My 5 Absolute Favorite Things I Did in Sapporo, Japan!
Looking for fun things to do in Sapporo? Well, there’s certainly no shortage of them, but narrowing it down can be difficult!
So if you need some clarity on the true must-dos in the capital city of Hokkaido, I’m going to share my 5 favorite things I did here.
Bailey and I have traveled Japan extensively and spent a lot of time in Sapporo. We’ve done way more than 5 things, but we’ve carefully selected our top picks that showcase the best of what the city has to offer. From bar hopping and fun food experiences to extensive sightseeing tours, we’re going to take you through the best things to do in Sapporo.
1. Sapporo Bar Hopping and Food Tour (Must Do!)
- Duration: 3 hours
- Highlights: Visit 3 hidden izakaya bars for food and drinks, explore the Susukino and Odori Park neighborhoods, free photos sent to you after the tour
- Inclusions: 3 drinks, food at each bar, English-speaking guide, tour photos
- Rating: 5 Stars (Check 60+ reviews here)
- Free cancelation: Yes, up to 24 hours before the tour starts
- Price: Check price here!
Bailey and I had an incredible time on this bar-hopping food tour, hence why it’s my #1 pick for things to do in Sapporo! I would actually recommend booking it for as soon as you arrive so that you can get the lay of the land. We went back to the izakayas we visited later on in our trip, and our guide gave us a ton of great recommendations, which helped us to discover even more hidden gems that weren’t in the guidebooks.
On the night of the tour, we met our guide and fellow participants. Group sizes for this tour are kept really small as izakayas tend to have limited seating, so it was a super personal experience. We went to three izakayas which were well hidden, and since their signage was in Japanese, we would never have found them on our own.
We got to have a drink at each stop and we could choose whatever we liked, but our guide gave us some great recommendations, so we got to try local specialties, including sake, Japanese highballs, and Japanese sours, which are like a more interesting version of a vodka, lemon, and soda! We tried tons of different food and bar snacks, too, that we wouldn’t have known to order by ourselves, so it really was so worth going with a local guide. We ended the night feeling full and very happy, because this tour is an absolute blast.
Book our FAVORITE tour in Sapporo in advance as it tends to sell out!
2. Soba Noodle Making Class
- Duration: 1 hour, 15 minutes
- Highlights: Making soba noodles by hand, visiting a local restaurant outside of the touristy areas, and eating your creations afterwards!
- Inclusions: Tools and ingredients
- Rating: 5 Stars (Check 60+ reviews here)
- Free cancelation: Yes, up to 24 hours before the tour starts
- Price: Check price here!
What we loved about this noodle making tour is that it’s a very authentic experience. So if you’re keen to experience local life in Sapporo, then this tour is just the ticket. It was a real highlight of our time in the city!
The hosts of this tour own a small soba restaurant in the Nishi Ward, which is a super local area. We took the train here because the restaurant is only a 2-minute walk from the station, and it was super easy. Alternatively, it’s a 15-minute taxi ride from the center of Sapporo.
This is a private experience, so we had our guides’ full attention. They didn’t speak the best English, but knew enough to communicate effectively. We started by hand mixing the dough, and then learned the traditional method for cutting the noodles. After that, our hosts cooked them for us and served them along with a delicious sauce. We left very full and actually skipped dinner that night!
We also had the option to make tempura. We didn’t choose this but now, I wish we had! However, we ended up purchasing ready-made tempura vegetables and shrimp to accompany our noodles for 1,000 JPY (around $6 USD). There was tea and beer available to buy, too.
All in all, this tour was a fun, wholesome, and delicious experience. We would highly recommend it for anyone looking to get off the typical tourist trail. It’s also very family-friendly, so this is our top choice in Sapporo for those traveling with kids!
Book this fun experience here and pay later!
3. Private Full-Day Tour of Nikka Whisky Distillery and Otaru
- Duration: 6 hours
- Highlights: Nikka Whisky Distillery, Sakaimachi Street and Sankaku Market in Otaru
- Inclusions: Hotel pickup, English speaking guide (if option selected), private transportation, highway fare
- Rating: 5 Stars (Check reviews here)
- Free cancelation: Yes – up until the day before the tour
- Price: Check price here!
Sapporo is a fantastic city, but I really think it would be a shame not to get out and explore the wider region. This full-day tour made it so easy, and we like that you can opt for an English-speaking guide if you like, or choose the self-guided option and just enjoy the convenience and flexibility of private transportation. Either way, you’re in for a great time!
