The Best 5-Day Sapporo Itinerary for First-Timers

Last Updated on May 2, 2025 by Audrey

Have an upcoming trip to Sapporo? My Sapporo Itinerary is packed with the essential sights as well as restaurants and hidden spots I love!

If you're considering visiting Sapporo and are looking for an itinerary, you're in the right place. I explored the entirety of the city and the surrounding Hokkaido area, and absolutely fell in love! It exceeded my expectations, and I can't wait to go back!

Not many people are familiar with the city, but it is the largest city in Hokkaido (the northern region of Japan). There are many cultural landmarks to visit and beautiful natural spots that will take your breath away, yet it also has a buzzing nightlife that you'll enjoy!

Whether you are a solo traveler or a family, an outdoor sports lover, or a foodie looking for Hokkaido specialties, Sapporo has something for everyone!

My 5-day Sapporo itinerary will help prepare you for your upcoming trip and will help you make plans for Hokkaido's capital and the surrounding areas so you can have the best trip to Hokkaido everrrr. Let's get into it.

Day 1 Sapporo Itinerary

Grab Breakfast at Komeda's Coffee

I'm a coffee drinker, especially on vacation. I love tasting coffees from other countries and trying new blends. That extra shot of energy is also helpful when I have a full day of attractions to visit, which is why it's the first stop on this Sapporo itinerary!

Komeda's Coffee is a cafe chain in Japan that has an excellent free breakfast service. They offer delicious blends of coffee as well as pastries made with Hokkaido milk.

They open at 7:30, which is perfect if you wake up jetlagged. For breakfast, they have a free bread service with a choice of jam or butter. But don't go thinking it's "just free bread", alright? Their sliced bread is delicious!

If you come during the afternoon and have a sweet tooth, their Hokkaido Cheesecake is a must-try! It's so fluffy and not too sweet. I like their Amanburan (strawberry dessert with a slightly sour twist) as well.

Pray at Hokkaido Shrine

The first landmark of the Sapporo itinerary is the Hokkaido Shrine, a Shinto shrine established in 1869 dedicated to four guardian gods.

If you visit near the new year, you'll get to see many people celebrating Hatsumōde, the first shrine visit of the year! Many people visit to pray for prosperity and safety for the rest of the year.

Regardless of the time of year, a visit to the shrine promises a fun experience! If you're staying in one of the major neighborhoods, it will probably be a short train ride to get here. It was fun and lively, with other people praying and wishing for success in their future.

The shrine is beautiful and reflects Sapporo's rich culture and history. When I visited, it wasn't too busy and we got to partake in fortune-telling and prayers. We also got to buy some good luck charms for ourselves and as gifts!

Stroll through Maruyama Park

Maruyama Park right next to the shrine has a great variety of blossoming trees throughout the year. It is a beautiful sight to see when the flowers bloom.

If you go around cherry blossom season (mid-April-early May), you'll see food and game vendors present around the park as well.

Have Fresh Seafood at Nijo Market

If you enjoy seafood, stop by Nijo Market for lunch. Nijo Market is one of Hokkaido's oldest and most famous markets and provides tons of affordable fresh seafood to buy and eat. The quality of the fish is outstanding!

You can find Hokkaido specialties like sea urchins (uni), huge king crabs, and scallops for sale by local vendors. There are also tons of restaurants that prepare amazing meals!

I had a seafood donburi of uni, fresh crab, and an assortment of sashimi including toro (fatty tuna) for only $15! The fish is extremely high-quality, and the portions are decent.

👍 Pro tip: after you finish browsing the stalls, go inside the alleyways. That is where you'll find hidden restaurants that are both delicious and affordable.

Head up Sapporo TV Tower

Once you're ready, head over to Sapporo TV Tower, a symbolic 147-meter tower that is one of the prominent attractions of the city.

Completed in 1956, the tower has a high observation deck where you can look over Odori Park.

If you're a couple planning a special occasion, you can actually rent out the tower after 10 PM for ¥10,000 ($60 USD). You can display a personalized message on the first floor and also light the tower up in whatever color you wish! Make a note to come back later at night, if you're interested.

Relax in Odori Park

You can head on over to Odori Park right after the TV Tower. Although it's called a "park", it's actually a street stretching over 3 blocks across the heart of Sapporo. The park features 92 different types of seasonal plants, and it's enjoyable to stroll through and relax in the middle of the bustling city.

