Best Sapporo Tours: Discover the hidden gem of Hokkaido
Believe it or not, Sapporo is an unexpected Japanese goldmine. Get ready to be pleasantly surprised because Sapporo is a hidden gem in Japan just waiting to be explored. This city isn't just a pit stop; it's an entire adventure filled with culinary delights, trendy cafes, vibrant nightlife, and endless shopping opportunities.
But hold on, there's even more.
While some use Sapporo as a base for outdoor adventures in Hokkaido, there's no shortage of excitement right in the city. From summer food festivals to winter wonderlands like the famous Snow Festival, Sapporo offers something exciting for every season.
Here are the best Sapporo tours you should check out for your next trip:
Explore the winter landscapes of Sapporo on a snowmobile
One of the best Sapporo tours you can embark on is to hop on a snowmobile and set out for a thrilling ride across the snowy mountains to catch the breathtaking sights of the wildlife of Sapporo.
When in Hokkaido, you cannot miss this exclusive winter sport to get up close to raw & frozen terrain.
Sapporo TV Tower
The Sapporo TV Tower's observation deck, perched 90.38 metres high and accessible in just 60 seconds via lift, treats you to jaw-dropping panoramic views of Sapporo city. You'll be awestruck by the sweeping vistas of the Ishikari countryside, glimpses of the Japan Sea, and the charming scenes of Odori Park. Plus, it's the perfect spot to catch exciting events like the Yosakoi Soran Festival and Sapporo Snow Festival from a bird's-eye view.
Sapporo Ski Resort Day Tour
Experience an exhilarating skiing adventure at Sapporo International Ski Resort, where every detail is meticulously arranged for your comfort.
From a convenient bus ride to top-quality equipment rental, enjoy a seamless journey to the slopes with a Sapporo Ski Resort Day Tour.
Explore diverse terrain suitable for all skill levels and indulge in alternative snow activities like snowshoe hiking and snowmobiling. Relax at charming restaurants amidst picturesque snow-covered landscapes before concluding your ski retreat hassle-free.
Mount Moiwa Summit Observatory
Purchase your Hokkaido Mount Moiwa Ropeway tickets to head to the summit of this mountain for a stunning view of buildings striving for the sky and surrounded by nature.
What better place to get a bird's-eye perspective of the city than its structure? From this observatory conveniently placed near Sapporo Station, you can enjoy a 360-degree view of the city.
Nopporo Forest Mountain Bike Tour
Mountain bike through Nopporo Forest Park and enjoy round-trip transportation from Sapporo. The 90-minute ride takes you along a flat, 6-mile (10-kilometer) path through the park's woodlands, offering vistas of the flora and animals for which Nopporo is famous. Look for deer peering through the woods as you cycle and listen to a guide's remarks during the ride.
One thing to note is that this tour is available only from April through October, so make sure you get your dates right.
While riding through the forest, you may have the chance to see the Ezo deer and Hokkaido salamanders. And as you pass by the Hokkaido Centennial Memorial Tower observatory, you'll gain a bird's-eye perspective of Sapporo; making it one of the best Sapporo tours available.
Jozankei Onsen Day Trip
From Sapporo, embark on a one-day city tour to Jozankei Onsen, Otaru and Shiroi Koibito Park.
During your Sapporo bus tour, your first destination is Jozankei Onsen, where you can unwind in soothing hot springs or take a free tour around Jozankei Shrine.
The area is renowned for its canal, constructed initially to extend transportation routes and later used for discharging ships by barges.
Today, visitors and locals find relaxation along its promenades, illuminated by charming gas lamps along the riverbanks.
You can enjoy your lunch while admiring the scenic canal vista.
The final stop of the tour is Shiroi Koibito Park, a premium chocolate factory that will enchant you with its chocolate delights before you return to Sapporo.
Yoichi and Shakotan Blue Tour
This tour will appeal to nature, alcohol and seafood enthusiasts in particular.
Spend the day exploring Yoichi and the Shakotan Peninsula's attractions.
