hokkaido travel budget

How much does it cost to travel in Hokkaido?

May 25, 2021 , by Ayaka

How much does a trip to Hokkaido cost? This article clearly lays out the costs of accommodation, transport, food and day to day travel expenses in Hokkaido, plus a daily travel budget for your trip.

Are you planning a trip to Hokkaido and trying to figure out how much it’s going to cost?

Konnichiwa. I’m Ayaka from Adventure Hokkaido, and today I’m going to explain how much it will cost you to travel in Hokkaido, including transportation, accommodation, food, activities and day-to-day expenses. 

I’ve written this article for people who want to experience eating out, staying in comfortable accommodation, enjoy guided outdoor activities and some other special experiences during their trip to Hokkaido. This is not a backpacker’s penny pinching guide, but hopefully anyone can find something useful here!

I know you will all be excited about travelling to Hokkaido and see all of its natural beauty, and undoubtedly you’ve been thinking about one big aspect of that trip – how much will it cost? You’ll find everything you’ll need for your Hokkaido trip budget in this article, so read on.

Read the full article for a total overview, or click on one of the links below to go straight to the section you’re most interested in.

How much does accommodation cost in Hokkaido?

Choosing where to stay during your trip can set the mood for your whole experience. Are you looking for somewhere simple to just rest your head in between activities, or do you want a more luxurious experience on your travels? Let’s start by taking a look at the common types of accommodation offered in Japan.

Hotels tend to be similar the world-over; a conventional space to sleep, with a variety of rooms to accommodate travellers of all preferences. Most hotels in Japan offer breakfast, and some will also have dinner options as well if you are looking to stay in for meals. They obviously will cover a wide range of prices, depending on the quality of the hotel as well as the season and location. 

Themes of hotels vary greatly; business hotels, city hotels, resort hotels, airport hotels to name the core ones.  Business hotels  are obviously preferred by business travellers who spend less time in-room and don’t mind sleeping in a compact space. They will be a great fit for solo travellers, seeking an affordable room in a convenient location. They usually cost around 5,000 yen per person for a room only.

City hotels  are more common these days and popular with urban visitors. The prices are about 1.5 times higher than the business hotels in the same area, though they provide more comfort and attractiveness for travellers, for instance, larger rooms, local gastronomy and hot spring spas on-site.

Resort or tourist hotels  in Hokkaido are somewhere between a normal western style hotel and a  ryokan  inn. At a glance they may look similar to a western style hotel, however, they often have Japanese style rooms, western style rooms, and a hybrid room (with western beds in a Japanese style room) too. Like many things in Japan, a crossover between traditional Japanese and western culture! Expect to pay at least 10,000 yen per person for staying in resort or tourist hotels.

You will find some unique aspects to hotels in Japan, even in the big international chains. Things like separate slippers for your bathroom and automatic Japanese toilets, all those things which make your hotel stay a very Japanese experience!

Many travellers interested in coming to Japan have already heard of  ryokan , traditional Japanese inns. Ryokan offer a classy Japanese experience – sleeping in tatami rooms on futon beds, eating local seasonal foods, and many ryokan also have hot springs baths on the premises. 

Ryokan come in all price ranges, from the budget friendly to the more luxurious, but an average ryokan will cost around 10,000 yen per person per night, without any included meals. Including dinner and breakfast, an average ryokan in Hokkaido costs around 15,000 yen per person. They are definitely worth the cost if you are looking for a unique Japanese experience!

Minshuku can be considered the alternative to motels in Japan – though banish all thoughts of a dingy place by the side of the highway!

Minshuku are basically a smaller version of ryokan, where you are more likely to use shared bathrooms. Many minshuku in Hokkaido have hot springs, and they are usually family-operated small accommodations, similar to bed-and-breakfasts. They are great for catching a sense of what is like to sleep in a Japanese home and interacting with the owner family – local people.

Most often found in more rural areas, minshuku tend to cost from around 8,000 yen per person, and often will include dinner and breakfast.

Recently hostels are having a second wave in Sapporo and new ones are cropping up rapidly. As a result of how many of them are newly built, the hostels available tend to be on the more fashionable side, and are not as cheap as many American or European travellers would expect. 

They are still a good and clean alternative for those who are traveling light and just want a place to rest their heads at night! Expect to pay at least 3,000 yen per person per night.

Capsule Hotels

Many people who have heard of Japan know how famous capsule hotels are here! They are the peak of budget accommodation, offering a micro-sized room — often only a bed with a lockable door — and space to store luggage.  

Capsule hotels will often have shared lounges and baths, separated by gender. Be careful if you are reserving a capsule hotel! Some hotels cater exclusively to men or women, and will turn away all other customers. 

Capsule hotels are only found in metropolitan areas of Hokkaido such as Sapporo, and typically cost around 3,000 yen a night.

Accommodation costs in Hokkaido – a guide

This is a guide to give you an idea of comparative rates (per person) in different parts of Hokkaido, for specific prices and availabilities for your travel dates  search Hokkaido accommodation on Booking.com here.

How much does transportation cost in Hokkaido?

Due to Hokkaido’s large size in comparison to the other prefectures of Japan, transportation across the island requires more thought when it comes to traveling around Hokkaido. First of all I’ll outline the best options for getting around Hokkaido, then include some costs of major Hokkaido routes.  For more detailed information on how to get around Hokkaido, read our blogpost here.

Although train lines do not reach all throughout Hokkaido, they link the large cities of the island and are a convenient and comfortable way to travel. Although the more rural areas will have lesser options throughout the day, common routes such as Sapporo-Asahikawa have frequent trains available. 

Keep in mind that round-trip tickets generally cost less to book than single-trip tickets, and if you have a JR Pass they can be used on the JR lines in Hokkaido as well! There’s also the  JR Hokkaido Pass,  which is a great value way to see Hokkaido.

Buses are useful for both in-town travel as well as traveling across Hokkaido itself. For local fares within cities expect to pay under 1,000 yen (obviously depending on the length of your trip). Longer trips, however, will obviously cost more, and typically fall in the 3,000 to 5,00 range for a one-way trip.

Train & Bus Costs in Hokkaido – a guide

This is a summary of Hokkaido train and bus costs to give you an idea of the relative costs, for specific prices and costs for your travel dates  search for Hokkaido bus and train journeys on Hyperdia.

Ferries in Hokkaido

Although there aren’t many places to use the ferry for travel within Hokkaido itself, there are a couple of locations where it is necessary- namely, to visit Rishiri and Rebun Island! Departing from Wakkanai, to travel to each island will cost a bit of time and money, but both are well worth the trip! 

There are a few other outlying islands, as well, that are a good place to visit for a unique experience and travelling by ferry is your only option to the islands of Okushiri, Teuri & Yagishiri.

Ferry costs in Hokkaido – a guide

Rental car costs in hokkaido.

This is by far the most flexible option for traveling in Hokkaido. Being less populated and much larger than the other regions of Japan, in Hokkaido there are a lot of wide roads that are easy to navigate, and most locations that are not within Sapporo will have their own parking lots. 

However, this only applies to summer- unless you have experience driving in winter conditions, it may be better to stick to public transportation or organised tours. 

On average, the costs of renting a mid-sized car will cost around 5,000 yen a day, not including petrol prices. 

Taxi costs in Hokkaido

Although not viable for long-distance travel, taxis are useful for scooting around big cities like Sapporo. 

In general taxis in Hokkaido will cost around 670 yen for the first 1.5 kilometers of your trip, then an additional 80 yen per 275 meters after that. The size of the taxi will have differing costs, however, and there is an additional charge for nighttime (10PM- 5AM) fares. 

Remember that tipping is not common in Japan- you only need to pay what is on the meter!

How much does food & dining out cost in Hokkaido?

Traveling is hard work, and eating out is one of the biggest joys of traveling! Getting to experience new foods in a new place is always exciting, and with how popular and yummy Japanese food is getting to eat the real thing is great! 

Japan is known for its quality food, and everything from picking up rice balls at the convenience store to fine dining will be sure to be delicious. Most often, people are surprised at produce prices (fruits and vegetables) in comparison to their home countries, but dining out is often comparable.

Convenience Stores in Hokkaido

This will be the most basic and cheapest option (though I don’t recommend this for every meal!) Convenience stores such as 7-Eleven, Lawson, and Seicomart offer a lot of cheap on-the-go food choices.  They also offer a large variety, from rice balls to fried chicken, all for a couple hundred of yen. 

Plus, all sorts of bottled drinks and snacks are available as well. Because most restaurants are not open for breakfast options, if you don’t choose to eat at your hotel this might be your only option (besides chain restaurants and cafes like Starbucks).

Ramen, sushi and other quick dining in Hokkaido

Hokkaido and Japan are known for ramen, and it is not difficult to find noodle shops in most places. Ramen typically runs from around 700 to 1,000 yen, though it can vary greatly between shops.

There are other “quick dining” restaurants and chains that also serve filling and tasty food, such as sushi, gyoza (dumpling), udon noodle, soba noodle, and a large variety of other Japanese foods. Most of these shops will be around 1,000 yen, though prices differ depending on the dish.

Mid to high-end dining in Hokkaido

Hokkaido is known for its seafood and seasonal dining, and across the island there are a large variety of famous places. In these situations the sky (and your stomach) is the limit- from locally grown produce to Michelin-star sushi restaurants, let your tastes and your wallet lead you to a unique culinary experience. 

For a nice dinner with drinks, expect to pay around 4,000 yen per person.

Dining Costs in Hokkaido

How much do tours & activities cost in hokkaido.

There are a wide range of activities in Hokkaido, for both those who want to enjoy a slower pace and those who are seeking adventure. Let’s take a brief look at the most popular attractions in Hokkaido in 2021 and their associated costs.

Activity prices in Hokkaido – a guide

To find out more, read our blogpost about what to do in Hokkaido here.

How much does shopping cost in Hokkaido?

Like most places, Hokkaido has a range of shopping and prices. Most things will cost about the same as in Europe or the US, but visitors are often surprised by the prices of fresh foods and sporting goods. 

Take a look at the following chart to see how prices compare to your country.

Prices of common items in Hokkaido

A sample travel budget for Hokkaido

We have looked at a mix of available options throughout Hokkaido, so now let’s sum it all up and come up with a daily travel budget for Hokkaido.

Obviously depending on the style of your trip and the activities you want to do in Hokkaido your daily costs will change, but let’s see how much a mid-level trip throughout Hokkaido would cost roughly per day.

You would be staying in 3+ star hotels and the odd onsen resort or ryokan inn, eating fantastic Japanese food each night and exploring the great Hokkaido outdoors and discovering the local history and culture with guided activities and cultural visits.

Hokkaido daily travel costs – a summary

Accommodation: 8,000 – 14,000 yen

Transportation: 4,000 – 6,000 yen

Food: 6,000 – 8,000 yen

Activities: 1,000- 8,000 yen

This brings us to around 19,000 – 36,000 yen per day,  depending on where you stay, what you decided to eat, and the activities that you may want to do each day. Obviously, this can change easily, but this should give you an idea.

Make it easy and join an organized tour

As with travelling anywhere, especially somewhere as large and wild as Hokkaido, planning your trip is not without challenges. There are a lot of things to research, organize and keep track of and by joining a tour a lot of your travel costs are included and taken care of through one point of contact.

You’ll also love having English speaking support both before you travel and once you’re here. A lot of accommodation and activity operators in Hokkaido don’t speak English, especially the ones in the more remote and exciting places. At Adventure Hokkaido, we’ve been travelling all over Hokkaido for all our lives you can relax and leave all this work to us.

Travelling on a tour allows you to make the most of your time, whilst meeting like minded people along the way and never having to stress about misunderstandings over prices or worries about your trip going over budget. Plus you’ll have a guide with you to help you navigate shopping or any other purchases you need to make while you’re here.

See more about our  Hokkaido tours here,  we offer small group fully guided tours with local English speaking guides. Tours range from one to eleven days and include hiking, cycling, wildlife, cultural and adventure tours.

Ready to find out more?

See our Hokkaido hiking, cycling & nature tours

How to Plan Your Perfect Hokkaido Itinerary In 2024

• Last Updated: January 26, 2024

We visited some of the best parts of Japan in this 12-day Hokkaido itinerary , and want to inspire you to do the same!

Make no mistake about it, Hokkaido is big. Very big. Distances are vast, the landscape wild and untamed and the weather can change at the drop of a hat. That’s what makes planning your Hokkaido itinerary so difficult.

This is easily one of the most beautiful places we have ever had the pleasure of visiting.

Full of dramatic natural scenery, hot springs, delicious food, national parks, ski resorts, and charming towns, there is so much to see and do here.

It is also very likely that you will share this stunning scenery with very few people.

So if you have time for a Hokkaido road trip, definitely fit it into your Japan trip.

Table of Contents

Getting Around Hokkaido

When to visit hokkaido, day 1 – sapporo, day 2 – sapporo to asahikawa, day 3 – asahikawa to utoro (gateway to the shiretoko national park), day 4 – shiretoko national park, day 5 – shiretoko national park, day 6 – shiretoko national park to akan national park, day 7 – mashu-ko and mashu-dake, day 8 – mount io, kussharo-ko and akan-ko, day 9 – akan national park to new chitose via kushiro wetlands, day 10 – shakotan peninsula, day 11 – noribetsu onsen and lake toya, save this pin for later, hokkaido travel tips.

If you’re trying to design your Hokkaido itinerary there are a few things you need to keep in mind first. These are some of our Hokkaido travel tips.

READ MORE: Check out our other guide on the absolute best  things to do in Japan !

The best way to get around Hokkaido for this 12 day itinerary is by renting a car. You can check out our post on how to rent a car here .

Hokkaido does offer a JR pass, but services to the major national parks are limited and even then you will still need to take a bus or taxi to get into the parks proper.

Some of the most stunning scenery we saw was when we were driving. Having your own set of wheels will make your experience infinitely more enjoyable and convenient.

The best way to get around is to rent a car and explore on your own! We recommend Rental Cars , which has the largest range of vehicles for the best value on the market.

Hokkaido has 4 very distinct seasons and each of them have their merits.

Spring brings blossoming flower fields, summer brings bright sunny days, autumn gives us the changing of the leaves and winter dumps a few feet of snow all over the island.

We ended up doing our Hokkaido itinerary in autumn, which gave us beautiful colours and very few tourists. That being said it did bring some cold weather and occasional rain.

However depending on what your interests are you may prefer to travel in a different season. A Hokkaido 12 day itinerary can be beautiful at any time of year.

Our 12 Day Hokkaido Itinerary

This is the exact trip we did during our travels in Hokkaido, with a list of the places we visited, what we did and where we stayed. From the Sapporo Beer Museum and Beer Garden, to the national parks and lakes, this Hokkaido 12 Day Itinerary is packed with cool attractions!

We picked up our wheels and headed for Sapporo City at the start of our 12 day itinerary. This is a great opportunity to pick up some cold weather clothes if you haven’t got that many with you.

Outside of summer, it can get really cold, especially in Shiretoko and Akan. We brought some extra warm clothes and it was definitely a worthwhile investment.

Sapporo is a lovely city to wander around. Checking out the Sapporo TV Tower Observation Deck, Sapporo Clock Tower, Odori Park, Sapporo Beer Museum, and the botanical gardens is a great way to spend an afternoon.

In the evening we headed to the top of Mount Moiwa for a beautiful nighttime view over the city. The Sapporo TV Tower also has an incredible view from the Observation Deck, if you didn’t get the chance to visit there earlier in the day.

The fresh seafood is amazing, Hokkaido has the best sashimi in Japan according to the Japanese.

• Where To Eat: Ramen Yokocho and any izakaya serving sashimi.
• Where We Stayed:  We stayed in an AirBnB in Sapporo . This place does have parking, it is important to check that the places you stay in Hokkaido, be it hotels, guesthouses or airbnb’s have parking as it is not always a guarantee. Click here to get $35 off your first AirBnB stay .

Check out our brand new and complete guide on the best  things to do in Sapporo !

Next on our 12 day itinerary, this is where our Hokkaido Expressway Pass came into use. You save a few hours taking the highway to Furano. After getting off the highway it’s stunning scenery all the way to Furano.

If you’re visiting in winter, Furano Ski Resort is one of the best places to go skiing and snowboarding.

But you’ll likely be doing a road trip outside of winter when the weather is more favorable.

Be sure to check out Farm Tomita for a mind blowing display of colour. They sell everything lavender, including a rather delicious lavender ice cream. It sounds awful, but like almost everything in Japan it was delicious.

From here you can take route 237 winding through the Japanese countryside to the quaint little town of Biei. From here you can head to the Blue Pond, a place that you will find on many Japanese postcards.

We elected not to do the above. Instead we attempted to get to the Asahidake cable car station for sunset. The weather had been really cloudy all day until around 3:00 so we decided to go for it.

Around 800m we were surprised with a snow storm. Within a few minutes the road was slippery and our windscreen wipers creaking under the weight of snow. Unsurprisingly we abandoned our plans and headed towards Asahikawa for the night.

Where To Eat: Farm Tomita is a good start for a lavender based snack. An advantage of the hotel is the amazing little izakaya over the road from the hotel serving great food for an even better price.

Where We Stayed: Trend Hotel Asahikawa – Nice hotel, but you can probably find something cheaper when you visit Hokkaido, we booked very late in the day.

We had originally planned to spend the day exploring the Daisetsuzan National Park and then drive onto Shiretoko the next day, but the rain put pay to our plans. One advantage of this was it gave us extra time for later in the trip.

We took route E39 from Asahikawa, but be warned the area circling the northern end of the Daisetsuzan National Park will make you forget about the previous day.

This is a long drive, it probably took us between 4 and 5 hours with rest stops included. This and the previous days drive were where Hokkaido Express was invaluable. It saved us so much time by being able to use the highway.

Utoro is a tiny village at the edge of the Shiretoko National Park. As a result most restaurants stay open till around 8pm.

As a side note, the next town down from Utoro is Shari. Accommodation is usually a little cheaper here, but you a now an hour from the park as opposed to 15 minutes in Utoro.

Where To Eat: Options are pretty limited in terms of choice, however there is a great ramen restaurant and a lovely izakaya about 10 minutes walk from the hotel. Staff inside recommended these places to us.

Where We Stayed: Iruka Hotel – Great little guesthouse with friendly staff and a good breakfast .

We checked out the Shiretoko Go-Ko (5 lakes). The long walk around is pretty amazing and you get to sit through a rather interesting safety video about how to avoid bears. The main thing to take away from the video is that if a bear attacks you there is nothing you can do, so best avoid them.

We then checked out the Fureppe Waterfalls, which offers some pretty incredible views. Later on in the day we enjoyed a free foot bath. The guesthouse staff can mark them on a map for you.

One thing to note about Shiretoko is that the weather can change very quickly. Most of our time there was cloudy, but no rain and a fair few blue skies.

Where We Stayed: Iruka Hotel – Great little guesthouse with friendly staff and a good breakfast.  This guesthouse has a number of WOOFERs working there who can also offer great advice on what to do when you visit Hokkaido.

We spent day 5 of our Hokkaido trip on the eastern side of the peninsula around the port town of Rausu.

To get there follow the road to the Shiretoko pass. The pass is absolutely stunning and is a must if you’re in the area. you get amazing views over the coast, and if you are lucky you will be able to see the summit of Mount Rausu.

When you arrive in Rausu take a left and follow route 87 and check out some of the beach foot spas that run along the coastline. It’s a surreal experience to dangle your feet into a foot spa whilst waves from the sea of Okohtsk crash onto the beach.

The Kamuiwakka Hot Falls back towards Utoro make a great place to stop off on your way back. Do be aware that this is an unsealed 10km road. As soon as dusk hits be on the lookout for deer.

Where To Eat: Sashimi in Rausu. A tiny little restaurant south of the centre right on the coast gave us an incredible meal.

We drove via Abishiri along the Okhotsk road which offers some spectacular coastal views. Abishiri has a really interesting prison museum where you can learn about Hokkaido’s history.

From here we headed on to our onsen hotel close to Teshikaga in the Akan National Park. We entered the park along route 102 which takes you through a pass that gives you incredible views of Lake Kussharo. Try and get there around sunset for the best views.

Lots of accommodation in the area offers breakfast and dinner. We decided not to do dinner to give us the chance to go out and explore the nearby towns. Here it is the same story as Shiretoko, restaurants close early, so try and avoid eating late.

The rooms at the hotel do not have showers or baths in the rooms. You wash in the onsens  in the hotel. A word of warning, it can take a bit of practice to get the temperature right as the taps are extremely sensitive, but its a great way to start and finish your day.

Where To Eat: The nearest town is Teshikaga which has 2 restaurants and a bunch of convenience stores. Your choices are ramen or tempura. On the plus side, both are fantastic.

Where We Stayed: Hotel Parkway . Great little onsen hotel .

One of Hokkaido’s top hikes. Getting to the top of Mashu-Dake takes around 4-6 hours return. Bring plenty of water and warm clothes as the top of the mountain can be very cold.

A few minutes after getting to the top we were treated to our own private snowstorm ! You will need good shoes as the track can be slippery, and although it’s not a particularly challenging walk the last 400m are very narrow and steep so take care.

Also the car packing ticket you get at Mashu-Ko can also be used at Mt Io the next day or vice versa.

The hotel offers a great breakfast that comes complete with raw egg rice. You crack an egg into a little bowl whisk it and add some soy sauce before pouring it onto the warm rice. Delicious.

The scenery around Mount Io is to die for, but the smell is not pleasant, think Rotarua in New Zealand – lots of sulphur.

From here its a short drive to Kussharo where there are plenty of hiking options and a few hot water beaches on the shores of the lake. There is a great hike around the peninsula which gives some beautiful views.

Akan-Ko is approx 50km from Kussharo and is a little more developed for tourism than the other two lakes. The drive from Kussharo-Ko to Akan-Ko is particularly good, probably more interesting than Akan-Ko itself in our opinion.

Akan-ko has a rather cool little foot spa cafe. Perfect after a long day of exploring.

This is a long drive, be under no illusions. We left just before 10 and headed straight for the bihoro pass which is a must. Possibly one of the best views we got in Hokkaido.

From here we drove to the Kushiro wetlands, which is ok but there isn’t a huge amount to do. However it does give you a break from driving and the scenery on the way is excellent.

From here we jumped on the Doto Expressway around 2pm thinking there would be a service station fairly soon after where we could grab some lunch as we were starving. Sadly we were wrong, finally coming across one around 4:30. We ended up staying in New Chitose as there was no affordable accommodation around Shikotsu-Ko.

Where To Eat: The area is dotted with great eats. In particular some amazing izakayas and BBQ (yakinuku) restaurants.

Where We Stayed: Hotel Plus Hostel Sapporo . Has private and shared rooms so you can find something that suits your budget.

Not listed in guidebooks or J apanGuide.com, this peninsula an hour and a half outside of Sapporo is an undiscovered gem. We only found out about it after doing a google search of “what to do in Otaru” and this came up on a TripAdvisor thread.

Probably the most stunning coastland we drove in Japan, with only a few others on the road. Some lovely short walks around the peninsula are well marked by road signs.

From the Shakotan Peninsula back to Chitose you pass through the lovely little town of Otaru. At night the canal and the surrounding buildings are lit up, so its a great place to go for a wander. Also check out the little alleyways close to the canal that around stuffed full of izakayas.

Where To Eat: The alleyways around the Otaru Canal offer a huge variety of great food.

Where We Stayed : Sho Inn Otaru . A small but cosy and affordable hotel in Otaru.

Noribetsu is probably the most famous onsen town in Japan full of hot spring baths and naturally, it is very popular with tourists. In fact, this was probably the busiest place we visited during our time in Hokkaido, but we’d definitely recommend it.

There are plenty of great walks around Hell Valley and the one down to Ooyunuma and the Ooyunuma Foot Spa. A great place to dip your feet after a few steep hills. Very easy to get to from Sapporo or New Chitose.

Checking out Hell Valley itself is also super cool. This volcanic crater is filled with bubbling sulphur hot spring baths and dramatic natural colors. The name “Hell Valley” is fitting because it really looks other worldly.

Driving back from Noribetsu you can choose to check out Lake Toya or Lake Shikotsu in Shikotsu Toya National Park.

Lake Toya is one of the most famous sights to see when you visit Hokkaido. Surrounded by volcanoes and peaks, the gorgeous Lake Toya offers some of the most stunning views in the country.

If you’re visiting between April and October, you may get to witness the Lake Toya Long Run Fireworks Festival. On clear evenings, a 20 minute fireworks display lights up the skies around Lake Toya, which is a super cool event to witness.

Where To Eat: The dining options in Noribetsu is pretty pricey, but just outside the town there are plenty of cheap restaurants.

