Hokkaido is twice the size of Taiwan and can be divided into four regions: Southern Hokkaido, Central Hokkaido, Eastern Hokkaido, and Northern Hokkaido. Its capital is Sapporo, located in the central region. Besides its distinct seasonal character, it is also a treasure trove of gourmet food. If you want to be in the heart of the city, the three major areas of Sapporo Station, Odori, and Susukino can meet all your needs. From Sapporo, you can also easily explore the surrounding Jōzankei Onsen, Otaru, and Lake Shikotsu. Start your journey to the northern land by getting to know this pristine, romantic, and vast Hokkaido from Sapporo!
Recommended reading:[2026 Hokkaido Free & Easy Travel Guide]The Ultimate 5–9 Day Hokkaido Itinerary: Must-See Attractions, Local Cuisine, Driving Routes & Transportation Tips
Sapporo Quick Facts
Sapporo Climate
Spring (April–June): Average temperatures exceed 10°C, but the difference between day and night is large, so it is advisable to bring a light jacket.
Summer (July–August): The average temperature is around 20°C, and can reach up to 30°C, but it is usually cool and comfortable, making it the peak tourist season.
Autumn (September–October): The average temperature in September is 20°C, but from October onward it drops below 10°C, and you may start to feel a bit of a chill.
Winter (November–March): Average temperatures range from 0°C to -10°C, sometimes even below 0°C. February is usually the coldest. Various thermal clothing, accessories, and slip‑proof waterproof boots will come in handy.
Languages: Japanese, English
Currency: In the past two years, the Japanese yen has depreciated against the Taiwan dollar, with exchange rates around 0.21–0.23 – a good time to buy (check real‑time rates).
Time zone: GMT+9, one hour ahead of Taiwan.
Plug type: 100V, 50Hz, two‑flat‑pin sockets (most travel electronics do not require a special adapter).
Far EasTone friDay Shopping: → Choose your world travel adapter here.
Country dialing code: +81
How to Find Cheap Flights to Sapporo
For a trip to Sapporo, the nearest airport is New Chitose Airport (CTS). A direct flight from Taoyuan takes about 4 hours and 15 minutes.
Full‑service carriers include China Airlines, EVA Air, JAL, and ANA; low‑cost carriers include Tigerair Taiwan, Scoot, and Peach. The lowest fares start at about NT$8,000, but during peak seasons they can exceed NT$25,000. Therefore, it is important to keep an eye on the low and high seasons for Hokkaido travel. Generally, April and May are the cheapest; July and August (summer vacation and lavender season) and December to February (winter vacation and ski season) see very expensive tickets. Also note that heavy snow in winter can disrupt transport, so have a backup plan for getting from Sapporo to New Chitose Airport, and be prepared for flight delays or cancellations – it is advisable to purchase travel inconvenience insurance.
※ Flight booking reminders ※
1. How many pieces of luggage are included in a cheap fare?
In recent years, not only low‑cost carriers but also full‑service airlines have become more strict. For LCCs, although the base fare is attractive, it usually does not include baggage; promotional fares need even closer scrutiny. LCC prices vary greatly – seat selection, meals, service fees, and even airport taxes must be carefully calculated. Moreover, even full‑service carriers have significantly reduced checked baggage weight and piece allowances – cheaper fare classes may only allow one piece of checked luggage. So, before pressing "pay," be sure to double‑check all the details.
2. Break the concept of buying round‑trip tickets.
Being cost‑conscious is a crucial task for budget travelers. Although promotional fares may seem cheap, they often apply only to one‑way tickets or specific date ranges. So if you buy a round‑trip ticket at once, the total might not be as satisfying. Consider whether you really need to buy a round‑trip ticket, whether the baggage allowance is the same for outbound and inbound, or whether you could choose different airlines for each leg, or even use a stopover via a neighboring country to enjoy a cheaper fare and extra days of travel – all are viable options.
3. There is no perfect travel, only the most suitable and fitting option.
Choosing a flight is like choosing a travel style. Some prefer full‑service airlines with baggage, meals, and reasonable departure times – not too early, not too late – but better time slots come with higher prices. Are LCCs then a good choice? For many young office workers, red‑eye flights that depart after work and allow them to maximize their time offer the best value; the only concern might be fatigue from lack of sleep. Very early or very late departures may also not suit parents with young children, but for solo backpackers who travel light and don't need checked baggage, cheap LCC flights are an excellent choice. So, there is no "perfect standard" for travel or flights – everyone has their own preferences. Finding what works best for you is what matters most.
