Where To Stay In Sapporo – Top 5 Neighborhoods & Why

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Sapporo is the capital of Hokkaido, a Japanese island known for its magical winter landscapes. The city holds the annual Snow Festival that attracts visitors from all over. In spring, the cherry blossom comes out, and in the fall, the city glistens with colorful leaves. No matter when you come, deciding where to stay in Sapporo can be tricky.

We’ve broken down all the city’s coolest neighborhoods for you to help make that decision easier! Discover the area with the best nightlife, browse family-friendly hotels in quaint neighborhoods, or sleep next door to the coolest attractions in the city center.

The Main Neighborhoods Of Sapporo

Let’s get stuck into this awesome Sapporo neighborhood guide to help you decide where to stay on your next Japan adventure!

1. Odori Park – You’ll find the city’s most famous attractions in this neighborhood. It’s also where the main ice and snow sculptures are during the annual Snow Festival. Visit the TV Tower for scenic views of the city!
2. Susukino – This neighborhood is our top pick for anyone who wants to spend time in Sapporo shopping or going out at night! It’s the liveliest area by a mile. Look out for the ‘Uncle Beard’ billboard whilst you’re there!
3. Nakajima Koen – Looking for somewhere tranquil but still close to the city center? You’ll love this area. It’s where the Nakajima Park and literature museums are.
4. Kita Ward – Our top pick for families. Visit the Shiroi Koibito Park cookie theme park and walk around the university campus.
5. Minami Ward – This huge area in the south of the city is where the 1972 Sapporo Olympics ice rink is. It’s also where the Sapporo Art Park and the famous Jozankei Onsen hot spring village are.

#1 Sapporo’s City Center, Odori Park

What’s In Odori And Why Visit

Sapporo’s city center is marked by the giant Odori Park that runs straight down the middle. It’s also where most of the annual Sapporo Snow Festival action is, so it’s an ideal place to stay if you’re here in winter. The neighborhood gets lit up by Christmas illuminations, and festive markets are held here.

Another great thing about Odori Park is that it’s just a few minutes’ walk from Sapporo Station, so it’s easy to access from the New Chitose Airport, and you can get to other neighborhoods quickly.

Recommended Hotels Near Odori Park

These well-located hotels are our top picks in the Odori Park neighborhood:

Things To See Near Odori Park

Sapporo TV Tower – This iconic 147.2-meter-high radio tower reigns over the neighborhood. The coolest thing is you can climb to the top! From high above the city floor on the viewing platform, there are awesome panoramic views of the city and the surrounding mountains.  

Nijo Market – This awesome historical fish market has been going for over a century. Come and try the delicious local seafood dishes, like sea urchins! In Japanese, they’re called uni, and are often served in a rice bowl in the Hokkaido prefecture. King crab and soup curry are some other local delicacies worth keeping an eye out for. 

Wander around Odori Park – The giant Odori Park stretches through the center of Sapporo and divides the city into its north and south sections. It’s just one of the many green spaces in the city. There’s plenty to do there, like watch the colorful fountain shows or admire the cherry blossom flowers blooming in the Sakura season. 

Visit the charming Clock Tower – The old Clock Tower was built in 1878. It was originally used as a military drill hall, as well as for graduation ceremonies and as an assembly hall. Later, it was decided it would become a clock tower, but the clock commissioned was too large to reach the top of the building, so they rebuilt much of the tower to fit it in! 

Getting There

Sapporo TV Tower – The TV Tower is just a 15-minute walk from Sapporo Station, the city’s biggest and best-connected transport hub. 

Nijo Market – There are two big stations close to Nijo Market. Susukino Station is just a 10-minute walk away, whilst the Sapporo Station is a 20-minute walk away.

Odori Park – Odori Park has its own Odori Station, which you can get to on the subway. From there, the park is just a 5-minute walk.

Suggested Activities In Odori Park

• Go on the Golden Route guided walking tour one morning. You’ll visit the Clock Tower, Sapporo TV Tower, and Red Brick Government Office.  
• Grab your Sapporo TV Tower admission tickets here! Climbing to the top of the tower is one of the coolest things to do in Sapporo, so don’t miss out.
• Let a local guide you through Nijo Market. You’ll try all the quirkiest local dishes and chat with the stall owners.
• Visit the city’s most sacred sites like the Butsugan-ji Temple and the Hill of the Buddha from Sapporo Station. Then finish up back in Odori, where you visit the TV Tower, and drink at a local sake bar.

#2 Susukino

What’s In Susukino And Why Visit

Susukino is the place to go if you’re looking for brightly lit streets covered head to toe in neon billboards. It’s the city’s biggest entertainment district and has the busiest nightlife. 

Packed with bars, nightclubs, and restaurants, the neighborhood attracts travelers who want to submerge themselves in Japan’s futuristic streets and buzzing atmosphere. Make sure you stop for a sake at one of the area’s izakaya bars while you’re there.

