Sapporo itineraries

Downtown loop and night view

Walk south from Sapporo Station past the red-brick building, the clock tower and Odori Park, then ride up Mt. Moiwa at dusk and watch the city light up. If you have one day, this is it.

Beer, ramen and Maruyama

Day one heads to the beer museum and the university campus, day two goes west to Maruyama and the ski-jump viewpoint. Stay by Tanukikoji so ramen and bars are a walk from bed.

Sapporo, Otaru and the cookie factory

Base yourself south of Sapporo Station: downtown and a crab dinner on day one, the train to Otaru's canal on day two, the Shiroi Koibito factory and the market on day three. A pace that works with parents in tow.

Festivals & seasons

• 1 — Deep winter snow season
• 2 — Sapporo Snow Festival
• 2 — Otaru Snow Light Path
• 5 — Cherry and plum blossom
• 5 — Sapporo Lilac Festival
• 6 — YOSAKOI Soran Festival
• 6 — Hokkaido Shrine Festival
• 7 — Cool summer high season
• 7 — Sapporo Summer Festival and Odori Beer Garden
• 8 — Hokkaido Marathon
• 9 — Sapporo Autumn Fest
• 10 — Ginkgo and autumn leaves
• 11 — White Illumination and Munich Christmas Market

Souvenirs

• Shiroi Koibito (Ishiya)
• Marusei Butter Sandwich (Rokkatei)
• Royce' Nama Chocolate
• Jaga Pokkuru (Calbee)
• Kitakaro baumkuchen and cream puffs
• Sapporo Classic beer (Hokkaido only)
• Dried scallops, salmon roe, melon
• Otaru glass and music boxes