2026 Sapporo Travel Guide: must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transport & travel experiences (updated in April)

Maruyama Zoo is perfect for family trips! #animals #Hokkaido #cherryblossoms #Sapporo #drivetrip #MaruyamaZoo It has everything you could want: restaurants, picnic areas, play areas, slides, and more!

Snow falling in winter paired with a hot spring is truly the ultimate luxury! Jozankei Onsen isn't far from Sapporo—just about a 50-minute drive! Choosing the Manseikaku Hotel this time was a huge plus, as they offer a shuttle bus service right from Sapporo Station to the hotel! You just need to book the shuttle on their official website by providing your reservation number and selecting your dates~ The hotel service was incredibly attentive, and the view from the window was absolutely stunning. Strolling around the nearby town was super relaxing, and the famous Tsukimi Suspension Bridge is also located right next door in Jozankei Futami Park. After exploring the surroundings, heading back to the hotel for dinner and a hot spring soak was perfect. I'll definitely be coming back next time! Check out Pijihua's IG and Vocus for more of my travels~

Day 1 — Arrive in Sapporo 📍 Base: Sapporo Highlights: · Explore Odori Park · Visit Sapporo Clock Tower · Walk through Tanukikoji Shopping Street · Dinner at Susukino (ramen + nightlife) 🍜 Food tip: Try Sapporo ramen at Ramen Shingen. Day 2 — Sapporo → Otaru 🚗 Drive: ~45 minutes 📍 Base: Otaru Highlights: · Walk along Otaru Canal · Visit Sakaimachi Street for glass shops and desserts · Explore Otaru Music Box Museum · Sunset views from Mt. Tengu 🍣 Food tip: Sushi is famous here — try Sushi Zanmai Otaru. Day 3 — Otaru → Niseko 🚗 Drive: ~2 hours 📍 Base: Niseko Highlights: · Scenic drive through the countryside · Stop at Niseko Annupuri · Visit Niseko Village · Relax in an onsen Optional: · Try local milk desserts and cafés 🏔 In winter this area becomes Japan’s most famous powder snow destination. If you are visiting here up till April you can still do some spring skiing although the snow quality would not be that good. Day 4 — Niseko → Lake Toya 🚗 Drive: ~1.5 hours 📍 Base: Lake Toya Did you know this used to be the place of the G8 summit in 2008? Highlights: · Walk along Lake Toya Onsen Town · Boat ride to Nakajima Island · View Mount Usu volcanic landscape · Night fireworks over the lake (spring–autumn) ♨️ Stay at a lakeside onsen ryokan for the best experience. Day 5 — Lake Toya → Furano 🚗 Drive: ~3 hours 📍 Base: Furano Highlights: · Scenic drive through central Hokkaido · Visit Ningle Terrace · Explore Furano Cheese Factory · Try Hokkaido soft serve 🌸 Summer highlight: Farm Tomita lavender fields. Day 6 — Furano → Biei → Asahikawa 🚗 Drive: ~1.5 hours 📍 Base: Asahikawa Stops in Biei: · Blue Pond · Shirogane Waterfall · Shikisai no Oka flower fields Then head to Asahikawa: · Visit Asahiyama Zoo · Dinner at Asahikawa Ramen Village 🍜 Must-try: Asahikawa ramen. It’s subjective apparently. Day 7 — Asahikawa → Sapporo 🚗 Drive: ~2 hours Optional scenic stops: · Shirogane Blue Pond (if not visited earlier) · Takikawa Canola Flower Fields (spring) · Moerenuma Park Return to Sapporo for: · Shopping · Soup curry · Departure Approximate Driving Route Sapporo → Otaru → Niseko → Lake Toya → Furano → Biei → Asahikawa → Sapporo Total driving distance: ~500–600 km 💡 Self-drive tips · Rent car at New Chitose Airport · Use ETC card for expressways · Winter: ensure snow tires · Google Maps works well in Hokkaido

If you want to experience Hokkaido without rushing, Sapporo and its surroundings are perfect. This is a calm, scenic route with soft landscapes, fragrant fields, and clean northern air. Sapporo — a stylish, laid-back city · Wide streets, lots of greenery, and a relaxed vibe. · Odori Park — a long urban park ideal for slow walks. · Sapporo Beer Museum — history and tastings of the iconic beer. · Mt. Moiwa Ropeway — a gentle cable ride with a panoramic view of the city. 🪻Lavender Fields of Furano & Biei🪻 One of the main reasons to visit Hokkaido in summer: · Farm Tomita — the best lavender fields in Japan. · Biei Hills — soft, colorful landscapes that look like watercolor paintings. · Best time: late June to late July. 🌳Nature & Slow Routes🌳 · Sapporo is an ideal base for easy day trips. · The region offers parks, hills, pastures, and small farms. · The pace is very calm, without crowds or rush. Who This Route Is For💎 · Those tired of the Tokyo–Osaka pace. · Nature lovers who prefer gentle walks over intense hikes. · Travelers who want to combine city comfort with peaceful scenery. #springtravel

