you best.

After this read, you'll know exactly where you want to stay and will be ready for your trip to the North!

Where to Stay in Sapporo Map

Where to Stay in Sapporo Cheat Sheet

👶 First timers: Mitsui Garden Hotel Sapporo West

💑 Couples: Jozankei YurakuSoan or Onsen Ryokan Yuen

👩 Solo Travelers: Wise Owl Hostels Sapporo

👨‍👩‍👦 Families: Vessel Inn Sapporo Nakajima Park

💲 On A Budget: Plat Hostel Keikyu Sapporo Ichiba

💃 Nightlife: Sapporo Stream Hotel

🍜 Foodies: La'gent Stay Sapporo Odori Hokkaido

Sapporo Neighborhoods

Sapporo's main downtown area is very walkable and accessible through their public subway system, so it's fairly easy to get around as long as you stay within these main areas. Every area has a different atmosphere and charm. Here are the top places to stay in Sapporo so you can pick the right one for you!

• Sapporo Station: This is the most convenient area if you plan on exploring Hokkaido while staying connected to the rest of the city. HOTEL MYSTAYS is a great choice and only a 2 minute walk to the station, with modern cozy rooms and affordable prices.
• North of Odori Park: Located in the heart of Sapporo, this area is perfect for sightseeing and enjoying a calm stroll at Odori Park. La'gent Stay has big rooms, a beautiful onsen, and is close to Odori Park and Tanukikoji Shopping Street.
• Susukino: If you want to be where the action is, Sapporo's lively entertainment district is perfect. Sapporo Stream Hotel has a stunning view of the city skyline, as well as a variety of room options from budget to luxury suites.
• Nakajima Park: This relaxing park area is for travelers who want to stay somewhere quiet and peaceful, but still be close to the city attractions. Vessel Inn is next to the park, offering cozy rooms and a great breakfast.
• Jozankei: Just under an hour from the city center, Jozankei is a peaceful onsen town perfect for a weekend escape. HanaMomiji offers a private onsen surrounded by stunning nature.

Pro tip: I highly recommend booking where to stay ahead of time, as the best hotels in Sapporo get booked up quickly. It's best to book 3-4 months ahead of your trip for the best rate. If you book a hotel with free cancellation, you can always switch it if you change your mind.

Where to Stay in Sapporo, Japan

Sapporo Station

⭐ Best for: exploring Hokkaido, First-Timers

Sapporo Station is one of my favorite neighborhoods to stay in when I’m in Sapporo because it makes traveling around so much easier! You can use Sapporo as a base and travel around northern Japan with ease.

In addition to ease of travel, there are tons of restaurants and shops near the train station. There are three different shopping malls in Sapporo Station: Paseo, Stellar Place, and Apia, and there are a couple more department stores adjacent to the station that are geared towards bargain shoppers as well. 

Due to its convenience, easy accessibility to the subway and shops, and delicious food all around the area, I think it’s one of the best places to stay in Sapporo for first timers or if you plan on traveling to other cities! 

Pros

• Super convenient to get around Sapporo and Hokkaido
• Lots of shops and restaurants, plus underground access helps in winter

Cons

• Can get crowded and busy, especially during traffic hour
• Lacks entertainment and nightlife like Susukino

Budget: HOTEL MYSTAYS Sapporo Station ($$)

• ⭐ Rating: 8.5/10 (9,900 reviews)

HOTEL MYSTAYS is a great budget option for anyone. It's also probably the cheapest hotel option on this list close to the JR station.

If you get lucky, a room with a double-sized bed can be as cheap as $60 a night! Double beds can be a little hard to find when you're looking for budget options, as many lower-priced hotels will opt for twin beds.

It's in a prime location, being only a 2-minute walk to Sapporo Station. There's even a breakfast option and free cancellation!

Mid-Range: Mitsui Garden Hotel Sapporo West ($$$)

• ⭐ Rating: 8.9/10 (6,300 reviews)

If you want to try staying in an onsen during your stay in the city, Mitsui Garden has fantastic reviews. A public onsen is available here for those who’d like to experience public bathing (with tattoo stickers if needed)!