After a seamless pickup at our hotel, our driver took us to the Nikka Distillery, where we took an in-depth tour. The Viator page for this tour states that the distillery visit isn’t included, but it’s actually free of charge! This was one of our favorite parts of the day because the tour was really interactive and we learned a ton about Japanese whisky and got to do a free tasting.
Then, we continued on to the town of Otaru which was so beautiful. We loved exploring the cute main street and walking along the canal, as well as the Sankaku Market, where we got to sample fresh seafood. It was a great way to get off the beaten path and I would definitely recommend booking this tour if you like to get out of the touristy areas and explore more authentic, local spots. We hardly saw any other foreigners all day!
4. Private Full-Day Sightseeing Tour in Sapporo
- Duration: 6 hours
- Highlights: Moerenuma Park, Mount Moiwa, Nijo Market, the Jozankei Onsen – but this tour can be tailored to your interests!
- Inclusions: Local, government-licensed guide, customizable itinerary
- Rating: 4.5 stars (check 30+ reviews here)
- Free cancelation: Yes, up to 24 hours before the tour starts
- Price: Check price here!
I think that this sightseeing tour is the best option for those who are short on time. It’s a private full-day tour of Sapporo that ensures you’ll see all of the top sights in one day, so it’s well worth it if you don’t have long here.
And better still, since it’s a private tour, it’s fully customizable so you get to see what interests you the most. It also offers the chance to take advantage of fun seasonal events, like the famous Sapporo Snow Festival.
Typically, you’ll be able to hit 3-4 major sights in one day with this tour, and there’s a HUGE list to choose from. Seriously, we were spoiled for choice! So whether you want to enjoy the iconic beer museum, visit a chocolate-themed entertainment park, have fun in the Susukino entertainment district or get off the beaten path, Sapporo is truly your oyster.
One thing we really loved about this tour is that our guide spoke fantastic English and was super knowledgeable about the history of Sapporo, so we learned a ton about the city. By the end of the day, we really felt like we knew the place so much better! I would recommend this to anyone who wants to see a lot without a lot of planning and organization involved.
For an easy way to see the best of Sapporo, book this tour here!
5. Full-Day Private Sightseeing Tour of Hokkaido
- Duration: 8 – 10 hours
- Highlights: Asahiyama Zoo, Biei’s Blue Pond, Shirahige Falls, and Furano’s Ningle Terrace
- Inclusions: Hotel pick up and drop off, highway fees, private transportation and guide
- Rating: 5 stars (check reviews here)
- Free cancelation: Yes, up to 24 hours before the tour starts
- Price: Check price here!
Hokkaido is one stunning island, and this full-day tour allows you to experience some of the most beautiful spots in just one day. And let me tell you, what a day it was!
We kicked off the tour with a visit to Asahiyama Zoo, where we loved seeing all of the animals. Then, we went to the Shirogane Blue Pond, which is so beautiful it could honestly rival our beloved Moraine Lake in Canada during the summer. It’s not as bright blue during the winter, but it still looks incredible, as the snow and ice gives it a Narnia-esque feel! We also got to visit the dramatic Shirahige Falls, which were also frozen over, but I think that actually made them look even more spectacular.
We ended the day with a visit to Ningle Terrace, which I can only describe as a fairytale village! It’s filled with log cabins, cute shops, and fairy lights, so we loved strolling around here.
Honestly, this tour delivers a magical day out and I have to give a special mention to our guide and driver, Kate, who took such great care of us. She was so thoughtful and a really informative guide. We would recommend this tour to anyone, but especially to those who don’t have a ton of time to explore Hokkaido by themselves. The region is just way too beautiful to miss!
Book this magical day trip to Hokkaido here for free cancellation options!
Where to Stay in Sapporo
Now that you know just how much Sapporo has to offer, you’ll want to spend at least a few days here. Luckily there are a ton of hotels to choose from for all budgets. To help your search, we’ve narrowed it down to our top hotels for a variety of budgets!
JR Tower Hotel – $$$
Location and views are the main reasons for choosing the JR Tower Hotel in Sapporo. It’s located right above JR Station, so super convenient if you’re taking the train to Sapporo. There isn’t much train noise though as the rooms are high up – which also means great views. There are also two hotel restaurants on the 35th floor of the tower with panoramic city views.
Rooms are a good size, have AC, and smart TVs with Netflix, which is a nice perk. Nightly rates start around $200 USD and can be booked online.
