Complete Travel Guide for Sapporo, Hokkaido

From ski areas to fine dining, peaceful green spaces to bustling entertainment districts, Sapporo has something for every visitor. With destinations so diverse, it can be difficult to know where to start planning an itinerary. Let's follow this comprehensive guide to what to do in Sapporo to take advantage of the city's dynamic attractions.

Visit this vibrant urban market and restaurant area and let your taste buds and stomach take you through all the culinary delights of northern Japan. Sapporo is widely regarded as Japan's main seafood base.

At Sapporo Crab Market, seafood is a precious produce and not much fresher than here. Join locals and foodies at this roadside market, which sells take-away kits as well as a variety of snacks to enjoy on site.

This museum is dedicated to one of Japan's most popular beer brands, Sapporo beer. The Sapporo Beer Company was founded in the late 19th century and was one of the first breweries in Japan.

A preserved brewery from the Meiji period was converted into the Sapporo Beer Museum where, today, visitors can learn about the beer industry, the brewing process, and the history of famous brands. Leave enough room in your itinerary for the tasting on offer at the end of the brewery tour.

One of the best things to do in Sapporo for families, couples and sweet tooth lovers is visiting Shiroi Koibito Park.

This chocolate amusement park is operated by the same confectionery company that produces one of Japan's most famous sweets, the Shiroi Koibito cake. In the park, visitors can view chocolate-related exhibits and see for themselves the process of producing this famous (and delicious) Hokkaidō souvenir.

If you are looking for an attraction with a wow factor, one of the best places to visit is Mount Moiwa. Ride an innovative 1,742-foot aerial lift over Sapporo to the top of Mount Moiwa.

This forested rock formation provides spectacular views of Hokkaidō Island, including the enchanting city center and beyond Ishikari Bay. Enjoy the theatre, planetarium and high-end restaurants here. Winter brings a whole new dimension of fun as this majestic mountain becomes a ski slope.

A history buff's Sapporo itinerary isn't complete without a trip to Hokkaidō Historic Village. Explore this open-air museum containing log cabins and old houses and be transported back to life on the island more than a century ago.

Learn about the community and admire the traditional architecture of Hokkaido during the Meiji and Taisho periods, from maritime villages to mountain villages. Don't miss the chance to see the exhibits at the Hokkaid Museum, just a 15-minute walk away.

When planning an action-packed Sapporo itinerary, Odori Park can be both a destination and an oasis. This long, leafy city park spans 12 city blocks in central Sapporo and is a major picnic spot and a major venue for year-round festivals.

Whether you want to admire the lilac blossoms in spring, or marvel at the delights of the famous Sapporo Snow Festival*, Odori Park is one of the best places to visit in Sapporo.

Don't miss Sapporo's most iconic sights when you visit. The observation deck of the 480-foot-tall iron structure, Sapporo TV Tower, has leaned against some of Sapporo's most famous images, from the city skyline to the snow-capped mountains in the distance. The tower is a well-known and loved landmark in the city center just off Odori Park.

Susukino is an exciting entertainment zone both day and night. Initially Susukino served as Sapporo's red light district, but today, it's become a bustling destination for dining and nightlife.

Visit pachinko parlors, taste real miso ramen and explore famous shopping malls; Susukino offers some of the best things to do in Sapporo.

Sapporo is well and truly on the stage of the winter sports world. It has hosted the Winter Olympics, Universiade Winter Games and other major winter sporting events with great success.

At the Olympic Museum, learn about Sapporo's love for winter sports and the history of the Olympic spirit in the city. Check out great memorabilia, movies, and virtual ski jump games on your visit here.

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Reference: Expedia