Located in the city center and just a 5-minute walk from Sapporo Station, Mitsui Garden is equipped with large, comfortable rooms. A big hotel room is rare in Japan, and these rooms have a luxurious atmosphere to them.

There's a delicious Western-style breakfast and plenty of available amenities such as coffee and soda machines, robes, washers and dryers, and more. You won't regret it if you stay here.

Luxury: JR Tower Hotel Nikko Sapporo ($$$)

• ⭐ Rating: 9.1/10 (6,500 reviews)

This four-star hotel has it all. It’s located inside the train station, making it the ultimate place for transportation. You’ll have all the restaurants and shops to choose from, and inside the hotel are two restaurants with panoramic views of the city on the 35th floor of the building.

There's a public onsen with skyline views, a sauna, a hot tub, and a spa and wellness center.. on top of the train station! It’s simply beautiful and top-of-the-line! Visitors can add on a relaxing massage for an extra cost.

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 one of the best luxury options in Sapporo.

Best Things To Do Around Sapporo Station

• Take a day trip to other areas of Hokkaido like Otaru, Jigokudani, or Toya Lake. For convenient transportation, you can take a day tour.
• Walk around Hokkaido University and check out their free museum and botanic garden.
• See the Former Hokkaido Government Office, a beautiful historical structure made of red brick.
• Shop until you drop at the shopping complexes inside the train station: Paseo, Stellar Place, and Apia. Or venture a few steps outside to Esta (discount shopping), Daimaru, and Sapporo Factory.
• Eat at one of the delicious restaurants in the train station. My favorite was Kineya, Sapporo APIA, which served an amazing eel and udon special when I went in May!

North of Odori Park

⭐ Best for: Solo Travelers, Travelers staying in Sapporo

This area is right in the city center of Sapporo, and connects Sapporo Station to Odori Park, a street park area that stretches for 12 blocks and an oasis in the middle of the vibrant city.

It’s very close to iconic landmarks of the city such as the Sapporo Clock Tower and the Sapporo TV Tower, an iconic 147-meter-high tower that is a notable symbol of the city. You're also about a 10-minute walk to all the top places: Nijo Market, Hokkaido Shrine, Susukino, and Sapporo Station. 

Because it's perfectly in the middle of everything, north of Odori Park is ideal for first-time visitors, couples, or anyone coming to visit Sapporo during Odori Park's big seasonal events like the Sapporo Snow Festival or Summer Beer Garden.

Pros

• Walking distance to Sapporo Station and Odori Park
• Well connected by public transportation
• Luxurious vibe with government buildings, cafes, and upscale dining

Cons

• Quiet at night, with fewer bars and entertainment
• Business-like, with not as much energy as Susukino

Budget: Plat Hostel Keikyu Sapporo Ichiba ($)

• ⭐ Rating: 8.6/10 (3,600 reviews)
• ✔️ Perfect for: Budget travelers, Groups
• 💎 Known For: Central location, Bar, Family Rooms

Plat Hostel Keikyu is a short 6-minute walk to Odori station and very close to main attractions like Nijo Market, Odori Park, Susukino shopping districts and restaurants, and convenience stores.

Guests can choose between single beds in dormitory rooms with other travelers, double beds, or family rooms that can accommodate up to 8 people.

Amenities include a bar, laundry, and a common dining area. Certain rooms include working desks, making an ideal environment for digital nomads or business travelers. Rooms are as cheap as $26/night!

Mid-Range: La'gent Stay Sapporo Odori Hokkaido ($$$)

• ⭐ Rating: 8.9/10 (14,000 reviews)
• ✔️ Perfect for: Budget travelers, Adults, Couples, Business Travelers
• 💎 Known For: Central location, large rooms, convenience

La’gent Stay is a 5-minute walk from Odori Station and close to all the main attractions. It features two stunning natural onsen. The restaurant serves Western and Japanese food, and visitors can enjoy drinks at the ship-themed bar.