Airport to Sapporo & City Transportation
JR Train
After arriving at New Chitose Airport, it takes about 10 minutes on foot from the international terminal to the JR station ticket gate. Take the "Special Rapid Airport" (four trains daily) to Sapporo in just 33 minutes, or the "Rapid Airport" (one every 12 minutes during the day) in 37 minutes. The fare starts at 1,150 yen – convenient, fast, and traffic‑free, making it the top choice for many travelers.
Bus
From bus stop No. 84 at the international terminal, you can take the "Hokuto Kotsu Bus" or "Chuo Bus" to downtown Sapporo. The fare is 1,300 yen and the journey takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes, but can be longer in traffic.
Taxi
A taxi to central Sapporo takes about 1 hour but costs around 10,000 yen (plus highway tolls) – not a cost‑effective option.
Rental Car / Self‑Drive
Even if you only stay in Sapporo, many travelers want to experience renting a car in Hokkaido. There are at least six well‑known rental car companies near New Chitose Airport, with prices starting from about NT$1,000 per day, depending on the model. After contacting the rental counter at the airport, the company will send a shuttle to pick you up and take you and your luggage to complete the paperwork and collect your car.
Driving to downtown Sapporo takes about 1 hour, but because you may be unfamiliar with right‑hand driving and local road conditions, it could take longer than expected. If you come in winter, since Taiwanese drivers generally lack experience driving on snow, you may want to consider carefully whether renting a car is safe.
Useful Passes for Sightseeing in Sapporo
Sapporo Subway One‑Day Pass
Sapporo's subway has only three lines: the Namboku Line, Tozai Line, and Toho Line, which cover many downtown areas and attractions. Therefore, a one‑day pass that allows unlimited rides on the subway is very practical. The adult fare is 830 yen, and children 420 yen.
Subway Weekend One‑Day Pass (DONICHIKA Card)
This is the weekend version of the "Sapporo Subway One‑Day Pass." It is valid on Saturdays, Sundays, Japanese national holidays, and the year‑end/New Year period (December 29 – January 3). The best part is that it is much cheaper: 520 yen for adults and 260 yen for children. So if you're exploring Sapporo on a weekend, be sure to buy the DONICHIKA Card!
Streetcar One‑Day Pass
If you enjoy the relaxed pace of slower transport, you must experience Sapporo's century‑old streetcar (also called "Shiden"). There are four routes with a total of 24 stops, offering a different sense of local life. Buy a one‑day pass for unlimited rides and enjoy moving around the city. The fare is 500 yen for adults, half price for children.
Dosan‑ko PASS
The Dosan‑ko PASS (どサンこパス) is a streetcar ticket exclusively for weekends and holidays. At just 370 yen per day, it allows one adult and one child to ride together, making it very family‑friendly. If parents go out with two children, buying two tickets covers the whole day.
Recommended Accommodation in Sapporo
JR Tower Hotel Nikko Sapporo
This hotel is located in the tallest building in Sapporo, the "JR Tower," right in front of Sapporo Station. So whether you're coming from New Chitose Airport or planning to take the train around after check‑in, it's extremely convenient – you don't have to worry about rain, as there is a direct underground passage to JR Sapporo Station. The surrounding area also has department stores, shopping malls, BicCamera, restaurants, and more, keeping the area lively from morning to night. The hotel itself occupies the upper floors (23–34), and guests can enjoy a premium natural‑hot‑spring spa at a discounted rate. The buffet breakfast is also highly praised – great value for money!
