One Day In Sapporo: The Ultimate 24-Hour Guide
Last Updated on March 10, 2025 by Audrey
Got one day to spend in Sapporo? Here are the essential stops you should visit, along with my favorite hidden gems!
Sapporo is one of my favorite cities in Japan. I visited Sapporo during my first trip to Hokkaido, and was blown away by how amazing it was.
There are a lot of cultural attractions to visit, the food is outstanding (and cheaper than Tokyo!), the nightlife is incredible, the scenery... I could go on and on. But alas, you only have one day to visit this amazing city!
Regardless, one day in Sapporo is better than none at all, and I know exactly what you need to see during your short stay. I'll take you to the essential must-see spots that Sapporo is famous for, show you my favorite food spots, and give you a couple of other options you may want to check out before you head elsewhere.
Let's start the most amazing day in Sapporo!
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One Day in Sapporo Itinerary
Pray at Hokkaido Jingu Shrine
We don't have a lot of time, so let's start your day off early with a visit to Hokkaido Jingu Shrine and Maruyama Park!
Hokkaido Shrine is a Shinto shrine built in 1869 dedicated to four guardian gods.
It's a great place to visit during cherry blossom season, as well as to celebrate Hatsumōde, the first shrine visit of the year. Many people come during the beginning of the year to pray for prosperity, health, and safety for the rest of the year.
We went in May during golden week, and the shrine was bustling with people writing their wishes on wooden plaques and buying fortunes and good luck charms. It's a very fun experience, and the beautiful shrine reflect's Sapporo's deep history and culture.
Tips when visiting Hokkaido-Jingu Shrine
- Wash your hands at the wash basin before making a prayer. You wet your hands one at a time with the ladle, starting with the left.
- Tradition has you use the water to wash your mouth as well, but a tour guide told me they no longer do that after covid.
- To pray in the main hall, throw a coin donation into the box before praying.
- Make your prayer by first bowing twice, clapping twice, then putting your hands together and bowing one final time as you pray.
Hokkaido-jingu Shrine (北海道神宮, Hokkaidō Jingū)
Opening Hours: Everyday 7:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Address: Miyagaoka 474, Chuo-ku, Sapporo
Stroll through Maruyama Park
Maruyama Park (円山公園, Maruyama Kōen) is right next to Hokkaido Jingu, so you can stop by afterwards.
It's a large park with tons of seasonal flowers in bloom, and is especially popular in May for cherry blossom viewing and June during the Hokkaido Shrine Festival.
We strolled around the area for around 30-45 minutes, enjoying the cherry blossoms, plum blossoms, and magnolias in bloom. There are over 330 different plant varieties around the park, including an enormous katsura that's a couple hundred years old!
During peak season (spring-summer), food vendors and game stalls are set up around the park so you can enjoy meat skewers and snacks during your visit!
Optional: Visit Maruyama Zoo
Nearby the park is Maruyama Zoo, the oldest zoo in Hokkaido featuring almost 1000 different species of living creatures.
I personally haven't visited, and tend to stay away from zoos and animal exhibits in Asia (after a bad experience at the Noribetsu Bear Park), so I can't give you a recommendation on whether to go or not. It may be an option for families with young kids, but in general, I find that zoos in America have better conditions than zoos I've seen in Asia.
There's a ton of better places to see, so I would skip it. I will say that the animal floors in Sapporo Station leading to the subway exit are very cute, though!
There's a couple more stops before lunch, so grab a snack at Maruyama Koen Station or Odori Station before heading to your next stop.
Go back in Time at Sapporo Clock Tower
The Sapporo Clock Tower is one of Sapporo's oldest and most historic landmarks, and the oldest clock tower in Japan to date.
Built in 1878 just a decade after Sapporo’s official recognition in 1868, the clock tower was originally built as a theatrical hall for Sapporo Agricultural University (now Hokkaido University).
Now, it is a symbol of the city’s early development and progress and acts as a museum and event center. When you head inside, there's a small museum showcasing the history of the Clock Tower and Sapporo’s origins.
Sapporo Clock Tower (時計台, Tokei-Dai)
Opening Hours: 08:45 am - 5:00 pm
Address: Kita 1-jo Nishi 2-chome, Chuo-ku, Sapporo
Stroll Through Odori Park
Take a 4 minute walk from the Clock Tower, and you'll find yourself in Odori Park, one of Sapporo's major landmarks located directly in the city's center.