Odori Park hosts popular festivals that Sapporo is well known for, such as the Snow Festival in February and the Lilac Festival in the middle of May. If you get the chance, definitely visit the festival!

Snow Festival

The Snow Festival features elaborate snow and ice sculptures that are remarkably well-crafted.

For a week in February, millions of visitors can enjoy the illuminated sculptures in Susukino and Odori Park. These sculptures have various designs, modeled after major landmarks or well-known characters.

Lilac Festival

The lilac is Sapporo’s designated tree. The Lilac Festival is Sapporo’s other major festival and takes place around mid to late May when the trees bloom.

In Odori Park, visitors can walk through 400 lilac trees, take home saplings, sample wine, enjoy a music festival, and much more!

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Sapporo Clock Tower

The Sapporo Clock Tower is one of the oldest buildings in Sapporo, dating back to the city's early development in 1878. For reference, the city was officially recognized in 1868! Originating as a theatrical hall, the Clock Tower is a symbol of Sapporo's growth and progress.

There is a small museum inside where you can learn about Sapporo's origins and the Clock Tower's history.

Conveniently located in the heart of Sapporo, the Clock Tower is now part of Hokkaido University.

If you happen to visit in autumn, make sure to stop by University Avenue. In the fall, around late October to early November, the ginkgo and elm trees turn into a golden tunnel and is an extremely popular photo spot.

Enjoy Soup Curry for Dinner

Soup curry is the regional specialty that Sapporo is most well known for. You would be missing out if you left the city before having a taste!

Compared to traditional Japanese curry which has a thick sauce, soup curry has a lighter broth and an abundance of vegetables. Packed with nutrition, it's a delicious balanced meal. Typical soup curry in Sapporo is served with rice, a type of meat (think lamb, pork, or chicken), and a rainbow of roasted vegetables.

Garaku Soup Curry or Suage+ are two popular soup curry restaurants both within walking distance from Sapporo Clock Tower. Garaku is an 8-minute walk while Suage+ is a 15-minute walk.

If time permits, either one of these would be a great option for dinner!

Spend the night out in Susukino

Before the night ends, make sure you explore Susukino at least once!

Susukino is Sapporo’s entertainment district and the largest in the Hokkaido region. Options are abundant if you’d like to explore the nightlife, including restaurants, clubs, bars, pachinko, and more.

It is a red-light district as well, so just be aware that you may see some activities more suited towards adults.

As I was walking to a restaurant, we passed by a bar that was half blurred, but you could see the lower half of the window. So we saw a bunch of girls dressed in bunny suits, fishnets, and heels. Waist down only though!

Pachinko

You could try your hand at Pachinko, a Japanese gambling game that has some similarities to slots and pinball. I really wanted to try it once, but they stopped allowing coin purchases at 10:30 PM.

Bars/Clubs

There are multiple clubs and bars located in this neighborhood too.

I wasn’t super fond of the club I went to (Utage), but to be fair I did roll up at 9:30 PM on a Tuesday. And admission was free. And they did give us LED sticks. Considering how it was pretty crowded on a Tuesday, I have a feeling it's a popular spot in Sapporo, although the music wasn't that good (all bad American pop music).

I won’t leave you high and dry though, so I recommend trying out Precious Hall. It's an underground club with a relaxed vibe and an excellent sound system.

Arcades

Another fun option is to visit one of Sapporo’s huge arcades. We went to Round 1, which had 6 (perhaps more) levels and played games until 2 AM! There are so many things you can do and try here, so I definitely encourage venturing out for a bit.

After you’ve had a little fun exploring, return back to your hotel to get some sleep. The next day will have more fun Sapporo attractions!

Day 2 Sapporo Itinerary

Hokkaido Museum

For Day 2 of the itinerary, we’ll start off at Hokkaido Museum, which takes a look at 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 40 minutes away from Sapporo and can be reached by car, or by taking a train and bus. Inside, many exhibits offer a look into the North-east Asian history of Japan and its environment.

You can try making sentences in the orally transmitted Ainu language (a written language was never created!). You'll also see real fossils and learn about unique species like the Hokkaido brown bear and Ezo red fox.

Historical Village of Hokkaido (Kaitaku-no Mura)

After spending an hour or so at the museum, it's a quick walk to the Historic Village of Hokkaido. This is an open-air museum that displays Hokkaido during the Meiji and Taisho Periods (1868-1926), back when Hokkaido was progressing rapidly.

