Sapporo — the capital of Hokkaido — is more than just a winter wonderland. With its mix of food, nature, and culture, it’s an ideal base for exploring northern Japan. Whether you’re visiting for 3 days or 5 days, this itinerary helps you experience the city like a local, covering everything from famous landmarks to hidden gems and day trips.
🏙️ Day 1: Discover Central Sapporo & Odori Park
Start your trip at the city’s heart — Odori Park, stretching over 1.5 km through downtown. It’s beautiful year-round, with snow sculptures in winter and flowers in summer.
✔ Visit Sapporo TV Tower for panoramic city views.
✔ Stroll to Tanukikoji Shopping Street for souvenirs and local snacks.
✔ Try Sapporo’s signature miso ramen for dinner at Ramen Alley (Susukino area).
📖 Related: First-Timer’s Guide to Sapporo, Japan: Top Things to Do, Eat & See in 2025 — for must-visit spots and local foods you shouldn’t miss.
🍺 Day 2: Culture, Beer & Hokkaido History
Dedicate your second day to the city’s heritage and its famous brews.
✔ Explore the Sapporo Beer Museum, Japan’s oldest beer brand showcase.
✔ Have lunch at the Kaitakushi Beer Garden, pairing Sapporo Classic with grilled lamb (Jingisukan).
✔ Visit the Hokkaido University Campus for a scenic walk among ginkgo trees.
✔ End your day with local nightlife in Susukino — Japan’s northern entertainment district.
🌸 Day 3: Parks, Shrines & Nature Escapes
Spend your third day connecting with nature.
✔ Morning: Visit Maruyama Park and Hokkaido Shrine for peaceful walks.
✔ Afternoon: Relax at Nakajima Park, or rent a boat on the pond in spring.
✔ Evening: Enjoy dinner at a cozy local izakaya in the Odori area.
📖 Related: Spring in Sapporo: Cherry Blossoms & Seasonal Food — see how these parks bloom beautifully from late April to early May.
🚗 Day 4 (Optional): Otaru or Jozankei Day Trip
If you have an extra day, explore beyond the city.
✔ Otaru – a romantic canal town famous for glassware and sushi.
✔ Jozankei Onsen – soak in a riverside hot spring surrounded by mountains.
✔ Hoheikyo Onsen – natural outdoor baths perfect for winter trips.
(You can visit both if you have 5 days — start early!)
❄️ Day 5: Markets & Local Life
✔ Visit Nijo Market for fresh seafood breakfast (try a crab or uni rice bowl).
✔ Stop by Sapporo Factory, a shopping complex inside a renovated brewery.
✔ End your trip at Moerenuma Park, an artistic landscape designed by Isamu Noguchi.
This last day is about slowing down, shopping, and reflecting before heading back home.
✨ Travel Tips for a Perfect Sapporo Trip
✔ Best travel time: February for the Snow Festival, April–May for cherry blossoms, or December for winter lights.
✔ Stay near Odori Park for convenience.
✔ Bring cash — smaller shops often don’t accept cards.
✔ Don’t skip local delicacies like soup curry, Sapporo beer, and white chocolate biscuits (Shiroi Koibito).
❤️ Why You’ll Love Sapporo
Sapporo blends the warmth of a small town with the excitement of a modern city. Whether you’re here for three or five days, it offers a perfect mix of culture, food, nature, and relaxation — a side of Japan many travelers overlook.