Sapporo Jogai Market is directly connected to the Sapporo Central Wholesale Market, the hub for Hokkaido's seafood and agricultural produce. It's a famous seafood market in Sapporo, Hokkaido, located right next to the city's main wholesale market. 📍 Highlights · It functions as an "outer market" open to the general public (the actual wholesale market is restricted).  · Features around 60–80 shops, including both fresh produce stalls and restaurants.  · The main selling point is Hokkaido-grade fresh seafood, such as: · Crabs (King Crab / Snow Crab) · Uni (Sea Urchin) · Salmon Roe (Ikura) · Scallops, Salmon, etc.  · There are restaurants where you can eat fresh food right away, like: 👉 Seafood Rice Bowls (Kaisendon) 👉 Sushi / Sashimi 🍣 What to Eat (Must-Tries) · Kaisendon (Mixed Seafood Rice Bowl) – The most popular menu item. · Giant Hokkaido Crabs – Huge and incredibly fresh. · Uni (Sea Urchin) – Sweet, creamy, and top-tier quality. · Grilled Scallops / Fresh Sashimi 👉 At many shops, you can "pick fresh ingredients and have them prepared to eat right on the spot." ⏰ Opening Hours · Shops: Around 6:00 AM – 5:00 PM · Restaurants: Starting from around 7:00 AM  👉 It's highly recommended to go early in the morning when the food is freshest and the vibe is the liveliest. 🚆 How to Get There · From Sapporo Station: · Take a train to Soen Station, then walk for ~15 mins. · Or take the subway to Nijuyonken Station, then walk for ~7–10 mins.  🕰️ The Origin · Sapporo's main wholesale market opened in 1959. · Shortly after, small stalls set up by merchants began appearing "outside the market." · These shops sold the exact same products as the wholesale market but were open to the general public. 👉 This is exactly the origin of the word "Jogai" (場外), which means "outside the market." 📈 Growth · Between 1960–1980, the market steadily grew. · The number of shops increased from just a few → to dozens. · It evolved into a hub for: · Fresh seafood from all over Hokkaido · Vegetables, fruits, and dried goods 👉 Because it's right next to the wholesale market, the products here are exceptionally fresh and of premium quality. 🍣 From a Local Market → A Tourist Attraction · Originally, this was just a market for locals. · Later, tourists (both Japanese and international) started visiting. · More restaurants started opening up, such as Kaisendon (seafood rice bowl) shops. 👉 Today, it has become one of the ultimate foodie landmarks in Sapporo. 🏆 Modern-Day Significance · Home to ~60–80 shops. · A prime destination for Hokkaido's premium fresh seafood. · Linked to the actual wholesale network, ensuring fast inventory turnover and everyday freshness.

Opening the window early in the morning reveals a world turned completely white. The snow that fell silently overnight softly blankets the streets, rooftops, and trees, offering the gift of a brand-new day. Taking a slow stroll down roads completely untouched by footprints and breathing in the crisp, cold air completely clears the mind. Stepping into a cozy little cafe and ordering a warm cup of coffee, the snowy landscape outside the window unfolds like a beautiful painting. Starting the day at a leisurely pace without a packed itinerary is perhaps the ultimate luxury of travel. Mornings in Hokkaido are far from bustling, but that profound serenity lingers in your heart for a long time.