Even though it's called a park, it's more like a massive street spanning over 3 blocks. It's a very scenic area with over 90 different types of plants, and it's a perfect getaway in the middle of the busy city.
Most of Sapporo's major events take place here throughout the year, such as the Snow Festival in February and the Lilac Festival during mid to late May. The Snow Festival is one of Sapporo's most famous events, with incredible snow and ice sculptures and colorful illuminations that brighten up the city for a week.
See the City from Sapporo TV Tower
As you head down Odori Park, you'll notice Sapporo TV Tower at the end. Built in 1956, Sapporo TV Tower is one of the city's most iconic landmarks and stands 147 meters tall.
Inside the tower are shops and restaurants, and there's a gourmet food court with ramen, udon, soba, as well as Hokkaido's specialized fried chicken. I recommend saving your appetite for Nijo Market if you can though.
You can head up to the observation deck on the 3rd floor for a grand view of Sapporo City and Odori Park down below. It's especially amazing during the Snow Festival when the ice sculptures are illuminated at night in Odori Park and Susukino.
Did you know? After hours, you can even rent the TV Tower for yourself for an evening. For just ¥10,000 ($60 USD), you'll receive a complimentary wine and may light the tower in whatever color you choose!
Sapporo TV Tower (さっぽろテレビ塔)
Opening Hours: 9:00 - 22:00
Snow Festival Extended Hours: 8:30 - 22:30
Admission: Adults ¥800 High School Students ¥600, Children ¥400
Combination ticket with Sapporo Clock Tower: ¥900
Address: 1 Chome Odorinishi, Chuo Ward, Sapporo, Hokkaido 060-0042, Japan
Taste Hokkaido's Fresh Seafood at Nijo Market
Hokkaido is seafood is said to be the best in Japan, and Sapporo's Nijo Market is Hokkaido's oldest fish market since the early Meiji Period in the 1800's!
It's the best place to enjoy delicious seafood in Sapporo at a very affordable price, and it's much cheaper than Tokyo's Tsukiji Market. If you love fish, then whatever you do today, do not miss this stop!
You can browse the stalls on the outside, where vendors sell Hokkaido specialties like uni (sea urchin), massive king crabs, hairy crab, scallops, oysters, and ikura (salmon roe).
👍 Pro tip: after browsing the stalls, go inside the alleyways to find hidden restaurants for a sit-down lunch.
I ordered a kaisen don (seafood rice bowl) with uni, fresh crab, and various types of sashimi for just $15 USD! It was a decent portion, and the fish tasted aaaamazingg. I need to stop salivating as I type this up!
I'm not sure why the seafood in Hokkaido is so superior, but it may be because fish need to have a higher fat content to survive in the colder oceans of Hokkaido.
In any case, I highly recommend coming to Nijo Market before you leave Sapporo. We even bought some crab furikake and soup base to bring home as souvenirs.
Nijo Market (二条市場, Nijō Ichiba)
Opening Hours: Everyday 7:00 am - 5:00 pm
Address: Japan, 〒060-0052 Hokkaido, Sapporo, Chuo Ward, Minami 2 Johigashi, 1 Chome, 南３条東１丁目〜２丁目
Optional: Sapporo Beer museum
If you love beer or are curious about Sapporo Beer's brewing history, the Sapporo Beer Museum is a fun stop to consider. I'm sure you've seen a Sapporo Beer before, and maybe have even tried it and enjoyed it!
This is Japan's only beer museum, and walks you through Sapporo's brewing process, how their technology evolved over time, and beer's cultural importance in Japan. The museum and adjacent garden are free to visit, and you can choose between a 20-minute self-guided tour or a guided tour for ¥500–¥1000 (depending on age).
The best part of the tour is that you get to taste a variety of Sapporo beers! Although, you have to be at least 20 years old to partake in sampling.
While it's interesting to learn about the science and history of Sapporo's beer, I wouldn't say it's a must-see unless it's something you're into.
I'm not particularly fond of beer, so I skipped this visit. Instead, I celebrated the city by sipping on a chilled Sapporo beer during our jingisukan dinner (Mongolian lamb barbecue, a Hokkaido specialty) during my stay, and that was good enough for me!