Recommended Hotels Near Susukino

Looking for a place to stay in the Susukino district? Pick between our epic hotels:

Things To See Near Susukino

Ganso Ramen Street (or Ramen Alley) – Sapporo is the birthplace of miso ramen. Back in 1961, Morito Ohmiya came up with the first miso ramen recipe! His business skyrocketed, and Sapporo soon became known for its ramen. Ramen Alley is a narrow, winding street with ramen shop after ramen shop. Some have been there since the 1950s. 

Check out our How to Eat Ramen in Japan – Etiquette and Unspoken Rules to make sure you get it right!

Noria Ferris Wheel – This rooftop Ferris wheel is on the roof of the Norbesa commercial complex. Because it’s on the roof of a building, you get the thrilling feeling that you are in the clouds. The ride lasts 10 minutes and has incredible views over the cityscape of Sapporo. 

The Famous Nikka Whisky Billboard – The colorful Nikka whisky billboard is one of the most notable flashing signs in Susukino’s bustling shopping district. It’s 15 meters high and 7.5 meters wide, depicting a whisky blending master known as ‘Uncle Beard’.

Getting There

Ramen Alley – You can get to Ramen Alley on foot from most places. Even Nakajima Park is only a 10-minute walk away. But if you’re coming from further afield, make your way to Susukino Station, which is just a 5-minute walk away.

Noria Ferris Wheel – This attraction is also served by the Susukino Station, which is 2 minutes away on foot.

Nikka Whisky Billboard – Make your way to the Susukino Station, then hunt for the sign amongst the many billboards in the shopping district!

Suggested Activities In Susukino

• Go wild and party like a local on this Susukino nightlife experience – expect there to be karaoke!

• Tight for time on your visit to Sapporo? Then book this private tour of the city with a licensed guide. The best part is they pick you up from your hotel, so you can start your tour from wherever you’re staying in Susukino.

#3 Nakajima Koen

Image via Flickr by Koichiro Kitayama

What’s In Nakajima Koen And Why Visit

Nakajima Koen is a more peaceful neighborhood south of Sapporo’s city center. It is a more residential area with fewer visitors passing through, so it’s a great place to stay if you don’t want to be amongst the hustle and bustle or if you are traveling as a family. 

But don’t worry, you can reach Susukino’s busy shopping district in just 4 minutes on the subway, Nakajima Koen isn’t too far out of the way.

Recommended Hotels Near Nakajima Koen

Book a stay by the tranquil Nakajima Park:

Things To See Near Nakajima Koen

Nakajima Park – This stunning 24-acre urban park is the perfect place to come if you are seeking tranquility and nature. The park is home to different varieties of trees, so it changes drastically from season to season. In fall, the park turns hues of red and orange, and in the spring, the cherry blossoms bring the park to life.

Make sure you visit the temples in the park, like Taga Shrine! The park also has a concert hall, pond, and observatory.

Hokkaido Museum of Literature – There are some 260,000 works in the museum’s collection, including pieces by authors like Takuboku Ishikawa and Ayako Miura who are from the Hokkaido prefecture. The Hokkaido Museum of Literature is a great attraction for any culture fans! 

Watanabe Junichi Museum of Literature – Just outside of Nakajima Park, there’s a little literature museum dedicated to a famous local author. Aside from browsing through the displays, it’s a great place to come and read a book in their quiet cafe.

Getting There

Nakajima Park – The Nakajima Koen Station is right next to the Nakajima Park. Hop out, cross the street, and you’re in the park!

Hokkaido Museum of Literature – The Hokkaido Museum of Literature is actually within the boundaries of Nakajima Park, so you can use the same station and then walk to the museum.

Watanabe Junichi Museum of Literature – Hop off at the Nakajima Koen Dori Station and walk 3 minutes to reach the museum.

Suggested Activities In Nakajima Koen

• If you’re visiting Japan during Sakura season, go on this cherry blossom tour of the city which includes Nakajima Park as well as other popular hanami spots. If you want to learn more about the Sakura season in Japan, read our Ultimate Guide To Cherry Blossoms In Japan!
• Get picked up by a local tour guide from your hotel and head out to explore Sapporo’s finest food spots. Eat fresh seafood at Nijo Market, go to Ramen Alley, and ask your guide to show you the best food spots in Nakajima!

#4 Kita Ward

What’s In Kita Ward And Why Visit

Kita Ward is a largely residential and student area. Hokkaido University is here, so there’s a young atmosphere and vibrant student population. 

It is also a great neighborhood for families with small kids, as the streets are quiet, but there are still plenty of shops and places to eat. Kita Ward is especially beautiful in the fall when all the ginkgo trees turn a vibrant yellow.

