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Exploring Sapporo & Surrounds.

#Sapporo.

Sapporo TV Tower at Night, Sapporo

The principal city of Hokkaido, Sapporo boasts some excellent sightseeing opportunities. The city is also well-positioned to use as a base for exploring other parts of Hokkaido, making it the perfect place to spend a few days. 

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  • Highlights: Sapporo TV Tower, Sapporo Factory, Hokkaido University Botanic Garden, Heisei Poplar Avenue, Gingko Avenue, Hokkaido Jingu, JR Observatory Tower, Tanukikoji Shopping Street, Nakajima Park, Iyahiko Shrine, Sapporo Gokoku Shrine, Sapporo Fushimi Inari Shrine, Hokkaido Jingu, Shiroikoibito Park, and Royce Cacao and Chocolate Town. 

  • Getting Around: All places listed above are within walking distance of a train/subway station. 

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#Day Trips from Sapporo.

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Those with time to spare may like to consider visiting the following places when staying in Sapporo. 

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1. Otaru.

The Otaru Canal, Otaru

With its historic stone warehouses that sit alongside a canal, the charming port city of Otaru is certainly worth a visit. The city is also well known for its attractive glasswork and music boxes, both of which make for unique and beautiful keepsakes. 

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  • Journey Duration: A train from Sapporo Station to Otaru Station will take around 50 minutes with no transfers involved. 

  • Highlights:  Foreigner Slope, Old Temiya Rail Line, Steam Locomotive Museum, Temiya Ryokuka Botanical Garden, Ironai Futo Park, Sakaimachi Hondori, Shussemae Hiroba,  Otaru Music Box Museum, Otaru Denkuki Koji, Warehouse District, Otaru Canal, and Otaru Yatai Village. 

  • Rail Pass: A JR Rail Pass is valid for this journey.

  • Bonus Tip: Otaru Canal looks particularly beautiful around civil twilight (just after sunset). 

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2. Noboribetsu.

Jigokudani (Hell Valley), Noboribetsu

Best known for its boiling sulphuric hot springs (a.k.a hells), The city of Noboribetsu makes for quite the photogenic day trip from Sapporo. 

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  • Journey Duration: A Limited Express Train will take around 1 hour and 10 minutes from Sapporo Station to Noboribetsu Station. For travel onto Jigokudani take the Donan bus from outside Noboribetsu Station and alight at the Noboribetsu Onsen Bus Terminal - see more at

  • Highlights: Noboribetsu Date Jidai Village, Jigokudani (Hell Valley - pictured), Noboribetsu Bear Park, Yukar no Sato (Ainu Village), and Noboribetsu Marine Park. 

  • Rail Pass: A JR Rail Pass can be used for train travel between Sapporo and Noboribetsu Stations.

  • Bonus Tip: When walking around the Jigokudani area be sure to keep an eye out for the Yezo Sika Deer, a variety of Sika Deer native to Hokkaido. 

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3. Muroran. 

Chikiumisaki Lighthouse, Muroran

Not too far from Noboribetsu lies the port city of Muroran, which rewards visitors with splendid coastal views. The city is particularly great for those who enjoy walking or cycling. 

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  • Journey Duration: Limited Express Trains travel from Sapporo Station to Higashimuroran, taking around 1 hour and 15 minutes. From Higashimuroran one can switch to a regular train to get to Muroran - about another 10 to 12 minutes journey time. 

  • Highlights: Yume-no-Mori, Horaimon Gate, Cape Chikyu (pictured), Golden Screen, and Tokkarisho Observatory - end at Bokoi JR Station. 

  • Rail Pass: A JR Rail Pass is valid for travel on this journey.

  • Bonus Tip: Those choosing to do walks around the area should note that there is little to no shade, be prepared by bringing along drinking water and appropriate weather gear.  

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4. Asahikawa.​​

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With plenty to see and do, Asahikawa deserves at least a full day (if not two) of one's itinerary. The city boasts relaxing parks & gardens, historic temples, and a pretty cool shopping street.

 

  • Journey Duration: Limited Express trains run between Sapporo Station and Asahikawa Station, taking around 90 minutes each way. 

  • Highlights: Kaguraoka Park, Kamikawa-jinja Shrine, Asahikawa Science Museum, Asahikawa Kitasaito Garden, Hokkaido Asahikawa Museum of Art, Heiwa–dori shopping street, Tokiwa Park (pictured), and Hokkaido Gokoku-jinja Shrine. 

  • Rail Pass: A JR Rail Pass is valid for travel between Sapporo and Asahikawa stations. 

  • Bonus Tip: Those travelling between late-April and mid-October can check out Ueno Farm (The Gnome's Garden), a picturesque garden situated about a 15-minute walk from Sakuaoka Station. For more information visit

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