Getting from Nijo Market to Sapporo Beer Museum
To get to Sapporo Beer Museum from Nijo Market, walk 5 minutes to the Bus Center and then hop on either the Higashi 3 or Junkan 88 bus.
Sapporo Beer Museum (サッポロビール)
Opening Hours: 11:00 AM-6:00 PM（Last admission 5:30 PM）
Days Closed: Every Monday (or on Tuesday if Monday is a holiday)
Admission: Adults: ¥1000, Middle school age - 19: ¥500, Elementary school age and under: free
Address: 9-chōme-1-1 Kita 7 Jōhigashi, Higashi Ward, Sapporo, Hokkaido 065-8633, Japan
Shop at Tanukikoji Shopping Arcade
Now that the day is coming to a close, it's time for one of my favorite places in Sapporo, Tanukikoji Shopping Arcade!
I'm a self-proclaimed shopaholic, and Tanukikoji does not help with my illness. This 1 km (0.5 mile) shopping street has over 200 shops where you can browse for souvenirs and vintage finds for hours. There are also lots of arcades, cafes, and restaurants to explore around the area.
The arcade has a nice large roof cover, which was super helpful as it rained frequently during our trip.
My favorite part about Tanukikoji Shopping Street is that there are lots of vintage stores with great preloved items, such as Neuf and 2nd Street.
There's also a Mega Don Quijote, which is like the mega-Walmart of Japan. It has everything, snacks, essentials, skincare, and even preloved luxury items like Louis Vuitton! If you haven't been before, you should definitely go before you leave Japan. Just make sure to save Don Quijote towards the end of your Japan trip, since you'll probably fill up your suitcase!
Tanukikoji Shopping Arcade
Opening Hours: Varies by store
Address: Japan, 〒060-0062 Hokkaido, Sapporo, Chuo Ward, 南2・3条西1～7丁目
Try Hokkaido Soup Curry for Dinner
I'd say Sapporo's most popular regional specialty is their soup curry, which contains a lighter broth than traditional Japanese curry. It's packed with fresh roasted vegetables, your choice of protein, and a side of fluffy rice.
While I love the thickness of regular Japanese curry, it can be pretty heavy. Soup curry from Hokkaido has such a lighter, different texture while still being affordable, nutritious, and delicious!
Both of the best soup curry restaurants in the city, Suage+ and Garaku, are located in Susukino. I recommend trying it out while you're in the area.
Garaku Soup Curry (がらくスープカレー)
Opening Hours: Everyday 11:30 AM-3:00 PM, 5:00 PM-8:30 PM
Reservations: No
Address: Japan, 〒060-0062 Hokkaido, Sapporo, Chuo Ward, Minami 2 Jonishi, 2 Chome−６−1 おくむらビル B１
Suage+
Opening Hours: 11:00 AM-9:00 PM
Address: Japan, 〒064-0804 Hokkaido, Sapporo, Chuo Ward, Minami 4 Jonishi, 5 Chome−6-1 都志松ビル ２階
After Dinner Plans
There are a ton of nightlife activities available in Sapporo, which is why I love this city so much! I'll give you 3 options to choose from, depending on your mood and energy level.
Option 1: Views from Mount Moiwa outlook
If weather permits, you'll definitely want to check out Mount Moiwa Observatory before you leave Sapporo. Mount Moiwa Outlook is a summit observatory with beautiful panoramic views of Sapporo City, and was voted as one of the top three night views in Japan in 2018.
You can head up to the observatory via a Ropeway and Mo-risu Car (cable car), providing two exciting views of Mount Moiwa and Sapporo. Actually, you could hike up there too, although I don't think that would fit in your one day schedule.
👍 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!
Both the Ropeway and cable care operate every 15 minutes, so you won't have to wait too long. When you make it to the top, you'll be greeted with a brightly glowing sculpture, a 360 degree view of Ishikari Plain, and the sparkling lights of Sapporo.
It's a magnificent view, and such a good way to end your short and sweet day in Sapporo.
Mt. Moiwa Ropeway (藻岩山ロープウェイ, Moiwayama Rōpuwei)
Opening Hours: 11:00 AM - 10:00 PM, depending on the season
Admission: ¥2,100 Roundtrip for adults, ¥1,050 Roundtrip for children 12 and under. Book tickets here.
