4-Day Itinerary for Exploring Asian Cuisine in Sapporo, Japan

  • Day 1: Nijo Market
    10 mins (1 km) from Sapporo Station by train

    Nijo Market is a seafood lover’s paradise, home to some of the freshest seafood in the city. Sample local delicacies such as uni, crab, and ikura, or enjoy a bowl of rice topped with sashimi.

  • Day 2: Sapporo Beer Garden
    20 mins (2.5 km) from Nijo Market by train

    Sapporo Beer Garden is a must-visit destination for beer enthusiasts. Tour the brewery, learn about the history of beer in Japan, and enjoy a stein of Sapporo beer paired with Genghis Khan lamb BBQ.

  • Day 3: Ramen Yokocho
    15 mins (2 km) from Sapporo Beer Garden by train

    Located in Susukino, Ramen Yokocho features more than a dozen outlets serving up different types of ramen. Try miso ramen at Ebisoba Ichigen, or Jiro-style ramen at Menya Saimi.

  • Day 4: Otaru Canal
    45 mins (30 km) from Ramen Yokocho by train

    Spend a day in charming Otaru, known for its glassware and historic canal. Stroll along the canal and enjoy the unique shops and restaurants in this picturesque town.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • Nijo Market (1 hour, $10)
  • Sapporo Beer Garden (2 hours, $30)
  • Ramen Yokocho (1.5 hours, $15)
  • Otaru Canal (3 hours, $20)
  • Total Estimated Costs: $75

Transportation

Traveling within Sapporo is easy and convenient by train. Visitors can purchase a one-day subway pass for 830 yen (~$8) to enjoy unlimited rides on the subway. Taxi services are also available, but they can be expensive.

Useful Tips

If you have more time, consider visiting the Sapporo Ice Festival in February, or taking a day trip to scenic Lake Toya. For shorter itineraries, skip Otaru and spend more time exploring Sapporo's other neighborhoods, such as Maruyama or Odori.

Airports

New Chitose Airport (CTS) is the main airport in Sapporo and is located approximately 40 km southeast of the city center. The airport is easily accessible via train or bus with travel times of approximately 35-40 minutes.

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