Located in a great spot, the hotel is located across the popular Tanukikoji Shopping Arcade. I spent a lot of time shopping here during my time in Sapporo, and they have great vintage thrift options as well as a Mega Don Quijote. Odori Park, Sapporo Clock Tower, and the Sapporo TV Tower are only a few minutes' walk away. Nijo Market is conveniently close by as well.

In addition to an excellent breakfast buffet, La'gent Stay also has a convenient Family Mart on the first floor for when you want to grab a late-night snack before relaxing in the onsen to unwind for the night!

Susukino

⭐ Best for: the solo traveler and the nightlife lover.

Alright, I’ll be honest. Susukino is my favorite neighborhood in Sapporo. If you enjoy a fun nightlife in the city, love to make new friends, or are a big foodie, this is probably the best neighborhood for you.

Susukino is Sapporo’s entertainment district and one of the largest in Japan. It has tons of stores, bars, restaurants, clubs, and pachinko parlors. You can go out and do anything you want, really! However, it is also a red-light district, so you may see some adult-only areas. 

Want to play arcade games until 4 in the morning? Or go to a fun bar or club? Then Susukino it is. I went out to a club at 9:30 PM on a Tuesday night, and there were still a lot of people in the club! A TUESDAY! Have I hyped it up enough for you?

Regardless of where you end up, you’ll have a ton of fun in Susukino. A lot of places are open, and lots of people are around to meet and make friends with.

Pros

• Endless nightlife, restaurants, and things to do
• Great for foodies, especially ramen lovers

Cons

• Can be noisy at night
• More suited for adult guests

Budget: Wise Owl Hostels Sapporo ($)

• ⭐ Rating: 8.5/10 (3,200 reviews)
• ✔️ Perfect for: Budget travelers, Small groups
• 💎 Known For: Bar, Kitchen, Table tennis, Making friends, Central Location, Great reviews
• 🏨 Check rates and availability on Booking.com or Agoda

Wise Owl Hostels Sapporo have a variety of different room options, such as mixed dormitories, gender-separated dormitories, or even private rooms with double beds. It's a great accommodation choice for solo travelers, pairs, or even groups of four who would like to meet other travelers.

There are several convenient amenities available. If you're the type who likes to cook when you travel, Wise Owls provides a shared kitchen where you can cook and make friends.

The staff are highly proficient in English, which is a huge plus for getting recommendations and navigating through Sapporo. The subway system can get a little confusing sometimes!

An average night is $28/night for a dormitory room or $40-80/night for a private room.

Mid-Range: Sapporo Stream Hotel ($$$)

• ⭐ Rating: 9.2/10 (7,700 reviews)
• ✔️ Perfect for: Solo Travelers, Couples
• 💎 Known For: Premium amenities, Rooftop Lounge, Onsen

This brand-new hotel has big, modern rooms and stunning views of Sapporo's skyline.

If you want to splurge on a premium room, you also get access to a moody, luxurious lounge, a large onsen and sauna, and a rooftop lounge that all provide impressive views of the stars and the city.

This hotel provides the perfect intimate ambiance for a romantic vacation while also making you feel like a king and queen. Rooms start at $130/night.

Nakajima Park

⭐ Best for: families and the traveler who wants a relaxing retreat.

Nakajima Park is a beautiful urban park located right next to Susukino, in downtown Sapporo. It's next to an astronomical observatory, a zoo, and several places to eat or shop around. But the highlight of this neighborhood is of course the stunning park itself.

The park has several trees and flower viewing areas, and the central highlight is the large Shobu-ike pond that you can even go boating in. In the winter, the park has a cross-country skiing course with free equipment rentals!

It's the perfect place in Sapporo to take a relaxing stroll through. If you want a more scenic area, are bringing your family and want a large area for kids to play in, or just want to take in a different sight of the city, Nakajima Park may be the place for you.