Address: 5‑2‑5 Nishi, Kita 5‑jo, Chuo‑ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido
Access: 3‑minute walk from JR "Sapporo" Station
Official website: https://www.okura-nikko.com/zh-hant/japan/sapporo/jr-tower-hotel-nikko-sapporo/
Ishikari no Yu Dormy Inn PREMIUM Sapporo
Dormy Inn is a Japanese hotel chain known for its large public baths and free late‑night ramen. The PREMIUM grade is even more luxurious and comfortable. The hotel is located in the lively Tanuki‑koji Shopping Street, just a 5‑minute walk from both Susukino Station and Odori Station. It's easy to shop in the arcade, return to your room to rest, or head out to other places. The best part is the on‑site hot spring – the cypress bath gives a relaxing aroma, the open‑air bath is spacious and inviting, and the carbonated spring will warm you up and relieve fatigue after a long day. The delicious evening ramen and the seafood‑rich breakfast are also must‑tries.
Address: 4‑1, Minami 2‑jo Nishi 6‑chome, Chuo‑ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido
Access: About 5‑minute walk from "Odori" Station or "Susukino" Station
Official website: https://dormy-hotels.com/zh-TW/dormyinn/hotels/premium_sapporo/
Must‑See Attractions in Sapporo
Tanuki‑koji Shopping Street
Want to experience bustling Sapporo? About a 5‑minute walk from Odori and Susukino stations, Tanuki‑koji Shopping Street has a history of over 150 years. It is not only one of Hokkaido's oldest shopping streets but also a popular spot for Japanese and international tourists. With a roof overhead, you don't have to worry about rain or cold, and it stretches across seven blocks, offering everything from clothing, shoes, and bags to cosmetics, souvenirs, local specialties, food, and unique little shops – plenty to satisfy shoppers. Among the 1‑chome to 7‑chome sections, 4‑chome and 5‑chome are the liveliest; if you're short on time, head there for cosmetics and shopping. The shops in 1‑chome close earlier, becoming quieter after 18:00, but there is a famous local favorite "Soup Curry Yellow" that is well loved by locals – don't miss the authentic soup curry!
Address: Minami 2‑jo and Minami 3‑jo Nishi 1‑7‑chome, Chuo‑ku, Sapporo
Access: About 5 minutes on foot from "Odori" or "Susukino" Station
Otaru Canal
Although Otaru is not within Sapporo city limits, it takes only 30–40 minutes by JR rapid train, so almost everyone includes a day trip to Otaru, known as the most romantic place in Hokkaido. The iconic spot is the Otaru Canal, once a busy port for transporting goods and people. After its decline, it became a tourist attraction, with its tranquil canal and small boats, historic stone warehouses, cobblestone streets, and oil lamps exuding a nostalgic "Northern Wall Street" atmosphere. It's beautiful and refreshing in summer, but even more romantic when covered in snow in winter.
Access: 10‑minute walk from JR "Otaru" Station
Sapporo Beer Museum
Familiar to Taiwanese, Sapporo Beer has its own museum in Sapporo – the only beer‑related museum in Japan. Admission is free, and you can learn about the history of Sapporo Beer from its pioneering days in Hokkaido to its present scale. The museum building, constructed in 1890, was renovated in 2016 to restore its original old European appearance, surrounded by greenery – a picture‑perfect sight. Although the museum does not have beer‑brewing equipment inside, you can still learn about the brewing process and enjoy a tasting set of three draft beers for just 800 yen, as well as purchase many limited‑edition souvenirs. However, during the Sapporo Snow Festival (February 4–11, 2024), there may be crowd control due to high visitor numbers.
Address: 9‑1, Kita 7‑jo Higashi 9‑chome, Higashi‑ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido
Hours: 11:00–18:00 (last entry 17:30)
Closed: Mondays (or the following day if Monday is a national holiday), the New Year period, and temporary closure days.
Access: About 10 minutes on foot from subway "Higashi‑ku Yakusho‑mae" Station; about 8 minutes from JR "Naebo" Station
Official website: https://www.sapporobeer.jp/english/brewery/s_museum/zh-tw/
Odori Park
Like Central Park in New York, Sapporo has its own beloved sanctuary for leisure – Odori Park. Stretching from 1‑chome to 12‑chome, about 1.5 kilometers long, it offers a green environment with nearly 5,000 trees and numerous flower beds. In summer, it hosts an open‑air beer garden, while in winter it features the Sapporo White Illumination, the Sapporo Munich Christmas Market, and the Sapporo Snow Festival – it has become an indispensable part of Sapporo's daily life.
