One Week in Sapporo: Itinerary, Travel Tips, and Budget
Sapporo is the largest city in Hokkaido and is known for its beautiful parks, fresh seafood, delicious local specialties, scenic mountain views, and easy access to incredible day trips. No matter the season, there’s always something to enjoy, from cherry blossoms in spring and colorful autumn foliage to vibrant summer festivals and snowy winter landscapes. After spending one week in Sapporo, I discovered that it’s a city that’s easy to explore, full of great food, and an excellent base for experiencing the best of Hokkaido.
If you’re planning one week in Sapporo, this travel guide has everything you need to help you make the most of your trip. I’ll be sharing the best places to visit, where I stayed, my actual travel expenses, and practical tips that made my one week in Sapporo smooth, convenient, and memorable. Whether it’s your first time visiting or you’re returning to explore more of Hokkaido, this guide will help you plan your itinerary with confidence.
Places to Visit in Sapporo
- Former Hokkaido Government Office – One of Sapporo’s most recognizable historic landmarks, the Former Hokkaido Government Office is worth visiting for its beautiful red-brick architecture and peaceful surroundings. It’s a great place for a short stroll and photos.
- Mt. Moiwa Observatory – One of my favorite experiences in Sapporo was visiting Mt. Moiwa Observatory. Ride the cable car to the summit and enjoy panoramic views of the city. If possible, visit before sunset so you can see both the daytime scenery and the city lights at night.
- Nakajima Park – Nakajima Park is one of the city’s most relaxing green spaces. It’s perfect if you want to slow down, enjoy nature, or simply take a break from sightseeing.
- Odori Park – Stretching through the heart of Sapporo, Odori Park is a must-visit. It’s surrounded by seasonal flowers, fountains, and open spaces, making it an ideal spot to relax while exploring the city.
- Ramen Alley – No trip to Sapporo is complete without trying its famous miso ramen. Ramen Alley is lined with small ramen shops serving some of the city’s most iconic bowls.
- Sapporo Clock Tower – Although relatively small, the Sapporo Clock Tower is one of the city’s most famous historical landmarks and an easy stop while exploring downtown.
- Sapporo TV Tower – Located beside Odori Park, the Sapporo TV Tower offers another excellent viewpoint of the city and the park below.
- Susukino – Susukino comes alive in the evening with its bright neon lights, restaurants, bars, and entertainment. Even if you’re not into nightlife, it’s worth walking around to experience the atmosphere.
- Tanukikoji Shopping Street – One of the best places to shop in Sapporo, Tanukikoji Shopping Street is a covered arcade filled with restaurants, souvenir shops, cosmetics stores, pharmacies, and local boutiques.
Best Day Trips from Sapporo
Half-Day Tour to Otaru
Otaru is only a short trip from Sapporo and is famous for its picturesque canal, historic streets, seafood, and charming atmosphere. A half-day visit is enough to experience many of its highlights.
Hokkaido Spring Flower Viewing Day Tour
If you’re visiting during spring, I highly recommend joining a flower viewing tour. Hokkaido’s colorful flower fields are absolutely stunning and were one of the highlights of my trip.
Where to Stay in Sapporo
During my one-week stay, I tried three different accommodations depending on my itinerary and budget.
- Holiday Inn & Suites Sapporo Odori Park – A great choice if you want comfort and convenience. The hotel is within walking distance of many attractions and includes a buffet breakfast, making it ideal for travelers who want a relaxing stay.
- GRAND HOSTEL LDK Sapporo – Perfect for budget travelers and solo backpackers. The hostel was clean, modern, and conveniently located near public transportation.
- KOKO STAY Chitose – I stayed here the night before my flight home since it’s close to New Chitose Airport. It’s a practical option if you have an early morning departure.
My One-Week Sapporo Travel Budget
Here’s exactly how much I spent during my one-week trip.
Transportation
- Roundtrip Manila to Sapporo flight (Cebu Pacific with checked baggage): ₱7,697.10
- Bus rides: ¥2,010 (₱786.71)
- Trains and streetcars: ¥3,100 (₱1,213.34)
Total: ₱9,697.15
Accommodation
- Holiday Inn & Suites Sapporo Odori Park (3 nights): ₱23,786
- GRAND HOSTEL LDK Sapporo (3 nights): ₱6,073.33
- KOKO STAY Chitose (1 night): ₱2,332.05
- Accommodation tax: ¥1,000 (₱391.40)
Total: ₱32,582.78
Tours & Activities
- Hokkaido Spring Flower Viewing Day Tour: ₱3,088.13
- Mt. Moiwa Cable Car Ticket: ₱788.27
Total: ₱3,876.40
Food & Other Expenses
- Food and drinks (1 week): ¥20,797.49 (₱8,140.14)
- eSIM (1 week): ₱200
- Philippine Travel Tax: ₱1,620
- Shopping and souvenirs: ₱5,000
Total: ₱14,960.14
Total Cost of My Sapporo Trip
- Transportation: ₱9,697.15
- Accommodation: ₱32,582.78
- Tours & Activities: ₱3,876.40
- Food & Drinks: ₱8,140.14
- Other Expenses: ₱6,820
Grand Total: ₱61,116.47
Helpful Travel Tips for Sapporo
Here are some helpful tips to know before traveling to Sapporo.
- Take the airport bus from New Chitose Airport if you’re looking for an affordable and convenient way to reach downtown Sapporo.
- Book hotels, attractions, and day tours in advance, especially during peak travel seasons.
- Wear comfortable walking shoes since you’ll be exploring the city mostly on foot.
- Pack layers because mornings and evenings can still be chilly, even during spring and autumn.
- Buy a subway pass if you’re planning to visit several attractions in one day.
- Most shops close around 8:00 PM, so plan your shopping earlier in the day.
- Download Google Maps and save offline maps before your trip.
- If you’re from the Philippines, withdrawing cash from 7-Eleven ATMs using your GCash Card can give you a better exchange rate compared to exchanging cash beforehand.
Sapporo quickly became one of my favorite cities in Japan. It offers a perfect mix of nature, delicious food, historic attractions, shopping, and easy day trips. Whether you’re visiting for the flower season, autumn foliage, winter snow, or simply to explore Hokkaido, Sapporo is a destination worth spending more time in and experiencing at a slower pace.
I hope this guide helps you plan your own adventure. If you’re planning a trip to Sapporo soon, don’t forget to save this guide for future reference.
Where to book hotels and activities?
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Got some questions? Put it in the comment section below!
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