Hokkaido in spring and summer is the perfect balance of nature and freedom. Here you’ll find clear lakes, green mountain valleys, flower fields, and the cold, refreshing northern sea. This region is ideal for travelers who love open space and quiet, but still want to experience the “living” side of Japan away from the city noise. Mountains and Lakes of Hokkaido 💧 · Lake Toya — calm waters with views of Mount Usu. · Lake Shikotsu — one of the clearest lakes in Japan. · Daisetsuzan National Park — volcanic ridge hikes and hot springs high in the mountains. · Noboribetsu — the famous “Hell Valley” with thermal pools and steaming cliffs. Nature in Spring and Summer 🌸 · In spring — gentle blossoms, fresh air, green parks. · In summer — cooler than the rest of Japan, perfect for hiking. · Peak season: July–August. What to Expect 🌾 · Daisetsuzan Mountains: panoramic volcanic trails. · Lake Toya & Lake Shikotsu: crystal water, boat rides, hot springs nearby. · Mild climate: even in summer it stays comfortable at 20–24°C. · Food: fresh seafood, corn, dairy, cheese, and soft-serve ice cream. How to Get to Hokkaido ✈️ · By plane: the fastest option. Main airport — New Chitose (CTS) near Sapporo. From Tokyo (Haneda/Narita) it’s about 1 hour 30 minutes, with flights every 30–40 minutes. · By Shinkansen: for those who want to see Japan “from the ground.” The Tohoku Shinkansen runs to Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto. From Tokyo — around 4 hours, then transfer to a limited express train to Sapporo. · By ferry: a scenic but slower option. Routes operate from Niigata, Aomori, and Ibaraki to Tomakomai or Hakodate. The journey takes 7–20 hours, with ocean views as a bonus. Food in Hokkaido 🍱 Hokkaido is a gastronomic paradise: · Crab, scallops, sea urchin — exceptionally fresh. · Dairy products — the best in Japan. · Sapporo ramen — rich, hearty, perfect after a long day outside. · Yubari melon — the sweet symbol of summer. Tip ⚠️ Rent a car and explore — Hokkaido is made for long scenic drives and wide landscapes.

Hokkaido’s breeze carries the warmth of geothermal energy Noboribetsu’s springs hold the earth’s secret gifts One town with nine rare spring types Each wisp of steam offers a unique gentle healing touch🌿 ♨️ Sulfur Springs Filled with a faint sulfur scent Milky white waters gently wrap the skin Relieving fatigue and soothing, melting away travel weariness Next to Jigokudani (Hell Valley), the natural essence of geothermal activity bubbles up🌋 🟤 Iron Springs The water turns warm brown when exposed to air Gentle minerals slowly penetrate After soaking, the whole body feels refreshed—nourishment hidden in the earth’s waters 🧂 Salt Springs Clear waters carry a subtle salty aroma Warm and mild, penetrating deeply Soaking here feels like being embraced by Hokkaido’s warm sunshine 💧 Radium Springs Clear, gentle, and rare spring quality Quietly healing, enjoy an immersive bathing experience In forest pools, steal a peaceful moment away from the world 🌫️ Open-Air Bathing Realm Forest pools hidden in greenery Snow falls on shoulders in winter, spring flowers surround the pools Experience different water qualities in rotation Every glance reveals Hokkaido’s unique romance ☁️ Soaking in Noboribetsu No need to travel far One town lets you taste all kinds of great springs Geothermal steam rises, spring water flows Surrender your body and mind to natural hot springs Feel the distinct healing each water type brings 📍 Check-in location: Noboribetsu Onsen Town, Noboribetsu City, Hokkaido 🚇 Transportation: Take JR from Sapporo to Noboribetsu Station, then transfer to the direct hot spring shuttle bus ✨ Tips: It’s recommended to reserve 1-2 days to experience each spring type one by one; remember to hydrate before and after soaking Black Diamond Release

As I traveled, I often found myself wondering, “How should I present myself?” But somehow, in Hokkaido, that thought gradually faded away. On mornings when I walked the quiet forest paths of Hokkaido Shrine, I found myself focusing on who I was. In Susukino at night, I naturally blended into the scene, surrounded by people each spending their time in their own way. At the Hills of the Buddha, the deep silence brought a gentle calm to my heart, and the city night view from Mount Moiwa made me focus on the present moment. I stood for a long time before a tree in the snowy fields of Biei, and on nights walking along the Otaru Canal, my sense of time seemed to blur. As the music flowing from the Music Box Museum filled the final scene of the journey, I realized something: this trip was not about the destination, but about the process of staying as my true self.

This is a popular conveyor belt sushi restaurant in Hokkaido. Extremely high value for money, with 13 branches throughout Hokkaido. Sashimi is delivered daily from the fish farm, and every type is incredibly fresh and sweet. You can order using an iPad with Traditional Chinese options, very convenient. Since the restaurant doesn't accept reservations, it's recommended to arrive early and get a number. Most branches accept QR code scanning. Track your wait time via LINE. Average cost per person is approximately ¥2,000 to ¥4,000. 🙌🏻Recommended Sushi Orders🙌🏻 Giant Botan Shrimp: Sweet and bouncy, a signature dish. Seared Side Shrimp: Caramelized soy sauce aroma, rich in oil. Scallops: Hokkaido-produced, thick, sweet, and without any fishy taste. Sea Urchin: Smooth and rich in flavor, extremely sweet. Crab Miso Soup and Potato Pancakes are also excellent! 📍Toriton (conveyor belt sushi) #Hokkaidoconveyorbeltsu #toriton #Hokkaidosushi #Hokkaidofood #Japanesefood #travel2026 #Japan #HighCPfood #FishFarmDirectDelivery