There are 4 different sections, showing the central town, as well as fishing, farm, and mountain villages. It's a fun place to explore as it feels like going back in time to a different era.

These two museums take a deep dive into Hokkaido's past and are a great way to spend a few hours learning about their rich history. It's a must-visit destination for anyone interested in exploring the depth and complexity of Hokkaido's heritage!

Lamb Barbecue for Lunch

For lunch I encourage you to try another regional specialty, Genghis Khan barbecue (Jingisukan) . This regional specialty consists of lamb barbecue on a dome-shaped metal skillet, and was created in Hokkaido!

While the lamb is delicious, I think the best part about Genghis Khan is the combination of everything: the fun, relaxed atmosphere, grilling your own meat, and washing it down with a beer (Sapporo brand only). It feels very meaningful to be drinking a Sapporo in its namesake city, trying a local dish and just having a great time.

I loved my experience and I do recommend you try it!

I won’t lie to you though, after a few rounds I did get a little sick of eating just lamb. However, I’ll always remember the memory of laughing with my family, grilling lamb, and sipping on a Sapporo, while looking out at the beautiful city below. And for that reason, I’d say it is a must try!

👍 Pro tip: Many AYCE Genghis Khan restaurants are all-you-can-eat lamb only. You may get tired of the taste after a few rounds, so I recommend ordering a la carte for your first time.

Option 1: Sapporo Beer Garden

If you want to enjoy a beer with your first Genghis Khan experience, there may not be a better place than the Sapporo Beer Garden. It’s right next to the Beer Museum, so you can come by immediately before or after your tour of the museum.

The location is in an old beer factory that has been transformed into a barbecue restaurant, so it’s a very fun and unique experience!

Ordering is easy through a tablet, and you get to cook your own meat. A la carte or buffet options are both available. You can reserve online or at the Sapporo Beer Museum.

Option 2: Extreme Salt Cured Genghis Khan

This restaurant may be a bit out of the way from the Sapporo Beer Museum, but this was where I tried Genghis Khan and I really enjoyed it. I came to Extreme Salt Cured Genghis Khan for dinner without a reservation and waited about 25 minutes.

The lamb here is delicious, and I love how they put English labels on the dishes for foreigners! But the biggest perk about this place is the location.

Located on the 10th floor of a building, it has a stunning view. You can see the bustling streets and big screens of Susukino by the window. Coupled with a fun, casual atmosphere and delicious food, it’s a great place to try out.

👍 Pro tip: Google Maps has trouble finding stores that are located on different buildings. This restaurant is located in the 10th building, and the entrance looks like the entrance to an apartment complex.

Sapporo Beer Museum

If you ate lunch at the Sapporo Beer Garden, you’re already in the right spot for your next attraction. The Beer Museum is a great attraction for Sapporo lovers, and even if you don’t like beer, the science behind the beer-cooking process is pretty interesting.

The Sapporo Beer Museum walks you through the brewing process and the evolution of their brewing technology, and highlights the cultural significance of beer in Japan.

The museum and garden are both free to enter. Inside, you can either opt for a free 20-minute tour or a guided tour for a small fee of ¥500 to ¥1000 yen, depending on age.

One highlight of the museum is the opportunity to taste various Sapporo beer products, including limited editions and seasonal brews, in a historic setting. Beer flight anyone? Just keep in mind that you have to be at least 20 years old to sample the beer.

Whether you're a beer enthusiast or simply curious about Japanese brewing traditions, the Sapporo Beer Museum offers a unique cultural and educational experience behind Japan's oldest beer brand.

Vintage shop at Tanukikioji Shopping Arcade

After finishing at the Beer Museum, it’s time to do some shopping!

I had a great time wandering the Tanukikoji Shopping Arcade, which is a 1 km (0.5 mile) street in downtown Sapporo with around 200 shops. You can find souvenir shops, vintage shops, restaurants, and, of course, arcades here. It has a nice large roof cover, which was helpful as it rained for a short amount of time while I was there.

If you’re interested in vintage, Japan is well known for its huge vintage selection! One of my favorite things to do while I was in the country (I told you, I'm a shopper) was vintage shop! There are some great options in the Tanukikoji Shopping Arcade.