Pros

• A peaceful escape while still being in the city. Great for walks, boating, and skiing in the winter
• Cultural attractions inside the park (Hoheikan, tea house, Kitara Hall)

Cons

• Not many dining areas inside the park, have to walk out for food
• Not much nightlife or entertainment areas

Budget: Vessel Inn Sapporo Nakajima Park ($$)

• ⭐ Rating: 9.0/10 (15,400 reviews)

Vessel Inn is only a 1-minute walking distance from Nakajima Station and Nakajima Park, ideal for enjoying the natural beauty of the park while still being close to the city center.

There's a delicious breakfast and free drinks, and the rooms are spacious and tidy. Family rooms are available that can accommodate up to five adults, and kids stay for free!

The average night is around $100/night.

Mid-Range: HOTEL MYSTAYS PREMIER Sapporo Park ($$)

• ⭐ Rating: 8.2/10 (5,200 reviews)

Hotel Mystays is great stay for large groups or families, featuring large rooms with lots of comfortable, modern amenities. Cribs are also available upon request!

This hotel has an awesome onsen with a facility for kids that includes baby soap, bathing mats, chairs, and toys. Massage services are also available.

A fitness center and several restaurants are on-site. Breakfast can either be a Japanese set menu or you can choose to eat at the international buffet. Either way, you'll get to taste dishes locally produced in Hokkaido.

Hotel Mystays is only a 4-minute walk to Nakajima station and Nakajima Park, so families are conveniently located next to many family-friendly attractions such as the zoo, park, and observatory.

Best Things To Do In Sapporo for Families

• Take a scenic stroll in Nakajima Park, and go boating next to the ducks in Iris Pond.
• Check out the stars and planets with the telescope in Sapporo City Observatory!
• If visiting in winter, go sledding in Nakajima Park, then hop over to Odori Park to check out the awesome ice sculptures at the Sapporo Snow Festival.
• Visit Shiroi Koibito Park, a famous chocolate theme park where you can make your own cookies!
• Watch the Northern Rockhopper penguins hop around their hexagon habitat at Aoao Aquarium in Susukino.

Jozankei

Jozankei is less than an hour from Sapporo, and is a very popular day trip and weekend getaway option, especially for couples! While there are other onsen towns near Sapporo, Jozankei is undeniably the closest.

This is the perfect place to enjoy a private onsen with your partner. There are some ryokan with onsen here in Sapporo, but I find private onsen much more romantic.

There is a convenient Kappa Liner bus that runs straight from Sapporo to Jozankei, and many tours that spend the day there.

If you go during fall, Jozankei turns into a stunning red-gold landscape with changing autumn foliage. Regardless of the season, you'll enjoy a wonderful bath together with the quiet backdrop of nature.

Pros

• Many ryokan with private onsen options
• Romantic with natural landscapes

Cons

• Far from the city center, 1 hour commute
• Not much nightlife options

Budget: Jozankei View Hotel ($$)

• ⭐ Rating: 7.8/10 (5,000 reviews)

Jozankei View Hotel is a huge 16-story mega spa resort ideal for families, groups, or anyone who wants to experience Jozankei while saving a bit of money and doesn't mind staying in a larger hotel.

It has multiple huge communal baths, a grand buffet, and an indoor heated "lagoon" with water slides and a wave pool!

This hotel is only $115/night and is in a convenient location that is right next to a bus stop. You'll have spectacular views of the mountains which are especially stunning during autumn.

Mid-Range: HanaMomiji ($$$)

• ⭐ Rating: 9.0/10 (6,300 reviews)

Hanamomiji is a lovely 80-room ryokan has 3 public and 3 private baths that are accessible to guests, with stunning panoramic views of Jozankei National Park to enjoy during your bath! There is even a private family onsen that can be reserved ahead of time.

After soothing your muscles in the natural spring water, hop into one of the massage chairs available in the hotel and get even closer to complete serenity.

This ryokan has many activities available for guests, such as the music lounge or library for further relaxation. If you're bringing your family, make sure to visit the game room, outdoor pool, or karaoke facilities.