Exploring three major cities – Hokkaido, Tokyo, and Shanghai – on my second solo trip abroad was incredibly fun. I learned so many new things on my own, met new people, received help from strangers, and the journey was full of excitement, suspense, smiles, and happiness. It's a wonderful experience I'll remember forever. I encourage everyone to try traveling solo. We choose our own timing, and everything else will fall into place for us. Enjoy traveling, everyone! #TravelChina #TravelJapanSolo

Just standing there and gazing out at Biei’s endlessly stretching snowfields, your mind naturally settles and a deep sense of ease quietly sinks in. In Sapporo, you can spend unhurried time with warm food, melting both body and soul at once. In Otaru, a slow walk along the canal lets you fully take in the stillness of the night. In Hokkaido, the pressure to always be doing something fades away, and being present in the moment becomes what matters most. That’s why time spent here becomes more than just a trip—it stays with you as a precious experience of restoring and refilling yourself.

【Highlights】 1. One of Japan's top three night views 2. Convenient cable car access 3. Panoramic view of Sapporo from the summit 【Recommendation Rating】 🌕🌕🌕🌕🌖(4.8/5) 【Real Review】 If you want to see the full view of Sapporo, Mount Moiwa is a must-visit! At an altitude of 531 meters, you can overlook the entire city of Sapporo. When night falls, the city lights sparkle like stars. I visited during autumn, and the wind at the summit was strong, with many patches of unmelted ice, making it extremely cold. However, waiting from sunset until night to see the evening scenery was absolutely worth it. No wonder Mount Moiwa is considered one of Japan's top three night views! 【Transportation🚘】 Take the city tram to the cable car entrance station, then walk about 5 minutes to reach the cable car boarding area. 【Wen's Tip】 If you're visiting during autumn like me, make sure to prepare adequate warm clothing, as the summit is very cold! 👉Follow me for more travel tips!

The Ishiya Chocolate Factory, also known as Shiroi Koibito Park, located in Sapporo, Hokkaido, is a popular chocolate-themed park. It is renowned for producing the sweet and fragrant Shiroi Koibito cookies. The park features a beautiful European-style atmosphere, especially enchanting during winter with its Illumination lights and cookie-making workshops. This factory is the birthplace of the buttery cookies filled with white chocolate, which are the number one souvenir from Hokkaido. Visitors can observe the cookie production process through glass windows. The park also offers cookie-making workshops, a toy museum, beautiful gardens, a café, and a souvenir shop. Getting there: Take the Tozai subway line to Miyanosawa Station, then walk approximately 7 minutes. Opening hours: Open daily from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM (last admission at 5:00 PM).

Shiroi Koibito Park is a chocolate factory and beautiful garden located in Sapporo, Hokkaido. Open to visitors from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM, the park offers chocolate-making demonstrations, exhibits on the history of the Ishiya brand, and DIY activities where visitors can create their own treats. Highlights include the CHOCOTOPIA FACTORY, where you can observe the real chocolate production process, the DREAM KITCHEN Workshop for making cookies or chocolates, and the Mechanical Clock Tower with hourly performances by automated dolls. Outside, there are gardens and picturesque photo spots, as well as a souvenir shop where you can taste the original Shiroi Koibito treats. This destination is perfect for both children and adults, making it a sweet stop on any Hokkaido trip.

If you're looking for a stylish soup curry in Sapporo, head to ouchi. This popular restaurant offers authentic soup curry in a charming, cafe-like setting. 🍛 The restaurant's appeal lies in its rich, flavorful soup with a fragrant aroma of spices. The spiciness is balanced with a mellow richness, making it a dish you'll want to drink on its own. The generously portioned vegetables are sweet and satisfying. The colorful presentation is another reason for its popularity – it's a dish you'll want to photograph! This time, I ordered the natto (fermented soybeans) topping.☝️ It's an unexpected combination, but the spiced soup and the richness of the natto complement each other perfectly, adding a mellow and addictive deliciousness. It's a unique topping experience, even among Hokkaido's gourmet offerings, and highly recommended! 🥹 Practical Information📍 ・Restaurant Name: ouchi (Soup Curry) ・Opening Hours: The restaurant changes to a different establishment in the evenings, so it's only open for lunch. · Area: Chuo-ku, Sapporo · Spiciness: Adjustable to your preference · Access: Approximately 10 minutes on foot from the Odori subway station The restaurant is easily accessible from central Sapporo and from various hotels. Nearby are Tanukikoji Shopping Arcade, where you can enjoy shopping and dining, and Sapporo's iconic Sapporo TV Tower, making it an easy addition to your sightseeing route. Be sure to stop by on your Sapporo gourmet trip! #Hotel Area Information #Domestic Travel #Hokkaido Travel #Soup Curry

