Sapporo Travel Tips

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1 of 16 in Hokkaido Prefecture

Sapporo (札幌), the vibrant capital of Hokkaido, blends modern allure with unique history. Founded with just seven residents in 1857, it rapidly expanded during the Meiji Period as Hokkaido’s administrative center, shaped with guidance from international experts. This lively city became world-renowned in 1972 as Japan’s first Winter Olympics host.

Now, Sapporo attracts visitors for its renowned ramen, iconic beer, and the famous February Snow Festival. With stunning winter landscapes, delicious food, and rich cultural events, Sapporo offers an unforgettable experience every season.

Getting around

In Sapporo, getting around is easy thanks to the city’s simple street layout. The city is divided into blocks numbered by compass direction, with the starting point at Odori Park. For example, the Sapporo Beer Museum is in block "North 7, East 9," which means it's seven blocks north and nine blocks east of the center.

Sapporo has three subway lines, a tram line, and several bus companies that together form a convenient transport network. You can get around easily with day passes like the Subway 1-Day Card (830 yen) or the cheaper Donichika Ticket (520 yen on weekends). There are also useful prepaid cards, such as Kitaca (valid on JR trains, subway, bus, and tram) and Sapica (for subway, bus, and tram within the city). Sapporo has two airports: New Chitose Airport, which is 35 minutes away by train, and the smaller Okadama Airport, which mainly serves flights within Hokkaido.