Hanamomiji has amazing breakfast and kaiseki dinner dining options, and visitors gush about the good food and spacious accommodations. It's also close to some of the top attractions in the town, such as the Futami Tsuribashi Suspension Bridge.

Luxury: Jozankei YurakuSoan ($$$)

• ⭐ Rating: 8.6/10 (700 reviews)

Yurakusoan is absolutely gorgeous and is the perfect place for a romantic weekend getaway. This ryokan focuses on fine details, incorporating earthy materials like stone and wood to put the spotlight on the amazing natural landscape.

There are seven different public baths and four different private baths that you can use for free as many times as you want! Each private bath has an absolutely stunning view of the forest.

The ryokan offers several other free amenities like free ice cream and drinks and complimentary yukata! Feel free book a massage here to enjoy an ultimate relaxation experience during your stay.

If you're looking to celebrate something special, or just want to treat yourself, look no further!

Things to do in Jozankei

• This one should be obvious, but… try out the onsen! Enjoy a romantic bath together in a private onsen and admire the lush color-changing landscape of Jozankei. Or take a dip in the public onsen individually, then reconvene for ice cream post-bath!
• Soak your feet in the Jozan Gensen Park foot bath, a spacious foot bath located in a beautiful park. Maybe even cook a hot spring egg while you’re there!
• Walk the Jozankei Futami Suspension Bridge, the iconic red bridge that overlooks Jozankei Town and shows off the bright, seasonal foliage.
• If visiting in the winter, try dog sledding or horseback riding for an exciting experience through the powder-white snow!
• Grab some lunch and picnic at the top of Hoheikyo Dam, which has one of the top autumn foliage viewing spots in all of Japan!

Top Activities to do in Sapporo

Now that you found where you're going to stay in Sapporo, you can start working on your itinerary! Sapporo is fun to visit all year round, with activities for every season. Here are my favorite things that I did during my trip:

• Food and bar hopping tour: this highly rated food tour is the best way to get introduced to the local specialties that the city is famous for.
• Day trip to Otaru, Noboribetsu, and Lake Toya: I loved the convenience of this full day tour around Hokkaido. I didn't have to drive anywhere, and I got to see so many amazing landscapes.
• Shop til you drop! Sapporo has several amazing shopping areas. Click here to learn the best places to shop.
• Want a full list of the best tours in Sapporo? Click here.

If you want to find more ideas on how to fill up your itinerary, here's a full list of things to do!

Renting a Car in Japan

While Japan's trains are fantastic, there's something magical about exploring the rural areas and hidden gems that you just can't get to with public transportation.

I loved renting a car and exploring Japan's scenic routes. We personally used Orix with Booking and were able to rent our car seamlessly. It's easy to check prices, filter for the type of vehicle you want, and add affordable full coverage insurance.

Tips for renting a car in Japan

• 🚗 Drive on the left : In Japan, you’ll be driving on the left side of the road and the steering wheel is on the right. It’s not too hard to get used to, but give yourself a little warm-up time before you drive in the city or busy streets.
• 📛 Brush up on the rules: You have to come to a FULL stop at the stop signs, big red signs that read “止まれ”. Always come to a full stop, and remember that pedestrians have the right of way. Also, everyone in the car has to wear a seatbelt.
• 🦌 Get the insurance: Full coverage is a lifesaver here. Between tiny parking spots, winding mountain roads, and the occasional deer crossing in Hokkaido, it’s worth the peace of mind. When you use Booking, you have the option to add insurance.
• 🚙 Pick a car that fits: Japan isn’t exactly known for wide open roads, especially in the countryside or older towns. A small or mid-sized car is usually best. Booking lets you filter by size, transmission, and even luggage space so you know what you’re getting.
• 🛣️ Watch out for toll roads: If you’re planning to use the expressways, check if your rental comes with an ETC card. It makes paying tolls way faster and way less stressful than trying to dig for cash.

