Easy Travel in JapanSapporo
Hokkaido's largest city — a winter snow festival, fresh seafood, and easy access to hot springs and ski resorts.
Sapporo is Hokkaido’s capital and Japan’s fifth-largest city, and the usual gateway for exploring the island. It’s well known for three things in particular: ramen, beer, and its snow festival each February, which first drew international attention when Sapporo hosted the 1972 Winter Olympics.
Where to go
Odori Park runs through the center of the city and hosts the snow festival’s sculptures each winter. Susukino is the main entertainment district, and Moerenuma Park, designed by sculptor Isamu Noguchi, offers a quieter green space on the outskirts. The Sapporo Beer Museum and Nijo seafood market are common food-focused stops, alongside nearby hot spring towns and ski resorts.
Good to know
New Chitose Airport is Sapporo’s main gateway, with Sapporo Station serving as the city’s central transport hub. Most travelers reach the city by direct flight, or by train via Hokkaido’s rail network from Honshu.
Plan ahead
Useful services for this trip
Airport Transfers
Book a fixed-price transfer from Haneda or Narita so arrival day is one less thing to figure out.
Train Tickets
Book shinkansen and local rail tickets in advance and skip the station ticket-counter queue.
eSIM & Wi-Fi
Stay connected in Japan with an eSIM or pocket Wi-Fi, without hunting for a local SIM shop.