2-Day Family Adventure: Outdoor and Sightseeing in Sapporo, Japan
Sapporo, Japan
2 days
About Sapporo, Japan
Discover the enchanting city of Sapporo, Japan's fifth largest city, nestled in the mountainous region of Hokkaido. Renowned for its stunning landscapes, Sapporo offers a unique blend of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and urban sophistication. Experience the world-famous Sapporo Snow Festival, showcasing massive ice sculptures that transform the city into a winter wonderland. Savor the local cuisine, including fresh seafood and the iconic Sapporo beer. Explore the historic Clock Tower, the beautiful Odori Park, and the panoramic views from the Mt. Moiwa Ropeway. Whether you're seeking adventure in the great outdoors, a culinary journey, or a cultural exploration, Sapporo promises a memorable travel experience.
2-Day Itinerary
Day 2
Discovering Hokkaido's History and Nature
Morning
Begin your second day with a visit to the Maruyama Zoo, home to a variety of animals including native Hokkaido species. Next to the zoo is the Maruyama Park, a perfect spot for a morning walk.
Lunch
Have lunch in a local restaurant in the area. Try some Sapporo Ramen, a local version of the popular Japanese noodle soup.
Afternoon
Spend the afternoon at the Hokkaido Museum. The museum offers a comprehensive overview of Hokkaido's history and culture, from prehistoric times to the present.
Dinner
Enjoy your last dinner in Sapporo in a local restaurant. Try some Genghis Khan, a grilled mutton dish that is a local favorite.
Evening
End your trip with a visit to the Moerenuma Park. This park is a masterpiece of landscape architecture and offers beautiful views, especially at sunset.
Attractions in Itinerary (8)
1Sapporo TV Tower
An iconic landmark offering panoramic views of Sapporo. It's especially beautiful at night when it's illuminated.
2Odori Park
A park located in the heart of Sapporo, offering beautiful seasonal views. It is the venue for many events and festivals throughout the year.
3Historic Village of Hokkaido
An open-air museum showcasing the architectural styles and lifestyle of Hokkaido in the Meiji and Taisho eras.
4Susukino District
Sapporo's entertainment district, packed with restaurants, bars, nightclubs, and shopping centers.
5Maruyama Zoo
The largest zoo in Hokkaido, home to a variety of animals from around the world.
6Maruyama Park
A large park known for its beautiful cherry blossom trees and the Hokkaido Shrine.
7Hokkaido Museum
The Hokkaido Museum, also known as Mori no Charenga, is a comprehensive cultural facility that introduces the nature, history, and culture of Hokkaido. The museum features exhibits that trace the history of Hokkaido from prehistoric times to the present day, including the Ainu culture and the development of Hokkaido. The architecture of the museum itself is also noteworthy, designed to blend in with the surrounding natural environment.
8Moerenuma Park
Designed by Isamu Noguchi, Moerenuma Park is a large park featuring various art installations, a glass pyramid, and beautiful landscapes.
Local Food and Drinks (12)
Ramen
Sapporo is famous for its unique style of ramen, which typically features a rich, miso-based broth and thick, wavy noodles. It's a must-try dish for any food lover visiting the city.
Jingisukan
Named after Genghis Khan, this grilled mutton dish is a local specialty in Sapporo. The meat is typically grilled on a dome-shaped skillet, which is said to resemble the Mongolian warrior's helmet.
Soup Curry
A hearty and spicy dish, soup curry is a Sapporo invention. It's a soupy version of traditional Japanese curry, filled with vegetables and your choice of meat.
Sapporo Beer
As the birthplace of beer in Japan, no visit to Sapporo would be complete without trying the city's namesake brew. Sapporo Beer is known for its crisp, refreshing taste.
Seafood Donburi
Sapporo's proximity to the sea means it's a great place to try fresh seafood. Seafood donburi, or rice bowl, typically features a variety of raw fish served over rice.
Zangi
Zangi is Hokkaido's version of fried chicken. It's marinated in soy sauce, ginger, and garlic before being coated in starch and deep-fried to perfection.
Sanpeijiru
This local soup is made with salmon and vegetables, cooked in a clear, salty broth. It's a traditional dish of the Ainu, the indigenous people of Hokkaido.