Recommended Hotels Near Kita Ward

Stay at one of these hotels or apartments in this tranquil and family-friendly neighborhood:

Things To See Near Kita Ward

Shiroi Koibito Park – Although Shiroi Koibito Park is a little outside of Kita Ward, it’s easy to reach by public transport. The theme park is the home of the iconic Shiroi Koibito cookie! You can watch how the cookies are made and even make your own when you join a cookie-making workshop. It’s a great thing to do if you’re traveling with kids.  

Hokkaido University – The city’s pretty university campus is worth taking a short stroll around. There are a few gardens and ponds surrounding the campus’ buildings, and in winter, the ponds freeze over, giving it a magical winter wonderland feel.

Getting There

Hokkaido University – A few subway stations are within 10 minutes’ walking distance from the university campus. These are the Kita 12, Kita 18, and Kita 24 stations.

Shiroi Koibito Park – The nearest subway station is the Miyanosawa Station, which is a 7-minute walk from the cookie theme park.

Suggested Activities In Kita Ward

• Join a cookie-making class and have fun with the kids making some of Japan’s most famous cookies!
• Get picked up from your hotel in Kita Ward and spend the day exploring the city on this private day tour.

#5 Minami

What’s In Minami And Why Visit

Minami is the city’s largest ward. It’s located to the south of Susukino and extends all the way into the surrounding mountains and forest. It’s a peaceful area with lots of greenery and scenic views, as well as tranquil residential neighborhoods. 

The coolest attractions in the neighborhood are Makomanai Park, Sapporo Art Park, and the relaxing Jozankei Onsen. They’re all fairly far away from Sapporo’s city center, but it’s worth going out of your way to see them!

Recommended Hotels Near Minami Ward

Get out of the noisy city and stay in a more tranquil neighborhood in Minami:

Things To See Near Minami Ward

Makomanai Park – If you want to get out of the city, then Makomanai Park is the place to head to. It’s also where the figure skating rink used in the 1972 Sapporo Olympics is! If you visit during the winter months, you can even skate on the rink. Spring is another popular time to visit the park as all the blooming cherry blossoms make it a great hanami spot. 

Sapporo Art Park – This outdoor art museum is a great spot for a light hike. There are sculptures throughout the grounds that are changed from time to time, but even if you’re not an art enthusiast, the breathtaking landscape will keep you entertained.

Jozankei Onsen – The Jozankei Onsen hot spring area at the edge of Minami couldn’t feel more different than Sapporo’s busy city center. Relax in one of Hokkaido’s most popular hot spring districts, just an hour away from the city center. There are 56 hot spring sources in the area that were first discovered by an ascetic monk back in 1866. Soak in the healing waters and prioritize a day of relaxation on your trip!

Getting There

Makomanai Park – To reach the park, head toward Makomanai Kyougijomae Station from Makomanai Station or to Moiwa Koko Mae station (which you can get to from Sapporo Station).  

Sapporo Art Park – You can reach the Sapporo Art Park by bus from Makomanai subway station on the Namboku Line. 

Jozankei Onsen – There is a shuttle bus, the Kappa Liner, that runs from Sapporo Station, Odori Station, and Susukino Station each day. Find out more on their website, remember a reservation is required.

Suggested Activities In Minami Ward

• Learn about the Indigenous Ainu people and explore the Jozankei hot spring village on this awesome tour!
• If you want to explore the city center, then join this epic tour that laves from Minami Ward and explores the famous attractions in the downtown area.

Neighborhood Map

We’ve found this awesome map of Sapporo’s different neighborhoods to help you get your bearings on your trip!

Sapporo Travel Tips

How To Get Around

Japan’s major cities are easy and quick to get around with their reliable and extensive network of trains, buses, and subway lines. Sapporo is one of the easiest Japanese cities to navigate because it has a rectangular street layout and a simple addressing system. 

There are three subway lines in the city, a tram line, and loads of bus companies that operate all over the city. The main bus companies to look out for are JR Hokkaido Bus, Hokkaido Chuo Bus, and Jotetsu Bus. We recommend getting a transport pass, even if you are only there on a weekend trip.

There are a few options for picking a public transport pass. The most varied and the one we’d recommend is the Suica card. It works on all the trains, buses, and subways across the country. 

If you arrive straight to Sapporo you might run into the Kitaca card first, which is the local version of the Suica card! There’s also the Sapica card, which doesn’t work on the JR trains like the Katica card but works on all the other modes of transport.  

There are other transport cards, like the Donichika Ticket, which gives you unlimited use of Sapporo’s three subway lines for the day. However, we don’t recommend going for day tickets as they always end up being more expensive in the long run.

One great thing about Japan is that Google Maps is super reliable and up-to-date. You can use it to check your travel times, and it’ll warn you about any delays or traffic and give you better alternatives.