Check out 2nd Street and Neuf for some great vintage selections. Other than vintage, you'll find all kinds of other shops here too!

Just make sure to save the Mega Don Quijote as your last stop, because I guarantee you'll come out with a lot more than you expected... I filled up two big bags in my suitcase with snacks, skin care, and a bunch of other random knick knacks from this place.

Dinner at Ramen Alley

Sapporo's regional specialty is miso ramen, which has a rich and flavorful broth. The miso paste is a traditional Japanese seasoning made from fermented soybeans, which gives it a distinct savory and slightly sweet taste.

Sapporo miso ramen typically includes toppings such as sliced pork (chashu), corn, butter, green onions, bean sprouts, and sometimes bamboo shoots or mushrooms. The addition of butter and corn is also a signature style found in Sapporo ramen, adding richness and sweetness to the dish.

Ramen Alley is the birthplace of miso ramen and was built in the 1950s. I stumbled across it by chance while walking around downtown Sapporo one day.

Once you walk past the opening, you'll find cozy alleyways populated with small ramen shops serving local customers and tourists alike. The immersive ramen experience and homely atmosphere give off Naruto vibes. What better place to sample the city's specialty than here?

Sapporo Fushimi Inari Shrine

If you venture just a little bit outside of downtown, you’ll find the Sapporo Fushimi Inari Shrine.

Modeled after the famous Fushimi Inari Shrine in Kyoto, this shrine is renowned for its picturesque rows of 27 vibrant red torii gates that create a mesmerizing pathway through sacred grounds. It makes a stunning photo spot, and it has a lot fewer visitors than the shrine in Kyoto!

One of the highlights is walking through the torii gate tunnel, which symbolizes the transition from the mundane to the sacred. Each step along this path offers a moment of reflection and connection with Japanese spiritual practices.

Additionally, the shrine is home to several smaller shrines and statues, allowing for exploration and discovery of different aspects of Shinto beliefs. It’s a must-stop attraction if you’re interested in Japanese culture, and it’s along the way to Mt. Moiwa Outlook (our last stop for the day!)

Mt Moiwa Outlook

Just 45 minutes away from the city, you can go to a summit observatory for breathtaking panoramic views of Sapporo. Mt. Moiwa Ropeway has been listed as one of the three major night views of Japan.

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 it's easy to get up there quickly.

On top of the mountain, there is an exquisite French restaurant called The Jewels, for those wanting to enjoy a fine dining meal.

It is relatively easy to get to, as you only need to hop on a 45-minute train from the city to get there. If you drive, it's 30 minutes away and has free parking at the transportation spot.

👍 Pro tip: Make sure to check the observation deck live camera before deciding to head up there, as the view can be obstructed on a particularly cloudy day.

Day 3 and 4 Sapporo Itinerary: Day Trips From Sapporo

For a portion of your trip, I encourage you to head outside of Sapporo and explore the rest of Hokkaido! Sapporo is the perfect base for exploring the breathtaking landscapes and cultural treasures of the region.

There are many destinations very close to Sapporo that can easily be made into a fun day trip or weekend trip.

You could visit Shikotsu-Toya National Park for a day or two, and enjoy the sulfur lakes, hike up the volcanoes, or kayak on Lake Toya if you're a fan of the outdoors. You could visit Jozenkei for a relaxing hot spring bath, or see the brilliantly colored Blue Pond near Biei.

There are a ton of possibilities, and quite frankly too many to put in this post, so I'll direct you to my other blog post Day Trips From Sapporo to check out some ideas.

If you don't have a car, it might be easier to book a full day tour to explore the best of Hokkaido in a short amount of time.

Day 5 and beyond Sapporo Itinerary

Although there are a couple more destinations in Sapporo I think would be worth visiting, I couldn't fit it all into day 5! For that reason, I've included more attractions that may catch your interest, in no particular order. But if you need even more ideas, you can find all the top things to do in Sapporo here.

Don't worry about trying to see all these places at once, as some destinations will take a few hours. Instead, I would select a couple spots that you're interested in and dedicate your day to those main attractions.

Shiroi Koibito Park

You may be familiar with Shiroi Koibito, an iconic Hokkaido chocolate snack. It's a European-style cookie that consists of chocolate sandwiched between langue de chat.

Originating from Sapporo, the Shiroi Koibito Park is a theme park in the city that combines sweets, history, and art for a super fun all-day experience.

