4-Day Itinerary for Sapporo, Japan

  • Day 1: Odori Park and Sapporo TV Tower
    10 minutes (1.3 km) from Sapporo Station

    Odori Park is the heart of Sapporo and offers a vast green space in the city center. During summer, there are many street performers, food vendors, and beer gardens, while in winter, it transforms into a winter wonderland with the Sapporo Snow Festival. The Sapporo TV Tower offers a great view of the park and the city skyline from its observatory deck.

  • Day 2: Shiroi Koibito Park and Sapporo Beer Museum
    30 minutes (8 km) from Odori Park

    Shiroi Koibito Park is a popular attraction that offers a chocolate-themed park with a factory tour, a rose garden, and a cafe. The Sapporo Beer Museum is located nearby and provides visitors with an overview of the history and brewing process of Sapporo beer with tastings.

  • Day 3: Hokkaido Shrine and Maruyama Park
    20 minutes (5 km) from Shiroi Koibito Park

    The Hokkaido Shrine is a significant Shinto shrine that is located in a serene forest setting. Maruyama Park is nearby and is popular for its cherry blossom trees during spring and autumn foliage. Both locations offer a peaceful escape from the city with their natural surroundings.

  • Day 4: Sapporo Central Wholesale Market and Moerenuma Park
    30 minutes (12 km) from Hokkaido Shrine

    Sapporo Central Wholesale Market is a fish market that provides visitors with the opportunity to see the daily routine of fishmongers and try fresh seafood. Moerenuma Park is a unique park designed by Isamu Noguchi and offers various outdoor sculptures, a man-made mountain, and a large multipurpose field.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • Odori Park (1-3 hours, free)
  • Sapporo TV Tower (30-60 minutes, 720 yen)
  • Shiroi Koibito Park (2-3 hours, 600 yen)
  • Sapporo Beer Museum (1-2 hours, 500 yen)
  • Hokkaido Shrine (1-2 hours, free)
  • Maruyama Park (1-3 hours, free)
  • Sapporo Central Wholesale Market (1-2 hours, free)
  • Moerenuma Park (2-4 hours, free)
  • Total Estimated Costs: 1820 yen per person

Transportation

Travelers can explore Sapporo by using its extensive subway and bus system. A one-day subway pass costs 830 yen, while a one-day bus pass costs 1000 yen. Taxis are available but can be expensive.

Useful Tips

If you have more time, consider visiting Otaru, a charming seaside town 30 minutes away by train, famous for its glassware and historic canal. For those interested in winter sports, the Sapporo Kokusai Ski Resort is a great option, located an hour away by car or bus. If you have less time, consider skipping either Shiroi Koibito Park or Sapporo Central Wholesale Market.

Airports

New Chitose Airport (CTS) is the primary airport serving Sapporo and is located approximately 45 km southeast of the city center. A train ride from the airport to Sapporo Station takes around 40-50 minutes, and the fare is 1070 yen.

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