For those moments when you need to get somewhere quickly or it’s late at night and you don’t want to tackle the city’s transport routes, get a taxi! Japan’s big cities have plenty of taxis that are always circulating in the more popular areas where all the main attractions are. Usually, there will also be taxi stands by major stations.

Some of the apps you’re probably already familiar with, like Uber and DiDi, work in Japan! There’s also the taxi app GO. Bear in mind that taxis will cost you significantly more than using your Suica card and public transport. 

Generally, taxis in Tokyo cost about $3 per kilometer, but tariffs vary depending on the area, the size of the car you go for, and the time of day. Expect to pay about 20% more after 10 PM, for example.

Plan Your Trip

Here are some top tips to consider when you’re planning your trip to Sapporo:

Download these handy apps before your trip – Check out my article about the 12 apps you should download for your trip to Japan. It includes great navigating apps, like Maps.me, and apps that’ll help you overcome language barriers like Google Translate!  

Learn a few basic words and sentences in Japanese to make your trip easier – Want to learn how to say thank you or how to order your coffee in Japanese? Try out the Rosetta Stone app to learn some Japanese! The locals love it when you try to speak Japanese, even if your pronunciation isn’t perfect!

Get yourself a Suica Card when you arrive – The best transport card for your time in Japan is the Suica card. It works for the trains, monorail, buses, and subways in Japan’s biggest cities. In Sapporo, you can also get SAPICA and Kitaca cards that work with the local buses. 

Bring some yen with you, and check your bank’s conversion rate and withdrawal charges – A lot of establishments in Japan still prefer cash, so bring a load of local currency in your wallet and check that your bank will allow you to take out cash at ATMs without facing hefty conversion rates and fees.

Things to know about Japan’s restaurants – Most restaurants and cafes in Japan don’t open till 10 AM or 11 AM so breakfast spots aren’t always easy to find. Pick something up in your hotel before you leave for the day.

You should also check out the country’s unspoken Ramen etiquette before you go to Japan. Since Sapporo is so famous for its Ramen this is an extra important read for this trip!

Consider typhoon season when planning your trip – If you’re just visiting a big city and you’re not planning to go into the countryside this isn’t such a worry, but remember that typhoons are something to consider when planning a trip to Japan.

It’s also worth checking when the Sakura season will be, as Japan is at its prettiest when the cherry blossoms are in full bloom. You can find out everything you need to know in our Ultimate Guide to Cherry Blossoms in Japan. 

Get up-to-date information about the Sapporo Snow Festival on their website – You can check the festival dates and find out which events are running on their website.

Sapporo Packing Guide

Here are a few essentials you should consider bringing on your trip to Sapporo:

• Comfortable shoes: Any trip away always involves a fair bit of walking, and your Japan getaway will be no different. Don’t let sore blisters ruin your holiday. Pack some extra comfortable trainers for your trip! If you’re visiting for the Sapporo Snow Festival, you might want to bring some comfy snow boots with you to stop you getting cold.
• Pack warm gear for the snowy weather if you visit the Sapporo Snow Festival. Sapporo gets really cold in winter and experiences some of the country’s most extreme weather. Snow is super common! Bring along warm gloves, thermals to wear under other layers, and a thick winter coat. 
• Bring your best camera: Capture your awesome trip away and take family photos you’ll treasure forever! You might want to think about packing other accessories like selfie sticks and a lens hood (which guarantees reflection-free photos). 
• Remember to pack a travel adapter: You’ll need a two-pronged Type A for Japan, so check your plugs to see if you need to get an adapter ahead of your trip.
• Bring hand sanitizer: It’s not unusual for there to be no soap in public and restaurant toilets in Japan.
• Get some Japanese Yen ready before your trip. It’s always a good idea to pack some cash in the local currency before your trip in case you need cash to pay for your transport from the airport or you find yourself in a sticky situation. 
• Make sure you check that you can use your bank card to take out Japanese Yen whilst abroad without being charged hefty fees! If not, plan ahead and bring all the travel money you think you’ll need. In our 10 Day Japan Itinerary we estimated it costs about $147 per person per day to travel in Japan.
• Check if you need a Visa before your trip! Most countries don’t need a Visa for a short holiday in Japan, but make sure you check the unique requirements for your country so you don’t run into any unexpected problems. You can find more about it on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan website.

Discover Sapporo’s Coolest Neighborhoods On Your Next Trip To Japan

Sapporo might not be one of Japan’s most famous cities, but it’s definitely worth a visit! Each of the city’s 5 coolest neighborhoods has its own awesome attractions, epic guided tours, and a selection of great accommodation options to choose from. 

Deciding where to stay in Sapporo can be dizzying, but with our unbeatable neighborhood guide, you can read about each area of the city and decide what works for you! From the city’s Jozankei hot spring village tucked away in the mountains, to the trendy and lively Susukino neighborhood – there’s something for everyone.

Sapporo Frequently Asked Questions