Access distant locations that would be difficult to reach by public transportation and experience breathtaking panoramic views.
A seafood lunch is conveniently included, and you'll also get to explore and taste Nikka Whisky at Yoichi Distillery.
Private Market Tour
By combining a Sapporo walking tour, a market tour, culinary classes and lunch, you can experience the finest of Sapporo's regional delicacies.
With a personalised Sapporo food tour, you can learn to cook at your own speed and ask your guide questions directly.
All ingredients, food and alcoholic drinks are supplied, making it the ideal stress-free day.
The best thing about this cooking class is its unique setting, a Sapporo local's home for a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to discover Hokkaido's traditional food.
Morning Walking Tour
On a guided Sapporo walking tour, discover the city's compelling sights, including the famous Sapporo Station, the historic Red Brick Office, the delectable Kitakaro sweets shop, the stunning Sapporo Clock Tower, and the towering Sapporo TV Tower.
The main highlight of this tour is checking out the Sapporo TV Tower, which provides a spectacular panoramic view of the city of Sapporo. By using the elevator from the third level, you can reach the observation deck, which is 90.38 meters above ground, in about 60 seconds. You will get a 360-degree view of the city, as well as views of Odori Park, the distant Japan Sea, and the Ishikari region, from the observation platform. From here, you can also see prominent events like the Yosakoi Soran Festival and the Sapporo Snow Festival.
Alternatively, if you rather focus on solely exploring the Sapporo TV tower, Sapporo TV tower tickets are available for purchase too.
Sapporo's Downtown Walking Tour
You can stroll through the downtown center and along the Sosei River with a Sapporo city tour. You can then head to an Izakaya (a Japanese-style restaurant) after seeing the local area of Sapporo and enjoying the local food and drinks (Sapporo Beer) that aren't included in any guidebooks. Walk along the 'Sousei River' and you'll notice that this little river provides a soothing perspective.
Following the stroll, you will pass the Nijo Fish Market, a historic fish market that has been in operation for over 100 years.
Tip: Please wear comfortable shoes because you will be walking a lot! Please also notify the guide in advance if you have any food allergies or restrictions.
Sapporo Beer Museum
Hokkaido is the place of origin of Japanese beer. Since 1877, Sapporo has been the home of one of the oldest and best-known beer brands in the world: Sapporo Beer.
The Sapporo Beer Museum (Sapporo Beer Hakubutsukan) was established in 1987 in a former Meiji Period brewery. The museum explains the long history of beer in Japan as well as the brewing process.
During the Sapporo beer factory tour, samples are given after the exhibitions for a nominal price. Alternatively, paid tours in Japanese are available, including a sampling session at the conclusion.
How Else You Can Experience Sapporo Like a Pro:
Stay connected to the internet while holidaying in Sapporo
Do you find yourself checking emails daily, eager to share vacation photos instantly, or longing for video calls with loved ones back home? If so, a 4G pocket Wi-Fi with unlimited data for Sapporo is essential, offering high-speed connectivity for as long as you require.
Commonly Asked Questions
Is it worthwhile to visit Sapporo?
This often-overlooked northern Japanese city is unexpectedly contemporary, welcoming, and design-savvy – and well worth a visit.
When is the best time of year to visit Sapporo?
Other popular months to visit Sapporo are May through July when the flowers are in full bloom, and October, when the fall leaves are at their peak. In May, Sapporo's cherry and plum blossoms bloom, and tourists may witness the famed cherry blossoms at Nakajima Park and Maruyama Park.
How long should you plan to be in Sapporo?
Sapporo is an excellent base for exploring Hokkaido. Some visitors create a 3 to 5-day Sapporo itinerary and take day trips to adjacent sights.
What are three interesting facts about Sapporo?
Sapporo, located on Japan's northernmost island of Hokkaido, is notable for three things: It is the origin of miso ramen, holds a 2 million-person annual snow event, and is home to the country's oldest brewery.
How many travellers come to Sapporo?
Every year, fifteen million people from Japan and throughout the world visit Sapporo. This city can captivate the numerous guests that come here.