If you're visiting Hokkaido and want to try authentic Hokkaido-style soup curry, Garaku Chitose is a must-visit spot that will leave you craving for more 🍛 🍗 Highlights of the Restaurant The soup curry here is not thick like typical Japanese curry but rather a clear soup packed with a rich blend of spices. The aroma is irresistible from the moment it's served. Popular menu items include: · Large chicken soup curry · A variety of roasted vegetables such as pumpkin, potato, and carrot The chicken is incredibly tender, falling off the bone, while the naturally sweet vegetables pair perfectly with the flavorful soup. 🌶️ Adjustable Spice Levels Another great feature is the ability to choose your preferred spice level, ranging from mild to fiery hot Hokkaido style. 💬 Summary Fragrant soup curry with rich spices, sweet vegetables, and tender chicken. One visit won't be enough—you'll want to come back for more 🍛✨ If you're stopping by Chitose before or after your flight at New Chitose Airport, this restaurant is highly recommended. It's truly delicious and worth a repeat visit 😋

Experiencing China Airlines flights 🌸 Bangkok - Sapporo with a layover in Taipei 🌝 Outbound flight: 1 hour 20 minutes (luckily no delay) - The connecting gate wasn't far away, just a short walk. 🌚 Return flight: 4 hours (very relaxing, plenty of time for shopping) No delays on either flight (very lucky 🤣) Booked together, so we sat together. Total baggage allowance: 23 kg per person round trip. Spacious seats with blankets, headphones, and a movie screen. Sitting for a long time can be a bit tiring, which is normal. Mid-range price, but cheap for a full-service airline at 17,000 THB. The plane wasn't crowded. They flew on Airbus and Boeing 777-300ER aircraft. I booked well in advance (booked in June, flew in March). No cancellations or date changes, but there was a 5-minute time adjustment on both the outbound and return flights. The flight attendants were attentive and served drinks constantly (including wine). The food was decent, but the best part was the ice cream. 💚 The guava and green tea flavor was amazing! I loved it. Regarding layover times, you need to choose what's convenient for you. I traveled with my boyfriend, so it wasn't too chaotic. ⛔️The connecting flight required another security scan, but we didn't go through immigration. In summary, I was quite satisfied and would definitely use their service again. 😍🩷 #JapanTravel #SapporoTravel #TaipeiConnectingFlight #JapanSelfGuidedTour

If you're looking for a "brand new" and "best location" hotel in Sapporo, SAPPORO STREAM HOTEL is the ultimate choice! 🏙️ Located in the COCOONO SUSUKINO building, just step outside the hotel and you'll find shopping areas and restaurants right away—no need to brave the snow! ✨ First Impression: A grand lobby Step inside and you'll be struck by the "Luxury Modern" vibe. The lobby is stylishly designed with perfect lighting, making every corner Instagram-worthy 📸. Plus, the hotel offers a well-stocked Amenities Bar where you can pick up toiletries, tea, coffee, and more—all beautifully packaged (even the packaging is photo-worthy!) 🛁☕️ 🍳 Chef's Kitchen: Breakfast is the highlight! The must-try feature is the breakfast zone, Chef’s Kitchen 👨🍳. It's not just an ordinary buffet but a premium experience! Featuring fresh Hokkaido ingredients, chefs prepare dishes on the spot, and the flavors are top-notch 🍣🥗. The high-ceilinged dining area is spacious and airy, allowing you to enjoy your breakfast while taking in city views—a perfect start to your day. 🛋️ Rooms & Facilities The rooms are brand new with sleek designs and a touch of artistic flair unique to the Stream Hotel brand. The beds are so comfy you won't want to get up 🛌✨. The hotel also offers a fitness center and relaxation areas with clear views of the Susukino intersection 🏙️⚡️. ✨ Why stay here? 1. Prime location: Situated right above Susukino Station, making travel super convenient. The airport bus also stops nearby 🚌💨. 2. Food galore: The building houses a supermarket, numerous restaurants, and is close to the famous Ramen Alley 🍜. 3. Brand new: Everything is pristine, and the service is top-notch with a modern touch. Summary: For foodies, shopaholics, and those who love ultimate convenience, SAPPORO STREAM HOTEL is the answer 🏆. Spend a little extra for a 10/10 experience! Missing out on this hotel during your Sapporo trip would be a huge regret ✨📸❄️