You can take a chocolate factory tour, and see the process of how to make the popular cookie. Afterward, you can join a cookie-making workshop to decorate your own cookies and create a personalized souvenir to enjoy at home.

There is a museum and picturesque garden, styled after European architecture. Founder Isao Ishimizu loved the beauty of England and built a Tudor House to merge British and Hokkaido culture together.

Spending a day at this theme park is a great option for families, couples, or anyone who loves sweets! I bought a ton of boxes to bring home for myself and to give as gifts. The cookies are super yummy, and if you buy a bigger box you get a beautiful blue tin that makes for a great souvenir!

Hokkaido University

Another point of interest that you might enjoy visiting is the Hokkaido University and its adjacent University Museum, Botanical Garden, and Ainu Center.

Hokkaido University is already a scenic place to be in itself. The streets have large elm and ginkgo trees that turn into a vibrant gold in late October, and it's a pleasant area to take a stroll in. But there are also some areas that you can check out to learn about Hokkaido and Sapporo's history!

Hokkaido University Museum

If you'd like to learn more about the Hokkaido region, the Hokkaido University Museum displays exhibits showcasing Hokkaido's natural history, cultural heritage, and current scientific projects.

The museum features exhibits showcasing the diverse ecosystems of Hokkaido, from its lush forests to its icy landscapes. Additionally, since the museum is part of Hokkaido University, it also highlights the institution's scientific research and discoveries. You can learn about ongoing research projects such as the Arctic Research Center.

Hokkaido University Botanic Garden

Once you're done viewing the Museum, head on over to the Botanic Garden. In the Spring and Summer, the Botanic Garden at Hokkaido University transforms into beautiful seasonal blooms. Visitors can spend some time strolling the garden and seeing the different flowers, especially during the peak times of May and June.

Hokkaido Ainu Center

In addition to the many different species of plants you’ll find here, there is also a small museum dedicated to the history of the Ainu people, regional animals, and local history. It's located near the Botanic Garden and will be easy to stop by on the way.

Aoao Aquarium

Locals and tourists alike both love visiting the Aoao Aquarium, so I can guarantee you'll enjoy it too! It's located right in downtown Sapporo, within Tanukikoji Shopping Street.

The first standout feature is Aoao's Northern Rockhopper penguin habitat, renowned for their distinctive hopping antics. Set within a dynamic environment of movable hexagonal blocks, the habitat allows visitors and penguins to interact together!

Another must-see highlight at Aoao Aquarium is the mesmerizing digital art exhibit "Blue Room," dedicated to the UNESCO World Heritage site, the Shiretoko Sea. It features a massive 20-meter screen, where you'll get to encounter life-size killer whales and sperm whales swimming through the ocean as if you're seeing them in real life.

One notable feature of this aquarium is its extended hours; it stays open until 10 pm! With all the different things to do and see while you're in Sapporo, it can be challenging when most attractions close around 5-6 PM. With Aoao open day and night, you can come after dinner and enjoy winding down a long day with a relaxing experience in the ocean world.

Sapporo Hitsujigaoka Observation Hill

On a sunny day, take a walk up to Hitsujigaoka Observation Hill to see the most photographed statue in Sapporo.

The hill features a statue of Dr. Clark, a prominent American professor who helped establish Hokkaido University. You can find the iconic phrase "Boys, Be Ambitious!" on his statue, along with a scenic view overlooking the city and the hills!

While I may be excluded from his famous phrase, you bet I snapped a picture anyway.

Okurayama Observatory

Okurayama Observatory was the site of the 90m ski jump competition at the 1972 Olympics. You can ride a double lift to the top of the ski lift for a beautiful view of the city! It looks truly magical, especially at night. Check the official website as hours vary depending on the season!

Sapporo Winter Itinerary

Sapporo during the winter is a whole different beast, but it's such a fun time to visit. There's fresh powder, tons of snow activities, and the extremely popular Sapporo Snow Festival.

I've included some top activities you can do during the winter below, but if you want more options, see this post for the best Sapporo winter activities.

Although many of Sapporo's attractions are accessible all year round, there are a few special destinations that are only available during the Winter.

Sapporo Snow Festival

The Sapporo Snow Festival is the biggest annual event in Sapporo, and attracts 2 million visitors a year! It is a spectacular display of elaborate ice sculptures. For the first week of February, Visitors can visit Odori Park and Susukino to see displays of glassy models of famous landmarks or unique artistic creations illuminated by colorful lights.