Address: 5 Chome-3-7 Fushimi, Chuo Ward, Sapporo, Hokkaido 064-0942, Japan
Option 2: Meet the penguins at Aoao Aquarium
Aoao Aquarium is fairly new, but has been a popular attraction loved by locals and tourists alike since it opened mid-2023. It's located in Susukino right next to Tanukikoji Shopping Street, so it's in a perfect location for a pre or post-dinner activity.
The most popular exhibit here is the Northern Rockhopper penguin habitat. Their room has movable hexagonal blocks that allows you to hang out with the penguins as they hop around the space.
You should also check out the "Blue Room", a 20-meter digital art exhibit where life-sized killer whales and sperm whales swim around you in the Shiretoko Sea. It's a mesmerizing scene that pulls you underwater.
Since Aoao stays open late until 22:00, you can fit in it anytime in your schedule! If you're looking for a relaxing way to end your one day in Sapporo without having to travel too far, Aoao Aquarium is a good option.
Aoao Aquarium
Opening Hours: Everyday 10:00 - 22:00 (Last entry 21:00)
Admission: Adults ¥2,000, Children ¥1,000. Book tickets here
Address: 3 Chome-20 Minami 2 Jonishi, Chuo Ward, Sapporo, Hokkaido 060-0062, Japan
Option 3: Go out in Susukino
The last option to end your perfect day in Sapporo is to explore Susukino, Sapporo's downtown entertainment district.
I love Susukino so much, it's one of my favorite areas of Sapporo. This is where all the best restaurants, shops, bars, and activities are! Although, it is technically a red-light district, so be aware of that as you're walking around.
You could stop by one of their many bars, play games all night in the 24-hour Round 1, try your hand at Pachinko, or go clubbing at Utage (top 40 hits underneath Round 1) or Precious Hall (underground vinyl/disco).
The possibilities are endless, but definitely spend some time walking around and exploring Susukino before you leave Sapporo!
Got more time to spend in Sapporo?
If you have more time to spend in Sapporo, I recommend checking out my 3-day Sapporo itinerary and 5-day Sapporo itinerary for more cool spots.
However, here are two great ideas for one additional day in Sapporo: Shiroi Koibito Theme Park or a day trip to explore Hokkaido!
Shiroi Koibito Park
Have you ever had a Shiroi Koibito cookie? It's a European-style square biscuit made typically with white chocolate filling made of Hokkaido milk. It's a super popular snack in Japan, and even if you aren't familiar with the Shiroi Koibito name, you've probably seen the cookie before!
Long before I visited Sapporo, I tasted one of these Hokkaido pastries and loved it. I never knew that Shiroi Koibito originated from Sapporo!
The founder, Isai Ishimizu, loved the beauty of England and wanted to merge British and Hokkaido culture into one place, which is why the park is so unique.
The theme park is located right in the city, and you can live out your chocolate lover's fantasy here by taking a chocolate factory tour, join a cookie-making workshop, and walk through a European museum and garden modeled after England.
It's a perfect place for groups and families to spend a few hours learning about one of Hokkaido's most popular products in a fun and interactive way, and it's only in Sapporo!
Shiroi Koibito Park (白い恋人パーク)
Opening Hours: Everyday 10:00 - 19:00
Admission: ¥800 for adults, ¥400 for children ages 4-15
Address: 11-36 Miyanosawa 2-jo 2-chome, Nishi-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido
Take a day trip
With an extra day, you can take a day trip to explore other areas of Hokkaido beyond Sapporo.
One popular spot is Otaru Canal, where you can munch on street food, visit boutique shops, and see Japan's version of the Venice Canals. It's only a 30 minute train ride from Sapporo, so it's an easy destination for a day trip.
I cover all the best day trips from Sapporo in this post here, so check it out for additional ideas!
If you want to explore as much of Hokkaido as possible, I recommend taking a tour so you can go to multiple cities in one day.
Best Sapporo tours
Tours are a great way to explore the area in depth, even if you have limited time. You'll get to cover a wide area, as you'll have transportation, and I love that I don't have to drive and can relax during the ride.
Here are the most highly rated tours I've found in and around Sapporo!
Noboribetsu Hot Springs, Jigokudani Sulfur Lake, and Lake Toya Tour from Sapporo
Take a scenic round-trip bus tour to explore Lake Toya National Park, the Jigokudani Sulfur Lakes, and Noboribetsu Hot Springs.
This is an all-day tour packed with natural wonders and visits to several different cities!