Where We Stayed: Dai-ichi Takimotokan . There are lots of accommodation options in the heart of Noribetsu but this one has a hot spring, hot tubs, and swimming pools.

Day 12 – Saying bye to our car and flying on to Hiroshima

We chose a great day to leave as southern Hokkaido was hit by a huge blizzard. We had planned to go and see Lake Shikotsu but the weather was awful. In fact the winds were so strong that trees were blown down blocking parts of the road that were already covered with snow and ice.

Sadly we only saw lake Shikotsu under a fair bit of snow, but it certainly seemed very pretty.

We rented with OTS. The car they gave us was a small modern hybrid which really saved on petrol. The service and packages they offer were comfortably the cheapest and they also have the Hokkaido Expressway Pass set up and installed for you.

Some other companies don’t offer this service and will send it to your hotel, which is pretty inconvenient.

Next stop was to head off and check out the best things to do in Hiroshima .

Renting a car for an epic Hokkaido trip is a once in a lifetime experience. This truly is a place of outstanding natural beauty, culture and hospitality and must for any traveller. Our only regret is that our photos cannot truly convey how beautiful it really is.

Richard Barnes

Hi, We’re Alesha and Jarryd!

We’ve been traveling the world together since 2008, searching for the planet’s best destinations and adventures.

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Hi, You wrote a great article and it is very informative, thank you very much. May I know when was the above trip: Day 1 ~ Day 12? I will be in Hokkaido from Oct 24 to Nov 3, not sure if it is still worth to travel to Asahikawa?

Hi, do give Richard a message over on his website. He will be able to help you. All the best. https://abearandapig.com/

Hi, I like this report about Hokkaido a lot, am just planing our trip. Been to many other places in Japan before. I only wanted to know, when you have been there, “autumn” is not exact enough to plan 🙂 so can you please be a bit more detailed(like End of Sept. …) ?? Thank you very much!

Hi, I read ur article and need ur advice. Arrive Chitose Airport 27/10/2019, company incentive trip covered Noboribetsu, Jigokudani, Otaru, Sapporo, Mitsui Outlet, Okurayama Ski Jump, Hokkaido Shrine & Tanukikoji St. From 30/10/2019 morning till return flight from Chitose 4/11/2019 09:35 is my free and easy session with another partner Any recommendation program for 30/10 to 3/11?

I will be visiting Hokkaido in November and the group will include elderly and young children. Appreciate if you can recommend itinerary that is suitable

Hope you had a great trip. 🙂

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• A Budget Travelers Guide To...

A Budget Traveler's Guide to Hokkaido

Japan has earned a reputation for being one of the most expensive countries to travel to, but that shouldn’t scare away backpackers and frugal travelers. With a bit of effort and planning, it’s easy to save money on your trip. Hokkaido, the northernmost island and second largest prefecture of Japan, offers several affordable travel options for those looking to explore the country without emptying their bank accounts.

Traveling around hokkaido.

The easiest way to get to Hokkaido is to fly from Tokyo to New Chitose Airport, near Sapporo. If you book your flights early enough, it’s possible to get a round trip ticket for around $100, which is significantly cheaper than taking the bullet train. To travel around the island, use a Hokkaido Rail Pass , which grants passengers unlimited access to all JR Hokkaido trains (local, express, and reserved, but not the bullet train) and most buses. To save time and avoid potential difficulties with the language barrier, order a voucher for the rail pass in your home country and then activate it after arriving in Hokkaido.

A mere 30 minutes from Sapporo city by train, this charming coastal town has a number of inexpensive attractions for budget travelers. Couples and families can take a quiet stroll through the cobblestone streets that run alongside the Otaru Canal, which is lit up by oil lamps in the evening. The Otaru Music Box Museum , a historical landmark and the largest producer of traditional music boxes in the country, is open daily and is free to enter. Old-fashioned architecture coupled with local shops and cafes provide an authentic “Old Japan” atmosphere that doesn’t cost much to enjoy.

There are plenty of affordable youth hostels or ryokan (traditional Japanese inns) in Hokkaido. The highest concentration of inns and hotels is in the capital city, Sapporo, but budget accommodation can be found anywhere that is worth visiting—especially near the region’s national parks or along the coastline.

A walk in the park

With its vast expanse of mountains, lush greenery, and coastal towns, there are natural wonders everywhere on the island. In fact, Hokkaido’s six national parks—some of which have no entrance fee—make up about 10% of the region’s total landmass. Even the bustling area that is downtown Sapporo is split by a massive park extending about 1.5km from east to west.

Street markets

Hokkaido is known among the Japanese as the “Kingdom of Food”, and with good reason. Not only does the island boast the freshest seafood, produce, and dairy in the country, but also offers most of these items at its celebrated wholesale markets , most of which are located in Sapporo. Customers can purchase live seafood and fresh produce straight from the source, or sit down at one of the various food stalls or restaurants for a quick lunch of local sushi and sashimi.

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Guides & Tips

10 reasons to visit hokkaido.

See & Do

The top 10 things to see and do in hokkaido.

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6 Traditions Only Locals in Hokkaido Can Understand

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Restaurants

10 restaurants that serve classic hokkaido dishes.

7 Wonderful Animals to Look Out for in Hokkaido

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A first-timer's guide to Hokkaidō, Japan

Oct 3, 2023 • 8 min read

Plan your perfect trip to Hokkaidō with this guide for first-time visitors © Jeremy Woodhouse / Getty Images

Japan’s northernmost island, Hokkaidō , is best known globally as a ski and snowboard destination – thanks to its legendary powder snow.

Outdoor adventure is the main reason to visit this naturally stunning region; beyond winter sports, the green season brings opportunities for epic hikes, cycling and camping trips, or simply slowing down and appreciating the photogenic landscapes. 

Travel in Hokkaidō is different than elsewhere in Japan : it’s more nature than people, and points of interest can be far apart. This makes it the best place in Japan for a road trip ; otherwise, you’ll probably want to stick to one area – so as to not spend most of the trip in transit. Plan the perfect trip to Hokkaidō with this guide to things that all first-time visitors need to know.

When should I go to Hokkaidō?

The best time to visit depends on what you plan to do and where you plan to go. For skiing and snowboarding, January and February are considered peak season (though most resorts stay open well into spring). Sapporo Snow Festival – Hokkaidō’s most famous festival – is also held in February, and during these months you’ll need to plan ahead, booking accommodations as early as possible.

While winter is the most popular time of year for international travelers, summer is peak season for Japanese visitors. July, August and September are the months for hiking, camping and cycling in and around the island’s spectacular national parks. Hokkaidō summers are mild compared to the rest of the hot and humid country, and typhoons don’t usually reach this far north (though they can mess up your flights from elsewhere in Japan).

Note that autumn, and then winter, comes early to Hokkaido. Snow can fall as early as September in the mountains, signaling the end of green season: trails and seasonal lodgings close, as do many roads. By November, snow could be falling in Sapporo , which means it is also getting cold, and will stay cold until sometime in April. Higher elevations start to thaw around May, though mountain peaks may retain snow into early summer. 

How long do you need in Hokkaidō?

Hokkaidō, being vast, rewards long stays. If you’re coming to ski or snowboard, the answer is probably as long as you can afford. With only a few days, you’ll want to stick to one resort; with a week, however, you could visit two resorts, for different experiences, or spend a couple of days exploring Hokkaidō’s capital city, Sapporo .

It’s hard to imagine coming to Hokkaidō for less than three days, unless you stick to Sapporo or Hakodate, at the southern reach of the island. With three or four days, you could visit some combination of Hakodate, Sapporo and Shikotsu-Tōya National Park, the easiest of Hokkaidō’s six national parks to reach. Alternatively, you could use one of the island’s regional airports to get out to one of the more remote parks, like rugged and wild Shiretoko National Park , and go off-grid for a few days.

With more like seven or eight days to work with, your itinerary could include several highlights; you could cover some distance, or explore one region in depth. With two weeks, you can really get to know the island, its fascinating topography and complicated history, and visit some truly off-the-beaten-track spots – like the islands that make up Rishiri-Rebun-Sarobetsu National Park in Hokkaidō’s far north.

Is it easy to get to and around Hokkaidō?

Hokkaidō is easy to reach thanks to New Chitose Airport, which has international connections to cities across Asia; frequent daily flights to Narita and Haneda airports in Tokyo and Kansai International Airport (for Osaka and Kyoto ); and other connections to regional airports around Japan. Direct trains connect the airport to Sapporo, the main transport hub for the island, in under 45 minutes.

It’s also possible to take the shinkansen – Japan’s iconic bullet train – from Tokyo to Hakodate; the journey, which travels through the oft-overlooked Tōhoku region, takes four hours. The shinkansen doesn’t go any further north than Hakodate (yet), but you can continue to Sapporo via limited express train, the next fastest train class. Sapporo itself is easy to get around; it’s compact and has subway and bus networks.

Limited express trains connect most of Hokkaidō’s major cities, and with a combination of these and local trains or buses it is possible to get to most places you’d want to go – including campgrounds, trailheads and snow resorts – entirely by public transportation. Rail passes, like the Japan Rail Pass and the Hokkaido Rail Pass, can make travel around the island more economical.

A car, of course, gives you more flexibility; rentals can be booked online to pick up at New Chitose Airport (with the right paperwork).

Top things to do in Hokkaidō

Niseko United is the resort that put Hokkaidō on the map as a ski and snowboard destination. It’s the biggest (actually four resorts in one); has the most amenities, including a cosmopolitan après scene; and consistently superlative powder. More recently, travelers have begun seeking out less well-known resorts, like Rurutsu and Furano, or back-country tours up peaks inside Daisetsuzan National Park. For the shortest of trips, you can’t beat Sapporo Teine, a popular local resort within 30 minutes of the city.

The peaks of Daisetsuzan, which means "playground of the gods" in the language of the Ainu, the Indigenous peoples of Hokkaidō, can also be explored on foot in summer. Along with Shiretoko, it’s among the best national parks for multi-day treks. Aforementioned Shikotsu-Tōya National Park is home to caldera lakes and hot spring resorts; the new National Ainu Museum is in nearby Shiraoi. 

While for many the whole point of Hokkaidō is to get away from city life, it should be noted that Sapporo – Japan’s fifth largest city – is an excellent place to spend some time, with dining and shopping opportunities, as well as some interesting sights, like a park designed by sculptor Isamu Noguchi. Historic port city Hakodate has some unique charms, including a morning market to rival Tsukiji in Tokyo.

My favorite thing to do in Hokkaidō

This is going to sound extremely American of me, but my favorite thing to do in Hokkaidō is drive. Driving in Tokyo, and really almost anywhere else in Japan, stresses me out; Hokkaidō, with its wide roads through vast country landscapes, feels just about the only place in the country where I can attempt an American-style road trip – windows down, stereo up and all that. Many motorcyclists from around Japan come to Hokkaidō for this reason, too.

I’ve also been fortunate to eat really, really well in Hokkaidō – mostly thanks to my work on Lonely Planet’s From the Source , and the team that helped put that together. I still think about the meals (and the people!) from that research trip; I don’t want to single any place out, but Menya Saimi and Daruma Honten in Sapporo and Kikuya Shokudō in Hakodate – in the morning market, actually – are probably the easiest to seek out.

How much money do I need for Hokkaidō?

On one hand, Hokkaidō can be the ultimate  Japan budget destination : in summer, there are campgrounds, including free ones. Some people really do cycle around parts of Hokkaidō, and travelers on two wheels (cyclists and motorcyclists) can stay in bargain crash pads called "rider houses," where a futon in a shared room usually costs no more than ¥1000. Washing, meanwhile, can be done in one of the island’s many public hot springs.

Peak snow season is another story: resort areas like Niseko have mostly upmarket lodgings, where rooms cost what they would at any other international resort. Cheaper options exist, but you have to look for them, and book months in advance. Lift tickets, however, are generally considered a good deal; a one-day all-mountain pass for Niseko United for the upcoming season costs ¥9500 – much cheaper than passes at resorts in North America, for example.

Otherwise, prices are fairly similar to elsewhere in the country.

• Capsule hotel: ¥8000 
• Basic room for two: ¥25,000
• Self-catering chalet: ¥40,000
• Train fare to Sapporo from the airport: ¥1150
• Bus fare to Niseko from the airport: ¥3000
• Coffee: ¥500
• Ramen in town: ¥1000
• Ramen on the slopes: ¥1600

How do I stay safe while traveling in Hokkaidō?

Winters in Hokkaidō are no joke. In January and February, temperatures rarely reach above freezing, while cold winds from Siberia bring dumps of pillowy snow. This makes for excellent skiing and snowboarding but also treacherous roads and off-piste conditions; take caution and consider joining a tour or using a guide if you have ambitious plans. Even in peak summer, temperatures can drop in the mountains, so take care to pack appropriately.

You’ll also want to read up on bears. Though not frequent,  higuma (brown bear) attacks do occur in Hokkaidō and hikers typically attach bells to their packs to ward them off. Information centers at the national parks are a good resource — be sure to stop in before setting out on a hike.

What shall I pack for Hokkaidō?

Major snow resorts all offer competitively priced gear rental packages, so you don’t have to have your own equipment to ski or snowboard in Hokkaidō. You can even rent a whole snow outfit, though there will be size restrictions. Some campgrounds offer gear rental, including tents, sleeping bags and camp stoves or grill sets, but this is more likely to require Japanese language skills to sort out. You can find shops selling outdoor equipment and clothing in Sapporo and Niseko. Montbell is a popular Japanese outdoor brand.

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Best Time to Visit

Weather & Climate

Best Hotels

Top Things to Do in Hokkaido

Top Things to Do in Sapporo

Best Hikes in Hokkaido

Amazing National Parks

Best Ski Resorts

Day Trips From Sapporo

Food to Try

Best Restaurants

Your Trip to Hokkaido: The Complete Guide

There is nowhere in the world like Hokkaido, let alone just in Japan. The nation’s north most island is an expansive landscape of snow-capped mountains, crystal blue lakes, and endless fields of lavender come summertime. Its capital city of Sapporo is often dubbed the “Tokyo of the north,” and is the birthplace of many of Japan’s best dishes. Home to its native Ainu people, Hokkaido is brimming with its own unique cultural history. All of this without mentioning the seasonal festivals, the skiing, and the three feet of snow in the depths of winter. Hokkaido is like nowhere else, and this is your complete guide to a trip around the island.

Planning Your Trip

Best time to visit : Hokkaido tends to be associated with its winter events and skiing but that doesn’t mean there isn’t plenty to do the rest of the year as the island is dry with low humidity  . Arriving in the winter does mean you get to enjoy the spectacular Sapporo Snow Festival in February and the carpet of snow that stays for the seasons whether you’re taking to the slopes or wandering the cities.

The summer is also a great time to visit Hokkaido as it doesn’t see the sweltering temperatures and typhoons that the rest of Japan does. You’ll also be able to enjoy the blooming flower fields and national parks, the many summer festivals, and take part in any number of outdoor activities like hiking, kayaking, and climbing. The colorful spring and fall seasons bring the cherry blossom and maple leaves so there really is no bad time to visit Hokkaido.

Language : The Japanese language is spoken on Hokkaido. Hokkaido Ainu is still spoken by the indigenous Ainu people  , mostly on the north side of the island, though very few speak it in their day to day life.

Getting Around : Much like the rest of Japan, the train rules supreme for getting around whether that’s the Sapporo subway or the trains that take you between the cities and towns. Your JR rail pass will work on the bullet trains and JR local trains here, and an IC card like Pasmo or Suica card is helpful for using the subway or city buses. You can also pay for goods in some stores with your IC card which can be easily purchased and topped up at subway stations. 

Intercity buses are also helpful if you want to save money or access areas that you can’t reach by train. Buses can be accessed from the main bus stations in major cities. 

Renting a car is also a very popular option in Hokkaido, the roads are open and the views are incredible and as much of Hokkaido’s beauty is nature-based, it makes seeing these natural sites much easier. It’s also worth remembering they drive on the left in Japan. 

Taxis are available in cities and can be flagged down by putting your arm out or can typically be found outside subway stations and tourist attractions. This is one of the most expensive ways to get around in Japan but can be useful.

Things to Do

Hokkaido is brimming with things to do with its wide stretches of untouched nature and its bustling cities, here are a few to start with.

• Wander Daisetsuzan National Park: A colossal national park in the heart of Hokkaido. Daisetsuzan is a pristine paradise of fields, forests, ponds, and mountains that can be comfortably explored for days.
• Jozankei Onsen: One of the most famous and celebrated onsen in Hokkaido, this hot spring offers picturesque valley views that radically change from season to season.
• Hokkaido Shrine: Found in Sapporo, thousands of visitors each year flock to this Shinto shrine. It’s also one of the best cherry blossom viewing spots on the island.
• Go Skiing at Niseko: South of Sapporo is the small village of Niseko, nestled at the foot of the jaw-dropping Mount Yotei, one of Hokkaido’s prime skiing locations.
• Visit the Ainu Museum : The only museum of its kind in Japan, this was created as a symbol of the Japanese government's commitment to treating the Ainu with respect  . Here you can get to know the culture of the indigenous people of Hokkaido which includes an open-air Ainu village to explore and music and craft classes.

What to Eat and Drink

Hokkaido has a lot to offer for food lovers and taking time to try the local delicacies is very worth your time. Since the climate is generally cooler, most of the dishes will leave you feeling warm and satisfied but this is also an island well known for its soft-serve ice cream, sweet treats, and above all, its seafood.

Try Lavender Ice-Cream and Wine in Furano: Furano is known for its amazing flower and lavender fields and this means it’s a great place to try Lavender ice cream and other desserts. If you’re a fan of vineyards then make sure to enjoy a wine tour of Furano.

Eat Seafood at a Seafood Market: Hokkaido is famous for its seafood and some of the best places to try the freshest seafood prepared in front of you is a seafood market. Some of the biggest on Hokkaido are Nijo Market, Otaru Seaport Market, and Kushiro Washo Market.

Try a Bowl of Ramen on Sapporo Ramen Street: Hokkaido is most famous for its miso ramen, but almost every type of Japanese ramen has a spot on Ramen Yokocho just waiting to be visited.

Try a Genghis Kahn Lamb Barbecue: Perfect if you’re traveling as a group, get together and enjoy a lamb barbecue (Jingisukan), a Hokkaido specialty named after the Mongolian soldiers' concave helmets and their preference for lamb.

Visit the Sapporo Beer Museum: Sapporo beer is one of the most beloved beers across Japan and the world, only rivaled by Asahi in terms of global fame. Head to the museum to tour the brewery and do tastings; plus you can visit the large restaurant attached where you can try a number of local dishes.

Where to Stay

Deciding where to base yourself in Hokkaido can be a challenge and many people opt to spend a few days in different areas so they can see the varied beauty of the island. Here are some of the main areas you can stay and what to do nearby. 

Sapporo: The major city of Hokkaido, basing yourself in Sapporo is a great idea if you want to see the city and enjoy some day trips like the nearby retro town of Otaru and Asahikawa. You can also reach some fantastic hot springs nearby such as Jozankei Onsen and Noboribetsu Onsen .

Lake Toya: A perfect place if you’re looking to relax and enjoy scenic views. The area is just over two hours from New Chitose Airport and surrounds the unique caldera Lake Toya and the active volcanoes of Usuzan and Showa Shinzan. Relax in the hot springs, visit Silo Observatory, take a cruise on the lake or hike around it!

Furano: Furano is a lovely base at any time of year but it’s blooming in color throughout the summer months. With local vineyards, independent artists to shop from at Ningle Terrace, and spectacular views of the Daisetsuzan mountains, Furano is a truly special part of Japan.

Ski Resorts: If you’re skiing, then there are plenty of resorts to choose from such as Niseko, Rusustu, or Kiroro which are all under two hours from Sapporo and accessible from the airport.

Getting There

Most international flights arrive at New Chitose Airport but if you’re flying domestically, there are 12 airports across the island which may prove more convenient. You can get the train into Sapporo from the airport which takes around half an hour.

If you're arriving into Sapporo on the bullet train, you'll be arriving into Sapporo Station and will be able to catch the subway from there. You can also change to other trains which will take you to other parts of the island.

Culture and Customs

• There's no need to tip in Hokkaido—same goes for Japan as a whole. In some cases, it can even be considered offensive.
• If you're shopping and paying in cash, make sure to place your money in the dish on the counter. Your change will also be placed thereafter. 
• Remember to carry some cash as some places don't take cards. You'll find plenty of ATMs around the city or in convenience stores like 7/11 or FamilyMart.
• The bow is the standard form of greeting in Japan, but a nod will usually suffice.
• When on the subway, make sure not to use the seats reserved for the elderly.

Money Saving Tips

Luckily, Hokkaido’s nature and outdoor pursuits provide a lot of opportunities for free and budget activities. If you enjoy nature trails or hiking, then you’ll find endless free activities in Hokkaido.

• Many of the festivals that are held in Odori Park are free so make sure to keep up with what’s going on in the city. 
• Make sure to try some convenience store food and coffee to save money. Stores like 7/11, Lawson, and Family Mart have excellent quality bento boxes and hot snacks.
• Take advantage of tax refunds while you’re shopping. Purchases of more than 5,000 yen (around $46) are exempt from the 10 percent consumption tax. Wherever you see the tax refund sign just show your passport and they’ll sort it out.

Hokkaido Tourism Organization. " About Hokkaido ."

United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization. "The Saga of the Ainu Language." October 2009

Japan National Tourism Organization. "The National Ainu Museum and Park Promotes the Life and Culture of Ainu people, an Ethnic Group Indigenous to Northern Japan."

The Top 15 Things to Do in Hokkaido

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Skiing in Japan: A Complete Guide

Guide to Sapporo in Hokkaido, Japan

The Top 9 Day Trips From Sapporo

18 Best Things to Do in Japan in Summer

Weather in Hokkaido: Climate, Seasons, and Average Monthly Temperature

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The Top 10 National Parks in Japan

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The Best Time to Visit Hokkaido

The 10 Best Hikes in Hokkaido

The Top 6 Ski Resorts in Hokkaido

Your Trip to Hiroshima: The Complete Guide

Matthew Baxter

Japan travel writer

Hokkaido Budget Travel Guide

Often forgotten by some tourists, Hokkaido (北海度) is Japan’s northern island. Unlike the rest of Japan, Hokkaido is much less developed and therefore is a great place to relax and enjoy some hiking. It gets super cold in winter, but is a great place to escape the humidity in summer.

Get the ultimate guide with my Hokkaido travel book

Things to see and do, accommodation.

We have included recommendations on each page, but the main tourist hubs with cheap accommodation are Sapporo ,  Asahikawa  and  Hakodate . There are usually cheap youth hostels and hotels in other places as well though, and expect to pay less than the rest of Japan.

Transportation

The main airport is New Chitose Airport , near Sapporo. There are plenty of LCC options .

Buses are usually both the cheapest and fastest options in Hokkaido, as the trains are not at all as frequent or fast as in the rest of Japan. Trains are still OK for short journeys though.

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• Travel Planning Guide

How much does a trip to Hokkaido Cost?

How much money should you budget for your trip to Hokkaido?

How much does a weekend trip to hokkaido cost.

• How much does a five-day trip to Hokkaido cost?
• How much does a one-week trip to Hokkaido cost?
• Hostel Prices
• Hotel Prices

The Cost of a Trip to Hokkaido

When it comes to exploring Hokkaido, travelers typically find themselves budgeting between $42 and $192 per day for solo adventures and $84 to $385 if you're traveling as a couple. Now, that's a broad range, but the typical trip, on average, is $97 (¥14,711) per person per day. This average cost covers sightseeing, accommodation, meals, and transportation, all from our large repository of travel expenses from previous visitors. Keep in mind, though, your personal spending might vary a bit based on your own level of luxury, travel style, and chosen activities. However, if you're visiting the highlights with some savvy planning, chances are your spending will vibe right around this average cost. For more details, check out the breakdown of expenses by category, plus the breakdown on accommodation and activity prices below.

If you're planning an Independent trip to Hokkaido, budget travelers should plan to spend around $42 (¥6,369) per day for their trip. This average includes hostels and budget hotels, affordable meal options, local transportation, and activities. If you're on a mid-range budget, plan for around $97 (¥14,711) a day which covers the cost of typical hotels, normal restaurants, and a variety of popular attractions. Luxury travelers should allow for $192 (¥29,125) a day, which would cover higher-end hotels, nicer restaurants, and more private tour options. All of these price ranges are based on our extensive travel cost data for Hokkaido from other travelers, along with hotel and tour data from travel companies.