🍞 This is Bakery Harry (ベーカリーハリー), a small bakery in Sapporo that locals line up for. Opened around 2022 by the same team behind Cafe Blue Sapporo, its highlight is bread made with Hokkaido flour and a 高加水パン (high hydration dough) technique, resulting in bread that is softer, chewier, and moister than usual. The bakery offers a wide variety of pastries, all of which look incredibly appetizing. Though compact in size, it gets quite busy in the mornings as locals stop by to grab their favorites. 🥐 The menu items we tried and loved include 塩パン (shio pan), which has a thin, crispy crust, a buttery aroma, and a soft interior. Another favorite is 生ドーナツ (nama donut), featuring a fluffy, light texture with cream filling that isn’t overly sweet, making it easy to enjoy in true Japanese bakery style. The prices are reasonable, making it perfect for a breakfast treat or a snack to take along while exploring the city. 📍 Location: Near the base of Mount Moiwa, in a quiet residential area. ⏰ Opening hours: Approximately 9:00–17:00 (may close earlier if sold out). 🚉 How to get there: Take the Sapporo tram to Ropeway-iriguchi Station, then walk about 5 minutes to the bakery.

When traveling alone, everything moves at your own pace. You can linger longer at places you want to see, walk as much as you like, and fully enjoy the food you crave. Hokkaido is the perfect destination for solo travelers. With its wide streets and parks, quiet alleys, and relaxed atmosphere, you can have a thoroughly enjoyable trip even on your own. In Sapporo, take a leisurely stroll along Odori Park, sit on a bench with a warm cup of coffee, and take in the cityscape. In Susukino, enjoy ramen or jingisukan at your own pace and end the day comfortably. In Otaru, walk quietly along the canal, exploring the small alleys and shops one by one. Even without company, you can fully immerse yourself in the scenery and moments. When traveling alone, the sense of comfort often outweighs loneliness. Simply walking calmly, eating delicious food, and spending a relaxed time is more than enough. Sometimes, it's nice to just play solo in Hokkaido ❄️

Located on the second floor of Tanuki Koji in Sapporo, ⭐️TNOC THE CAFE⭐️ embodies the philosophy of the brand 'TNOC Hokkaido,' which aims to bring the vast nature and richness of Hokkaido into everyday life. The name 'T4' reflects its proximity to Sapporo's central Odori Park and TV Tower, serving as a hub to spread the sophisticated Hokkaido style that the brand pursues. Since the 2020s, this place has evolved beyond a simple relaxation spot into a multi-cultural space where visitors can also experience the brand's clothing and accessories. The café offers a variety of beverages and provides an opportunity to connect with fellow travelers. It is also famous for its sweet Hokkaido soft ice cream. 🎯Japan 060-0062 Hokkaido, Sapporo, Chuo Ward, Minami 2 Jonishi, 4 Chome−4−3 Tanuki Ueru Building 2F

Enjoy stunning views and hot springs right in the city center! For this trip to Sapporo, I wanted a hotel that was both convenient and high-quality. Granbell Hotel Sapporo is truly a great choice, located near Sapporo JR Station. The most attractive feature is its large hot spring bath on the 25th floor, offering real hot springs to soak in, and a lounge on the 26th floor where you can relax and enjoy the city views at night—super healing. Across the street, there’s a shopping mall and supermarket, and there’s a convenience store downstairs, so you won’t have to worry about late-night snacks. The hotel’s location is highly advantageous, just a 5-10 minute walk from Sapporo JR Station. Whether you’re arriving from the airport or taking the subway to various attractions, it’s very convenient. As for the hotel itself, the rooms are modern and clean, with a larger space compared to typical city hotels in Japan, making it ideal for families or those with more luggage. The large floor-to-ceiling windows are a major highlight—sitting by the window at night and taking in the entire city of Sapporo feels completely different. If you want to spend a relaxing weekend, you can chill in the hotel without even stepping outside. The rooftop hot spring and lounge are my top recommendations. The indoor hot spring bath on the 25th floor is perfect for soaking your tired feet after a day of walking. The lounge upstairs offers stunning night views, making it great for chatting with friends, enjoying some quiet time alone, or even taking photos for social media. If you want to go shopping or grab a late-night snack, there’s a mall and supermarket right across the street. In terms of service, the staff can communicate in basic English and Mandarin. Check-in and check-out are done via self-service machines, so it’s quick and efficient without long queues. They even provide free water, taking care of the little details. A minor downside to note is that the room lighting is a bit dim at night, which might not be ideal for extended reading or computer use. Tips: If you want to enjoy the hot springs or lounge views, plan your time in advance—the view is best at dusk or nighttime. During snowy weather, wear anti-slip shoes as the pedestrian path from Sapporo Station to the hotel can be slippery. Booking advice: Book a high-floor room for better night views. Hotels in Sapporo tend to be in high demand during winter, so book early to secure a good room.