Nijisseiki Pear
Sapporo is known for its delicious Nijisseiki pears. They're incredibly juicy and sweet, making them a great snack or dessert.
Kani Miso
This is a dish made from the brains of a crab, mixed with miso paste and sake. It's a delicacy in Sapporo and has a unique, rich flavor.
Soft Cream
Hokkaido is famous for its dairy products, and the soft cream, or soft serve ice cream, in Sapporo is a must-try. It's incredibly creamy and comes in a variety of flavors.
Shiroi Koibito
This is a popular white chocolate sandwich cookie that's a specialty of Sapporo. It's often bought as a souvenir by tourists.
Whisky
Hokkaido is home to several whisky distilleries, and trying a local whisky is a must for any spirits enthusiast. The whiskies here are known for their smooth, mellow flavor.
Best time to visit
The best time to visit Sapporo, Japan, largely depends on what you want to experience. If you're interested in winter sports or want to attend the famous Sapporo Snow Festival, then the best time to visit is in February. However, if you prefer milder weather and want to see the beautiful cherry blossoms, late April to early May would be ideal. For those who want to avoid the cold and enjoy the city's parks and beer gardens, the summer months of June to August are recommended. Autumn foliage in Sapporo is also quite stunning, making October another great time to visit.
National holidays
Here you can find the national calendar of all public holidays for the year. These dates are subject to change as official changes are announced, so check back regularly for updates.
| Date | Day | Holiday Name |
|---|---|---|
January 1 | Mon | New Year's Day |
January 8 | Mon | Coming of Age Day |
February 11 | Sun | National Foundation Day |
February 12 | Mon | National Foundation Day observed |
February 23 | Fri | Emperor's Birthday |
March 20 | Wed | Spring Equinox |
April 29 | Mon | Shōwa Day |
May 3 | Fri | Constitution Memorial Day |
May 4 | Sat | Greenery Day |
May 5 | Sun | Children's Day |
May 6 | Mon | Children's Day observed |
July 15 | Mon | Sea Day |
August 11 | Sun | Mountain Day |
August 12 | Mon | Day off for Mountain Day |
September 16 | Mon | Respect for the Aged Day |
September 22 | Sun | Autumn Equinox |
September 23 | Mon | Autumn Equinox observed |
October 14 | Mon | Sports Day |
November 3 | Sun | Culture Day |
November 4 | Mon | Culture Day observed |
November 23 | Sat | Labor Thanksgiving Day |
How to get around
Subway
Sapporo has three subway lines: the Namboku Line, Tozai Line, and Toho Line. These lines connect major areas of the city, making it easy to get around. Stations are well-signposted in English.
JR Train
The JR Hokkaido Train connects Sapporo to other cities in Hokkaido. Within Sapporo, the JR Train is useful for reaching the Sapporo Beer Garden and other attractions outside the city center.
Bus
Buses in Sapporo are a convenient way to reach destinations not covered by the subway or train. The Chuo Bus and JR Hokkaido Bus operate routes throughout the city and surrounding areas.
Taxi
Taxis are readily available throughout Sapporo, especially near train stations and major hotels. They offer a convenient, though more expensive, way to get around, particularly late at night when the trains and buses have stopped running.
Ridesharing
Uber operates in Sapporo, providing another option for getting around the city. However, it's worth noting that ridesharing can be more expensive than traditional taxis or public transportation, especially during peak times.
Bicycle
Sapporo is a bike-friendly city with numerous cycle paths and bike rental shops. Cycling can be a pleasant and efficient way to explore the city, especially during the warmer months.
Foot
Many of Sapporo's main attractions, including Odori Park, the Sapporo TV Tower, and the Clock Tower, are located within walking distance of each other in the city center. Walking is a great way to explore the city at your own pace.
Rental Car
If you plan to explore outside of Sapporo or want the flexibility of your own vehicle, renting a car is an option. Keep in mind that you'll need an international driving permit to drive in Japan, and you'll need to be comfortable driving on the left side of the road.
Important information
Currency¥ JPY
Time zoneUTC+9
Driving sideLeft
Emergency phoneAmbulance: 119; Fire: 119; Police: 110
Drinking waterYes
Power sockets
Voltage100 V
Things to know about Sapporo, Japan as a first time visitor
1
Sapporo is located on the northern island of Hokkaido, Japan's second largest island.
