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Day Trips & Excursions

Day Trips & Excursions

Hokkaido, Japan

Discover Otaru

Otaru, a charming port city just a short train ride from Sapporo, presents a picturesque canal, historic warehouses, and delightful glasswork shops.

Wander along the canal, visit the Music Box Museum, or enjoy fresh seafood. A popular choice for a half-day or full-day outing.

Activities in Otaru

  • Canal cruises
  • Music Box Museum
  • Kitaichi Glass shops
  • Seafood dining

Beyond the City

Hokkaido presents a variety of scenic wonders and cultural sites accessible from Sapporo.

Jozankei Onsen Relaxation

A soothing hot spring town nestled in a valley, Jozankei presents a tranquil escape with natural beauty and riverside strolls.

Highlights

  • Public hot springs
  • Scenic river walks
  • Autumn foliage

Furano & Biei Lavender

During summer, the lavender fields of Furano and Biei offer a stunning display of color and fragrance, alongside other picturesque rural landscapes.

Seasonal Beauty

  • Farm Tomita
  • Shikisai-no-Oka
  • Rural scenery tours

Skiing & Snowboarding Adventures

Nearby Resorts

  • Sapporo Teine Ski Resort
  • Sapporo Kokusai Ski Resort
  • Niseko (further afield)
  • Rusutsu (further afield)

Winter Activities

  • Sapporo Snow Festival
  • Snowshoeing tours
  • Snowmobiling
  • Sapporo White Illumination

Travel Distances & Times

  • Sapporo to Otaru:40 mins (JR Train)
  • Sapporo to Jozankei:1 hour (Bus)
  • Sapporo to Furano:2 hours (JR Train)
  • Sapporo to New Chitose Airport:37 mins (JR Rapid Airport Express)
  • Sapporo to Niseko:2 hours (Train/Bus)
  • Sapporo to Hakodate:3.5-4 hours (JR Train)
  • Sapporo to Asahikawa:1.5 hours (JR Train)
  • Sapporo to Lake Toya:2 hours (JR Train/Bus)

Book Your Excursions

Consider pre-booking day tours and experiences for convenience and potential savings. Find day trips on GetYourGuide.

Outdoor Wonders

Hokkaido's natural beauty stretches far beyond Sapporo's city limits.

Daisetsuzan National Park

Japan's largest national park, featuring volcanic peaks, alpine flora, and hiking trails.

Lake Shikotsu & Toya

Two stunning caldera lakes offering cruises, hot springs, and scenic views.

Hiking Trails

From gentle walks to challenging climbs, Hokkaido's mountains and parks present trails for every skill level.

Popular Spots

  • Mount Moiwa (accessible by ropeway)
  • Jozankei Futami Jozan Park
  • Shikotsu-Toya National Park trails

National Parks

Hokkaido protects significant portions of its natural heritage within its national and quasi-national parks.

Parks

  • Shikotsu-Toya National Park
  • Daisetsuzan National Park
  • Shiretoko National Park (UNESCO site)

Wildlife Spotting

Red-crowned Cranes:Eastern Hokkaido
Brown Bears:Remote mountainous areas
Ezo Red Fox:Common across Hokkaido
Ezo Deer:Found in many regions
Shima Enaga (Long-tailed Tit):Winter in urban parks
Orcas & Dolphins:Shiretoko Peninsula (seasonal)

Nature Exploration Advice

  • Always stay on marked trails in national parks.
  • Do not feed or approach wildlife.
  • Carry bear bells or spray in remote bear habitats.
  • Pack out all trash.
  • Check weather conditions and trail status before heading out.

Cultural Experiences

Immerse yourself in Hokkaido's unique history and cultural traditions.

Historical Village of Hokkaido

An open-air museum preserving buildings from Hokkaido's pioneering era, including homes, schools, and offices.

Explore Pioneer Life

  • Old government buildings
  • Rural farmhouses
  • Period shops and factories

Hokkaido University Museum

Free to enter, this museum showcases the university's research in natural history, science, and Hokkaido's development.

Academic & Natural History

  • Scientific specimens
  • Dinosaur skeletons
  • University archives

Sapporo Beer Garden & Museum

Learn about the history of beer in Japan and Sapporo's brewing heritage. Adjacent is the Beer Garden with "Jingisukan" lamb BBQ.

Brewing History

  • Free museum exhibition
  • Historic brick building
  • Jingisukan (Lamb BBQ)

Sapporo Art Park

An expansive art complex featuring an outdoor sculpture garden, art museums, and craft studios amidst natural surroundings.

Art in Nature

  • Outdoor sculptures
  • Sapporo Art Museum
  • Craft workshops

Culinary Deep Dive

Beyond main meals, Sapporo presents unique local treats and culinary experiences.

Shiroi Koibito Park

A theme park dedicated to Hokkaido's famous white chocolate cookies, with factory tours and gardens.

Royce' Chocolate World

Located at New Chitose Airport, offering chocolate-making exhibits and a wide selection of products.

Sapporo Autumn Fest

An annual September food festival in Odori Park showing Hokkaido's abundant produce and dishes.

Cultural Tip

Many cultural sites present English information, but translation apps are useful for insights into exhibitions.

Unique Sapporo Features

Distinctive elements that present Sapporo's character.

The Underground Network

1

Sapporo Chikaho

An extensive underground pedestrian space connecting Sapporo Station, Odori, and Susukino. Useful in winter or rain.

2

Shopping & Dining

The underground passages host numerous shops, cafes, and restaurants, creating a retail environment.

3

Event Spaces

Portions of Chikaho serve as exhibition and event spaces throughout the year.

Local Cuisine Highlights

  • Sapporo Miso Ramen (rich miso broth, corn, butter)
  • Jingisukan (Genghis Khan lamb BBQ)
  • Soup Curry (flavorful curry with large vegetables and meat)
  • Fresh seafood from Nijo Market
  • Hokkaido dairy products (ice cream, cheese tarts)
  • Sapporo Beer (Japan's oldest beer brand)

Public Art & Design

  • Odori Park's various sculptures and fountains
  • Isamu Noguchi's Moerenuma Park
  • Sapporo Art Park's outdoor installations
  • Street art and murals in certain districts
  • Architectural elements of historic buildings
  • Sapporo Beer Garden's unique structure

Iconic Sapporo Structures

Sapporo TV Tower

An observation deck offering panoramic city views, specifically striking at night.

Sapporo Clock Tower

A historic landmark and symbol of the city, built in 1878 as part of the Sapporo Agricultural College.

Former Hokkaido Government Office Red Brick Office

A beautiful historic building showing American neo-baroque architecture, now a museum and library.

Local Insight

Sapporo's grid-like street layout, unusual for Japanese cities, simplifies navigation.