On average, travelers spend around $291 per person during a three-day trip to Hokkaido. This average includes expenses for sightseeing, hotels, food, and local transportation. To align with this average price range, consider opting for mid-range hotels and dining at mid-level restaurants, while also allocating funds for entry tickets to popular attractions. For those seeking a more budget-friendly approach, it is possible to find lower-cost accommodations, dine at less expensive restaurants, and explore free activities. Also, many visitors choose to spend a higher travel budget, as Hokkaido offers a range of high-end hotels and restaurants for those seeking a more luxurious experience.

How much does a five day trip to Hokkaido cost?

With five days in Hokkaido, you can expect to spend about $486 total, not including transportation to and from the city. It's possible to stay close to this daily average by booking mid-range hotels, eating at normal restaurants, and paying for some entry tickets to popular attractions. It's possible to find lower-cost accommodations, eat at less expenive restaurants, and find more free activities if you want to spent less money.

How much does a one week trip to Hokkaido cost?

Most visitors spend between $294 and $1,346 for a one week trip to Hokkaido, with the average being $680 . This includes sightseeing, local transportation, food, and hotels. One week is enough time to have a more in-depth experience in Hokkaido. Also, one week allows you to be more flexible with your time and money, so you can potentially save money on some aspects of your trip while spending more on others.

Hotel Prices in Hokkaido

Based on our calculations from available hotels in the Hokkaido, the average price for a hotel room is $0 per night. To save money, or if you're planning a more luxurious trip, it's important to look at hotel prices based on the overall star-rating as well as guest reviews. Also, prices can vary by amenities and location. Check out more details from our analysis of hotel prices in Hokkaido here , and below is a breakdown of hotel prices by star-rating.

Should you do a tour in Hokkaido?

Many visitors enjoy the convenience of booking tours and activities while they visit, and Hokkaido has a wide array of things to do. These activities often include knowledgable guides and unique experiences. Tours range in price from [ACTIVITY_CHEAP_PRICE] for the [ACTIVITY_CHEAP] to [ACTIVITY_EXPENSIVE_PRICE] for the [ACTIVITY_EXPENSIVE] .

• Snowshoeing Adventures in a Winter Wonderland - Sapporo Viator $ 232
• Snowshoeing Adventures in a Winter Wonderland - Sapporo: $232
• Time Slip Experience in Hakodate with Custom Dress: $58
• Hokkaido Asahiyama Zoo,Furano and Biei English/Chinese Bus Tour: $84
• Hakodate Half-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide: $93
• Sapporo Custom Full Day Tour: $212
• Sapporo Afternoon Walking Tour 2h 30mins: $53
• Friday only! A Japanese food experience where you can enjoy hand-made soba noodles and a luxurious Japanese lunch! !: $166
• Half-day (4 hours) Sapporo city Tour: $185

More for Hokkaido

If you're planning a trip to Hokkaido, Japan, check out these other informative travel guides.

We've been gathering travel costs from tens of thousands of actual travelers since 2010, and we use the data to calculate average daily travel costs for destinations around the world. We also systematically analyze the prices of hotels, hostels, and tours from travel providers such as Kayak, HostelWorld, TourRadar, Viator, and others. This combination of expenses from actual travelers, combined with pricing data from major travel companies, gives us a uniqe insight into the overall cost of travel for thousands of cities in countries around the world. You can see more here: How it Works .

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Hokkaido travel blog — the fullest guide for a budget trip to hokkaido, japan.

The freshest seafood, the most succulent melon, the most spectacular night and the finest cheese cake, you can be found in Hokkaido, Japan a beautiful island in northern Japan. Let’s explore the wonderful island through this Hokkaido travel blog (Hokkaido blog) and guide — The fullest guide for a wonderful budget trip to Hokkaido for the first time from Hokkaido things to do, best places to visit in Hokkaido, best places to eat in Hokkaido to best shopping in Hokkaido with Living Nomads below.

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Visiting: Best places to visit in Hokkaido

Okurayama olympics museum.

This is a good destination not to be missed for travelers who love the sport. It is located at the foot of the ski-jump Okurayama, where it showed many kinds of material from the 1972 Sapporo Winter Games and international competitions such as the Nordic Skiing and the Universidad Winter Olympics which is held in Singapore. Also, visitors can undergo all of the world’s winter sports like snow jumping, sleigh bobs or skating. The sports here are very interesting for both adults and children.

Address: 1274 Miyanomori, Chuo-ku, Sapporo 064-0958, Hokkaido Opening hours: 9h-18h (seasonal change) Admission fee: Adult 600JPY, free for students from level 2 or below.

Asahiyama Zoo

The highlight of this place is the glass tunnel through the penguin lake, which allows visitors to watch the lovely birds swim in the water, or visitors can go to the glass-domed in the polar bear area and wolf to observe them at close distance. There are many species of native animals in Hokkaido, such as deer, eagles, cranes, and wolves (now extinct), as well as many animals from many countries of the world such as polar bears, no having tail monkey and giraffe. You can take the bus from Asahikawa Station will take 35 minutes, the fare is about 4 dollars.

Address: Higashi Asahikawacho Kuranuma, Asahikawa 078-8205, Hokkaido Opening time: End of April to mid-October: 9:30 am – 5:15 pm (entrance to 4 pm). Between October and early November: 9:30 am -4:30 pm (entrance to 4 pm). Between November and early April: 10:30 am to 3:30 am (entrance to 3 pm). Admission fee: 7 dollars / person.

Tomita Flower Farm

It is located in front of the majestic mountains of Daisetsuzan National Park, Tomita is covered with sprawling fields of flowers. It has a total of 12 flower fields and a 12-hectare forest. At this place, visitors can visit many factories producing workshops with many products from flowers such as flower drying workshop, perfume workshop, distillery workshop, and aromatherapy workshop. From June to September, the railway company will open one more temporary train station which is called Lavender Batake to meet the needs of visitors to move here.

Address: Kisen Kita 15-go, Nakafurano-Cho, Sorachi-gun, Hokkaido 071-0704 Opening time: 9 am – 4:30 pm (October to late April), 8:30 am – 6 pm (late April to September) Admission fee: Free

Designed by Sayuki Ueno, the Ueno farm is a gorgeous flower garden of English-style, after a long time, it has been rebuilt to match the weather and soil in Hokkaido. There are many indigenous seasonal flowers in southern Japan, and there are also many perennial plants with a strong vitality. There are many species of animals, birds to help visitors become more interesting.

Address: 186, Nagayama-16, Asahikawa, Hokkaido Opening time: 10 am to 5 pm. Closed Monday every week. Admission fee: Adults: 4.5 dollars, Free for children under 12 years old.

Night view from Hakodate Mountain

After joining a cable car (cable car with a capacity of 100-200 people for one route) to the top of Mount Hakodate, visitors will be watching the beautiful, sparkling, and crystal night view. Having many feedbacks said, “the night scene is much nicer on Christmas days”. This property is rated 3 stars in the Japanese Michelin Guide. The best night view is 30 minutes after sunset.

Address: Hakodateyama, Hakodate 040-0000, Hokkaido. Admission fee: Roundtrip is about 6 dollars for children and about 11 dollars for adults (cheaper for groups of 15 or more).

Shiroi Koibito Park

Shiroi Koibito Park is a great destination which is built on the idea of delicious dishes, fun and fairy tale about the sweet past. In addition to the famous Shiroi Koibito Factory, the park also features a coffee shop where guests can enjoy confectionery produced by Ishiya Co., or homemade Cookie Cake, Toy Gallery and Rose Garden.

Address: Miyanosawa 2-jo 2-chome, Nishi-ku, Sapporo 063-0052. Opening time: 9am – 6pm Admission fee: Age from high school students and higher: 5 dollars, junior high and lower: about 2 dollars (pet ban)

Yamamoto fruit orchard

In the garden, you can pick any kind of fruit you like. The fruit here is grown by organic methods. There are many seasonal fruits like strawberries, cherries, plums, peaches, blueberries, dried plums, apples, chestnuts, and pears. There are also guest houses and shops.

Address: 1102-5, Nobori-machi, Yoichi-Cho, Hokkaido. Opening time: Daily. Admission fee: 9 dollars/ adult, 7 dollars / primary student. Tickets for picking and dropping: 16 dollars / adult and 15 dollars / student.

Nikica Whiskey Yoichi Liquor distillery

The distillery was built in 1934 by Masataka Taketsuru, the Japanese who called the father of Whiskey. In addition to the winery workshop, the Whiskey Museum displays a wealth of interesting ingredients and whiskeys, along with the history of Whiskey Nikka where Taketsuru and his Scottish wife live. Nine ancient buildings, including the first kiln, were recognized as intangible cultural heritage in 2005.

Address: Kurokawa-Cho, Yoichi-machi, Hokkaido Opening time: 9 am to 5 pm Admission fee: Free

Eating: Best places to eat in Hokkaido

Ramen asahikawa village.

Ramen Asahikawa Village, located on the outskirts of Asahikawa, it features by its 8 branches in Aoba, Santoka, Baikohken, Ittetsu-an Matsuda, Tenkin, Ishida, Kobo, Kato, and Saijo are famous with ramen noodle. Because the menu is mostly written in Japanese, if you have trouble ordering, visitors can point to the picture of the bowl of ramen noodle which they like most. Guests can find most of Ramen noodle shops Asahikawa Village in Asahikawa center. And perhaps you should not miss the opportunity to take pictures with a huge bowl of ramen noodles.

Address: Nagayama 11-jyo, 4-chome, Asahikawa, Hokkaido 079-8421 Opening hours: Daily from 11 am – 5 pm Price: 8 dollars to 17 dollars/person. Transportation: 20 minutes by taxi from JR Asahikawa MRT Station.

Kaiseniya Otaru Isozushi Restaurant

This is a small Japanese restaurant on Sakaimachi Street that sells seafood and sushi with great flavors. The restaurant has 72 seats and is open all week and Sundays also. There is a large water tank containing live octopus in front of the shop, and octopuses are moved here daily from Hakodate.

Address: 4-1 Sakaimachi, Otaru 047-0027, Hokkaido Opening hours: 10am – 6pm Price: 17 dollars-35 dollars/

Nikka Kaikan Taru Restaurant

This restaurant is located inside the Nikka Yoichi Whiskey Distillery. After visiting and trying whiskey, it’s probably no better to enjoy Japanese dishes such as sushi, tempura, noodles, miso soup and shabu hot pot. Chan Chan Yaki (Salmon) is a must-try dish when you come here. The restaurant has quiet space, great service, and delicious food.

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HOKKAIDO MULTI-CITY TOUR: Budget Travel Guide & Itineraries

There’s a weird reason why I associate Hokkaido with my childhood. Back when I was a kid, if you were to ask me what Hokkaido is, I’ll probably give the same answer any other oblivious Pinoy child would’ve thought of first: canned mackerel.

Let me explain. Back in the day, canned seafood in the Philippines were dominated by Japanese-sounding brands. Any well-stocked sari-sari store can teach a lesson or two on Japanese syllabication. But for some reason, Hokkaido stuck with me. Maybe because the other brands are for canned sardines, which are common fare. But Hokkaido, now, Hokkaido is a leading brand for mackerel. It’s an unconventional delicacy, reserved only for the cool, slightly drunk uncles. Served as pulutan, it’s a special dish for special occasions, like a Pacquiao fight or the PBA Finals.

As I matured (superficially, at least), I eventually came to know that Hokkaido represents an entire region in Japan, and an important region at that, known for its natural beauty, its winter destinations, and of course, its seafood industry. Little did I know that Hokkaido will be the place I’ll experience winter firsthand, a dream for every Filipino kid. Young me would’ve picked his jaw off the floor.

It’s a little surprising, really, that Hokkaido is rarely in the conversation when Pinoys talk about winter holidays. For one, if you’re out to experience snow, you won’t find any as fine as what’s found in this region. Secondly, Japan is probably the most accessible country for Filipinos to enjoy winter. The cost of traveling to Japan has significantly gone down: it’s fairly easy to secure a visa, and budget flights and hotels are becoming more common. In addition, the Japanese National Tourism Organization (JNTO), along with low-cost carriers like JetStar Airways , are making a push in promoting Hokkaido as a major destination for Filipino travelers.

WHAT'S COVERED IN THIS GUIDE?

UNDERSTANDING HOKKAIDO

You can say Hokkaido represents Japan’s frontier. It is the country’s largest and northernmost prefecture, second only to Honshu in size, and comparable to our own island of Mindanao. The name Hokkaido literally means “Northern Sea Circuit”: it’s so far up north that it’s nearer to Russia than Tokyo. Hokkaido is also Japan’s coldest region, with January temperatures averaging −6 °C. Three major bodies of water surround the island: The Sea of Japan in the west, the Sea of Okhotsk in the northeast, and the Pacific Ocean in the southeast.

The island was known historically as Ezo or Yesso, and has been largely unsettled by the Japanese until the 19th Century. The Ainu, Japan’s indigenous people, has been on the island longer; Hokkaido is their traditional homeland, and there are still parts of the island where Ainu culture is prevalent. In the late 1940’s, when the island became a full-fledged prefecture, the name Hokkaido was chosen to represent its entire government unit. Because of its size (it makes up 22% of Japan’s total landmass), Hokkaido is further divided into 14 sub-prefectures, with Sapporo as the capital.

Among the prefectures, Hokkaido is Japan’s least developed, and most of the island remains untouched by urbanization. There are currently six natural parks in the island recognized and protected by the Japanese government.

Here are the major cities and towns.

• Otaru is a city located at the western coast, facing the Sea of Japan. It played an important factor in the region’s fishing and maritime industry, and is still a major port city in the region. Many of the city’s old establishments, especially around the Otaru Canal, are still intact, and visiting these make for a nice day stroll. Popular attractions include the Music Box Museum and the Otaru Art Base, a complex of art museums and studios. Also, your visit won’t be complete if you don’t partake in the Otaru Canal Cruise.
• Hakodate is a city in Hokkaido’s southern coast and one of the region’s main gateways by sea. Located in Hokkaido’s southern coast, Hakodate was one of the first Japanese cities to open to international trade, and many old structures with western architecture still dot the city. Mount Hakodate, Onuma Park, and Fort Goryukaku, a western-style fortress, are key attractions in the city.
• Asahikawa is located in central Hokkaido and currently owns the record as the coldest city in Japan. It holds its own popular winter festival that rival Sapporo’s.
• Niseko is a resort town where some of Japan’s finest powder snow can be found. Located at the foot of Mt. Annupuri (“the Mt. Fuji of the North”), the town has a total of six world-class ski areas, connected by a broad transit system.
• Furano , Hokkaido’s “belly button”, is a picturesque city smack-dab in the center of the island, well-known for its lavender fields and panoramic rolling hills. Biei, a nearby town, contains The Blue Pond, Shiragane Falls, and the Daisetsuzan Natural Park. Because of the area’s natural beauty, many Japanese movies, commercials and dramas have used Furano as the setting for their stories.

Here’s additional practical info about the region:

• Language : Japanese (Nihongo). English is not widely used, if at all. Signs on streets, businesses, and tourist spots may include English translations, but not all.
• Currency : Japanese Yen (JPY, ¥). JPY 1000 is roughly USD 9.3, EUR 7.6, PHP 484 (as of Feb 2018).
• Modes of payment : Cash is preferred.
• Electricity Info : 100V, Type A sockets. Plugs have two flat pins.

BEST TIME TO VISIT HOKKAIDO

Hokkaido has long, cold winters and short, mild summers. For four months every year, the average temperature is in the negatives, and even in August, during the height of summer, the temperature rarely goes north of 20°C.

Hokkaido is both a major winter and summer destination. During January and February, several cities simultaneously celebrate their own winter festivals, which draw millions of domestic and foreign tourists. In the summer, travelers are enticed by the natural beauty of Hokkaido’s heartland, with its rolling hills, flower farms and scenic waterways. Festivals occur year-round, and the cities often has a holiday to celebrate for all four seasons.

• Sapporo Snow Festival – The Snow Festival in Hokkaido’s capital is one of the most popular winter events in Japan, usually happening during the first two weeks of February. During the festival, the streets are illuminated by lanterns and electric lights, while hundreds of ice sculptures decorate key places like Odori Park, Susukino District, and the Sapporo Community Dome (Tsu Dome). The festival also hosts a yearly ice sculpting competition, with participants from all over the world.
• Asahikawa Winter Festival – Asahikawa’s own winter festival occurs almost the same time as Sapporo’s. While smaller in scope, Asahikawa’s festival is no lesser in grandeur. Gigantic ice sculptures, fortresses, and play parks (boasting some of the longest snow slides in the country) are common fare in an event that lasts two weeks.
• Otaru Snow Light Path Festival – During this ten-day festival, major streets and structures in Otaru are decorated with lanterns and miniature snow statues. The highlight of the festival occurs at the Otaru Canal, where hundreds of floating lanterns are set adrift on the canal at nighttime, creating a vivid, romantic winter atmosphere.
• Cherry Blossom Season – Spring in Hokkaido arrives much later than the rest of Japan. This means that every year, Hokkaido is one of the last places to experience the cherry blossom season. If you’re eager to witness the blooming of sakura in Hokkaido, be sure to visit the region in early- to mid-May.
• Lavender Season – Furano and Biei’s rolling farm fields are a sight to behold, and even more so in the summer. During this time, the fields are rife with color, as lavender and other flowers are in full bloom. To catch the best view, visit Furano and Biei between mid-July to mid-August.
• Yosakoi Soran Festival – Yosakoi is a dance festival celebrated throughout Japan. In Hokkaido, various cities take part in the festivities, the biggest of which happens in Sapporo. Up to 30,000 performers from across Japan and abroad participate in this region-wide parade of color and choreography.
• Hakodate Port Festival – Usually occurring during the first week of August, this summer festival is Hakodate’s most popular, with fireworks displays, parades, and dances celebrating the city’s status as a port city and gateway to Hokkaido.
• Belly Button Festival – This lighthearted festival is a summer event in Furano, around the same time when the lavender fields are in full bloom. For comedic effect, participants paint their bellies with colorful, comical faces, so that the parade resembles an army of large heads trooping and dancing to the beat.

When traveling to Hokkaido, do take note of the following periods:

• Winter Festival Season: Late January to early February
• Cherry Blossom Season/Golden Week: Mid-April to early May
• Furano/Biei Lavender Season: Mid-July to mid-August
• Fall Foliage peak (When foliage is at its most colorful): Early- to mid-October

During these times, tourist spots and attractions will be at their peak capacity, which mean longer queues, slower traffic, and noisier crowds. It will also be harder to secure hotel or resort reservations. This can affect not just your budget, but also your schedule, your mood, and overall experience, so plan your holiday well in advance.

HOW TO GET A JAPAN VISA

As long as you have the required documents, it’s now fairly easy to secure a Japan visa. Also, if you’ve been to Japan several times already, your chances of getting a multi-entry visa is higher, though you need to formally request for one. We’ve prepared more detailed guides – and an FAQs – on how to secure a Japan visa in separate articles:

• How to Apply for a SINGLE Entry Japan Visa
• How to Apply for a MULTIPLE Entry Japan Visa
• Japan Visa Frequently Asked Questions

HOW TO GET TO HOKKAIDO

The most efficient method of travel is via plane, and the New Chitose Airport, located near Sapporo, is Hokkaido’s largest and busiest. All international flights to Hokkaido land here. If you’re traveling to Hokkaido for a holiday, most likely you’ll start your itinerary here. The New Chitose Airport is a modern, well-designed hub, complete with shops, a hotel, and cinemas. It even has its own seafood market and hot spring baths! For convenient transits, the airport also has a JR train station and bus terminals within the vicinity, to quickly take you to Otaru, Asahikawa, and other cities.

Jetstar Airways offers the only low cost option for air travel to Sapporo. From Manila, Jetstar travels to Sapporo via Tokyo or Osaka, up to seven times daily. A regular round-trip, four-flight ticket from Manila to Sapporo (via Tokyo) can be as low as JPY 32,000 (PHP 17,000). You can also get even cheaper tickets during Jetstar’s regular promo sales.

Take note that when you arrive in your first stop, you’ll need to go through Customs and Immigration first, then proceed to the designated terminal for your Sapporo flight. This may involve retrieving your luggage, then checking it in again for the domestic flight.

WHERE TO STAY IN HOKKAIDO

As a major tourist destination, Hokkaido is not lacking in comfortable, affordable hotels and hostels. If you’re point of entry is the New Chitose Airport, most likely your main base of operations will be Sapporo. For a multi-city tour, you’ll probably also going to spend a night or two in Otaru or Asahikawa. For nature or winter sports buffs, Furano or Niseko are ideal places to stay as well, though room rates might be slightly higher in these resort cities.

Here are the top-rated budget hotels and hostels in major destinations in Hokkaido as scored by online users.

The STAY Sapporo Hostel 1008-10 Minami 5 Nishi 9, Chuo-ku, Chuo-ku, Sapporo-shi, Hokkaido, Japan, 064-0805

✅ CHECK RATES & AVAILABILITY

Our Sapporo Travel Guide provides additional information when staying in Hokkaido’s capital.

Hotel Nord Otaru 1-4-16 Ironai, Otaru-shi, Hokkaido, Japan, 047-0031

Smile Hotel Otaru 3-5-14 Inaho, Otaru-shi, Hokkaido, Japan, 047-0032

Court Hotel Asahikawa 9-50-1 Ichijo-dori, Asahikawa-shi, Hokkaido, Japan, 070-0031

Premier Hotel CABIN Asahikawa 1 Jodori-7 Chome, Asahikawa-shi, Hokkaido, Japan, 070-0031

Furano Natulux Hotel 1-35 Asahi-cho, Minamifurano-cho, Sorachi-gun, Hokkaido, Japan, 076-0026

Hotel Naturwald Furano 14-46 Kitanomine-cho, Minamifurano-cho, Sorachi-gun, Hokkaido, Japan, 076-0034

POCKET WIFI RENTAL IN HOKKAIDO

Like the rest of Japan, Hokkaido has FREE public Wi-Fi hotspots, and FREE private ones in places like coffee shops or malls. However, if you prefer to get connected regardless of place and time, or you depend on a more secure connection, you can either rent a pocket Wi-Fi or get a 4G sim. Better if you make the reservation with Klook before the trip, so you can pick up your sim or pocket Wi-Fi once you arrive at the airport.

Here’s where you can book pocket 4G wifi:

Pocket Wifi with 7GB Data: Reserve Here

Pocket wifi with unlimited data: reserve here, how to get from new chitose airport to hokkaido cities.

New Chitose Airport to Sapporo

There is a direct train service from the airport to Sapporo. At NEW CHITOSE AIRPORT Station, board either the Rapid Airport or JR Chitose line bound for SAPPORO (JR) or TEINE. The JR Chitose line stops at more stations, and is only available from 6 to 8 AM. The Rapid Airport line is open from 8 AM to 10 PM, with fewer stops. Disembark at SAPPORO Station. Depending on the line, the trip usually takes 40 minutes to one hour. Cost : JPY 1,070; optional fees for Reserved Seats

New Chitose Airport to Otaru

There is also a direct service from the airport to Otaru. From the NEW CHITOSE AIRPORT Station, board a Rapid Airport train bound for OTARU Station. The trip will take 83 minutes. Disembark at OTARU. Cost : JPY 1,780; optional fees for Reserved Seats

New Chitose Airport to Asahikawa

There is no direct train service and you need to transfer trains. From the NEW CHITOSE AIRPORT Station, board either the Rapid Airport or JR Chitose line bound for SAPPORO or TEINE. Upon arrival at SAPPORO Station, get off the train and transfer to either the Kamui or Lilac Limited Express trains. These trains will stop at ASAHIKAWA Station. The trip will take around 130 minutes. Cost : JPY 5,180; optional fees for Reserved or Green Seats

New Chitose Airport to Hakodate

You need to transfer once in this trip. From the NEW CHITOSE AIRPORT Station, board the Rapid Airport line bound for OTARU. At MINAMI-CHITOSE Station, get off the train and transfer to the Super Hokuto Limited Express line. This line will stop at HAKODATE Station. Travel time is at 203 minutes. Cost : JPY 7, 590; optional fees for Reserved or Green Seats

New Chitose Airport to Niseko

Two transfers are needed for this trip. At NEW CHITOSE AIRPORT Station, board a Rapid Airport train heading for OTARU. Disembark in OTARU, then board the JR Hakodate line bound for KUTCHAN. Once in KUTCHAN, get off the train once more, and board the JR Hakodate line bound for OSHAMAMBE. This line will make a stop at NISEKO Station. Travel time is at 200 minutes. Cost : JPY 3,470; optional fees for Reserved Seats

New Chitose Airport to Furano

Two transfers are needed for this trip. Starting at NEW CHITOSE AIRPORT Station, board a Rapid Airport train bound for SAPPORO. Step off once you arrive at Sapporo, then take the Lilac or Kamui Limited Express to ASAHIKAWA. Disembark at ASAHIKAWA Station and transfer to the JR Furano line, the last stop of which is FURANO Station. Travel time is 206 minutes. Cost : JPY 6,260; optional fees for Reserved or Green Seats

New Chitose Airport to Biei

No direct service is available, and you need to transfer twice. From the NEW CHITOSE AIRPORT Station, board a Rapid Airport train bound for SAPPORO (JR) Station. Disembark once you arrive in SAPPORO, then take the Lilac or Kamui Limited Express train heading for ASAHIKAWA. Once you’re at ASAHIKAWA Station, get off the train once more and transfer to the JR Furano line. This train will stop at BIEI Station. Travel time: at least 172 minutes. Cost : JPY 5,610; optional fees for Reserved or Green Seats

HOW TO GET AROUND HOKKAIDO

The Hokkaido Railway Company, better known as JR Hokkaido, is the primary railway operator in the island. JR Hokkaido’s network is not as extensive as those in the mainland, but it is adequate enough to connect major cities and towns in the region.

