Sapporo, Japan | DIY Travel Guide

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On our 6th day in Japan, our plan was to visit Hokkaido, the second-largest island in the northern part of Japan and spend an overnight stay in Sapporo. Sapporo is the capital city of Hokkaido. Known for beer, skiing, and snow festival. Did a DIY walking tour and visited Hokkaido Government Office, which was being renovated, Odori Park, Sapporo Clock Tower, Susukino and Nijo Fish Market.

Since it was only an overnight stay, we wanted to maximize our experience and opted to fly to Sapporo from Tokyo via a domestic flight. We departed from Haneda Airport to New Chitose Airport.

It was New Year's Day when we arrived in Sapporo. From New Chitose Airport, we took a JR Train to Sapporo Station.

Then from Sapporo Station, we’ve walked for 5-10minutes to reach Mitsui Garden Hotel Sapporo West. We dropped our baggage and began our snowy experience in Sapporo.

We’ve searched for a restaurant in the area, however, most establishments didn’t open until 11am. Since it was challenging to walk around Sapporo with temperature ranging from -10 to -14degrees, we decided to return to the underground walkway of Sapporo Station. The first restaurant we saw was Hokkaido Curry Club Ono.

Afterwards, we started our DIY Sapporo city tour. Our first stop was Hokkaido Government Office. Unfortunately, it was under renovation during our visit.

We walked a few blocks south of Hokkaido Government Office to Sapporo Clock Tower. This is the oldest clock tower in Japan.

Then we went back to Mitsui Garden Hotel Sapporo West to check in and prepare for our late afternoon plans. However, we were told that Mt. Moiwa was closed. There wasn’t enough time to visit Jozankei area. So we decided to wing it and just explore Sapporo on foot. We went back to Sapporo Station to visit JR Tower T38 for a city view, It was also closed.

As an alternative option, we went to the underground walkway called Chi-Ka-Ho. It links Sapporo Station to Susukino area. There were plenty of establishments within Chi-Ka-Ho. I was really impressed by the scale of the underground passageway.

Chi-Ka-Ho or Underground passageway in Sapporo

Susukino Street - the entertainment district of Sapporo where you’ll find plenty of restaurants, bars and establishments that offers adult entertainment.

For dinner we decided to try Tonkatsu Matsunoya Susukino branch.

The next day, we woke up early because we wanted to visit Nijo Market for breakfast.

Along the way, we passed by Odori Park with the view of Sapporo TV Tower. There were no people during our visit so we maximize the moment and did a quick photo session.

Odori Park with the view of Sapport TV Tower

Then, crossed the snow covered Sosei River Park.

Just a few blocks south is Nijo Market. A small market known for fresh seafood.

There are numerous restaurants in Nijo Market and we tried Ohiso for the Kaisen Donburi.

Ohiso Seafood Restaurant in Sapporo, Japan

Following our satisfying bowl of fresh bowl of seafood, we made our way back to our hotel and use the remainder of our time to prepare for our return trip to Tokyo. This time, we opted for Shinkansen Bullet Train to Tokyo.

Even though, our visit to Sapporo was brief and our itinerary didn’t go as planned, it was still special because it was my first snow experience.

Hope you enjoy our snowy Sapporo experience. Next stop, Kyoto!

NOTE: Ongoing update on Japan DIY Travel Guide. Thank you for your patience :D

WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO VISIT SAPPORO, JAPAN

The best time to visit Sapporo, Japan will depend on your trip, If you want to catch the cherry blossoms during spring time, schedule your visit around April to May. Do note that cherry blossom season is also a peak season in Japan.

If you want to explore Sapporo with clear day but still cool weather, then schedule your visit during summer season. This is around July to August.

If you want to visit Sapporo for the snow, this is around December to March. Sapporo Snow Festival starts at January 31st up to 2nd week of February. This is also a peak season in Sapporo.