What You’ll Need To Rent a Car in Japan:

• Bring your valid license from your home country.
• An International Driving Permit (IDP) based on the 1949 Geneva Convention (super important, Japan won’t accept anything else!) We got ours in 20 minutes with AAA.
• A credit card under the driver’s name for the deposit.
• Most rentals require you to be at least 18, but some might want you to have had your license for a year. If you're under 25, there might be a young driver fee.

Ready to give left-sided driving a spin? Click here to book with Booking!

Where to Stay In Sapporo, Japan: FAQs

Here's some more info for questions you might have about staying in Sapporo.

How do I get to Sapporo?

You can't fly internationally into Sapporo, you'll have to make a stop at Tokyo (either Narita or Haneda Airport) first before you're able to travel to Sapporo.

You can either hop on a second flight for a few hours (recommended) or take a very long 8-hour train ride (do not recommend) to get there. I go more in-depth about this topic in my Sapporo Guide post.

Where should I stay in Sapporo?

My favorite neighborhoods are around Susukino or around Sapporo Station. I love the city's nightlife, but if you plan to travel around Hokkaido being near the central station is beneficial.

It ultimately depends on your travel goals and who you are traveling with!

When is the best time to go to Sapporo?

That depends on your interests! You can check out this post for a good idea of what to expect in each season. Personally, I prefer February or May. I absolutely love springtime in Sapporo, but the Sapporo Snow Festival in February is famous world wide.

How Many Days Is Enough For Sapporo?

3-5 days are perfect to explore the city, while also getting to take a day trip or two to see the adjacent areas of Hokkaido.

However, Hokkaido is such a vast region, that even up to a week or more to explore the area wouldn't be excessive. You can check out my 3-day or 5-day Sapporo itinerary for some ideas, or visit my in-depth post to see how many days you should spend in Sapporo.

Where is a good place to stay in Sapporo for the Winter?

It gets really cold in Sapporo, and I hate being outside when it's raining or snowing! I'd recommend either staying in Susukino to be close to restaurants and shops, Odori Park if you're coming for the festivals, or Sapporo Station for easy transit.

Is Sapporo Safe?

Sapporo and Japan in general are tremendously safe to travel in! Even Susukino, the city's entertainment district, feels quite safe while walking around. People are very kind, considerate, and helpful. You should have no trouble while you are visiting.

What to Pack for Sapporo

🔋 Portable Battery

This first one is absolutely essential!!! You're going to be having the time of your life in Sapporo, and you don't want to stress about running out of battery and not being able to navigate your way home.

I like chargers that already have a cable built into them. I recommend this charger that I personally use and love!

👚 Extra Layers, Winter Coats

It gets very cold in Sapporo since it's far up north! Pack some layers and one thick coat for when the night comes. Even the short walk from the train station to your hotel can make your teeth start chattering. Or maybe it was just me.

💴 Just a little cash

There are a few places where you'll still use cash and yen, but you'll be able to get by mostly with credit cards. I brought $1,000 USD (around 150,000 yen) for a two-week trip and it was wayyyyy too much. You could definitely get by with a couple hundred USD (around 30,000 yen) for two weeks.

☂️ Umbrella

Even when I visited Sapporo in the springtime, it rained quite often. I'd recommend packing an umbrella just in case there's a chance of cloudiness or rain when you are visiting. I had to buy a budget umbrella from a convenience store and it was pretty poor quality.

👟 Walking Shoes

You're going to be hitting a lot of steps when you visit Japan, it's a walking city after all! Pack a pair (or maybe even two) of some comfortable walking shoes, because your feet will get quite sore after hitting 10,000 steps every day for multiple days on end. I personally like the Reebok Club C 85.

The Wrap-Up: Where To Stay In Sapporo, Japan 2024

There you have it! I hope I was able to break down Sapporo's main neighborhoods and give you some good insights on where you might like to stay when you come over to Hokkaido. I absolutely loved my time there and I know that you'll enjoy it too, regardless of where you end up staying.

If you haven't already, you can check out my other Hokkaido posts for some more ideas and inspiration to plan your trip. If you have any questions or suggestions, leave me a comment, I'd love to hear what you think!