If you feel you’ll be using JR trains significantly, you may consider getting a JR Hokkaido Rail Pass. It allows you to conveniently ride all JR trains in the region. Ride-all-you-can, if you will. However, at JPY 16,500 for the basic 3-day pass, you may want to determine first if the expense is worth it for your trip. Also, the pass doesn’t cover certain rides, like subways and the Shinkansen, for example.

The following provides a quick guide on how to travel to key Hokkaido cities by train, if your starting point is the New Chitose Airport. Take note that the New Chitose Airport JR Station can be found below the airport’s main terminal building.

Buses solve the problems trains can’t. They often go to places where trains can’t reach, including scenic spots and hotels. They are also comparatively cheaper than trains. New Chitose Airport has an adjacent bus station, with shuttles that will take you directly to key locations in Sapporo and other cities.

One drawback is that Hokkaido has so many bus networks and operators, and enumerating them all in one travel guide would be one Herculean task. One way to deal with confusing schedules is to get an Inter City Bus Pass. Like the JR Hokkaido Rail Pass, the Inter City Bus Pass allows you to use the bus transport system to get to 20 cities and over 100 attractions with just one pass. It costs JPY 8000 for 5 days of unlimited use. You need to apply online, and when you retrieve it, you need to present your passport and booking confirmation.

If a Bus Pass is a little too expensive for you, I recommend a couple of tools to make navigating bus and train schedules much easier: Hyperdia.com and Google Maps. It’s as easy as typing your starting point and destination, and watching as these two work their magic. I often use the two concurrently: Hyperdia provides more accurate prices and stops, while Google Maps allow me to check my exact location along the way. For a more comprehensive guide on how to navigate Hyperdia, you can check out our article below.

READ : How to Use Hyperdia

Taxis are ever-reliable choices to get you where you need to go, especially if you’re pressed for time, or if you only have an address to show. Japan taxis are renowned for their efficiency, and Hokkaido taxis are no different. They are quite expensive, though, and I only personally use them as a last resort.

By Streetcar

Sapporo and Hakodate were designed like a grid, with wide and long streets, perfect for streetcars. While I’ll probably ride a streetcar just for the novelty of it, it can still be viable way to get from point A to B, especially in cities as large as Sapporo.

If the roads above are heavy with traffic, why not opt for the underground? Sapporo has a subway system as extensive as the rails above it, and is a fine addition to your arsenal of transport choices in this chilly city. Note the JR Hokkaido does not operate the subway system, so you can’t use your unlimited Rail Pass here.

SAMPLE HOKKAIDO ITINERARIES

A Hokkaido holiday has admittedly more nuances than the usual Japan trip, and with each additional step there’s going to be expenses involved. A well-planned itinerary can help reduce unwanted expenses, while amplifying the experience for each attraction. Here’s a couple of sample itineraries, both a summer and a winter holiday. Note that this is designed for two persons, so some of the expenses can be divided between two.

Let me tell you this early — just to manage your expectations — that a multi-city tour across Hokkaido will still end up relatively expensive FOR A SIGHTSEEING TOURIST even after using whatever travel hack you have in the bag. The mere idea of hopping from one city to another will entail costs. And in Japan, transportation can cost more than what you’re probably used to.

Sample Hokkaido Summer Itinerary

Day 0: ARRIVAL AT SAPPORO 5pm – Arrive at New Chitose Airport, travel to hotel (JPY 1070 + 200) 6pm – Check in at hotel, Dinner 8pm – Rest

Day 1: ODORI PARK & SAPPORO BEER MUSEUM 8am – Breakfast at hotel 9am – Odori Park 11:30am – Lunch 1pm – Sapporo TV Tower, Sapporo Clock Tower, and Hokkaido Government Building 4pm -Sapporo Beer Museum (JPY 500 for beer samples) 6:00pm – Dinner at Sapporo Beer Garden (JPY 2900 for all-you-can-eat) 9pm – Return to hotel

Day 2: SHIROI KOIBITO PARK & SUSUKINO 8am – Breakfast at hotel 9am – Shiroi Koibito Park & Ishiya Chocolate Factory 12pm – Lunch 3pm – Susukino Entertainment District 6pm – Dinner at Ganso Sapporo Ramen Street (JPY 800) 8pm – Return to hotel

Day 3: FURANO 7am – Breakfast at the hotel, checkout 8am – Travel to Furano 11am – Check in at hotel, rest 12pm – Lunch 1pm – Farm Tomita, Tomita Melon House, Choei Lavender Farm, and Saika no Sato 6pm – Dinner and return to hotel

Day 4: BIEI 6am – Breakfast at hotel, Checkout, Leave luggage 7am – Travel to Biei Station 8am – Arrive at Biei Station, reserve seats for Biei View Bus* (JPY 2000) 9:45am – Biei View Bus Tour (Blue Pond, Shiragane Falls, Panorama Road) 12:30pm – End of tour, Travel back to Furano 1: 30pm – Lunch and shopping at Furano Marche, retrieve luggage from hotel 3:45 – Travel to Otaru Station 7pm – Arrive at Otaru, check in at hotel, Dinner

*The Biei View Bus is only available in the summer, between mid-June to late-October (the yearly schedule varies). You need to make a reservation in any JR Hokkaido station 2 days in advance, or at Biei Station the day of the tour.

Day 5: OTARU 7am – Breakfast at hotel 9am – Shopping at Don Quijote 12pm – Lunch 2pm – Otaru Canal Cruise 3pm – City walking tour 4pm – Sakaimichi Shopping Street 5pm – Otaru Music Box Museum 7pm – Dinner and return to hotel

Day 6: RETURN 6am – Breakfast, checkout at hotel 8:30am – Travel from Otaru to New Chitose Airport

Sample Hokkaido Winter Itinerary

Day 0: ARRIVAL AT SAPPORO 5pm – Arrive at New Chitose Airport, travel to hotel 6pm – Check in at hotel, Dinner 7pm – Susukino District (Susukino Ice World) 8pm – Return to hotel

Day 1: SAPPORO BEER MUSEUM & ODORI PARK 8am – Breakfast at hotel 9am – Shiroi Koibito Park & Ishiya Chocolate Factory 11am – Lunch 2pm – Sapporo Beer Museum 5pm – Early Dinner at Sapporo Beer Garden 6pm – Odori Park 9pm – Return to hotel

Day 2: TSUDOME & SHIROI KOIBITO PARK 8am – Breakfast at hotel 9am – Tsu Dome Community site – Snow Festival Celebrations 12pm – Lunch at Tsudome 1pm – Shiroi Koibito Park & Ishiya Chocolate Factory 6pm – Dinner 8pm – Return to hotel

Day 3: NISEKO 7am – Breakfast at hotel, checkout 9am – Travel to Niseko 2160 1pm – Check in at hotel, lunch 12000 1:30pm – Lunch 2pm – Skiing and other snow activities 5pm – Onsen 7pm – Return to hotel, dinner

Day 4: NISEKO-OTARU 7am – Breakfast 8am – Snow Activities/Onsen 11am – Early lunch, checkout 12pm – Travel to Otaru (JPY 1450) 2pm – Check in at Hotel (JPY 7000 for 2 pax) 3pm – Otaru Canal Cruise (JPY 1500) 4pm – City walking tour 5pm – Early dinner 6pm – Otaru Snow Light Path Festival Activities 9pm – Return to hotel

Day 5: OTARU 8am – Breakfast 10am – Shopping at Don Quijote Otaru 12pm – Lunch 1pm – Sakaimichi Shopping Street 3pm – Otaru Music Box Museum 6pm – Dinner 7pm – Return to hotel

Breakdown of Expenses

Please note of the following:

• The total cost estimates are per person.
• The estimates do not include airfare.
• The estimates assume you are a group of 2, splitting a cost.
• Make the necessary adjustments depending on the season and other factors.

Summer Trip

Total travel expenses (excluding airfare): JPY 13,960 Total hotel expenses: JPY 40,500 Food 6 days x 1000: JPY 6000 Sapporo TV Tower: JPY 700 Biei View Bus: JPY 2000 Otaru Canal Cruise: JPY 1500 Sapporo Beer Museum samples: JPY 500 Sapporo Beer Garden All-You-Can-Eat: JPY 2900 Shiroi Koibito Park: JPY 600 Ganso Ramen Street: JPY 800 Allowance for souvenirs and snacks: JPY 2000

TOTAL: JPY 71, 460 or PHP 34,915 or USD 669

Winter Trip

Total travel expenses (excluding airfare): JPY 10,840 Total hotel expenses: JPY 54,840 Food 6 days x 1000: JPY 6000 Otaru Canal Cruise: JPY 1500 Sapporo Beer Museum samples: JPY 500 Sapporo Beer Garden All-You-Can-Eat: JPY 2900 Shiroi Koibito Park: JPY 600 Allowance for souvenirs and snacks: JPY 2000

TOTAL: JPY 79,180 or PHP 38,692 or USD 741

If you want to further reduce the total cost, you may skip Niseko and go straight to Otaru. This will place the total cost at around JPY 62,000 or PHP 30,200 or USD 578.

That said, it’s always best to add plenty of allowance to cover incidental expenses, prices that may have changed, and costs we might have missed.

More Tips for the Poor Traveler

• Get the lowest fares by signing up to mail or mobile notifications . Because low-fare promos can get congested fast, mail notifications help me personally to get ahead of the pack. Jetstar, for example, has Jetmail that lets you receive first-hand news when the latest sales and promos are launched.
• You’ll probably spend your first and last days traveling . Currently there are no direct flights to Sapporo from Manila, so traveling time can take up to ten hours between two flights. This include stopping over either Osaka or Tokyo, going through immigration and customs, and transferring between international and domestic terminals.
• Tourists Information Centers will make your life easier . There’s almost always a tourist information center in any major train station. Whether you need maps, passes for local tours or recommendations on where to eat, these little oases of information will make the nuances of budget traveling much more bearable.
• Wear appropriate clothing . It’s no joke how cold Hokkaido can get, and the amount of snowfall can escalate to blizzard levels with little or no warning, so overdressing for this occasion is actually better. A multi-layered shell of thermal underwear, sweaters, a jacket, and a parka will keep your tender bits snug and warm even if its below zero outside.

• Beware of slippery snow . Shiny and dark surfaces, especially on concrete, scream of an accident waiting to happen. To prevent a literal pain in the butt, best to keep an eye on slippery areas on the walkway. Use sturdy, heavy-duty shoes with excellent grip, and when walking, make sure that your steps are flat and your weight evenly spread out on your foot.
• Wear glasses, sunscreen, and lip balm . Too much snow can reflect large quantities of sunlight, which might induce snow blindness. Wearing polarized lenses like shades and ski goggles helps prevent this condition. Skin dryness and chapped lips can also be a problem; counter these by applying sunscreen and lip balm with moisturizing qualities.
• Bring a Japanese phrasebook . It won’t hurt to know a few Japanese phrases to ease communications with locals, particularly if you need help looking for directions or buying something. If you don’t feel like carrying a phrasebook everywhere, several free apps are available for download online.
• Don’t tip . You may feel generous after a good meal, but tipping someone for their service may actually trigger the opposite of what you’re expecting. It’s a no-no.
• Vending machines serve hot drinks as well . This may prove beneficial when you find yourself stuck in the cold while in a long queue or waiting for the bus to arrive.

Special thanks to Jetstar Japan for making this trip possible. As the largest domestic low-cost carrier in Japan, Jetstar flies to other destinations like Miyazaki, Fukuoka and Kumamoto, in addition to Sapporo. 2️⃣0️⃣1️⃣8️⃣ • 2️⃣ • 2️⃣8️⃣

More Tips on YouTube ⬇️⬇️⬇️

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Hokkaido (�k�C��, Hokkaidō) is the second largest, northernmost and least developed of Japan's four main islands. Its weather is harsh in winter with lots of snowfall , below zero temperatures and frozen seas , while in summer it does not get as hot and humid as in the other parts of the country .

With its unspoiled nature , many national parks and rural landscapes, Hokkaido attracts many outdoor lovers, including skiers and snowboarders in the colder seasons and hikers , cyclists and campers from June to September.

Top destinations in Hokkaido

Niseko •

Furano •

Sapporo •

Noboribetsu •

Hakodate •

Otaru •

Jozankei Onsen

Kiroro Ski Resort

Shiretoko ••

Rishiri and Rebun ••

Daisetsuzan ••

Onuma Park •

Akan Mashu National Park •

Lake Toya •

Lake Shikotsu •

Kushiro Marshlands

Questions? Ask in our forum .

Links and Resources

Hokkaido government, northern road navi.

• TRAVEL GUIDES
• DESTINATIONS
• ADVENTURE TRIPS
• HOTELS & RESORTS
• FIND HOTELS WITH DISCOUNTED RATES!

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Hokkaido: sapporo travel guide blog 2024 with diy itinerary, things to do, tourist spots, budget, tips and more.

Traveling to Sapporo in Hokkaido Japan for the first-time this winter season? Check out this detailed SAPPORO TRAVEL GUIDE BLOG with sample DIY Sapporo itinerary, top things to do, hotels, budget and expenses to help you plan your trip.

Okay, let's get started and be ready to travel to sapporo, sapporo travel guide blog 2024 for first-timers in hokkaido, japan visa requirements.

HOW TO GET TO SAPPORO IN HOKKAIDO, JAPAN?

NEW CHITOSE AIRPORT TO SAPPORO CITY CENTER

Fastest: by train.

• Upon arrival at New Chitose Airport, go down to the basement floor.
• At the basement floor of the airport, you will find the New Chitose Airport JR Station.
• Look for the vending machine and buy your ticket going to Sapporo Station. Please don't confuse it with Shin-Sapporo Station. They are 2 different Stations.
• If you're not quite sure on how to use the ticket vending machines, you may approach the JR Office and buy your train ticket from there.
• If you have a Kitaca IC Card , you can use it in taking the express train.
• New Chitose to Sapporo ticket price is JPY 1,070 for non-reserved seat. Or you may pay extra for JPY 520 for a reserved seat.
• Be sure to take the limited express train going to Sapporo. Avoid taking the local train because it has more stops and will take much of your time.
• Total travel time from the airport to Sapporo is around 40 minutes.
• Get off at Sapporo Station.

CHEAPEST: BY BUS

Most convenient: by private airport transfer.

HOW TO GET AROUND SAPPORO?

Do you need a jr pass, useful train passes in sapporo, hokkaido, jr hokkaido rail pass, sapporo-noboribetsu area pass, hokkaido sapporo-furano area pass, jr tohoku-south hokkaido rail pass.

WHERE TO STAY: HOTELS IN SAPPORO

Hotel Tokyu Stay Sapporo-Odori

Hotel Mystays Premier Sapporo Park

Hotel Keihan Sapporo

Budget hotels near sapporo station.

Residence Hotel Stripe Sapporo

Business Inn Norte 2

R&B Hotel Sapporo-KitasanNishini

Hotel Livemax Sapporo Ekimae

APA Hotel TKP Sapporoeki-Kitaguchi Excellent

More budget hotels in sapporo.

• Tmark City Hotel Sapporo Odori
• Hotel WBF Fourstay Sapporo
• Vessel Inn Sapporo Nakajima Park
• Fino Hotel Sapporo Odori
• Comfort Hotel Sapporo Susukino
• JR East Hotel Mets Sapporo
• Tokyu Stay Sapporo
• Hotel Mystays Sapporo Aspen

WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO VISIT SAPPORO?

How many days to spend sapporo, how to stay connected in sapporo, where to exchange currency, useful japanese words & phrases for tourists.

• sumimasen - to say excuse me / call the staff in a restaurant or shop
• doko - where?
• wakarimasen - I don't understand
• ohayou gozaimasu - Good morning
• konnichiwa - hello
• konbanwa - Good evening
• arigatou gozaimasu - Thank you
• domo arigatou gozaimasu - Thank you very much
• ikura desuka? - How much is it?
• wi-fi arimasuka? - Do you have Wi-fi?
• dōzo - please
• gomennasai - sorry
• hai - yes / best translated "I'm satisfied"

TOP THINGS TO DO IN SAPPORO + TOURIST SPOTS AND ATTRACTIONS

What top best things to do in sapporo are there what do you see and do in sapporo when you visit in this sapporo travel blog, i listed the top tourist spots and attractions, and things to do in sapporo you should not miss during your trip to hokkaido..

Sapporo TV Tower

Walk along Odori Park

Visit Sapporo Clock Tower

Shop at Tanukikojo Shopping Arcade

Enjoy Susukino Entertainment District

Get a bowl of Ramen at Ramen Alley

Sapporo Beer Museum and Beer Garden

Have a taste of Sapporo Beer

Mt. Moiwa & Asahiyama Memorial Park

• Sapporo has been listed as a city with one of the new 3 major night views of Japan.
• The night view from the top of Mt. Moiwa, located in the center of Sapporo, is one of the most beautiful in Japan.
• The view from the ropeway and mini cable car to the top of Mt. Moiwa is also enjoyable.
• Enjoy a beautiful sweeping view of Sapporo’s cityscape at "Asahiyama Memorial Park".
• Highly recommended for family, friends, couples or any type of groups. -Klook

Old Hokkaido Government Building

JR Tower T38 Observation Deck

Sapporo Ramen Republic

Hokkaido Shrine

Enjoy Winter Activities at Snowmobile Land

This is definitely one of my favorite places we visited during our Sapporo trip. We really has so much fun and enjoy the many winter activities offered at Snowmobile Land.

Other option: bibai snow land.

• Enjoy Hokkaido’s winter season when you book this amazing Bibai Snow Land experience.
• Make the most of your visit when you try a wide variety of snow activities like snowshoeing and more!
• Ride through kilometers of snow when you join the snowmobile touring with your group.
• Have a comfortable ride from the pick up point to Bibai Snow Land and back.

OTHER SKI RESORTS IN HOKKAIDO

• Noboribetsu Sanlaiva Ski Resort
• Kamui Ski Links Resort
• Sapporo Teine Ski Resort
• Moerenuma Park
• Shiretoko, Hokkaido

Ninja Training Experience

Sapporo Ice Smelt Fishing

DAY TOURS FROM SAPPORO

Otaru day trip.

Lake Shikotsu Day Tour

Lake Shikotsu Ice Festival

OTHER POPULAR ATTRACTIONS, EXPERIENCES & THINGS TO DO IN SAPPORO, HOKKAIDO

Kimono rental in sapporo, mt. tengu ropeway round-trip ticket with discount coupon, bibai snow land experience in hokkaido, noboribetsu and lake toya day tour from sapporo, asahiyama zoo, shirogane blue pond & more, usuzan ropeway round trip ticket in hokkaido, kiroro resort snow world ticket in hokkaido with ski wear & equipment rental options, hokkaido jozankei resort spa mori no uta onsen day tour, southern hokkaido cherry blossom day trip from sapporo, tea ceremony in hokkaido, best food and must-eats in sapporo.

Sapporo Beer Garden - Crab and Lamb BBQ Buffet

Izakaya Rukku in Tanukikoji - Super Popular Seafood and Sashimi Izakaya

Syunsai Waentei in Sapporo Susukino - Wagyu and DIY Sushi Roll

NanKouEn Okura in Sapporo Susukino - Wagyu Beef BBQ Buffet

Yuuichirou Shouten at Sapporo Station - Hokkaido Hamayaki Oyster & Seafood Izakaya

Sample sapporo itineraries with otaru and lake shikotsu day trips, sample sapporo itinerary (3 days & 2 nights), day 1 - departure + sapporo arrival & tour.

• 12:50 AM - Departure from Manila (NAIA T1) via Jetstar Flight GK40
• 06:15 AM - Arrival in Narita Terminal 3
• 08:05 AM - Departure from Narita to Sapporo (New Chitose Airport) via Jetstar Flight GK105
• 09:45 AM - Arrival at New Chitose Airport (Domestic Terminal)
• 10:00 AM - Proceed to New Chitose Airport International Terminal, pick-up WIFI device and get your booked Klook products
• 10:30 AM - Go to the JR Station at the basement floor, buy train ticket going to Sapporo Station or use your Kitaca IC Card if you have one
• 11:00 AM - Take the express train, depart for Sapporo Station
• 11:40 AM - Arrive in Sapporo Station, walk to your hotel
• 12:00 NN - Early check-in (if allowed) or just leave your bags at the hotel
• 12:30 PM - Lunch at Ramen Republic at the 10th floor of Esta
• 01:30 PM - Go to JR Tower T38 Observatory [ GET DISCOUNTED TICKETS HERE ]
• 02:30 PM - Go to Sapporo Subway Station, ride a train to Odori Station, take exit 6 or 16 then walk to Sapporo Clock Tower
• 03:00 PM - Take a photo of Sapporo Clock Tower
• 04:00 PM - Walk to Odori Park
• 04:30 PM - Visit Sapporo TV Tower and go up to the observatory [ GET DISCOUNTED TICKETS HERE ]
• 06:00 PM - Go down and walk to Tanukikojo Shopping Arcade. Explore, shop, and have dinner
• 08:00 PM - Walk to Susukino, take photos or visit one of the bars or karaoke shops
• 10:00 PM - Go to Susukino subway station and take a train back to Sapporo Station
• 11:00 PM - Back at the hotel

DAY 2 - OTARU DAY TOUR + SAPPORO BEER MUSEUM

• 06:00 AM - Walk to Sapporo JR Station
• 06:30 AM - Take a train to Otaru JR Station
• 07:30 AM - Arrive in Otaru, have breakfast
• 08:00 AM - Explore Otaru Canal, visit the shops and the music box museum
• 11:00 AM - Walk to Minami-Otaru JR Station
• 11:30 AM - Ride the train to Sapporo JR Station
• 12:30 PM - Arrive at Sapporo JR Station, have lunch
• 01:30 PM - Take the subway to Higashikuyakusho Mae Station, take exit 4 then walk to Sapporo Beer Museum
• 02:00 PM - Arrive at Sapporo Beer Museum, take photos, visit the museum, have a taste of Sapporo Beer. If you wish to dine here, you can RESERVE A SEAT HERE
• 04:00 PM - Walk back to Higashikuyakusho Mae Station, take the subway to Sapporo Station
• 04:30 PM - Arrive at Sapporo Station, walk to Old Hokkaido Government Building
• 05:00 PM - Take photos and explore Old Hokkaido Government Building
• 06:30 PM - Go back to Sapporo Station, visit Esta for shopping, and have dinner
• 08:00 PM - Go back to the hotel, rest, and sleep

DAY 3 - DEPARTURE

• 07:00 AM - Breakfast
• 09:00 AM - Check-out from the hotel, walk to Sapporo JR Station
• 09:30 AM - Take the express train, depart for New Chitose Airport
• 10:30 AM - Arrive at New Chitose Airport, proceed to domestic terminal, return WIFI device
• 11:15 AM - Flight check-in, have lunch
• 01:15 PM - Depart from New Chitose Airport to Narita (Tokyo) via Jetstar Flight GK106
• 03:00 PM - Arrive at Narita Airport Terminal 3, proceed to Jetstar check-in counters
• 03:30 PM - Flight check-in
• 07:30 PM - Depart from Narita to Manila via Jetstar Flight GK41. Have dinner during the flight.
• 11:50 PM - Arrival in Manila

SAMPLE SAPPORO ITINERARY (4 DAYS & 3 NIGHTS)

• 10:00 AM - Depart from Sapporo Station Bus Terminal
• 11:00 AM - Arrive at Shiraito-no-Taki bus stop
• Enjoy Hokkaido Jozankei Resort Spa Mori No Uta Onsen with buffet lunch [ RESERVE YOUR SLOT HERE ]
• 02:20 PM - Depart from Shiraito-no-Taki bus stop
• 03:30 PM - Arrive at Sapporo Station Bus Terminal
• 04:00 PM - Hotel pick-up for the Ninja Training
• 05:00 PM - Ninja training experience
• 07:00 PM - Back at the hotel, have dinner

SAMPLE SAPPORO ITINERARY (5 DAYS & 4 NIGHTS)

• 07:00 AM - Depart for Snowmobile Land
• 08:00 AM - Arrive at Snowmobile Land
• Enjoy the activities: driving a snowmobile, learning the traditional way of ice cream making, snow rafting, snow banana boat, snow tubing.
• 11:00 AM - Lunch
• 12:00 AM - Depart for Sapporo
• 01:00 PM - Experience Smelt Ice Fishing
• 02:30 PM - Depart for Lake Shikotsu
• 03:30 PM - Arrive at Lake Shikotsu
• Take photos, cross the Yamasan Railway Bridge, enjoy the sunset and visit Lake Shikotsu Ice Festival. Don't forget the night illumination.
• 07:00 PM - Depart for Sapporo
• 08:30 PM - Arrive in your hotel in Sapporo

You can download a PDF copy of these Sapporo itineraries, HERE .