2
The city is known for its snowy winters, with temperatures often dropping below freezing. In January, the average temperature is 25.7°F (-3.5°C).
3
Japanese Yen (JPY) is the official currency. Credit cards are widely accepted, but it's always good to carry some cash.
4
The official language is Japanese. While some people speak English, especially in tourist areas, it's not as common as in Tokyo or Osaka.
5
Public transportation is efficient and reliable. The city has a subway system, and buses are also widely available.
6
Taxis are readily available but can be expensive. It's recommended to use them for short distances only.
7
Sapporo is in the Japan Standard Time zone (JST), which is 9 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT+9).
8
The city is safe for tourists, but as with any destination, it's important to stay vigilant and aware of your surroundings.
9
Japanese etiquette is important. For example, it's considered rude to eat or drink while walking in public.
10
Tipping is not customary in Japan. In fact, it can sometimes be seen as insulting.
11
The city is known for its beer, with several breweries offering tours and tastings.
12
Sapporo has a vibrant food scene. Don't miss trying local specialties like Sapporo ramen, jingisukan (grilled mutton), and fresh seafood.
13
The city has a number of onsens (hot springs). It's customary to bathe naked and wash thoroughly before entering the communal bath.
14
The voltage in Japan is 100V, and the frequency is 60Hz in Sapporo. The plug type is A and B.
15
Tap water in Sapporo is safe to drink and of high quality.
16
The city has a number of convenience stores (konbini) that are open 24/7 and sell a wide range of products.
17
In case of emergency, the number to call is 110 for police and 119 for ambulance and fire.
18
The city has a humid continental climate. Summers are generally warm and humid, with temperatures averaging around 77°F (25°C) in August.
19
Sapporo is a smoke-free city. Smoking is prohibited on the streets and in most public places.
20
The city is eco-conscious. Many shops charge for plastic bags, and recycling is widely practiced.
Basic Japanese to know as a first time visitor
English phrase | Native phrase | Pronunciation | When to use it |
|---|---|---|---|
Hello | こんにちは | Konnichiwa | Greeting someone |
Goodbye | さようなら | Sayonara | Leaving or saying goodbye |
Please | お願いします | Onegaishimasu | Asking for something |
Thank you | ありがとう | Arigatou | Showing appreciation |
Yes | はい | Hai | Agreeing or confirming |
No | いいえ | Iie | Disagreeing or denying |
Excuse me | すみません | Sumimasen | Getting attention or apologizing |
I'm sorry | ごめんなさい | Gomen nasai | Apologizing |
Do you speak English? | 英語を話せますか？ | Eigo o hanasemasu ka? | Trying to find someone who speaks English |
I don't understand | わかりません | Wakarimasen | When you don't understand what was said |
Where is the bathroom? | トイレはどこですか？ | Toire wa doko desu ka? | When you need to find the bathroom |
How much does this cost? | これはいくらですか？ | Kore wa ikura desu ka? | When you want to know the price of something |
I would like this | これをください | Kore o kudasai | When you want to order or buy something |
Help | 助けて | Tasukete | When you need assistance |
Good morning | おはようございます | Ohayou gozaimasu | Greeting someone in the morning |
Good night | おやすみなさい | Oyasuminasai | Saying goodnight or leaving late in the evening |
Delicious | おいしい | Oishii | Complimenting food |
I'm lost | 迷子になりました | Maigo ni narimashita | When you've lost your way |
Can I use credit card? | クレジットカードは使えますか？ | Kurejitto ka-do wa tsukaemasu ka? | When you want to know if credit cards are accepted |
Where is the nearest subway station? | 最寄りの地下鉄の駅はどこですか？ | Moyori no chikatetsu no eki wa doko desu ka? | When you need to find the nearest subway station |
Packing List
Clothing
Underwear
Socks
T-shirts
Pants/Jeans
Comfortable walking shoes
Sweater or jacket (depending on the season)
Pajamas
Swimwear (if your hotel has a pool)
Scarf, gloves and hat (if traveling in winter)
Toiletries
Toothbrush and toothpaste
Shampoo and conditioner
Body wash or soap
Deodorant
Razor and shaving cream
Makeup and makeup remover
Hairbrush or comb
Personal hygiene items
Prescription medications
First aid kit
Travel documents and essentials
Passport
Driver's license or ID card
Credit and debit cards
Cash and coins
Hotel and/or car rental reservations
Travel insurance documents