Just a seven-minute walk from Miyanosawa Station on the Sapporo Municipal Subway Tozai Line, through a quiet residential area, you'll spot spires and clock towers in the distance, signaling your arrival at a chocolate-themed fairy tale world. Welcome to Shiroi Koibito Park, created by Hokkaido's renowned confectionery brand, Ishiya Seika. This theme park combines factory tours, dessert-making experiences, and an English-style garden. The park is divided into free and paid areas, offering something for everyone—whether you prefer a leisurely stroll or an in-depth exploration of chocolate's secrets. Step into the free English-style garden, where Tudor-style architecture is surrounded by seasonal blooms—around 200 roses in summer and dazzling lights in winter. On the hour, the "Marionette Carnival Clock Tower" comes alive with dancing puppets set to music, as if you've stepped into a storybook. Nearby, a red London bus doubles as a crepe shop. Grab a rich Shiroi Koibito soft serve ice cream and find a bench in the garden for a truly relaxing afternoon. Entering the paid area, the chocolate adventure begins. At the "Chocolate House," light projections illustrate the four major cocoa revolutions. Join a chocolate-loving professor and fairies on a time-traveling journey through chocolate's history. Next, visit the "Chocolate Fantasy Factory," where you can watch Shiroi Koibito cookies being made through glass windows—cookies are swiftly filled with chocolate cream, precision-packed by robotic arms, creating a mesmerizing ballet of machinery. [Important Notice] Due to factory renovations, production line tours will be suspended from January 3 to late July 2026. During this period, virtual tours with projections and 360-degree views will be available. Please check the official website for updates before visiting. The highlight for many is the DIY workshop at the "Dream Experience Studio." Here, you can create your own heart-shaped "My Shiroi Koibito" cookie, approximately 14 cm in size. Decorate it with colorful chocolate pens to craft a unique design or message, then box it up to take home—a souvenir and a cherished travel memory. After the tour, don't miss the exclusive desserts at the "Oxford Chocolate Lounge" or the freshly baked chocolate-filled cookies at the "Covent Experience Zone." These treats are only available here and are absolutely worth trying. Finally, visit the gift shop "Piccadilly" to pick up park-exclusive packaging and products. You can even print your photo on a tin box for a personalized keepsake. As evening falls, the garden lights up—2025's winter illumination theme is "Blooming Snow Fantasia," transforming Shiroi Koibito Park into a magical forest of lights. Just a 30-minute drive from Sapporo city center, this sweet fairy tale kingdom awaits your visit to create your own story. 📍Shiroi Koibito Park A tourist park and chocolate factory themed around the famous souvenir "Shiroi Koibito." Address: Miyanosawa 2-2-11-36, Nishi-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido (〒063-0052) Transportation: Take the Sapporo Municipal Subway Tozai Line to "Miyanosawa Station," then walk about 7 minutes. Opening Hours: Typically 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM (last entry at 5:00 PM), shops open until 7:00 PM. Recommended visit duration: 1-3 hours to enjoy DIY cookie-making, factory tours, and the European-style garden.