Sapporo budget trip and expenses.

• You will be traveling in a group of two to share some of the expenses.
• You will be staying in a hotel near Sapporo Station for PHP 2,000 per night.
• You'll be renting a pocket WIFI for PHP 234 per day.
• Your maximum budget for breakfast is JPY 500 and for lunch and dinner is JPY 1,000.
• Conversion rate used is 1 PHP = 0.470 JPY.

PRE-TRAVEL EXPENSES

• Hotel Accommodation (2 nights) - ₱ 4,000 / 2 = ₱ 2,000 per person
• JR Tower Ticket - ₱ 290 per person [ GET DISCOUNTED TICKETS HERE ]
• Sapporo TV Tower Ticket - ₱ 311 per person [ GET DISCOUNTED TICKETS HERE ]
• WIFI Rental (3 days) - ₱ 702 / 2 = ₱ 351 per person [ RESERVE HERE ]
• TOTAL - ₱ 2,952

BREAKDOWN OF EXPENSES

• Express Train (Airport to Sapporo) - JPY 1,070
• Lunch - JPY 1,000
• JR Tower Ticket - pre-booked
• Subway to Odori Station - JPY 200
• Sapporo TV Tower Ticket - pre-booked
• Dinner - JPY 1,000
• Subway to Sapporo Station - JPY 200

TOTAL - JPY 3,470 / PHP 1,630

• Train to Otaru Station - JPY 640
• Breakfast - JPY 500
• Train to Sapporo Station - JPY 640
• Train to Higashikuyakusho Mae Station - JPY 200
• Beer tasting at Sapporo Beer Museum - JPY 200
• Train to Sapporo Station - JPY 200

TOTAL - JPY 4,380 / PHP 2,058

• Express Train (Sapporo to Airport) - JPY 1,070

TOTAL - JPY 3,570 / PHP 1,678

Summary of expenses.

• Pre-travel bookings - ₱ 2,952
• Day 1 - ₱ 1,630
• Day 2 - ₱ 2,058
• Day 3 - ₱ 1,678

TOTAL ₱ 8,318 per person

• Round trip airfare Manila-Sapporo-Manila
• NAIA terminal fee and travel tax
• Food expense for snacks
• Budget for pasalubong, souvenirs and shopping expenses

Sapporo Travel Blogs

• How to get to Sapporo from Manila Philippines?
• Lake Shikotsu, "An Awesome Day Tour from Sapporo!"

Japan Travel Guide Blogs

• Tokyo Travel Guide Blog with ₱10,000 DIY Itinerary & Budget
• Nagoya Travel Guide Blog with Things to do, Tourist Spots, Itinerary, Hotels, and More!
• Kyoto Travel Guide Blog with Itinerary, Things to do, Tourist Spots, and More!
• Osaka and Kyoto Japan 4D3N Tour Itinerary
• Fukuoka Travel Guide with ₱10,000 DIY Itinerary & Budget

SAPPORO TRAVEL VIDEO

SAPPORO TRAVEL TIPS & REMINDERS

• Plan your trip ahead. You can save a lot on travel expenses if you book your flights and hotel accommodation in advance.
• Always check Jetstar Airways' low airfares, seat sale, and promos at their website www.jetstar.com .
• You can save as much as 50% off on hotel acommodation when you book a room in advance. Click here to see the list of top best hotels in Sapporo .
• Wear comfortable shoes. Sapporo is a very walk-able city. With its grid layout, it's easy to navigate its streets without getting lost or disoriented. By walking, you can also save a lot on transportation expenses.
• When visiting during winter season, be sure to prepare for the very cold weather by wearing proper garments such as heat tech base layer, winter jacket, neck warmer, scarf, beanies, gloves, and winter boots. You can also use heat packs that you can stick to your clothes or put inside your pockets to provide you with some heat. You can buy it at convenience stores in Sapporo.
• If you don't have winter boots , you can use hiking boots, or your regular rubber shoes. But if you use a regular rubber shoes, please make sure to put an anti-slip rubber into your shoes' soles to avoid slipping on snow. You can buy it at the convenience stores in Japan.
• Tipping is not practiced or customary in Japan. You don't need to leave a tip when dining at restaurants or give tips to your tour guide. In fact, tipping can be considered rude and insulting in many situations in Japan.
• If you're really on a tight budget, you can eat packed meals at the convenience stores for JPY 500 per meal or less. But I recommend that you allot some budget for food and spend at least JPY 1,000 for lunch and dinner to have a taste of their Ramen and other local dishes.
• Sapporo has very strict no smoking policies . Smoking is not allowed in public areas. Please smoke only in designated smoking areas.
• When using the escalator , stand on the left side when you're not moving to give way for people rushing or in a hurry on the right side.
• Always remember that eating and drinking are not allowed when riding the subways.
• Winter clothes and heat tech products are cheaper in Japan compared to the Philippines. Maybe, you could bring a few then buy more when you arrive. Take note that "end of season sale" happens mid-February to March, that's the time when most of the items you could find in the stores are on sale - especially the winter clothes and boots.
• Cold weather tends to drain your gadgets' batteries very fast. Always bring a power bank .
• Japan uses Type A electric plug (the one with 2 flat pins) at 100V and the standard frequency is 50/60Hz. It is just the same as what we use in the Philippines the only difference is that we use 220 volts. You can still charge your camera and mobile phones without the need for a universal adapter.
• Always check the weather before going to Sapporo. Winter could be extremely cold and summer could be very hot. This way, you'll know what clothes to bring when you travel to Sapporo.
• Take advantage of websites that offer discount passes to tours and services. I always book my travel essentials such as WIFI or sim card, airport transfers, IC cards, tours and activities with Klook . They have an extensive list of products offered in Sapporo.

I hope this Sapporo Travel Guide Blog 2020 for First-timers help you in planning a memorable Hakkaido, Japan adventure! Enjoy and have fun!

You might also be interested in:.

• TOKYO JAPAN TRAVEL GUIDE
• NAGOYA JAPAN TRAVEL GUIDE
• FUKUOKA JAPAN TRAVEL GUIDE
• HIROSHIMA JAPAN TRAVEL GUIDE
• KYOTO JAPAN TRAVEL GUIDE
• THINGS TO DO IN OSAKA, TOURIST SPOTS & ATTRACTIONS
• TOP 10 BEST THINGS TO DO IN NAGOYA JAPAN

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Hokkaido Itinerary: A 10-Days Travel Blog

Last updated on April 21st, 2024

Planning to visit Hokkaido and would like to have suggestions and recommendations on your Hokkaido itinerary? See how we visit Hokkaido leisurely with public transport.

Hokkaido is beautiful almost every season. The best time to visit Hokkaido can be all year round, from spring, summer, autumn even until winter. Our visit to Hokkaido is during the end of spring or the beginning of summer. It is a great season that we can see the beauty of two seasons at the same time. We have summarized the places to go, what to eat, and things to do when you are getting around in Hokkaido. It depends on your budget. Many top attractions are awaiting you to discover. Most importantly, free entrance!

Hopefully, my Hokkaido travel blog with perfect 10 days itinerary can give you some idea of your coming trip. Learn from my mistakes, and you can save some time and money.

Table of Contents

Planning for Hokkaido Itinerary

It depends on the season and how many days for your Hokkaido trip. There is always no perfect and complete Hokkaido itinerary. Below is the suggested travel route for the 9 to 10 days Hokkaido itinerary. Mostly covered in the south to the central region. It is best to visit all year round, especially from Spring to Summer. Places visited include Hakodate, Lake Toya, Noboribetsu, Otaru, Shakotan, and Sapporo.

Here is the summary of My 10 Days Hokkaido Itinerary:

• Day 1 : Arrive in Hokkaido and head to Hakodate.
• Day 2 : Hakodate.
• Day 3 : Lake Toya.
• Day 4 and Day 5 : Noboribetsu and spend time in the onsen hotel.
• Day 6 : Otaru.
• Day 7 : [Seasonal Trip] Shimamui Coast and Cape Kamui.
• Day 8 and Day 9 : Sapporo City.
• Day 10 : Goodbye to Hokkaido.

For more detail on what to do and see in Hokkaido, check out our Hokkaido travel guide blog below!

Pre-Trip Essential

Generally, there are two best ways for getting around in Hokkaido; either by self-driving or relying on public transport (bus or railway). If you love to travel at your own pace or travel in a group, especially with kids and the elderly, consider self-driving in Hokkaido. The charming Hokkaido is best for having road adventures and plan for self-driving itinerary. But there are various rental car companies in Japan. Make sure to compare various rental cars to get the best deal from RentalCars.com .

We did not go for the self-driving option as we were traveling with two people only. So we opted to travel to Hokkaido by using public transport. If you are planning for a long travel journey like us, we highly recommended get the JR Hokkaido Rail Pass . Choose from consecutive 3-Days, 5-Days, 7-Days, or flexible 4-Days for traveling around Hokkaido. This pass can be purchased by foreign visitors ( Check out for detail ) and is required to exchange for an actual ticket at JR Station in Hokkaido. Remember to reserve your seat for free by using the JR Hokkaido Pass.

Save with JR Pass if you’re traveling from Tokyo to Hakodate by Shinkansen: 

• JR East-South Hokkaido Rail Pass (Flexible 6 days within 14-Days).
• Whole Japan Rail Pass (7, 14, and 21 days option) for the whole Japan trip.

Day 1: Arrive Hokkaido – Hakodate

Landed at New Chitose Airport; getting to Hakodate.

International flights normally will land at Sapporo New Chitose Airport. Depending on your Hokkaido itinerary, you can choose to stay one night in Sapporo or directly proceed to the city as per plan.

For visitors who landed at Sapporo New Chitose Airport by flight, it is best to pick up your travel essentials at the airport:

• Wifi router or 4G Sim Card at the airport. It is important to stay connected to check on transportation, location, and travel information.
• Kitaca IC Card : Similar to SUICA or other Japan IC cards, Kitaca is the Hokkaido version of electronic cash cards. This card can be used at all railroads, buses, and IC electronics nationwide.

Once everything is ready, let’s kick-start your Hokkaido itinerary.

Day 2: Hakodate

Things To Do in Hakodate: Morning Market, Goryokaku Fort, Kanemori Redbrick Warehouse, Mt. Hakodate

Day trip in Hakodate is full of fun and excitement. Firstly, kick start your day with a bowl of seafood donburi at Hakodate Morning Market. It is the best place to taste the freshly caught seafood in Hokkaido. Next, purchase the one-day tram ticket at ¥600 and we are ready to explore this charming Hakodate city.

Visit the Goryokaku Fort and get to Goryokaku Tower Observatory for the entire perfect star-shaped Goryakaku Park from above. Next, proceed to Kanemori Redbrick Warehouse for a relaxing stroll along the bay. At night, make your way up to Mt Hakodate by the Hakodateyama Ropeway for the best night view in Hokkaido.

Goryokaku Fort is the most popular and best place for sakura viewing in Hokkaido. The star-shaped park will be full of pinky sakura and very beautiful. Normally the blossom peak season is early May.

What to eat in Hakodate : Lucky Pierrot Hamburger, Shio Ramen.

Where to stay in Hakodate : Four Point By Sheraton Hakodate and FAV Hotel Hakodate are strategically located close to JR Station. Many eateries nearby and Hakodate Morning Market is within walking distance.

Day 3: Lake Toya

Getting to Lake Toya from Hakodate. Things To Do in Lake Toya: Mt Usu, fireworks show, onsen bath

Hakodate to Lake Toya is about 2 hours. Get down at TOYA (JR-MURORAN station and take the connecting bus to Onsen town.

Spend your afternoon at Mt. Usu in Shikotsu-Toya National Park . Mt. Usu is a UNESCO Global Geopark and one of the most active volcanoes in the world. You get to reach the summit by Usuzan ropeway for a stunning view from above. There is two observatory deck at the summit: Toyako Viewing Platform and Usu Crater Basin Observation Deck. A little hike is required if you want to get to Usu Crater Basin Observation Deck.

At night, the fantastic fireworks show will be alluring the entire Lake Toya at 20:40 for about 20 minutes every night. This summer event will start from the end of April to the end of October.

If you need information, check out our Lake Toya itinerary .

Where to Stay in Lake Toya : We highly recommended Toya Sun Palace Resort And Spa . The onsen was one of the best in Toyoko with an infinity pool that overlooked Lake Toya. An incredible way to enjoy your onsen bath during the evening firework.

Day 4 and Day 5: Noboribetsu

Day#4: Getting from Lake Toya to Noboribetsu; Day#5: from Noboribetsu to Otaru.

Things to do in Noboribetsu: Jigokudani, Oyunumand Okunoyu Pond, Oyunuma Natural Footbath, Demon’s Fireworks (Seasonal Festival).

Next, proceed for 2-Days 1-Night Stay in Noboribetsu , the best therapeutic onsen in Japan. The express train journey took about 40 minutes from Lake Toya to Noboribetsu. The local train will be double the traveling time but at a cheaper fare. Next, take the Donan bus to get to onsen town.

Headed to Jigokudani, aka Hell valley for the geothermal adventure. Have a closer look at Tessen Ike, geyser point at Jigokudani. Next, take a little hike to Oyunuma and Okunoyu Pond, the two crater lake created by volcano activities.

If you have more time, consider proceeding to Oyunuma River Natural Footbath with natural hot spring water in the forest. Lastly, spend the rest of your day at the traditional hot spring bath in your resort.

Don’t forget to join the Demon’s fireworks in Hell Valley at night if you are coming to Noboribetsu on Thursday or Friday. This event will start from early June to the end of July. We enjoyed our hot spring bath in Noboribetsu until check-out time on the second day. Next, we took the hotel shuttle back to Sapporo and then took the local train to Otaru.

Where to Stay in Noboribetsu : Dai-ichi Takimotokan is one of the best onsen resorts in Japan. This family-run resort has a total of 27 indoor and outdoor onsen baths for guests (15 for men and 12 for women) to enjoy the natural hot spring water. Definitely will fall in love when you’re soaking in the hot spring water.

Day 6: Otaru

Things To do in Otaru: Nikka Whisky Distiller, Otaru Canal, Sakaimachi Street, and Mt. Tenguyama.

It’s always good to kick start your day with a marvelous seafood donburi at Sankaku market. Next, have a half-day trip to Nikka Whisky Distiller to know more about Japan’s best whiskey. Nikka Whisky Distiller is located nearby within 25 minutes by local train from Otaru.

Back to Otaru city and continue to explore this charming town. Take the scenic stroll at Otaru Canal and continue to Sakaimachi street. There are many pastry and dessert shops on Sakaimachi street, including the famous LeTao, Kitakaro. Lastly, proceed to Mt. Tenguyama to see the panoramic view of Otaru city, especially the night view.

Where to stay in Otaru : Smile Hotel Otaru is located within a 3-minute walk from Otaru JR station. It is a budget three-star accommodation in Otaru, providing western and Japanese style rooms for selection.

Hokkaido Travel Tips : Otaru is easily accessible from Sapporo within 30 to 45 minutes by train. You can also stay at Sapporo and plan for a day trip to Otaru.

Day 7: Shakotan Peninsula (Seasonal Trip)

Things to do in Shakotan Peninsula: Shimamui Coast, Cape Kamui

Seasonal Trip: Shakotan Peninsula is only open for a visit during summer. Chuo bus is the only way to get to the Shakotan Peninsula by public transport. From Otaru, board the bus to Shimamui Coast and Cape Kamui to get a closer look at Shakotan-Blue seawater

Don’t forget to taste the mouth-watering supreme uni-don when you are visiting Shakotan. Osokujidokoro Misaki and Oshokujidokoro Naramuraya served the best sea urchin in Shakotan. Dropped by the restaurant for freshness sea urchin, freshly caught from the sea.

Need more help on planning a day trip to Cape Kamui? Check out our one day itinerary to Cape Kamui from Otaru .

Day 8 – 9: Sapporo City

Things to do in Sapporo: Shiroi Koibito Park, Hitsujigaoka Observation Hill, Sapporo Beer Museum. Odori Park And Sapporo TV Tower, Tanukikoji Shopping street, Hokkaido Shrine

There are many things to do and see in Sapporo . Spend your day in Shiroi Koibito Park, the famous Shiroi Koibito cookie factory with a beautifully decorated garden. Have a look at the famous bronze statue of Dr. William S. Clark at Hitsujigaoka Observation Hill. Next, have a beer tasting of the famous Sapporo beer at the Sapporo Beer Museum.

If you have more time, spend your time visiting Hokkaido Shrine in the city center. Sapporo Clock Tower, Odori Park, and Sapporo TV Tower.

The Sapporo itinerary can be done within 1 fulfilling day. But we advise spacing some time for the delicious local delicacies. Fresh seafood (King crab, snow crab, hairy crab), soup curry, Genghis Khan, miso ramen, and more. Just visit the attraction that you would like to see in Sapporo.

Where and what to eat in Sapporo

• [Sapporo] Nemuro Hanamaru: Best Kaiten Belt Sushi Restaurant
• [Sapporo] Gotsubo Oyster Bar: Best Cheap Eat in Sapporo
• [Sapporo] Kani Honke Sapporo: Hokkaido Must Eat Crab Restaurant
• [Sapporo] The Best Soup Curry Garaku Food Review

Day 10: Goodbye Hokkaido

If you still have some time before leaving Hokkaido, head to Nijo Market for last minutes shopping for souvenirs and dried seafood back to the home country.

How To Plan For 10 Days Hokkaido Trip

Overall this Hokkaido travel blog for 10 days is more focused on the Southern and Central regions. For first-time visitors and limited time, this area is the best place to get a look at the beauty of Hokkaido. Day trip to Cape Kamui in Shakotan Peninsular is one of the seasonal travel trips in Summer. The remaining places can be traveled in Spring, Autumn, and even winter.

Below are some quick Hokkaido travel tips when you are planning on your itinerary.

Hokkaido is best to visit all year round, especially from Spring to Summer. Places visited include Hakodate, Lake Toya, Noboribetsu, Otaru, Shakotan, and Sapporo.

We recommended spending at least 7 days if you only have a short amount of time to play around in Hokkaido. You will need 5 days traveling around Hokkaido and 2 days covering Sapporo city.

Visitors can freely travel around Hokkaido by public transport and self-driving. Most of the attractions can be accessible by public transport, either by railway or bus. Self-driving is the best way to travel for those who love to travel at their own pace.

The buses go everywhere in Hokkaido (including small cities and towns) and it is also cheaper compare trains. But you need to be cautious about the bus schedule due to being less frequent.

Hopefully, our Hokkaido itinerary can give you some inspiration for your coming visit. If you have any questions, feel free to contact us and we try our best to answer for you. Our advice for your Hokkaido trip? Just slow down your pace and enjoy the natural scene. Enjoy your trip to Hokkaido.

How To Plan Your Hokkaido Trip On Budget: Travel Guide, Itinerary & Money Saving Tips!

More detail Hokkaido travel blog:

• Hakodate, the historical city in Hokkaido

Lake Toya Itinerary: Mt Usu, Onsen, Firework And More

• Noboribetsu itinerary: The Best Therapeutic Onsen in Japan
• Day trip to Otaru and Nikka Whisky Distillery
• [Summer] Day trip to Shakotan Peninsula: Cape Kamui
• Things to do in Sapporo by 2-Days

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2023 SAPPORO TRAVEL GUIDE (Itinerary + Budget)

by thepinay solobackpacker | Sep 12, 2023 | HOKKAIDO , Itinerary , Japan , Sapporo , Travel Guide | 2 comments

This is a detailed SAPPORO TRAVEL GUIDE blog with sample SAPPORO ITINERARY and budget, top things to do, budget hotels, Sapporo travel tips, etc.

Sapporo is an urbanite’s dream. Its finger is on the pulse, constantly embracing new developments, but somehow, it doesn’t feel confusing or intimidating unlike other megalopolis.  When Sapporo hosted the Winter Olympics in 1972, it finally caught the attention of the world that it surely deserves. Now Sapporo, is a fast-rising tourist destination in Japan, a good introduction and base when exploring Hokkaido. This sprawling city is best known for its snow festival, the largest of its kind in the country. It’s one of the most accessible and nearest winter destinations to the Philippines and Southeast Asia where you can actually experience a real snow fall.

Here’s a comprehensive Sapporo Itinerary and Travel Guide to help you plan your trip.  I will be writing a separate blog about Hokkaido.

TRAVEL BLOG CONTENTS

ABOUT SAPPORO

Sapporo is Hokkaido prefecture’s capital. It is massive, but doesn’t feel confusing.  Thanks to its grid system with wide avenues and parks, which makes exploring the city quite easy. Odo-ri Koen divides Sapporo in half : north – south, while Sosei-gawa splits the east from west.  East-west streets are known as jo , while those on the north and south are chome .

The heartening simplicity of Sapporo city’s layout was a result of a visit to the President of the United States in 1870 by the then Hokkaido’s Governor, who sought help from the Americans to design the capital on the site of an Ainu village. Fast forward to 1972, when Sapporo hosted the Winter Olympics, it introduced itself as a global metropolis, exuding a pretty much cosmopolitan vibe, by building a subway system and modern structures.  It’s far from the cultural city you expect to find in Japan, lacking pre-Meiji historic sites like those found in Kyoto or Nara .  Sapporo has its own distinct attractions  to flaunt, from parks to festivals, to man-made attractions.

For tourists, Sapporo is best known for the Sapporo Snow Festival held every February, the grandest of its kind in Japan. It was founded in 1950, with only 6 snow-carved figures made by high school students to entertain the residents who were lonely and depressed after the war and long winter nights. Today, Sapporo Snow Festival has grown into a commercial and major winter event in Hokkaido, attracting over 2 million tourists with its hundreds of gigantic snow and ice sculptures created by the locals that are sprinkled around Odori Park, Susukino, and Tsudome.

But perhaps what introduced Sapporo to more Filipinos is the movie Kita Kita , which could mean “I Saw You”, or “I Saw You in the North” (since kita in Japanese means North and Sapporo is located in Northern Japan).  Thankfully, more and more airlines now fly from Manila, Philippines to Sapporo, but the most affordable is Jetstar. Recently, I flew to Sapporo via Jetstar, and I got to finally experience, how it feels like to be in this city. Here’s a comprehensive Sapporo travel guide and itineraries to help you plan your trip.

  SAPPORO PRE-TRAVEL GUIDE

  best time to visit sapporo.

Winter (December to February) – As Sapporo and Hokkaido in general is famed for its snow and winter activities, best to visit during winter.  It is one of the nearest destinations to Southeast Asia  to experience winter with actual snowfall! Yes, Sapporo is a real winter wonderland! Also, not to miss are the snow festivals happening around Hokkaido during February.  The Sapporo Snow Festival is usually held during mid-February, same with the Lake Shikotsu Ice Festival and Otaru Snow Light Path Festival.  Ice villages and igloos in some resorts in Hokkaido are also popular during the winter season.

  Spring (late March to May) – Spring in Sapporo is also busy, as the city is flocked by tourists. Climate is pleasant as it is moderately cold during these months but precipitation can be high, check the weather updates when planning your spring itinerary. Sakura blossoms (cherry blossoms) bloom late in Sapporo, typically around early May.

Summer (June to August) –  This is an off-peak season in Sapporo, but a good month to pay a visit if you want to save on accommodation and visit the gorgeous flower fields in Furano. Some parks in Sapporo like Odori Park are also peppered with colorful flowers during this season.

  Autumn (September to November) – Also an off-peak season for Sapporo as it can get pretty chilly and windy, but me thinks it’s also a good month to visit to see the colors of Hokkaido national parks.  The Hokkaido Historical Village, just a few minutes away from downtown Sapporo, also looks stunning during this season, so if you’re visiting during fall, don’t miss it!

JAPAN VISA: If you are a Philippine Passport holder, you need a Japan tourist visa to enter Japan for tourism.  