WHAT ARE THE THINGS TO PACK TO SAPPORO, JAPAN - WINTER EDITION

Clothes for cold weather
Jacket
Comfortable shoes/ sneakers/ boots
Backpack
Camera / gear
Powerbank
Toiletries
Universal Adaptor (For Filipinos, no need since Japan is using the same outlet)
Tumbler

HOW TO GET TO SAPPORO, JAPAN FROM MANILA

To get to Sapporo, Japan from Manila, the most convenient way is a direct flight via Philippine Airlines.

HOW TO GET TO SAPPORO FROM TOKYO

To get to Sapporo from Tokyo, the fastest and cheapest way is via plane to Sapporo’s New Chitose Airport. Travel time is around 2 hours and costs around 16,000 to 21000 yen.

From New Chitose Airport, take the Rapid Airport Train. Travel time is around 40 minutes. This is already covered if you are a JR Pass holder.

Another option if you are a JR Pass holder is via Shinkansen Bullet Train. From Tokyo Station take the JR train to Hokuto Station. Then transfer to JR Train bound to Sapporo Station. Total travel time is around 8 hours.

HOW TO GET TO TOKYO FROM SAPPORO

To get to Tokyo from Sapporo, the fastest and cheapest way is via plane. From Sapporo Station, take the Rapid Airport Train to New Chitose Airport. Travel time is around 40 minutes. This is already covered if you are a JR Pass holder.

Then, from Sapporo’s New Chitose Airport, take a plane bound for Tokyo. Travel time is around 2 hours and costs around 16,000 to 21000 yen.

Another option if you are a JR Pass holder is via Shinkansen Bullet Train. From Sapporo Station, take a JR Train to Hokuto Station. Then, transfer to Shinkansen Bullet Train bound for Tokyo. Total travel time is around 8 hours.

TOKYO, JAPAN BUDGET AND ITINERARY

coming soon…

IMPORTANT THINGS TO CONSIDER WHEN VISITING TOKYO, JAPAN

No Tipping.
Be on time.
Cash is king.
Avoid speaking loudly in public areas, particularly in enclosed spaces such as buses, trains, elevators, and similar environments.
While exploring Japan, consistently stay on the left side, whether it's on escalators, sidewalks, or streets. Except in Osaka.
People from Japan, form queues in bus lines, restaurants and elevators.
While there are numerous food stalls lining in the streets of streets of Japan, you should refrain from eating while walking.
Finding trash cans or sorting bins can be challenging when exploring Japan destinations. Usually, it is placed near vending machine, train stations and convenience stores.
Table napkin in most restaurants and coffee shops in Japan is waxed. I think it is not effective in wiping grease and oil.
When using public toilets in Japan, used toilet paper should be flushed down the toilet. Toilet paper in Japan easily dissolves in water unlike in other countries. NOTE: Only toilet paper. Properly dispose wet wipes, napkins and other similar items.

TOKYO, JAPAN TRAVEL TIPS

Secure your passport
Be sure to have a credit card for emergency
Download the following Google Apps: Google Maps for Navigating and Google Translate for basic translation.
Rent a pocket Wi-Fi or eSim in advance. This way you’ll have data as soon as you land in Japan. I’ve tried pocket Wi-Fi during our vacation and encountered no issues on connections or signal.
If you are travelling around Japan, buy the Japan Rail Pass or JR Pass in advance. For convenience, best to avail the Green Car option. For Green Car holders, best to reserve your seat in advance as well. You can buy the JR Pass here.
Since trash cans or sorting bins are not common in public places or streets of Japan, best to have a small plastic/paper bag for your garbage.
Travelling with luggage in Japan across multiple cities in Japan can be challenging. For a convenient experience, try Yamato Transport service.
If you want to avoid crowd in tourist spots, schedule your visit early morning.
Exploring Japan often involves a significant amount of walking, so it's important to wear comfortable shoes.
Instead of buying bottled water, bring your own tumbler.