One thing that needs a lot of planning when you do self driving road trips in Hokkaido is which route you should take and how much the ETC costs. Taking toll roads can be very expensive in Hokkaido and thus, if you choose to take many toll roads during your trip, it would more cost effective if you buy the HEP Hokkaido Expressway Pass instead. For us, during our 8 days self drive trip, I used ChatGPT’s help to calculate the tolls and surprisingly, as we didn’t take many toll roads and also that some toll roads take the same time you will need to take if you use general roads and thus, there is no need to take toll roads to save up the money for another sushi feast. Below is the driving route we took during our trip: Day1 : Arrival & Furano · Arrive at New Chitose Airport (~13:40) · Pick up rental car · Route: Enter Chitose-higashi IC → Exit Shimukappu IC · Stop: Shizentaikan Shimukappu Roadside Station → Drive Route 237 to La Vista Furano Hills Hotel · ETC Toll: ·1,330 Day2 : Explore Furano · Explore flower fields and farms (e.g., Farm Tomita, shikisai no oka) · Local driving only · ETC Toll: ·0 Day3 : Furano → Tomamu · Drive from Furano to Tomamu The Tower by Hoshino Resorts · Use local roads only · ETC Toll: ·0 Day4 : Tomamu → Otaru (with stops) Part 1: Tomamu → Abira d51 rest stop → Mitsui Outlet Park · Enter Tomamu IC → Stop at Abira D51 (no exit) → Exit Kitahiroshima IC · ETC Toll: ~*2,800 Part 2: Hill of the Buddha → Otaru · Enter Sapporo-nishi IC → Exit Otaru IC · Hotel: Unwind Hotel & Bar Otaru · ETC Toll: ·400 Day5 : Otaru - Lake Toya · Use local roads to Lake Toya · Hotel: The Lake Suite Ko No Sumika · ETC Toll: ·0 Day6 : Lake Toya → Hakodate · use local general road · Hotel: Tokyu Stay Hakodate · ETC Toll: *0 (if using local roads) Day7/8 : Explore Hakodate · Visit: Mt. Hakodate, Morning Market, Red Brick Warehouses, Goryokaku Park · Local driving only · ETC Toll: ·0 Summary: ETC Toll Breakdown 1,330+ 2,800 + 400 Total ETC Toll: ~$4,530 v • No HEP needed — ETC-only is cheaper than 4-day HEP (·7,700) We did not get HEP as paying through ETC is cheaper than getting the pass and therefore, do enough research before your trip to save you some money! #japan #hokkaido #furano #tomamu #otaru #hakodate#laketoya #couplestrip

The Biei tour was the part of my Sapporo trip I was most looking forward to, and it truly exceeded my expectations! It was a small group tour that allowed us to enjoy the natural scenery throughout the day, and I was thoroughly satisfied!! 👍🏻 📍 Places visited · Asahiyama Zoo · Shirahige Waterfall · Christmas Tree · Takushinkan Shirahige Waterfall was especially stunning in person—the colors were so beautiful, making it perfect for photos. (The ice cream at the entrance is a must‼️) The serene landscapes unique to Biei were incredibly soothing and felt like a true escape. 💡 Recommended for: ✔ Those who want to enjoy natural scenery in Sapporo ✔ Those looking for a one-day tour to visit multiple attractions (The penguin walk at Asahiyama Zoo is unforgettable..🤍) If you're traveling to Sapporo, I highly recommend taking the Biei tour at least once☺️

A newly opened hotel in Sapporo in 2025 with an excellent location! Just a 4-minute walk to JR Sapporo Station, and the B1 floor is directly connected to the subway, making transportation very convenient. Stayed in a deluxe suite with spacious room and dual sinks, which is a big plus. The window view includes the TV Tower 🗼, and major department stores are within walking distance! Only two stops away from Susukino, this is a hotel I would definitely revisit 🫶🏻

❄️【Must-Visit Attractions】 1️⃣ Shiroi Koibito Park 📍Address: Nishi-ku, Miyanosawa 2-jo 11-36 ⏰Opening Hours: 10:00 AM - 7:00 PM (Last admission at 4:30 PM) 💰Ticket Price: About 35 RMB ✨Why Visit: Hokkaido’s most romantic cookie factory! Perfect for taking dreamy, girly photos in winter📸 You can tour the chocolate production line and even DIY your own cookies~ 2️⃣ Sapporo TV Tower 📍Address: Chuo-ku, Odori Nishi 1-chome ⏰Opening Hours: 9:00 AM - 10:00 PM 💰Ticket Price: About 40 RMB ✨Why Visit: Iconic Sapporo landmark! Recommended to visit at dusk to enjoy both the sunset🌇 and the night view🌃 There’s also a winter-only snow sculpture exhibition right below the tower~ 🏨【Accommodation Guide】 👉🏻 InterContinental Sapporo 📍Address: Chuo-ku, Minami 10-jo Nishi 1-chome 48 🌟Stay Experience: · Newly opened in 2023! Ultra-modern facilities · Panoramic pool + smart lighting system🏊‍♀️ · Breakfast features Hokkaido specialty sashimi rice and soup curry · 5-minute walk to the subway station🚇 · Free for children under 12🆓 🍜【Food Recommendations】 1. Sea Urchin Rice Bowl🍱 2. Sapporo Ramen🍜 3. Soup Curry🍛 4. Hokkaido Milk Ice Cream🍦 💡【Other Tips】 ✔️Temperature from December to February is -5 to 0°C, remember to bring a down jacket ✔️Highly recommend buying the "Sapporo-Otaru Welcome Pass" for great savings ✔️JR station underground shopping street accepts Alipay and WeChat Pay ✔️Don’t forget to bargain at Tanukikoji Shopping Street! 📸Photo Spots: · In front of the Shiroi Koibito Park castle (super dreamy) · Intersection of TV Tower and Odori Park (amazing night view)