READ HERE: JAPAN VISA APPLICATION FOR FILIPINOS

SAPPORO WI-FI: I used a pocket Wi-Fi from Klook during my entire stay.  It is good for up to 5 devices at once. It was pretty reliable, I picked it up at the New Chitose Airport International Arrival Lobby. So, if you are arriving in Sapporo by Jetstar, you need to make your way first to the International Arrival Lobby of New Chitose Airport to claim it.

RESERVE WI-FI HERE

SAPPORO MONEY: Most establishments in Sapporo accepts cash or credit card.  But cash is widely accepted especially by small establishments. You can withdraw from internationals ATMs available usually found at major train stations like Sapporo Station, at convenience stores like Lawson and 7Eleven and at New Chitose Airport. If your card doesn’t work at first try, give it another try and usually it works on the 2 nd try.  Money exchange centers are plenty at New Chitose Airport, but you may have a hard time looking for one at downtown Sapporo. Before leaving the Philippines, you can also exchange your PHP to JPY at money changers. I like Sanry’s rate, just Google the branch nearest to you.

SAPPORO ELECTRICITY: Sapporo uses 2 electric plugs, Type A and Type B. If you’re from the Philippines, we use the same type of power plug, so I didn’t need to use my travel adapter. For other nationalities, best to bring  a travel adapter. Japan standard voltage is 100 V and 50 HZ for Eastern Japan including Hokkaido.

WHERE TO STAY IN SAPPORO

  I recommend staying near the subway especially near Sapporo Station or Odori Station. I stayed in 3 hotels during my stay, they were near Odori Station, Sapporo Station, Kita Junijo Station and Nakijama Koen Station.

Kita Junijo Station is also a good area as it is near Sapporo Station, while Nakijama Koen Station is near Susukini Station – the nightlife and shopping area. Here are the hotels I used while in Sapporo, I visited Sapporo twice just this year during winter.

SAPPORO BUDGET HOTELS

Business Inn Norte 2

I like this hotel as it is pretty convenient, a mere 2-minute walk from Kita Junijo Station and about 10-minutes on foot from Sapporo Station. The hotel is also near Hokkaido University. My room was clean though a bit old, but it’s comfortable and equipped with refrigerator and TV.

CHECK RATES HERE

Hotel Vista Nakima Koen

My favorite budget hotel in Sapporo because it is pretty clean and comfy. The room is simple yet elegant-looking. There’s a table where I can work or blog when I want too. It is equipped with TV and refrigerator, there’s a sort of heater where you can heat water, noodles or drinks.  A 7Eleven store is just across the road.  The hotel is a mere 5-minute walk away from Nakajima Koen Station and Nakajima Park. Downside is, there’s not a lot of restaurants or café nearby despite being surrounded by bigger luxury hotels.

Hotel MyStays Sapporo Station

Never stayed here but I often passed by here on my way to Sapporo Station. It has a pretty convenient location, really close to Sapporo Station.

Hotel My Stays Susukino

One of the cheapest hotels in Sapporo, cheaper than their other branches in Sapporo. It is conveniently located near Susukino area.

SAPPORO MID-RANGE HOTELS

Tokyu Stay Sapporo Odori

Hands down to this hotel as it is equipped with washing machine, refrigerator, microwave and TV in the room! It is conveniently located near Odori Station and Sapporo TV Tower. It is pretty spacious too!

  CHECK ROOM RATES

Hotel My Stays Premier Sapporo Park

We stayed at this hotel during our Sapporo fam trip. It’s a comfy hotel but I find the room a bit cramped, I couldn’t even open my luggage. They have buffet style restaurant, Japanese restaurant, and the pretty stylish serving Western dishes at the 1st floor.

CHECK ROOM RATES HERE

HOW TO GET TO SAPPORO

Manila to sapporo.

You can book your flight here: JETSTAR.COM

TOKYO TO SAPPORO

  by plane:.

Jetstar offers cheap flights between Tokyo and Sapporo. Travel time is about 1 hour and 30 minutes. It’s quite cheap, so if you are already in Tokyo, you can take this route.

1.From Tokyo, take the Jr Tohoku/Hokkaido Shinkansen to Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto Station. Travel time is about 4 hours.

2.From Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto Station, transfer to Hokuto KImited Express to Sapporo. Travel time is about 3.5 hours.

Total travel time: 7.5 hours

Fare:¥ 27,000/ PHP 12,689 – one way

Quite expensive if you ask me, better use your JR Pass.

SAPPORO AIRPORT TO SAPPORO CITY CENTER

By train (recommended).

Fare: ¥1,590/$14 (₱748) (Covered by JR Hokkaido Pass)

Travel time: approximately 37 minutes (by express train)

• At New Chitose Airport make your way to New Chitose Airport Station located at the basement. Just follow the sign.
• Buy your JR ticket from the vending machine. You can pay extra for reserved seat if you want. If you have a JR Pass or JR Hokkaido Pass, you can use it here. Or just go for non-reserve seat (FREE).
• Board the JR Train bound for Otaru or Sapporo Station. (Take note that Shin-Sapporo Station is different from Sapporo Station). Go for the limited express train, avoid the local train as it will stop at every station and will eat your time.
• Get off at JR Sapporo Station.

Tip: Be at the designated track as early as possible to secure a seat if you didn’t book a reserved seat. Many tourists and locals are traveling by train to downtown Sapporo so the non-reserved car is usually full.

By Airport Bus

  Fare: ¥ 1,030/$9 (₱484)

You can also take the Airport Bus to downtown Sapporo, but travel time is longer and may be delayed depending on traffic condition. No reservations required, so you can take the next bus if the bus you’re  trying to board is already full. You can pay on the bus or purchase a bus ticket at Hokuto Kotsu bus counter ANA arrival lobby using credit card, cash, or IC card (except Sapica or PiTaPa).  Large baggage will be put inside the trunk. Never tried this though, so I can’t really tell you much. I always use the train.

By Car rental:

If you are traveling in group and you have the money to spend, you can rent a car for a convenient transfer from New Chitose Airport to your hotel in downtown Sapporo.

CAR RENTAL HERE

GETTING AROUND SAPPORO

Here are several ways to explore Hokkaido. I only used 3: By train, by bus, and by walking.

Some attractions in Sapporo are concentrated near each other. So, it’s easy to explore them by walking, especially because the city has a grid design, which makes finding your destination easier. Check out the top tourist attractions I listed below per the nearest subway station.  You can also walk along the Pole Town mall.

  What I like about Sapporo is, it’s pretty easy to get around the city by subway because the subway system only consists of 3 lines: Namboku (Green Line), Tozai (Orange Line), and Toho (Blue Line).  I found myself using  the Namboku Line often as my hotels (I stayed in 3 hotels during my stay) were near Odori Station, Sapporo Station, Kita Junijo Station and Nakijama Koen Station.

  Fare: Fare starts at ¥200/$2 (₱94)

Here are the train/subway cards and passes that can save you a few bucks to your  travels around Sapporo or beyond. Which one to use? Depends on your itinerary.

1. Kitaca Card

To skip buying tickets every time I ride the train, I used the Kitaca Card. It’s rechargeable IC card of Hokkaido, pretty much like Osaka’s ICOCA Card. You can use it to ride the train in Sapporo and in many places in Hokkaido. You can also use it on JR buses. You can purchase a Kitaca card via Klook through the link below. It’s pre-loaded with ¥1,500/$14 (₱705) and pick it up at New Chitose Airport or Sapporo TV tower, whichever is convenient for you.

When to use: If you’re only traveling around Sapporo and Otaru.

RESERVE CARD HERE

2. One-Day Passes

You can also get a One-Day Card for Subway only. Price is ¥830/$7 (₱391) for adults and ¥420/$4 (₱197) for children.

When to purchase: If you will be riding the subway 5 times or more within 1 day on a weekday (Monday to Friday).

Donichika Ticket: Unlimited 1-day subway ride, available only on Saturdays, Sundays, and national holidays. Price is ¥520/$5 (₱244) for adults, and ¥260/$2 (₱122)for children.

  When to purchase: If you will be riding the subway 3 times or more within 1 day on a weekend (Saturday and Sunday) or national holiday.

3. JR Hokkaido Pass

If you plan to travel beyond Sapporo, perhaps you want to explore other destinations in Hokkaido for 3 – 7 days, you can get a JR Hokkaido Pass. It offers unlimited travel within designated areas via JR Hokkaido trains (Limited Express/Express and local trains) and JR buses.

I find it very helpful during my stay in Hokkaido because this prefecture is really huge, my travel destinations are quite far from each other, and train transport is quite expensive. You can check the train fares using Hyperdia on the dates of your trip, then add up the fares. Then, compare the total costs of train fares to the JR Hokkaido Pass rate to see it you really need one.

ALSO READ: HOW TO USE HYPERDIA TO CHECK TRAIN SCHEDULES AND FARES

As for me, using JR Hokkaido Pass really served me well because I didn’t have a fixed itinerary since I was traveling to uncharted areas without much information on getting there, bus schedules, etc. So, having a JR Hokkaido Pass was such a relief, I can change my route whenever need to. I will write a separate itinerary blog on Hokkaido where you can use a JR Hokkaido Pass.

You can purchase a JR Hokkaido Pass via Klook, your exchange order will be mailed to your home address as it is only available outside Japan, then you need to claim your pass in Japan. Because this is only available for foreign tourists, so you need to bring your passport when claiming your JR Hokkaido Rail Pass. Also, you don’t have to use it right away, plan when you will use it as you need to use it consecutive days.

IMPORTANT: JR Hokkaido Pass and JR train tickets can’t be used on subways, streetcars, or buses (except for JR fixed-route buses in the city). Use your Kitaca card for subway rides.

• 3 DAY JR HOKKAIDO PASS: RESERVE HERE
• 4 DAY JR HOKKAIDO PASS: RESERVE HERE
• 5 DAY JR HOKKAIDO PASS: RESERVE HERE
• 7 DAY JR HOKKAIDO PASS: RESERVE HERE

By Loop Buses

There are 2 loop buses in Sapporo called the “Sapporo Walk” bus (Chou Bus 88).  You can check the bus schedules, route maps, and transfers using the Eki-Bus navi. You can find the “Sapporo Walk” bus (Chou Bus 88) near Sapporo Station, in front of the South Exit of the Tokyu Department Store.

Fare: ¥210/$2 (₱98) for adults , ¥110/$1 (₱52) for children.

One-Day Bus Pass: ¥750/$7 (₱352) for adults, ¥380/$3 (₱178) for children (for JR Hokkaido Bus only)

  When to use: For Sapporo Beer Garden and Sapporo Factory. If you’re only going to use the loop bus twice, for example going to and from Sapporo Beer Garden only, pay the regular fare, no need for the 1-day pass.

By Streetcars

  Yes, there are streetcars in Sapporo, and you can use it for getting to Mt.Moiwa Ropeway.

Dosanka Pass: You can avail of this pass to get unlimited rides on streetcars for 1 day (Saturday, Sunday, and national holidays only). Price is ¥360/$3 (₱169).

By Tour Package

  You can also avail of the group tours offered via Klook.  This will save you time especially if you want to visit farther areas like Mt. Moiwa and Okura Stadium.

• Mt.Okura + Hitsujigaoka Observation Hill Tour: RESERVE HERE
• Okura Stadium + Mt.Moiwa Ropeway Tour: RESERVE HERE
• Mt. Moiwa + Mt. Okura Sapporo Night View Dinner Tour: RESERVE HERE
• Otaru Tour: RESERVE HERE
• Mt.Horse Park Noboribetsu Trip: RESERVE HERE

SAPPORO TOP TOURIST ATTRACTIONS

  You’ll never run out of things to do in Sapporo, the bustling city is packed with interesting man-made attractions, restaurants and department store, making it a pretty convenient base in Hokkaido. Here’s a list of some of Sapporo’s top tourist attractions.

Tourist Spots Near Odori Station

Sapporo TV Tower

Proudly standing on the heart of the city, the Sapporo TV Tower is one of the most recognisable landmarks of Sapporo. It was designed by Tachu Naito, the same architect who built Tokyo Tower in Tokyo.  The tower can be accessed by the public, including its observation deck that offers a scenic view of Odori Park and Sapporo city. For me, the best time to go here on winter is during daylight, when the mountains surrounding Sapporo and the streets are covered with snow.

  Entrance Fee: ¥720/$6 (₱338) for adults, ¥500/$5 (₱235) for high school students, ¥300/$3(₱131) for children

Open Hours: 9:00 AM – 10:00 PM

Access: Odori Subway Station, Exit 27

RESERVE DISCOUNTED TICKET HERE

Odori Park, which means large street divides Sapporo into North and South.  It’s quite a long stretch, but makes for a pleasant walk during summer or spring.  It is the popular main location of Sapporo Snow Festival, held every February.

Entrance Fee: FREE

Access: Odori Subway Station, Exit 5 or 6

Sapporo Clock Tower

  Constructed during the early development of Sapporo as a drill hall of the Sapporo Agricultural College. Today, the Clock Tower houses an exhibit about the history of the building itself and a spacious ceremony hall. It’s walking distance to the Sapporo TV Tower and the Former Hokkaido Government Building.

  Entrance Fee: ¥200/$2 (₱94)for adults, FREE for children

Open Hours: 8:45 AM – 5:10 PM

Access: Odori Subway Station, Exit 6, 16, and across from Exit 31

Tanukikojo Shopping Street

Sapporo is a shopping paradise. The city is peppered with department stores, shopping malls, and shopping streets! But arguably, the most famous to tourists is Tanukikoji Shopping Street, a roofed-arcade that was built about 150 years ago! A tanuki is a racoon dog, known for its cunning and lustful nature in Japanese mythology.  Tanukikoji Shopping Arcade got its name because it used to be frequented by prostitutes. Today, this place reminds me of Shinsaibashi-suji, Osaka’s shopping street. This 1-kilometre arcade is fringed by shops, restaurants, game centers, grocery stores, drugstores, and karaoke shops. Filipinos will certainly love this place as it houses a massive Don Quijote ! A few meters away, you’ll also find the massive Daiso !

  Access: Odori Subway Station, Exit 10

Open Hours: Many stores are already closed around 8:00 PM

Nijo Fish Market

  If you plan on having seafood for breakfast, make time for an early morning visit to Nijo Market.  Yes, it’s not just a market, you can also enjoy a delectable seafood donburi at one of the many restaurants in its narrow corridor – Noren Yokochi.

  Entrance Fee: FREE

Open hours: 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Access: Odori Subway Station, Exit 34

  Tourist Spots Near Sapporo Subway Station

Former hokkaido government office building.

This picturesque red American Neo- Baroque building built in 1888 is now a famous tourist spot in Sapporo.  Visitors can enter the building for free where an exhibit about Hokkaido’s history can be found.  A street spectacularly  fringed by Gingko trees leads to the Former Government Hall, an Instagram-worthy spot.

Access: JR Sapporo Station, South Exit

JR Tower Observation

  Sapporo, along with Nagasaki and Kobe, was chosen as one of Japan’s  new top 3 cities for night views, and one of the perfect places to experience that is on the 38 th Floor of the JR Tower Observation.

  Entrance Fee: ¥720/$6(₱338) for adults, ¥500/$5 (₱235) for high school students, ¥300/$3 (₱141)for elementary students and kids, FREE for children 3 years old and below,

Open Hours: 10:00 AM – 11:00 PM

Access: Directly connected to JR Sapporo Station, Sapporo Subway Station

Sapporo Ramen Republic

  If you like ramen, this place is for you. You will find 8 of the top Hokkaido Ramen restaurants here such as Sapporo Ramen (miso),  Hakodate ramen (shio) and my personal favorite – the Asahikawa Ramen (shoyu).

Access: Sapporo Subway Station. It is located on the 10 th floor of ESTA Complex.

Hokkaido University (Botanical Garden)

  Home to about 4,000 variety of plants, the Botanical Garden of Hokkaido University is open to the public for a minimal fee.

  Entrance Fee: ¥420/$4 (₱198)for adults, ¥300/$3 (₱141) for children

Open Hours:

  April 29 – September 30: 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM

October 1- November 3: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Access: 10-minute walk Sapporo Subway Station, Exit 11 or 6-minute walk from Nishi Juitchome Subway Station, Exit 4

Hokkaido University

  This sprawling university is a great place for a leisurely stroll as the its ground is dappled with note-worthy buildings and museums.

Access: Sapporo Subway Station, or JR Sapporo Station North Exit, to the Main Entrance

Hokkaido Ainu Center

Just in front of Hokkaido Botanical Garden, you’ll find an interesting exhibit of the Ainu robes and tools. You probably haven’t heard of the Ainu’s, as Japan has long been known for its homogeneity. But the Ainu people are the indigenous people of Japan, originally living in Hokkaido and Russia (the Kuril Islands and Sakhalin). They have long suffered discrimination since the government’s assimilation policy during the Meiji Period. Thankfully, last February, Japan government finally enacted a bill recognizing the Ainu as indigenous people of Japan. You can find several Ainu Museum in Hokkaido, but the Hokkaido Ainu Center is the most accessible in Sapporo and makes for a great introduction on the history and culture of the Ainu people.

  Entrance: FREE

Open Hours: Monday to Saturday 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Access: Sapporo Subway Station

• Sapporo Beer Garden and Museum

Open Hours: 11:30 AM – 10:00 PM (Sapporo Beer Garden), 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM (Sapporo Beer Museum)

Access: From Sapporo Station, take the Sapporo Walk (Chuo Bus 88) in front of the South Exit of the Tokyu Department Store.

Alternatively, it’s about a 10-minute walk from Higashikuyakusho Mae Station, Exit 4.

Tourist Attractions Near Susukino Subway Station

Access: Susukino Subway Station

Ramen Alley/Street

Entrance: FREE

Tourist Spots Near Nakajima Koen Station

Nakajima park.

  This beautiful, nature-rich park is also home to some historical buildings such as the Hoheiken (Hokkaido Guesthouse), Hokkaido Museum of Literature, and the Watanabe Junichi Museum of Literature.

Access: Nakajima Koen Station Exit 3.

Tourist Spots Near Maruyama Koen Subway Station (Orange Line)

• Hokkaido Shrine

This Shinto Shrine was built in 1869 after the Meijo Emperor decreed that the 3 major gods be enshrined here to uplift their spirits. This shrine is shrouded by beautiful cherry and plum trees.  This is the setting of the oldest festival in Hokkaido held every June 14 – 16.

Access: 5-minute walk from Maruyama koen Subway Station, Exit  1 or 3.

Mt.Moiwa Ropeway

  Entrance Fee: Ropeway + Morris Car (roundtrip) ¥1,700/$15(₱799) for adults, ¥850/$7(₱399) for children

Open Hours: (Summer) 10:30 AM – 10:00 PM

(Winter) 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM

Access: Not necessarily near Maruyama Koen Subway Station, but from this station, take JR Bus 10 or 11  and alight at the “Moiwa sanroku ropeway iriguchi” stop.

Alternatively, you can take the streetcar from the “Nishi yon chrome” stop and alight at the “Ropeway iriguchi” stop. Transit time is about 20 minutes.

Mt. Okura Observatory/Sapporo Olympic Museum

  This ski jump stadium rose to fame when it was used during the Winter Olympics in 1972, it’s still working to date.  But when there’s no ski jump events, visitors can access the observation deck via a chair lift to get spectacular view of Sapporo city. Below it is the Sapporo Olympic Museum showcasing exhibits of the 1972 Winter Olympics.

  Entrance Fee (Mt. Okura Observation Deck Lifts): ¥500/$5 (₱235) for adults and high school students, ¥300/$3 (₱141) for children

Entrance Fee (Sapporo Olympic Museum): ¥600/$5(₱282) for adults, FREE for high school students and children, ¥450/$4 (₱211)for Seniors

Open Hours: 8:30 AM – 6:00 PM (Mt. Okura Observation Deck Lifts)

9:00 AM – 6:00 PM (Sapporo Olympic Museum)

  Access: From Maruyama Koen Subway Station, take JR Bus 14. Get off at the “Okurayama kyogijo iriguchi” bus stop. It’s about a 10-minute walk from the bus stop.

Other Attractions in Sapporo:

 snowmobile land.

Spend a day in Snowmobile Land enjoying winter activities such as driving the snowmobile, snow rafting, snow banana boat, snow tubing, and ice cream making.  They offer package tour that includes pick up and drop off at hotels in Sapporo, gear rentals – ski suit, gloves, snow boots, etc.

RESERVE HERE

Ninja Experience

Another fun activity in Sapporo is learning how to be a Ninja. We practiced the arts of ninjutsu and enhance our combat skills with the help of Japanese masters.  Their location is sort of a secret, so if you book the Nina Experience, it includes a pick up and drop off in Sapporo.

Sapporo Smelt Fishing

Enjoy smelt fishing in Sapporo, we tried it at Barato River and it was fun, a different experience for me.

Shiroi Koibito Park

  Known for its Shiroi Kobito cookies, the Shiroi Koibito Park is an Instagram-worthy theme park by Ishiya.  During winter season, the park glitters with Christmas lights and Christmas decors.  It’s a beautiful place to hang out and have some snacks, and of course, buy souvenir chocolates – a popular Sapporo souvenir. It’s tax free for purchases over ¥5,400.  Make sure you bring your passport.

  Entrance Fee: FREE around the area with a shop, café and restaurant. Paid area for area with exhibits. ¥600/$5(₱282) for adults, ¥200/$2(₱180) (high school and children), FREE for 3-year-old and  below.

*It is currently free, not sure why, probably because the assembly line tours are closed until October 2019.

Open Hours: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM

Access: 7-minute walk from Miyanosawa Subway Station. (If coming from Sapporo Station, take a subway to Odori Station. Transfer to Tozai Subway Line for Miyanosawa Subway Stayion. Fare is ¥290/$3 (₱136). It’s a 7-minute walk to Shiroi Kobito Park, use Google Maps.)

  Historical Village of Hokkaido

  An open-air self-guided museum, a short train and bus ride from Sapporo city, peppered with traditional buildings, houses, shops, etc. from around Hokkaido.  Over 60 structures that were transferred here dates back to Meiji and Taisho Period. It’s lovely during winter when the entire village is clad in snow. Not to mention that there’s no crowd. I enjoyed taking pictures and selfies here. LOL

  How to get to Historical Village of Hokkaido

  Option 1: From JR Sapporo Station, take the train to JR Shinrinkoen Station.  Fare is ¥260/$2 (₱122) (Covered by JR Hokkaido/JR Pass) and transit time is about 10 minutes.  After exiting the track, the staff will check your train ticket. Look for the bus stop where buses to Hokkaido Historical Village stops. You should turn right (next to the toilet) and follow where it leads. The bus stop is on your right once you exit the train station. Take the bus to Hokkaido Historical Village, it’s the last stop. The 2 nd stop is the Hokkaido Museum. Bus fare is ¥210/$2(₱98) and transit time is about 10 minutes.

Option 2: From JR Sapporo Station, take the train to JR Shin Sapporo Station. Fare is ¥260/$2 (₱122) (Covered by JR Hokkaido/JR Pass). Alight at the last stop – ‘Kaitaku-no-mura” station.  Walk downstairs to bus terminal, go to Gate 10. Ride the JR Bus 22. Fare is ¥210/$2 (₱98) and travel time is about 10 minutes, the Hokkaido Historical Village is the last stop.

• Hokkaido Museum

Before or after you explore the Hokkaido Historical Village, you can pay a visit to the nearby Hokkaido Museum, oozing with exhibitions about the culture, nature and history of Hokkaido.

  Entrance Fee:

Open Hours: Closed on Mondays.

Access: See directions above for Hokkaido Historical Village but you need to get off at the 2 nd bus stop for Hokkaido Museum.

SAPPORO DAY TRIPS

  A pretty popular day trip from Sapporo is Otaru, known to Filipinos as the movie setting of the hit film “Kita Kita”.  The movie could mean “I Saw You”, but since “Kita” also means North, it could also be interpreted as “Saw you in the North”, since Hokkaido is located in northern Japan.  The charming port town of Otaru is peppered with age-old warehouses, Western style buildings, and canals. Otaru was also an erstwhile financial center, once dubbed as the Wall Street of the North. But when its economy plummeted due to fishing decline, Otaru turned the glass-making industry for squid fishing to creating art and fashion objects. You will stumble on many boutiques selling jewelries and art objects made from glass. Don’t miss the Otaru Music Box that houses over 25,000 music boxes!

Otaru is actually an erstwhile trading and fish port.  The famous Otaru Canal is fringed by age-old warehouses and old government buildings. But don’t miss the Otaru Music Box that houses over 25,000 music boxes!