How to enjoy Odori Park? The iconic "Sapporo TV Tower" is at the eastern end (Nishi 1‑chome), where you can buy souvenirs and go up to the observation deck for a bird's‑eye view. In summer, there is a water play area at Nishi 9‑chome and families enjoying the fountains at Nishi 3‑4‑chome, with romantic illuminations in the evening. Don't miss the seasonal grilled corn – a spring/summer specialty! Between Nishi 8‑9‑chome, there is the famous sculpture "Black Slide Mantra" slide, and at Nishi 12‑chome you can stroll through the Western‑style rose garden. Spend a day like a local, enjoying the relaxed lifestyle of Odori Park.
Access: About 10 minutes on foot from JR "Sapporo" Station, or from various exits of "Odori" Station
Shiroi Koibito Park
Shiroi Koibito is a well‑known Hokkaido souvenir cookie. When in Sapporo, don't miss Shiroi Koibito Park, where you can tour the production line, make your own personalized Shiroi Koibito, and enjoy afternoon tea and Shiroi Koibito ice cream. The park features elegant European‑style architecture, a Shiroi Koibito railway, and a free rose garden. Until March 31, there is also a fantastic illumination show that makes the park even more beautiful. Visitors whose birthday falls on the day of visit or within one day before or after can enter free and receive a complimentary chocolate drink.
Address: 2‑2‑11‑36 Miyanosawa, Nishi‑ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido
Access: 7‑minute walk from subway "Miyanosawa" Station
Admission: 800 yen for ages 16 and over, 400 yen for ages 4–15, free for children under 3.
Official website: https://www.shiroikoibitopark.jp/zh-hant/
Must‑Try Foods in Sapporo
Daruma Genghis Khan (Grilled Mutton)
Among Hokkaido's signature dishes, "Genghis Khan" (grilled mutton) is an absolute must. It uses a special iron pan with a raised dome in the center to grill mutton, with onions, bean sprouts, and other vegetables placed around the edge. As the vegetables cook, they absorb the mutton fat, becoming even more delicious. The famous "Daruma" (だるま) chain in Susukino has five branches, all relatively close. Though reservations are not accepted, two branches – "6.4" and "5.5" – are open until 5:00 am, so if you want to avoid the long dinner queues, head to one of these for a late‑night feast.
What's most impressive is that the mutton from three different cuts has no gamey smell, and the fat drips through the gaps in the pan into the charcoal grill, so the meat isn't greasy. This restaurant uses the popular "atsuke" (dipping sauce after grilling) style, which is typical in Sapporo – you dip the grilled meat in sauce before eating. This differs from the "maezuke" (marinating before grilling) style popular in the Takikawa area, giving you a purer mutton flavor experience.
Opening hours: Vary by branch; "6.4" and "5.5" are open 17:00–05:00.
Address (main branch): Crystal Bldg. 1F, 4‑4, Minami 5‑jo Nishi 4‑chome, Chuo‑ku, Sapporo
Access: Get off at subway "Susukino" Station; all branches are near Susukino market area.
Official website: https://sapporo-jingisukan.info/
Okushiba Shoten
Soup curry is another important part of Sapporo's food map, with over 200 restaurants offering a wide variety of broth styles and topping choices, as diverse as ramen. But soup curry is completely different from Japanese curry in preparation and eating style – it is more like a "soup dish." The curry broth is made from stock with plenty of spices, lots of vegetables, and tender, slow‑cooked meat. When ordering, you can choose the broth, spiciness, main protein, and toppings according to your preference. The way to eat it is to scoop up rice and dip it into the soup.
Okushiba Shoten is one of Sapporo's most renowned soup curry shops. Their signature is shrimp broth, while chicken‑bone and oyster broths are also very popular. Recommended pairings are the "Hokkaido beef hamburger steak" or "bone‑in tender chicken leg." Although there are many combinations, don't worry – the branch near Sapporo Station, "Ekima Soseiji," has a traditional Chinese menu, making ordering easy. For first‑timers, sitting at the counter is recommended so you can watch the soup curry being prepared and enjoy the rich aroma.