Lamp Light Books Hotel – $$
This is the cutest hotel located on top of a bookshop and cafe. Lamp Light Books Hotel is also on a great shopping and eating street right in the heart of Sapporo and only an 800 JPY ($5.50 USD) taxi ride from Sapporo station. The staff is super helpful and speak great English.
Rooms are spacious for Japan and cozy with a little reading area (in case you buy a book!). A delicious breakfast is included in the room rate which averages around $100 USD/night. Check availability and book here!
Wise Owl Hostels – $
In the center of Sapporo, Wise Owl Hostels is a chain in Japan loved by budget travelers. The location in Sapporo is central with the Sapporo TV Tower and Sapporo Clock Tower nearby. It feels more like a hotel in its design and layout, but there are nice common areas like a lounge and kitchen. It’s a quieter hostel (not a party one!) but you’ll still find lots of games like a Nintendo Switch and ping-pong to mingle with other guests.
There are private rooms that go as low as $34 USD/night with dorm beds starting at only $22 USD/night. This is the place to stay if you’re on a budget! Find the best deals on either Hostelworld or Booking.com.
Renting a Car in Japan
Japan’s trains are great, but if you want to explore rural areas, scenic routes, or off-the-beaten path hidden gems, renting a car offers unmatched flexibility. Driving in Japan is generally safe, with well-maintained roads and clear signage, though there are some unique rules and customs to be aware of.
We always book with Discover Cars and can’t recommend them enough. It’s super easy to compare multiple provider prices, check company ratings, filter for the type of vehicle you want, and add affordable full coverage insurance. If you want a full breakdown, check out our Discover Cars review here.
Tips for Renting a Car in Japan
- Drive on the left: In Japan, vehicles drive on the left-hand side of the road. The driver’s seat is on the right, and you’ll need to adjust to roundabouts and different road layouts. Take some time to get comfortable before hitting busy roads.
- Know the local rules: You must come to a full stop at “止まれ” (stop) signs, and pedestrians always have the right of way. It’s also mandatory for all passengers to wear seatbelts, even in the back seat. It’s also a good idea to brush up on the Japanese road signs before you go. They are mainly symbol based, and being able to recognize them will make your journey a lot smoother!
- Insurance is essential: We always recommend full coverage rental insurance—especially in Japan, where tight city parking, narrow village streets, and even wildlife on roads (like deer in Hokkaido) can lead to unexpected dings or damage. Discover Cars makes it easy (and affordable) to add this peace of mind when you book.
- Choose the right car: Roads and parking spots in Japan can be tight, especially in cities and older towns, so a small or mid-sized car is usually best. Discover Cars makes it easy to filter by transmission, fuel type (like hybrid), luggage space, and more, so you can find exactly what works for your trip.
- Watch for toll roads: Japan has an extensive network of toll roads (expressways). Tolls can be paid by cash or card, but it’s worth checking if your rental car comes with an ETC (Electronic Toll Collection) card for convenience.
What You Need to Rent a Car in Japan
- A valid driver’s license from your home country.
- An International Driving Permit (IDP) under the 1949 Geneva Convention. This is a must—it’s the only version Japan recognizes, and you’ll need to get it before arriving.
- A credit card in the driver’s name for the deposit.
- Most companies require you to be at least 18 years old, and some may require you to have held a license for at least one year. Drivers under 25 may face additional fees.
Ready to hit the road? Book your car with Discover Cars here and discover the freedom of exploring the Japan on your own terms!
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance!
If you’re looking to save money on travel insurance, we currently use and recommend SafetyWing. We’ve been using their coverage since 2018 and they’ve had our backs when we needed emergency flights and got sick overseas.
SafetyWing is one of the cheapest providers out there and covers everything from medical costs to lost luggage, travel delays, and emergency flights. A huge difference we’ve found between them and other companies is that they let you take out a policy AFTER leaving your home country. We’ve also found it handy that it’s a monthly payment rather than a lump sum, and you can get a refund for unused time.
SafetyWing has helped us out in some scary situations before and their affordable coverage has given us peace of mind. You can read our honest review of SafetyWing for all the pros and cons.
Thanks for reading!
There’s our short and sweet version of the must-do activities in Sapporo! We loved exploring this city and these tours really helped us get the most of our visit the last time we were here. I hope you have as much fun in Sapporo as we did!
For more help planning a trip to Japan, check out our full blog here. We’ve traveled across the country and have lots of tips to share for first-time travelers or those of you lucky enough to come to Japan often!
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