You can also take a canal cruise in Otaru, here’s the rate:

Otaru Canal Day Cruise: (Adults) ¥1,500/$14 (₱705), (Children) ¥500/$5 (₱235)

Otaru Canal Night Cruise: (Adults) ¥1,800/$16 (₱847), (Children) ¥500/$5 (₱235)

Access: From JR Sapporo Station, take a train bound for Otaru Station. Travel time is about 1 hour. Fare is ¥610/$5 (₱287).  From Otaru Station, the Otaru Canal is about a 12-minute walk. Otaru Music Box is 5-minute walk from Minami-Otaru Station.  This is covered by JR Hokkaido Pass or JR Pass.

Otaru Day Tour. If you want a cheap, hassle-free day tour of Otaru, you can avail of the tour package offered by Klook, which includes an in depth-tour of Otaru, a visit to Yoichi Distillery – Nikka’s Whisky Factory, and a side trip to the lovely Shirio Kobito Park.

Otaru Tour + Shiroi Kobito Park: RESERVE TOUR HERE

SHIKOTSU-TOYA NATIONAL PARK

This national park is a beautiful side trip when in Sapporo. It is oozing with mountains, forests, hot spring resorts and volcanoes. This place is known for the Lake Shikotsu Ice Festival held every February. Don’t miss it as entrance fee is only ¥350/$3 (₱154).

Access: From JR Sapporo Station, ride a train to New Chitose Airport. Fare is about ¥1,590/$14 (₱748) (covered by JR Hokkaido Pass). At the airport, you can take the bus to Lake Shikotsu for ¥1,030/$9 (₱485). Alight at Shikotsu Bus Stop. Travel time is about 1 hour.  The lake and the ice festival is about a 3-minute walk from the bus stop.

Lake Shikotsu and Lake Toya Tour from Sapporo: RESERVE HERE

Since there is no direct access between Lake Shikotsu and Lake Toya, it’s practical to avail of the Lake Shikotsu and Lake Toya Winter Tour from Sapporo.  This is seasonal though, usually offered during the Lake Shikotsu Ice Festival.

  Mt.Usuzan Ropeway

  A popular day trip from Sapporo is the Usuzan Ropeway to enjoy a panoramic view from the ropeway and visit an active volcano at the UNESCO Global Geopark.

Access: From JR Toya Station, go to Showa Shinzan by Donnan Bus (about 45 minutes). Change bus at Toyako Onsen Bus Terminal. Take note though that there is no bus during winter (November to April).

  RESERVE DISCOUNTED TICKET HERE

Jozankei Resort and Spa

  Located in the lush, jungle forest of Hokkaido, Jozankei Resort and Spa is a popular onsen that can be done as a day tour from Sapporo.  If you want to rejuvenate your body and mind in a Japanese onsen (hot spring), this is a perfect place to do just that.

A convenient way to access it is by booking a day tour from Sapporo that includes bus, buffet, and onsen package.

RESERVE TOUR HERE

  For those traveling with kids, this is a popular side trip.  Asahiyama is known for its penguin walk and other winter animals such as polar bears, fox and seals. Though I am not really a fan of zoos, Japanese zoos are generally well-kept. You can do a DIY trip from Sapporo, but a practical way is to avail of a tour package from Sapporo via Klook since it includes other costly and hard-to-reach attractions such as the gorgeous Shirogane Blue Pond, the frozen Shirahige Falls and a stroll along the Ninguru Terrace.

  Access: From Sapporo Station, take a train bound for Asahikawa Station, this is covered by JR Hokkaido Pass. Fare starts at ¥5,010/$45 (₱237), one way. At Asahikawa Station, take a bus bound for Asahiyama Zoo at Bus Stop 6, fare is ¥440/$4 (₱207) and travel time is about 30 minutes.  Entrance fee is ¥820/$7 (₱386) for adults and FREE for children aged 15 years old and under. Don’t forget to grab a brochure with a map.

Tip: If you don’t have a JR Pass/JR Hokkaido Pass, best to do this via tour package so you can save a few bucks and still visit other attractions.

SHOPPING IN SAPPORO

  If you are looking for budget places to shop in Sapporo, here are my recommendations. I’ve tried them all! Hahaha

Sapporo Underground Shopping Mall

Access: Directly connected to Odori Subway Station

Tanukikojo Shopping Arcade

  Another personal favorite because you can find many affordable shops here, like the really huge Don Quijote.

Access: Odori Subway Station, Exit 10

One of my favorite shopping malls in Sapporo, as many shops sell reasonably-priced and good quality apparels. Bought 2 stylish, affordable coats here.

Uniqlo at New Chitose Airport

If you are traveling during winter and you need Uniqlo heattech for your layers, it’s cheaper to buy in Sapporo.  Once you arrive in New Chitose Airport, look for the Uniqlo store.  The price is almost half compared to Philippines. There are other branches in Sapporo of course, but I only bought from their airport branch.

  This sprawling store not only sells electronics, but it also sells, toys, home appliances, and other goods.  There’s one near JR Sapporo Station. If you plan on buying something there, make sure to avail of the discount coupon below. It’s FREE.

GET DISCOUNT COUPON HERE

  Yodaibashi

Another camera shop, but I bought my large suitcase here. There’s one near JR Sapporo Station.

WHAT TO EAT IN SAPPORO

  miso ramen.

Sapporo is known for its miso ramen.

Where to eat: Rammen Alley, Ramen Republic, Ramen Shingen

Sapporo is also the birthplace of soup curry. I only tried it as Crazy Spice Kita Juurokujou, but it’s more like an Indian curry. I was told the Sapporo soup curry is different.

Jingisukan (lamb barbecue)

  A pretty popular dish in Sapporo that is composed of lamb or mutton grilled on a convex iron plate along with some vegatables.

  Where to eat: Sapporo Beer Garden, Sapporo Snowmobile Land

Sapporo Crab

  Sapporo and Japan in general is known for its fresh seafood and crab tops the list in Sapporo, with many varieties like the hairy crab and snow crab.  There are some restaurants in Sapporo offering unlimited crab, grilled or hotpot.

  Where to eat: Nijo Market, Curb Market

You can also enjoy a deluxe Suzukake Queen Crab Hot Pot Course in Sapporo, only 2 minutes away from Susukino Station.

Sapporo has some of the finest sushi in Japan, if not the world.  And you can enjoy them best at conveyor-belt-style sushi restaurants.  Otaru is also a good place to try the sushi.

SAPPORO ITINERARY + BUDGET

  The sample Sapporo itineraries below only cover Sapporo and nearby destinations. I will write another blogpost for Hokkaido itinerary.

  *Sample budget doesn’t include hotel, airfare, terminal tax, and shopping expenses.

  Sample Sapporo Budget Itinerary # 1 – (3 Day 2 nights Sapporo Itinerary + Otaru)

This sample Sapporo Itinerary is perfect for those on a tight budget as I included mostly FREE tourist attractions in Sapporo.

What to Use: Kitaca Card ( RESERVE HERE )

Trip Budget: ¥13,390 (₱5,477 ) – $120, RM493, SGD 164, AUD 171

Tourist Attractions:

• Nijo Market
• Sapporo Walking Tour (Odori Park, Sapporo TV Tower, Clock Tower, Former Government Building)
• Shiroi Kobito Park

Sample Sapporo Itinerary # 2 – (4 Days/3 nights Sapporo + Otaru Itinerary)

This sample Sapporo Itinerary is perfect for those on a tight budget as I included mostly FREE tourist attractions in Sapporo. But I also made sure to insert the Sapporo tourist attractions from the movie Kita Kita.

Trip Budget: ¥21,151 (₱9,313) – $190, RM778, SGD 259, AUD 270

• Fushimi Inari
• Sapporo City Walking Tour (Odori TV Tower, Odori Park, Clock Tower, Former Hokkaido Gov’t Building)
• Hokkaido Historical Village

Sample Sapporo Itinerary #3  –  (4 Days/3 Nights Sapporo  + Otaru)

Trip Budget: ¥24,287 (₱11,420) – $219, RM 894, SGD 297, AUD 311

• Okurayama Ski Jump Stadium
• Hitsujigaoko Observation Hill
• Ramen Alley
• Sapporo Beer Garden and Sapporo Beer Museum

Sample Sapporo Itinerary #4 –  (6 Days/ 5 Nights Sapporo Winter Itinerary + Otaru)

Here’s a sample Sapporo itinerary for 6 days and 5 nights.  This will only cover Sapporo Area + Otaru. This itinerary is recommended if you will be traveling in Sapporo during winter as I included here mostly winter activities.

Trip Budget: ¥ 52,268 (₱23,265) – $470, RM 1923, SGD 639, AUD 668

Tourist Attractions Covered:

• Sapporo City Walking Tour (Nijo Market + Odori Park + Sapporo TV Tower + Clock Tower + Former Hokkaido Gov’t Building)
• Lake Shikotsu Ice Festival
• Snowmobile Land (Snowmobile + snow rafting + snow banana boat)
• Smelt Fishing
• Shiroi Kobito

SAPPORO TRAVEL TIPS AND REMINDERS

• When planning my itinerary, I use Hyperdia, but when I’m on the road already, since it isn’t mobile friendly, I use Google. It’s really helpful as it will provide you the platform #, train schedule and fares. So, make sure you are connected online when traveling around Sapporo.
• If you’re only traveling in Sapporo and Otaru, no need to buy JR Hokkaido Pass. Use Kitaca Card instead.
• Tipping is not common in Japan. If you wish to tip or give something, never give money. Buy pasalubong/gift for your Japanese friend instead.
• Avoid being too loud inside the train or subway. Avoid taking phone calls inside the train and subway.
• Do not eat on subways, but it’s okay to eat and drink on long-distance trains.
• When using the elevator, keep LEFT if you’re not moving.
• Smoking in public is prohibited in Sapporo. Use the designated smoking areas.
• Big backpacks are frowned upon on subways especially during rush hour. Be aware of people at your back, make sure you’re not hitting anyone in case you are carrying a big bag.
• Vending machines serve cold and hot drinks. Those in Blue light means cold, while Red light means the drink is hot.
• Be careful when walking on ice or snow.  It can be pretty slippery. I slipped once and almost broke my arm. You can buy anti-skid (anti-slip) for your shoes.
• Heatpacks are really helpful during winter. You can buy them at drugstores and convenience store.
• Heattech and other Uniqlo layers are way cheaper in Sapporo! You can buy some at New Chitose Airport upon your arrival.
• Winter jackets, coats, and boots are also cheaper in Sapporo especially if you’re traveling mid-February or late February to March when items are on sale already.  I suggest you buy your winter outfits in Sapporo, just bring one jacket and then allot half day for shopping when you arrive.  See my recommended shopping areas above.

Disclosure: Our trip to Sapporo was made possible by Jetstar and Hokkaido Tourism. But I also extended my stay in Sapporo using my personal fund and revisited Sapporo on my own.

OSAKA TRAVEL GUIDE

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How to Travel Hokkaido by trains: JR Rail Pass itineraries

If you plan to travel around Hokkaido by train, JR Hokkaido Rail Pass will be your best friend. It will allow you to…

Save money on transportation

Take unlimited train rides across Hokkaido

Reserve a seat for free

In this post, I will give you budget-friendly itineraries using the JR Hokkaido Rail Pass as well as two regional passes; Sapporo-Noboribetsu and Sapporo-Furano Area Passes. You will learn the ticket prices and how to book them too.

Traveling by train is a great way to enjoy Hokkaido…

For non-drivers

For those who want to travel on a budget

In winter when driving is not necessarily safe

Let’s dive in!

JR Hokkaido Rail Pass Guide

What is jr hokkaido rail pass, is it worth it for your trip: train fee comparison, how to choose your jr rail pass, how to book your jr rail pass, how to use your jr rail pass, hokkaido travel itineraries with jr rail pass.

• JR Hokkaido Rail Pass

Sapporo-Noboribetsu Area Pass

Sapporo-Furano Area Pass

✨TRAVEL TIP

Want to visit Hokkaido's best places wihtout driving? Join Guided One-Day Tours ! They offer transportation from/to Sapporo. The popular destinations include Furano, Biei, Asahikawa, Otaru, Lake Toya, Noboribetsu and many more.

This post contains affiliate links that at no additional cost to you, I may earn a small commission to enjoy a cup of coffee on my next trip☕

JR Hokkaido Rail Pass allows you to travel freely by train in Hokkaido! This is a convenient and cost-effective way for international travelers like you to explore the beautiful Hokkaido. With this pass, you can take unlimited rides within specific areas.

There are three types of Rail Passes with different area coverages.

Hokkaido Rail Pass , covering all JR lines in Hokkaido

These passes are only available for foreign visitors holding a non-Japanese passport - so be sure to take advantage of it! If you are traveling to other places in Japan, Japan Rail Pass which covers all JR lines across Japan, including Hokkaido of course, might be a better option.

What is included?

All train lines , except Hokkaido Shinkansen. You can take limited express, rapid and local trains in designated areas by your pass.

Booking reserved seats so that you can travel hassle-free, without worrying if you get a seat.

JR Hokkaido bus within Sapporo (only for Hokkaido Rail Pass, not Area Passes)

✨Travel Tip

🚅Want to take Shinkansen (bullet train) to/from Hokkaido? Book a ticket online , or get Japan Rail Pass which covers all train lines, including Shinkansen across Japan.

Now you know there are different types of rail passes - It’s time to choose which one is the best for you! We also have to think about if it is really worth getting a pass for your planned itinerary. So I made it easy for you to compare the fees here.

If it’s cheaper to purchase a Rail Pass than take regular trains without it, then definitely consider booking a Rail Pass for your trip! I will also share with you some travel itineraries making the most value of the Rail Passes later in this post. So follow along!

Rail Pass Price Comparison

* A half-price discount applies to children over 6 years old and under 12 years old.

Regular Train Fees on Major Routes

(without a Rail Pass & with a reserved seat when applicable)

From New Chitose to Sapporo: 1,990 yen (3,980 yen for a round trip)

From Sapporo to Noboribetsu: 4,780 yen (9,560 yen)

From Sapporo to Otaru: 1,590 yen (3,180 yen)

From Sapporo to Asahikawat: 5,220 yen (10,440 yen)

From Sapporo to Furano: 4,540 yen (9,080 yen)

From Sapporo to Hakodate: 9,440 yen (18,880 yen)

From Sapporo to Abashiri : 10,540 yen (21,080 yen)

From Abashiri to Shiretoko Shari : 970 yen (1,940 yen)

From Abashiri to Kushiro: 4,070 yen (8,140 yen)

From Kushiro to Obihiro: 5,220 yen (10,440 yen)

From Obihiro to Sapporo: 7,790 yen (15,580 yen)

If you want to check fees for other routes of your choice, use this calculator .

The Ultimate Hokkaido Travel Guidebooks

Your trip planning made easy! Save weeks of research and get the perfect itineraries for your Hokkaido trip.

Instant download in PDF.

You can choose from three types of rail passes for Hokkaido , or Japan Rail Pass if you are traveling to other parts of Japan as well by train. Each pass offers different area coverage and duration of validity, so it's important to select the one that best fits your travel plan. Here’s the detail of each pass for your comparison.

1. Hokkaido Rail Pass

Hokkaido Rail Pass covers all the train lines except for Shinkansen (bullet train) and is valid for 5 days (20,000 yen), 7 days (26,000 yen), or 10 days (32,000 yen) . If you plan to travel to different areas of Hokkaido by train, this is the best option for you.

Want to know an itinerary using this pass? Jump to the itinerary .

2. Sapporo-Noboribetsu Area Pass

Sapporo-Noboribetsu Area Pass covers the area around Sapporo and Noboribetsu for 4 days (9,000 yen) . You can take all the lines between the following major stations.

New Chitose Airport

Noboribetsu

3. Sapporo-Furano Area Pass

Sapporo-Furano Area Pass covers the area around Sapporo and Furano for 4 days (10,000 yen) . You can take all the lines between the following major stations.

4. Japan Rail Pass

Japan Rail Pass covers all the JR lines across Japan for 7 days (70,000 yen), 14 days (110,000 yen), or 21 days (140,000 yen) . One major advantage of using this pass is that you can also take the Shinkansen (bullet train), which of course includes Hokkaido Shinkansen linking the mainland of Japan and Hakodate in Hokkaido! With Shinkansen, you can reach Tokyo from Hakodate in 4.5 hours while enjoying the views.

I suggest purchasing a Rail Pass online prior to your trip, so that you can start your train trip right away once you arrive. It is also cheaper to book online before your trip than to buy one at a ticket counter after you arrive in Japan.

There are several online websites for booking JR Rail Passes, but I recommend Klook - the world’s leading travel booking platform . Here’s how the booking works on Klook.

Choose a pass type on Klook and book your rail pass.

Once your booking is confirmed, you will receive a voucher via email or physical mail, depending on your preference.

After you arrive in Japan, visit any JR office ticketing booth located at an airport or train station and present your voucher with your passport to get your JR Rail Pass.

NOTE: Remember that you have 90 days from the day you booked the pass to exchange for the Rail Pass in Japan.

You can use the Rail Pass just like a regular train ticket - insert it into a ticketing gate at a station. It’s easy!

If you want to take a rapid train with a reserved seat, you will need a separate ticket for your seat reservation. You can reserve a seat at a ticketing machine or a ticketing office for free by presenting your Rail Pass. When you go through a gate, just insert both your Rail Pass and seat ticket together and go!

Sapporo city view and Otaru Canal

Here are itineraries using the three Rail Passes. You will see how much money you will get to save by using a Rail Pass in each suggested itinerary below.

JR Hokkaido Rail Pass Itinerary

This itinerary is a great example of how you can maximize the value of JR Hokkaido Rail Pass! With unlimited rides, you can explore from the Sapporo area to Eastern Hokkaido , where there are many nature spots you don’t want to miss.

You can save 11,850 yen with JR Hokkaido Rail Pass, following this itinerary!

Regular train fees without the Area Pass - 37,850 yen

The Rail Pass cost - 26,000 yen

Fly into New Chitose Airport

Take a train from the airport to Sapporo Station (Regular ticket price: 1,990 yen) - 40 min

Places to visit in Sapporo - Moerenuma Park , Sapporo Beer Museum , Shiroi Koibito Park , dining in Susukino, etc.

Stay in Sapporo

JR Tower Hotel Nikko Sapporo ⭐4 stars ♨️Hot spring 🏢Excellent Location An urban city hotel with a great location directly connected to JR Sapporo station, shopping malls nearby, and a natural hot spring spa.

ONSEN RYOKAN Yuen Sapporo ⭐3.5 stars 👩‍❤️‍👨For Couple ♨️Hot spring A modern onsen city hotel with simple and stylish rooms, located just 5 min away from Odori Park.

Mercure Hotel Sapporo ⭐4 stars 🏢Excellent Location 👟 Fitness Room A city hotel conveniently located in Susukino, a popular spot for local restaurants and bars.

Read this blog post to check out more hotels in Sapporo

Noboribetsu day trip - Take a limited express train from Sapporo to Noboribetsu (Regular ticket price: 9,560 yen for a round trip with a reserved seat) - 1h20min

Change to a local bus to Noboribetsu Onsen (350 yen for one way *Not included in the Area Pass)

Places to visit in Noboribetsu - Jigokudani (Hell Valley), Oyunumagawa Natural Foodbath , Date Jidai Village

Head back to Sapporo

Take a limited express train from Sapporo to Abashiri (Regular ticket price:10,540 yen with a reserved seat) - 5.5 hours

Places to visit in Abashiri - Abashiri Prison Museum , Drift Ice Museum , Flower Garden Hanatento (summer), Drift Icebreaker ship (January - March)

Stay in Abashiri

Hokuten no Oka Abashiriko Tsuruga Resort ⭐4 stars, ♨️Hot Spring, 🍴Great Buffet A relaxing onsen resort hotel featuring the Ainu art in its well-designed interior

Kagariya ⭐4 stars, ♨️Hot Spring, 🍴Great Buffet An onsen ryokan with a lake view, offering seafood Kaiseki dinner and breakfast.

Dormy Inn Abashiri ⭐3 stars, 🏢Excellent Location, ♨️Hot Spring A budget business hotel with 7-eleven nearby

Take a rapid train from Abashiri to Shiretoko Shari (Regular ticket price: 970 yen) - 50 min

Change to a local bus to Utoro (1,650 yen *Not included in the Rail Pass) - 1 hour

Things to do in Utoro, Shiretoko - Five Lake Hike , nature cruise , drift ice walk (winter), snowshoeing

Stay in Utoro

Kita Kobushi Shiretoko Hotel & Resort ⭐4 stars, ♨️Hot Spring, 👀 Beautiful View Located right in front of Utoro Port, offering deluxe room options with a private open-air hot spring.

Shiretoko Dai Ichi Hotel ⭐4 stars, 🍴Great Buffet, ♨️Hot Spring Offering the massive 80-dish buffet featuring Japanese and international cuisine and the gorgeous public hot spring made with natural jade.

Route Inn Grantia Shiretoko Shari Ekimae ⭐3 stars, ♨️Hot Spring, 🍴Breakfast Buffet Available An affordable stay near JR Shari station with a natural hot spring and free breakfast.

Take a local bus back to Shiretoko Shari Station and change to a local train to Kushiro (Regular ticket price: 3,190 yen) - 2.5h

Places to visit in Kushiro - Kushiro Marshland National Park , Washo Seafood Market , Fisherman’s Wharf Moo

Stay in Kushiro

ANA Crowne Plaza Hotel Kushiro ⭐3 stars, 🏢Excellent Location, ✨Modern Design Conveniently located near JR Kushiro Station, offering great guest services and a breakfast buffet using fresh local ingredients.

Comfort Hotel Kushiro ⭐3 stars, 🍴Free Breakfast, 🏢Excellent Location A modern city hotel just a 2-min walk away from JR Kushiro Station

Take a limited express train to Obihiro (Regular ticket price: 5,220 yen with a reserved seat) - 1.5h

Places to visit in Obihiro - Manabe Garden , Banei Horse Race , Rokkatei sweets shop , Ryugetsu Sweetpia Garden

Stay in Obihiro

Sanyoan ⭐4 stars, ♨️Hot Spring, 🧡Amazing Hospitality A luxury spa resort offering a relaxing stay and excellent services in Tokachigawa Onsen

Hotel Grand Terrace Obihiro ⭐3 stars, 🏢Excellent Location,🍴Breakfast Buffet A convenient city hotel located near JR Obihiro Station

Hotel Nupka ⭐2 stars, 🏢Excellent Location, ✨Modern Design A simple, budget hotel with complimentary breakfast, located near the station.

Take a limited express train from New Chitose Airport (Regular ticket price: 6,380 yen with a reserved seat) - 2.5h

Sapporo-Noboribetsu Area Pass Itinerary

Follow along with this itinerary if you are looking for a city trip and a cozy onsen experience. With this itinerary, you can save 7,720 yen with the Area Pass!

Regular train fees without the Area Pass - 16,720 yen

The Area Pass cost - 9,000 yen

Take a rapid train from Sapporo to Otaru (Regular ticket price: 3,180 yen for a round trip with a reserved seat) - 40 min

Places to visit in Otaru - Otaru Canal , Mount Tengu , Otaru Museum , local sushi restaurants

Take a limited express train from Sapporo to Noboribetsu (Regular ticket price: 4,780 yen with a reserved seat) - 1h20min

Change to a local bus to Noboribetsu Onsen (350 yen *Not included in the Area Pass)

Stay in Noboribetsu

Takimotokan ⭐4 stars, ♨️Hot spring, 🏢Convnenient Location Located right next to Jugokudani, making it easy to get around the town.

Hotel Mahoroba ⭐3 stars, ♨️Hot spring, 👨‍👩‍👧For Family A family-friendly hotel with many different kinds of hot springs. Located right in front of the bus station.

Noboribetsu Grand Hotel ⭐4 stars, ♨️Private Onsen Available, 🧖Sauna A long-established onsen resort hotel offering dinner and breakfast buffets.

Head back to Sapporo (Regular ticket price: 4,780 yen with a reserved seat)

Enjoy in Sapporo until the last minute! There are many shopping spots and department stores around the station.

Take a train from Sapporo to New Chitose Airport (Regular ticket price: 1,990 yen) - 40 min

*If you don’t have enough time to go back to Sapporo, you can head to the airport directly from Noboribetsu.

Sapporo-Furano Area Pass Itiinerary

This is a perfect itinerary for you if you want to visit popular tourist destinations of Hokkaido efficiently and enjoy the beautiful nature that Hokkaido has to offer. With this itinerary, you can save 8,980 yen with the Area Pass!