Emergency contacts and important addresses
Electronics and gadgets
Smartphone and charger
Headphones
Camera and charger
Portable power bank
Travel adapter
Laptop and charger (if necessary)
Miscellaneous items
Snacks and gum
Books or e-reader for the flight
Travel pillow and blanket
Earplugs and eye mask
Reusable water bottle
Umbrella or raincoat
Maps and guidebooks
Japanese phrasebook or translation app
Weather Conditions
When visiting Sapporo, Japan, it's essential to be prepared for the city's diverse weather conditions. Sapporo experiences a humid continental climate, which means you can expect warm, humid summers and cold, snowy winters. During the summer months (June to August), temperatures typically range between 68°F to 82°F (20°C to 28°C). It's a great time to explore the city's parks and outdoor attractions. However, it's also the city's rainiest period, so don't forget to pack a raincoat or umbrella. In contrast, winters in Sapporo (December to February) are quite cold, with temperatures often dropping to 21°F (-6°C) and rarely rising above 32°F (0°C). Sapporo is famous for its snowfall, receiving more snow than any other major city in the world. If you're a fan of winter sports or want to experience the renowned Sapporo Snow Festival, this is the perfect time to visit. Just make sure to pack warm clothing, including a heavy coat, gloves, and boots. The shoulder seasons of spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) offer milder temperatures. Spring temperatures range from 41°F to 64°F (5°C to 18°C), while autumn temperatures hover between 45°F and 70°F (7°C and 21°C). These periods are ideal for those who prefer less extreme weather and want to enjoy Sapporo's beautiful cherry blossoms or autumn leaves. Regardless of when you visit, it's always a good idea to check the local forecast before your trip to ensure you're packing appropriately. Remember, weather can be unpredictable, so it's best to be prepared for a range of conditions.
| Month | Hi / Lo (°C) | Weather Overview |
|---|---|---|
January | 1° / -7° | January is the coldest month in Sapporo, with frequent snowfall. Dress warmly and enjoy winter sports like skiing and snowboarding. |
February | 2° / -6° | February is still very cold with heavy snowfall. It's the perfect time to visit for the Sapporo Snow Festival. |
March | 7° / -3° | March sees the end of the heavy snowfall, but temperatures remain chilly. It's a good time to visit for quieter sightseeing. |
April | 14° / 2° | April brings warmer temperatures and the start of the cherry blossom season. It's a beautiful time to visit parks and gardens. |
May | 20° / 8° | May is pleasantly warm, with plenty of sunshine. It's a great time for outdoor activities and exploring the city. |
June | 24° / 12° | June is the start of the rainy season, but temperatures are comfortable. Pack a raincoat and enjoy the lush greenery. |
July | 28° / 16° | July is warm and humid, with occasional rain showers. It's a good time for hiking and exploring the countryside. |
August | 30° / 18° | August is the hottest month in Sapporo, with high humidity. Stay hydrated and enjoy the summer festivals. |
September | 26° / 14° | September sees the start of the autumn season, with cooler temperatures and less rainfall. It's a great time for leaf-peeping. |
October | 20° / 8° | October is cool and crisp, with beautiful autumn foliage. It's a perfect time for sightseeing and outdoor activities. |
November | 14° / 2° | November is chilly with the first snowfall of the season. It's a quiet time for sightseeing, with fewer tourists. |
December | 5° / -3° | December is cold with frequent snowfall. It's a magical time to visit for the winter illuminations and Christmas markets. |
Did you know?
Places near by Sapporo, Japan
Otaru
Known for its beautiful canal district and glassworks shops. A great place to visit for a day trip.
Lake Shikotsu
Second deepest lake in Japan, known for its clear water and beautiful scenery.
Noboribetsu
Famous for its hot spring resorts (onsen) and the Jigokudani (Hell Valley).
Furano
Known for its lavender fields and the Furano Ski Resort.
Hakodate
Famous for its spectacular views from Mount Hakodate and its delicious fresh seafood.
Akan National Park
Known for its crystal clear lakes, active volcanoes, and onsen.
Shiretoko National Park
One of Japan's most beautiful and unspoiled national parks, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