In addition to admiring the sculptures, visitors can enjoy various winter activities like snow slides, snow rafting, and ice skating. The festival also includes food stalls offering Hokkaido specialties and cultural performances, making it a must-see event for anyone visiting Sapporo during winter.

Ski at Sapporo Teine

An international ski resort on top of Mt. Teineyama, Sapporo Teine prides itself on being one of the best ski resorts in Japan thanks to its snow quality and course layout!

It has a great variety of trails, from gentle slopes to fast advanced courses. In fact, two runs available were used during the 1972 Sapporo Winter Olympics. On a sunny day, you can overlook the city as you ski down.

What's even better is how accessible this ski resort is. It's only 30 minutes from Sapporo. You can get there quickly by taking two trains and can ski the whole day!

Snowmobile Land

Only available during three months in the Winter, you can take a snowmobile tour through the powder white snow in Sapporo! You can go on a fun excursion for 60-90 minutes, and can ride alone or with a partner. You can even choose to have a guided lesson with a tour guide who will show you how to ride down the harder slopes. It's a super fun interactive activity that isn't offered anywhere else!

For adults, prices range between ¥13,000-¥30,000, but vary based on the type of tour and number of people riding. Prices for children are around ¥9,000. For such a unique activity, I think it's worth experiencing!

⛄ Book your snowmobile tour here on Klook to ride on the snow in Sapporo! ⛄

How many days are enough for Sapporo?

3-7 days is ideal to explore most of Sapporo and Hokkaido.

I stayed in Sapporo for 3 days, and I believe 2-3 days is enough to fully enjoy the city itself. You'll have enough time to explore the main highlights, try the local cuisines and specialty dishes, and get a feel for the city's vibe! If you're really pressed for time though, you could try to visit Sapporo in one day.

I recommend spending another few days exploring the nearby areas in Hokkaido (Days 3-4 in my Sapporo Itinerary) to fully appreciate the different landscapes in Hokkaido.

Sapporo is a terrific place to use as a base, and you can easily day trip out to Otaru or Jozankei!

Where to Stay in Sapporo

I recommend staying either near Sapporo Station or in Susukino. Being near the Station will provide ease of travel for many destinations on the Sapporo itinerary. On the other hand, Susukino is where most of the city’s nightlife and restaurants are located, as well.

I like Sapporo Station or Susukino because it's better to either stay next to the train station or next to the shops and restaurants. You will most likely be traveling almost exclusively by train, unless you rent a car. Either of these areas would 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.

⭐ Best Hostel: Hotel Plus Hostel SAPPORO

🏨 Best Capsule Hotel: Theatel Sapporo

⭐ Best Budget Hotel: HOTEL MYSTAYS Sapporo Station

🏨 Best Mid-Range Hotel: Mitsui Garden Hotel Sapporo

⭐ Best For Families: The Base

🏨 Best Luxury Hotel: JR Tower Hotel Nikko Sapporo

⭐ Best for couples: Onsen Ryokan Yuen

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.

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

With beautiful, serene rooms decorated in a traditional modern style, a sauna, and a hot spring bath, 3-star ryokan Yuen is ideal for travelers looking for an authentic high-end ryokan experience without leaving the city.

The onsen is definitely the highlight of Yuen, featuring Karurusu hot spring water transported from Noboribetsu, in a soft stone open-air bath. Visitors will enjoy delicious Japanese set meals featuring high-quality, fine ingredients representing each season from areas of Hokkaido.

Overall, the quiet luxury and attention to fine details make Yuen the best ryokan in Sapporo for good reason.

Looking for a ryokan in Sapporo, or Sapporo hotels with an onsen? Check out the 12 best ryokan and onsen hotels in Sapporo here.

Conclusion: Sapporo Itinerary

I hope you enjoyed my Sapporo Itinerary, and took some ideas to use on your next trip to Hokkaido's big city! I absolutely loved my time in Sapporo, and I know that you will like it too.

Not only is it a vibrant city with so much to do, see, and eat, but you can find unbelievably beautiful landscapes if you venture out just a few minutes from the city. Whether you're savoring the unique flavors of Hokkaido's culinary delights or immersing yourself in the cultural and historical sites, this itinerary ensures a well-rounded and 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