Regular train fees without the Area Pass - 18,980 yen

The Area Pass cost - 10,000 yen

Take an express train from Sapporo to Furano (Regular ticket price: 4,540 yen with a reserved seat) - 2.5 hours

Places to visit in Furano - Farm Tomita , Ningle Terrace , Garden of Wind

Stay in Furano

La Vista Furano Hills Natural Hot Spring ⭐4 stars, ♨️Hot Spring, 🍴Great Breakfast A mountain view city hotel offering delicious dinner courses and breakfast buffets made with fresh local produce.

Shin Furano Prince Hotel ⭐4 stars, ♨️Hot Spring, 👨‍👩‍👧For Family A Prime location for Furano adventures, located within the Furano Ski Resort.

The Furano Natulux Hotel ⭐4 stars, ✨Modern Design, 👩‍❤️‍👨For Couple A cozy hotel near JR Furano Station, perfect for a relaxing stay.

More hotel recommendations for Furano here!

Take a local train from Furano to Biei (Regular ticket price: 1,500 yen for a round trip) - 40 min

Places to visit in Biei - Blue Pond , Shirahige Waterfalls , Shikisai no Oka

Take a local train from Biei to Asahikawa (Regular ticket price: 640 yen) - 40 min

Places to visit in Asahikawa - Asahiyama Zoo , Asahikawa Ramen Village

Take a rapid train to Sapporo (Regular ticket price: 5,220 yen with a reserved seat) - 1.5 hours

Take a train from Otaru to New Chitose Airport (Regular ticket price: 1,910 yen) - 1h20min

NEED ADVICE ON YOUR TRIP PLAN?

I’M HERE TO HELP YOU!

I’ve been helping international travelers plan their dream trips to Hokkaido for many years. I’d be happy to plan your itinerary with you for Eastern Hokkaido as well as other regions.

Check out what you can ask me & why you should plan with a local expert like me.

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6D Hokkaido Itinerary for Under S$1k — Must-Eat, See and Dos in Sapporo, Otaru, Asahikawa and Biei

Explore familiar favourites and uncover hidden gems — all in this Hokkaido itinerary. Read till the end for year-end travel deals on flights, hotels and activities! Warning: lots of drool-worthy food recommendations coming up!

We visited Hokkaido previously on an eight-day road trip covering 10 different areas. This time, we wanted to slow down and enjoy each place a little better.

We got to revisit familiar favourites like the Otaru Canal, but also discover new hidden gems and (many) food spots we didn’t see the last time.

With slightly under a week, here’s our 2022 Hokkaido itinerary covering non-seasonal experiences you can enjoy any time of the year in Hokkaido.

Hokkaido Itinerary and Budget Breakdown

Click on each city to jump to the relevant section :

Day 1-2: Sapporo Day 3: Day trip to Otaru Day 4: Asahikawa Day 5: Day trip to Biei Day 6: Sapporo

Budget Breakdown

Accommodation:  S$263.67 Transport:  S$285.21 (does not incl. flights) Activities:  S$23.68 Food:  S$330 Misc: S$71.49 Total:  S$974.04

Detailed breakdown for one pax here (prices are accurate at the time of writing). Flights aren’t included as prices fluctuate.

* Pro-tip: Save more on trip expenses with Citi Credit Card travel deals , including up to S$100 off hotels, flights or experiences on Traveloka, or 25% off Agoda hotel bookings with Citi Mastercard® Credit Cards.

Day 1-2: Sapporo 

Sapporo is Hokkaido’s vibrant capital city known for good food and beautiful cityscapes.

Soup Curry Garaku

Originating from Sapporo, soup curry is a must-try when in Hokkaido. There’s no flour in it, so it’s a lot lighter than tonkatsu  (pork cutlet) curry. We visited the popular Soup Curry Garaku which was walking distance from our hotel.

Their best seller is pork soup curry, but it was sold out by 2PM so we got chicken (¥1,250) and pork shabu (¥1,390) instead. The soup is light, with lots of veggies like broccoli, mushrooms and lotus root — the perfect dish to enjoy after a long day.

There’s three rice portion sizes; we opted for the small but would recommend medium if you want a full meal. For spice, there’s level one to 40! Regular is a level three, which is what I got.

*Pro-tip: Get a queue number from the machine when you arrive. If you have LINE, you can check the queue status on your phone and walk around while you wait!

Cost: From ¥1,250/main (~S$12.20) Opening hours: 11:30AM – 3PM, 5PM – 8:30PM Address: Japan, 〒060-0063 Hokkaido, Sapporo, Chuo Ward, Minami 2 Jonishi, 2 Chome−６−1

Tanukikoji Shopping Arcade

For retail therapy, head to Tanukikoji Shopping Arcade , a 1km-long stretch of shops and restaurants in the heart of Sapporo. There’s all the Japanese favourites (like ABC Mart and Matsumoto Kiyoshi), plus a few cool thrift shops.

There’s also a massive underground shopping complex that connects most of the malls and train stations along the main street. If you’re visiting Sapporo during winter months, take the underpass to avoid the cold.

Opening hours: 24 hours — shops generally close at 8PM Address: Japan, 〒060-0062 Hokkaido, Sapporo, Chuo Ward, 南2・3条西1～7丁目

*Pro-tip: Spend on your Citi PremierMiles Card to earn 2 miles with every S$1 overseas spend — if you don’t have one yet, apply now and get up to 30,000 bonus Citi Miles .

Sapporo TV Tower and Odori Park

We weren’t intending to head up to the Sapporo TV Tower but the weather that day was so good that we got tickets on the spot via Klook to catch the sunset from the observation deck.

*Pro-tip: Get 20% off experiences on Klook by booking with Citi Credit Cards

From 90m high, you’ve got great views of the cityscape and Odori Park! Each night, the tower lights up.

Entrance fee: ~S$7.89 via Klook Opening hours: 9AM – 9:50PM Address: 1 Chome Odorinishi, Chuo Ward, Sapporo, Hokkaido 060-0042, Japan

Gotsubo Oyster Bar

We found several reviews online raving about the oysters at Gotsubo Oyster Bar . As seafood lovers, we had to try it for ourselves.

Located in a quiet side alley in the nightlife district of Susukino, it wasn’t crowded when we visited at around 6PM on a weekend.

It costs just ~¥150/oyster (minimum of five). We ordered six and the chef threw in two more for free~!

We also had baked scallops (¥490 for one) and soy sauce baked giant surf clams (¥690), which were palm-sized and juicy. The highlight of the meal was definitely the oysters — they were huge and fresh, and had us returning once more before leaving Hokkaido.

This place is small and only seats about 15 at a time, so come early.

Cost: ~S$18/pax (Cash only) Opening hours: 5PM – 2AM Address: Japan, 〒064-0806 Hokkaido, Sapporo, Chuo Ward, Minami 6 Jonishi, 3 Chome−6-8 ＢＡＳＥ－０１

BONUS If you have extra cash to spare and will like to experience authentic izakayas that you’re unlikely to find without a native Japanese speaker, consider going on a Sapporo bar hopping food tour by MagicalTrip around Susukino!

Ramen Yokocho

Ramen is a huge part of Hokkaido’s culinary scene, and each city has its own specialty. Sapporo’s ramen is miso-based, and a great place to try it is Ganso Sapporo Ramen Yokocho . This ramen alley in the Susukino district features 17 ramen shops!

We had miso noodles (¥800) and fried gyoza (¥500), which made for a very hearty meal.

Cost: From ¥800/bowl (~S$7.90) Opening hours: Varies Address: N Grande Building 1F, Minami 5-jo Nishi 3-chome, Chuo-ku, Sapporo

Read also: Hokkaido Food Guide — 9 Must-Eats on Your Next Japan Itinerary

Shiroi Koibito Park

The name Shiroi Koibito might not immediately ring a bell. But you’ve probably seen their white chocolate biscuits — it’s one of Japan’s most famous snacks! Shiroi Koibito Park is a chocolate theme park built in 1976 dedicated to these treats.

The outdoor garden is my favourite part of the park, which takes inspiration from British architecture. There are mini houses scattered all over and gives the feel of a fairytale village. Each hour, the Mechanical Clock Tower opens up to reveal automated animals!

Enjoy a soft serve ice cream (¥550) while you’re there — there’s a small snack stand outdoors.

Inside, visitors can sign up for cookie decorating classes at Sweets Workshop Dream Kitchen or learn about the history of the Shiroi Koibito biscuits — and even watch them being made!

Before leaving, have lunch at one of the on-site restaurants , or stock up on snacks at the Piccadilly shop.

Entrance fee: ¥800 (~S$7.90) — the outdoor garden, restaurants and Piccadilly shop is free entry Opening hours: 10AM – 5PM Address: Miyanosawa 2-2-11-36, Nishi-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido 063-0052

Crab is something Hokkaido is known for. So we couldn’t exclude Sapporo’s most famous crab restaurant, Kani Honke, in our Hokkaido itinerary! The restaurant isn’t hard to find — it occupies an entire seven-storey building that’s noticeable the moment you step out of Sapporo station.

There’s an extensive menu , from course meals and hot pot sets to a la carte dishes.

We ordered a kanisuki (hotpot style) course for ¥9,637 (~S$94) which includes eight dishes to share. The main course was the snow crab hot pot and sashimi ! It was my first time trying raw crab, and the meat was really creamy and smooth.

One set wasn’t filling enough for two people, so we added one portion of fried crab meat (¥1,650) and snow crab sushi (¥2,000). Both were really good!

*Pro-tip: Make a reservation online at least 10 days in advance — they close online bookings after that. Alternatively, go at off-peak hours. We went around 5:30PM and got a seat without reservation.

Cost: ~S$60/pax Opening hours: 11:30AM – 10PM (Last order 9:30PM) Address: 2-1-18 Kitasanjo-Nishi, Chuo-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido

K.L.I.M Dessert Cafe

It isn’t a trip to Hokkaido if we didn’t include Hokkaido soft serve! For dessert, we headed to K.L.I.M which newly opened in 2021. We had milk soft serve with  dango  (¥1,100) and their signature black sesame and coconut soft serve with pearls (¥900). Both were really good!

Cost: From ¥400 (~S$3.90) Opening hours: 7PM – 3:30AM Address: 5 Chome Minami 6 Jonishi, Chuo Ward, Sapporo, Hokkaido 064-0806, Japan (They have another outlet that opens from 11AM – 5PM)

Where to stay in Sapporo (3 nights): The Knot Sapporo ( from ~S$93/night for a twin room). It’s 1.4km from Sapporo station, and right beside Tanukikoji Shopping Arcade and several other restaurants.

*Pro-tip: Book with Citi Mastercard Credit Cards to enjoy 25% off hotel bookings on Agoda !

Day 3: Day Trip to Otaru

Getting from Sapporo to Otaru : 35min via train

Otaru is a charming coastal town that can easily be covered as a day trip. This is one train journey you don’t want to nap on — the route is extremely scenic. It snakes along the coast and we even spotted several surfers catching waves!

*Pro-tip: Pre-book your Hokkaido JR Pass via Klook and save up to S$50 with Citi Credit Cards.

Hiyoriyama Lighthouse

First stop of the day — Hiyoriyama Lighthouse . It’s a 30-minute bus ride from Otaru Station (¥240); get off at Otaru Aquarium. From there, it’s a short eight-minute walk to the lighthouse.

The area surrounding the lighthouse is really scenic. It’s the perfect vantage point to take in Otaru’s coast and the Sea of Japan — a highlight of this Hokkaido itinerary!

Beside the lighthouse is Nishin Goten, or Herring Mansion — a tribute to Otaru’s past where herring fishing played a major role in the city’s development. Drop by (¥300 entry) to catch a glimpse of life as a fisherman in the olden days!

Nearby, there’s also the Otaru Shukutsu Panorama Observation Deck and a few nature trails for those who’d like to spend more time exploring the coast.

Entrance fee: Free Opening hours: 24 hours Address: 3 Chome-240 Shukutsu, Otaru, Hokkaido 047-0047, Japan

Sankaku Market

Next stop, breakfast at Sankaku Market . From the outside, it doesn’t look like much.

Step inside and you’ll find several eateries all selling one thing: kaisendon . Kaisendons are Japanese rice bowls with fresh seafood — my absolute favourite. 🤤 What better place to try it than a fish market that supplies seafood?

There are several combinations to choose from, and you can even DIY your own bowl! We went with the four-seafood bowl (¥2,200 for a small portion and ¥2,700 for a large) — I chose scallop, salmon, shrimp and ikura . The seafood was seriously fresh and I was desperately savouring each bite to prolong the whole experience.

Our advice? Don’t bother ordering the small.

Entrance fee: Free Opening hours: 8AM – 5PM Address: 3 Chome-10-16 Inaho, Otaru, Hokkaido 047-0032, Japan

Former Temiya Railway

Walking distance from Sapporo station, the Former Temiya Railway was once used to transport coal to Otaru. It’s a nice place to take photos, especially in autumn when the leaves are multi-coloured!

Entrance fee: Free Opening hours: 24 hours Address: 1 Chome-15-14 Ironai, Otaru, Hokkaido 047-0031, Japan

Otaru Canal

Otaru Canal is the city’s most recognisable attraction. Built in 1923 for small boats to transport goods to warehouses, the canal was restored in the 1980s and became a popular tourist spot. The warehouses now house restaurants and souvenir shops!

Visitors can enjoy a 40-minute sightseeing cruise (¥1,500) along the canal or just walk along the pedestrian street beside it. Boats depart hourly between 11AM and 6PM.

Entrance fee: Free Opening hours: 24 hours Address: 5 Minatomachi, Otaru, Hokkaido 047-0007, Japan

Sakaimachi Dori Shopping Street

Hokkaido has shopping streets in every city, but few offer the same charm as Otaru’s Sakaimachi Dori Shopping Street . It’s a short walk from Otaru Canal and is home to many restaurants, souvenir shops and dessert stands.

Otaru is known for glassware, so you’ll find everything from glass jewellery to ornaments. I couldn’t resist buying a couple of tiny glass sculptures (¥550 each) to bring home!

Mochi with fruits for ¥350 each.

Entrance fee: Free Opening hours: 24 hours — shops generally close by 7PM Address: 4-4 Sakaimachi, Otaru, Hokkaido 047-0027, Japan

Soba Restaurant

Before heading back to Sapporo, enjoy authentic soba at this quaint little restaurant . There’s no English name or menu and there’s only six tables, but this turned out to be one of our most enjoyable meals.

They serve both cold and warm soba ; we went with the classic cold soba with giant tempura shrimp.

The noodles were springy; the dipping sauce refreshing and a nice balance of sweet and salty. The tempura shrimp was the biggest surprise — literally. It was huge and had a nice crunch to it.

After finishing, we were given hot water to add to the soba sauce. The water reduced the sweetness and made it into a nice soup, which was a nice end to the meal.

*Pro-tip: This soba restaurant is located opposite Minami-Otaru station. Take the train back to Sapporo from here instead of walking back to Otaru station.

Cost: ~¥1,000/pax (~S$9.90) Opening hours: 11:30AM – 3PM Address: 9-10 Sumiyoshicho, Otaru, Hokkaido 047-0015, Japan

Day 4: Asahikawa

Getting from Sapporo to Asahikawa: 1hr 25min via train

Located north of Sapporo, Asahikawa is Hokkaido’s second largest city. It’s surrounded by mountains and is a great base to explore surrounding nature spots like Daisetsuzan National Park and Biei!

Asahikawa Ramen Village 

For lunch, we headed to Asahikawa Ramen Village . There are eight ramen shops here — a great place to try Asahikawa’s soy-based ramen. I had soy ramen with minced pork (¥900) while Brendan tried it with intestines (¥900).

The ramen here is oilier than Sapporo ramen and the noodles are chewier.

*Pro-tip: A few of the same ramen shops can be found in downtown Asahikawa, so feel free to skip the trip here if you’d like to save time as the trains here can be infrequent.

Cost: From ¥900/bowl (~S$8.90) Opening hours: 11AM – 8PM Address: 4 Chome-119-48 Nagayama 11 Jo, Asahikawa, Hokkaido 079-8421, Japan

Hokkaido Gokoku Shrine

The Hokkaido Gokoku Shrine is a little out of the city centre, but that’s what makes it a hidden gem. Built in 1902, there are three giant torii gates — the photographers in us were really excited about this.

We visited on a weekday and there was only one other family around, which meant we had the place to ourselves to enjoy the architecture.

Do drop by the garden before leaving. It’s another great photo spot!

Entrance fee: Free Opening hours: 24 hours Address: 1 Chome-2282-2 Hanasakicho, Asahikawa, Hokkaido 070-0901, Japan

Mutton BBQ Daikokuya Main Store

For dinner, we went to Mutton BBQ Daikokuya Main Store for another Hokkaido favourite —  jingisukan (mutton bbq). One set of meat (¥2,400) includes a portion of rump, shoulder loin and tenderloin. We also ordered sides like horseradish cucumber and kimchi (¥350 each), egg rice (¥300) and sausages (¥550 for two).

The meat surprisingly wasn’t gamey! My favourite part was the tenderloin, which we ended up ordering more of.

For dessert, we had sheep pudding (¥450) which was creamy and paired well with caramel sauce.

Cost: ~S$30/pax Opening hours: 5PM – 10PM (Mon – Fri), 4PM – 10PM (Sat – Sun) Address: Japan, 〒070-0034 Hokkaido, Asahikawa, 4 Jodori, 5 Chome−1425番地 3・4 仲通

Heiwa Shopping Street

Heiwa Shopping Street is Asahikawa’s main shopping hub, with plenty of restaurants too. It’s located right opposite Asahikawa station and was walking distance from our hotel.

We enjoyed exploring the little thrift shops which sell secondhand clothes, shoes and bags!

Opening hours: 24 hours — Shops generally close at 8PM Address: 8 Chome-41-28 8 Jodori, Asahikawa, Hokkaido 070-0038, Japan

Where to stay in Asahikawa: Hotel Route Inn Grand Asahikawa Ekimae ( from ~S$88/night for a Twin Room). It’s located beside Asahikawa station.

Day 5: Day Trip to Biei

The next day, we rented a car to explore the nearby town of Biei .

Car rental: From ~S$59.99/day via Klook . The car rental place was right beside our hotel in Asahikawa (Route Inn Grand Asahikawa Ekimae). Bring your international driving permit (IDP) and a credit card during pickup.

*Pro-tip: Get up to S$50 off your car rental on Klook with your Citi Credit Card.

Shirogane Blue Pond

Asahikawa to Shirogane Blue Pond: 49min drive

The Shirogane Blue Pond is arguably what put Biei on the map. The bright turquoise colour reflected in the water is actually due to aluminium particles from the nearby Shirogane Onsen.

There’s also a small dessert stand at the entrance — we got a soft serve and macaron before leaving!

Entrance fee: Free (¥500 parking fee) Opening hours: 24 hours Address: Shirogane, Biei, Kamikawa District, Hokkaido 071-0235, Japan

Shirahige Waterfall

Shirogane Blue Pond to Shirahige Waterfall: 4min drive

Shirahige Waterfall means “white beard waterfall” — a fitting name for the streams of water cascading down a cliff slide.

Walk along the bridge beside it to get a good view of the falls. It was snowing while we were there in the first week of November which only added to the charm of the place.

Entrance fee: Free Opening hours: 24 hours Address: Shirogane, Biei, Kamikawa District, Hokkaido 071-0235, Japan

Tokachidake Observatory

Shirahige Waterfall to Tokachidake Observatory : 7min drive

Located 950m above sea level, Tokachidake Observatory is a fantastic spot to take in the surrounding volcanoes and mountains. It’s the starting point for a few hiking trails , but we were just there to check out the views and have lunch.

There are no restaurants here — we packed convenience store food before driving out of Asahikawa. The indoor seating area was a great spot to enjoy our food!

Shikisai no Oka

Tokachidake Observatory to Shikisai no Oka : 27min drive

Shikisai no Oka is known for its beautiful flower gardens that can be enjoyed from spring to fall. But there’s still a reason to visit during off-season — the alpaca farm that’s open all year round.

There were around 16 adorable alpacas in the feeding pen, with a bunch more resting inside. Purchase veggies to feed them (¥100/basket). Just make sure to watch out for their spit!

Entrance fee: ¥500 (~S$4.90) Opening hours: Varies depending on season Address: Shinsei, Biei, Kamikawa District, Hokkaido 071-0473, Japan

After stopping by the town of Biei for a coffee break, we headed back to Asahikawa to return the car.

We’d planned to also check out Asahidake Ropeway but the poor weather changed our plans. If the weather is in your favour, check out the scenic 1.7km round trip hike at the top of the ropeway!

Tenkin Izakaya

Tenkin Izakaya is one of Asahikawa’s oldest izakayas and was probably the best (or second best) meal of this Hokkaido itinerary! The interior is that of a traditional Japanese restaurant, where diners are seated on tatami mats on the floor.

I had a sashimi set (¥3,850) while Brendan ordered a tempura and sashimi bento (¥33,000). Mine had a good selection of fresh seafood ( ikura, scallop, prawn, tuna and more) as well as tempura and chawanmushi .

We also ordered Japanese black wagyu steak (¥3,245). The meat was delicious — really tender and juicy!

Cost: ~¥4,500/pax (~S$44.20) Opening hours: 3PM – 11PM Address: 7 Chome 3 Jodori, Asahikawa, Hokkaido 070-0033, Japan

Day 6: Sapporo and Heading Home

Getting from Asahikawa to Sapporo : 1hr 25min via train

Streets of Sapporo

Our last day was spent wandering the city centre and doing last-minute souvenir shopping. Sapporo Kita 3-jo Plaza , the Hokkaidō Government Office and Botanic Garden Hokkaidō University are some scenic areas worth checking out if you have the time.

Katsuissen Conveyor Belt Restaurant

We couldn’t leave Hokkaido without eating at a sushi belt restaurant. The previous team ate at the popular Nemuro Hanamaru , so we wanted to try a different place. Katsuissen is located near Tanukikoji Shopping Arcade and is another highly-rated spot!

There’s all the classics — giant red shrimp, ikura, tuna, salmon. It was the perfect end to our Hokkaido trip.

*Pro-tip: Conveyor belt restaurants are really popular among locals. We shortlisted a few restaurants, but were turned away from two. Despite them closing at 10PM, they cut off their queues around 8PM to ensure all customers get seated. Make a reservation or arrive early to avoid disappointment!

Cost: ~S$30/pax Opening hours: 11AM – 3PM, 4:30PM – 11PM (Mon – Fri), 12PM – 11PM (Sat – Sun) Address: Japan, 〒060-0063 Hokkaido, Sapporo, Chuo Ward, Minami 3 Jonishi, 5 Chome−1

Tips for Planning Your Next Hokkaido Itinerary

We absolutely loved Hokkaido — the food, weather, views, shopping… one week was hardly enough.

If you’re planning a trip to Hokkaido, here are some tips:

1) Trains in Japan are very timely, so you have to be as well.

Since there were only two of us on this trip, we chose to travel via train most of the way so we could rest more on longer journeys.

We got the 7-day Hokkaido JR Pass ( ~S$239.95 ) and used the Japan Travel app (available on iPhone / Android ) to plan our routes. It shows bus and train timings too while on the go too!

*Pro-tip: The Hokkaido Rail Pass entitles you to free seat reservations on the reserved carriage! Just head down to the JR information desk at the train station and let the staff know which train timing you’ll like to reserve seats for.

2) Bring your passport for tax refunds!

Many shops offer tax refunds for tourists on the spot when you spend at least ¥5,000 (~S$48). You just have to show your passport to claim it!

3) Get discounts on flights, accommodation, and activities

Be sure to look out for travel deals so you can save on your travel essentials! We made use of these Citi Credit Card Travel Deals :

– Traveloka: Up to S$100 off hotels, flights or experiences – Agoda: 25% off hotel bookings with a Citi Mastercard Credit Card – Klook: Up to S$50 off bookings (incl. transport passes, car rental and WiFi); 20% off experiences

Citi Credit Cardmembers also earn 2 miles with every S$1 overseas spend with the Citi PremierMiles Card . Good news — Citi Miles never expire, so you can rake them in to redeem for your next adventure!

If you don’t own a Citi PremierMiles Card yet, apply now and get up to 30,000 bonus Citi Miles * *T&Cs apply. Welcome offer is valid till 31 Jan 2023.

4) Fill up this online registration form a few days before your flight to Hokkaido.

After completion, you’ll receive a QR code to show upon arrival at New Chitose Airport. Complete this at least a few days before your flight!

5) Pre-order your SIM Card before arrival  

We got the 14-day eSIM with unlimited data for ~S$37.89 . A QR code and set-up instructions were delivered via email so there was no need to source for SIM cards at the airport when we arrived (or even change the SIM cards).

Have questions about our Hokkaido itinerary? Let us know in the comments below!

This post was brought to you by  Citi Credit Cards .

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hi may i know which month did you go?

Hi, the team went in November last year 🙂

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