Opening hours: 11:00–15:00, 17:00–21:00
Address: Hokuren Bldg., Kita 4‑jo Nishi 1‑chome, Chuo‑ku, Sapporo (Ekima Soseiji branch)
Access: 2‑minute walk from JR "Sapporo" Station (in the B1 underground arcade of Hokuren Building)
Official website: https://okushiba.net/soseiji/
Hokkaido Sapporo Ramen Alley
Ramen is an essential part of Hokkaido's food scene. The main styles are miso, shoyu (soy sauce), and shio (salt). In Sapporo, the largest city, you must enjoy a bowl of ramen. A great place to search is the "Ganso Sapporo Ramen Yokocho" near Susukino Station. First, it has over 70 years of history and is a local favorite for ramen. Second, this alley originally gathered 8 ramen shops and has since expanded to 17! These include Aji no Karyu, Drum Can Soup Tenpō, Men-dokoro Shirakaba Sansō, Ganso Sake-bushi Ramen Ichizō, Sapporo no Aji Kiryū, Menya Kunimitsu, Ryūju, Shimijimi, Teshikaga Ramen, Tokuichi Fūya, Yondaime Toraya Shokudō, Sapporo Ramen Haruka, Nidaime Manraiken, Baisen-sha, Higuma Yokochō Honten, Miso Gin Sapporo Honten, and Ramen Gantetsu Ganso Ramen Yokochō. Whether you prefer traditional old shops or newer styles, you'll find what you're looking for.
Sapporo's Most Charming Seasonal Festivals
The winter event that Sapporo citizens look forward to most every year is the Sapporo Snow Festival, with over 70 years of history. In 1950, in Odori 7‑chome, a square was used for a snowball fight, and six snow sculptures made by junior high and high school students were displayed – this marked the first festival. Over the decades, the venues, scale, and fame have grown, turning it into an international event that attracts nearly 2 million visitors almost every year. In 2021 and 2022, due to the pandemic, it was held online, but in 2023 it finally returned to the streets of Sapporo for a grand celebration.
The 2026 Sapporo Snow Festival will be held from February 4 to 11, with three venues: Odori Park, Susukino, and TSUDOME. At the Odori Park venue, stretching about 1.5 km, you can see large snow sculptures, small snow sculptures, and citizen‑made works featuring popular topics such as baseball player Shohei Ohtani, anime character Anya, and other trending figures. There are also magnificent projection mapping shows and a giant snow slide. The Susukino venue focuses on ice sculptures, featuring fascinating ice sculptures with frozen salmon and hairy crabs, character ice sculptures, and ice‑sculpting competitions. The TSUDOME venue is highly recommended for families with children, offering slides, snow rafting, and other snow rides. While enjoying the snowy spectacle, savoring various hot food stall treats is also a key part of the festival!
Sapporo Snow Festival dates: February 4–11, 2026
Odori venue address: Nishi 1‑chome to Nishi 11‑chome
Access: About 13 minutes on foot from JR "Sapporo" Station; about 2 minutes from subway "Odori" Station
Susukino venue address: Nishi 3‑4‑chome (Sapporo Ekimae‑dori) from Minami 4‑jo to Minami 6‑jo
Access: About 3 minutes from subway "Susukino" Station
TSUDOME venue address: Sapporo Community Dome "Tsudomu" facility
Access: About 5 minutes from subway "Sakaemachi" Station
Official Snow Festival website: https://www.snowfes.com/zh-tw/
What Souvenirs to Buy in Sapporo?
Royce' Nama Chocolate, Chocolate Potato Chips
Shiroi Koibito Cookies
Jagabee (Potato Farm) and Jagaimo Sisters
Rokkatei's Raisin Butter Sandwich Cookies, Wine Candies, Strawberry Chocolate
Sapporo Nōgakkō Cookies
LeTao Cheesecake (available at the airport; pack with a cold pack to bring back to Taiwan)
Pastry Snaffle's Cheesecake
Sapporo Odori Grilled Corn Cookies (Sapporo Rice Cracker Oh! Grilled Corn)
"Hyōtenka 41°C" Cookies
Kitakaro's Rice Crackers, Fairy Forest Baumkuchen
Yanagizuki Sanpō Rokunen Baumkuchen
Pocky Yubari Melon Flavor
Hanabatake Bokujō Fresh Milk Caramels
HORI Yubari Melon Jelly
Raijin Melon Chocolate, Milk Chocolate
Hokkaido Kombu (kelp)
Hokkaido Horse Oil