Otaru, Shiroi Koibito Park, and Winter Wonderland Tour
This tour covers both Otaru and Shiroi Koibito Park, two extremely popular things to do near Sapporo, and also takes you a snow-covered park to experience the winter magic in Hokkaido!
You'll get to go shopping, see the historic canal and steam clock, visit the theme park and design your own cookie, and much more in this activity-packed tour.
If you have an extra day to spend in Sapporo, this tour is a great option. It's a 10 hour day tour that is offered in multiple languages, and is highly rated.
Day Tour to Asahiyama Zoo, Shirahige Falls, Biei Blue Pond, and Winter Forest Fairy Terrace
You'll see all of Hokkaido's top attractions in one day with a tour to Asahiyama Zoo, the stunning Shirahige Falls, Biei Blue Pond, and the enchanting Winter Forest Fairy Terrace.
A farm-to-table lunch is included with fresh produce from Hokkaido!
Free map: One Day in Sapporo Itinerary
What to eat in Sapporo
- 🍜 Miso ramen
- 🍛 Soup curry
- 🍖 Jingisukan (Lamb barbecue)
- 🥛 Hokkaido dairy products
- 🦀 Fresh Seafood
Best cafes
Miyataya Coffee Higashinaebo, Komeda's Coffee
Best Lunch
Nijo Market, Kineya, Nemuro Hanamaru
Best restaurants
Extreme Salt Cured Genghis Khan, Suage+, Garaku, Ebisoba Ichigen
Best Bars
The Nikka Bar, Flair Bar es, Yamazaki
Where to Stay in Sapporo
I recommend staying near Sapporo Station or in Susukino during your time in Sapporo. Staying near Sapporo Station provides convenient transportation around the city, while Susukino is where most of the shops and restaurants are.
For more details on the best place to stay in Sapporo, check out my post on where to stay here.
I also have posts on the best capsule hotels and ryokan/onsen hotels in Sapporo!
Near Sapporo Station
- Budget: Sapporo Washington Hotel Plaza
- Mid-range: HOTEL MYSTAYS Sapporo Station
- Luxury: Mitsui Garden Hotel Sapporo West
Near Susukino
- Budget: Quintessa Hotel Sapporo Susukino
- Mid-Range: Sapporo Stream Hotel
One Day in Sapporo FAQs
I recommend staying at least 2-3 days in Sapporo if you can. There's a ton of things to see and do here, but you can't fit all of the great activities in one day. But if one day is all you have, it's definitely still worth coming to Sapporo!
Getting to Sapporo can be a little tricky as you will have to take a second flight from Tokyo if you're flying to Japan internationally. For precise details, see my guide on how to get to Sapporo.
Although I did notice that people were more fluent in English in Tokyo, there are many English-speakers in Sapporo as well!
We were able to get around fine even without knowing any Japanese (make sure you have Google Translate on hand, though!)
Photo Credit: WeatherSpark
📱 Phone
🔌 Charger
🧑 Passport
👕 2 sets of clothes
💴 Yen
👟 Walking Shoes
🔋 Portable Battery
Your phone will work in Sapporo, and there is free public WiFi throughout the city, but it can be pretty slow. If you want fast reliable data I recommend Airalo! We buy it for all our international trips. It's all virtual, easy to purchase online, and lasts forever.
You definitely don't need a car when visiting Sapporo! The train system will be able to take you to all of the main city attractions.
However, if you're planning to visit other areas of Hokkaido that aren't as accessible (such as Lake Toya), renting a car might be a good idea.
I do recommend buying travel insurance for big international trips. I've almost gotten robbed, had COVID, and almost had to cancel a trip for a family member's surgery before, so things do happen! I recommend VisitorsCoverage.
Conclusion: One Day in Sapporo
I hope this Sapporo itinerary gave you some great ideas for your trip to my favorite city in Hokkaido!
Sapporo is an incredible mix of urban energy and natural beauty, with endless things to see, do, (and maybe most importantly,) eat! From exploring historic landmarks like the Clock Tower and Hokkaido Shrine, to tasting Hokkaido’s famous regional dishes, you’re going to have the time of your life in Sapporo. No matter how you choose to spend your day, I think you’ll love your time here!
Happy traveling! If you need any assistance with planning your trip, feel free to reach me at audrey@getlostinjapan.com.
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