Are you thinking about visiting Sapporo, Japan? Here's what you need to know before planning your trip.
Is Sapporo worth visiting?
Yes, it's worth visiting this city for two to three days because of the many great activities. Sapporo is the capital of Hokkaido, and it's a popular winter destination with skiing and other winter sports in the area. You'll also find many parks, viewpoints, and hot springs nearby. There are many places to explore outdoors, whatever the season.
Sapporo, Japan (©Y.Shimizu/©JNTO)
Reasons to Visit Sapporo
Skiing
There are many great ski areas that are an easy day trip from the center of town. Very close by you'll find Sapporo Kokusai Ski Resort and Sapporo Teine is where the 1972 Winter Olympics were held. It's divided into the family-friendly Olympia Zone and the more advanced Highland Zone.
Museums
There are a number of shrines and museums in the city. Make sure you check out HokkaidÅ Shrine, Sapporo TV Tower, Sapporo Clock Tower, and the Sapporo Science Center.
Food
The local cuisine focuses on the world class fishing in the area as well as the great agriculture. Pork is a common meat ingredient and many dishes include ramen, vegetables, or grilled seafood.
Nightlife
The city's nightlife scene is laid back and mostly concentrated in the Susukino area. In particular, King Xmhu is famous for its party nights and wild decor.
Shopping
Shopping malls are the most popular places to enjoy browsing the stores. This is particularly nice during the snowy winter months when you can escape into the heated malls.
Is Sapporo worth visiting in the Summer?
Summer is the high season for travel in Sapporo, so expect more visitors and higher prices. This destination is quite touristy, so in the high season it's busier than usual. You'll see larger crowds and longer lines, as well as higher prices. On the other hand, there's plenty to see and do at this time of year because everything is open.
The warm weather in summer is one of the reasons people visit at this time of year. Temperatures average around 21°C (69°F) with daily high temperatures often more than 25°C (77°F).
The activities of the city are numerous, and this is a great time of year to explore all of them. From family-friendly attractions to romantic getaways, as well as budget-friendly things to do, there's something for everyone. Famous landmarks, museums, tours, and more are all available. You'll also find it quite easy to get around on foot, because this is a very walkable city, especially in the nice weather. You'll find plenty to do during summer, as you'll be able to browse through museums, discover the big city activities, and enjoy the evening activities.
Summer Weather in Sapporo
| Avg Temp (°C/°F) |
Avg Rain (mm/inches) |
|
| July | 21°C (69°F) | 74 mm (2.9 in) |
| August | 22°C (72°F) | 142 mm (5.6 in) |
| September | 17°C (63°F) | 138 mm (5.4 in) |
Is Sapporo worth visiting in the Autumn?
This is the shoulder season for travel in Sapporo. This destination is quite touristy, so in the shoulder season you'll still come across plenty of touriss. However, the prices tend to be a little cheaper.
Keep in mind that it can be fairly rainy during autumn, and temperatures hover around 11°C (52°F).
Autumn is a great time of year to explore the numerous museums and landmarks around town. They are fun for the whole family as well great for couples. During this season it's fun to experience the famous sights and museums and the big city activities.
Autumn Weather in Sapporo
| Avg Temp (°C/°F) |
Avg Rain (mm/inches) |
|
| October | 11°C (52°F) | 116 mm (4.6 in) |
| November | 4°C (40°F) | 99 mm (3.9 in) |
| December | -1°C (30°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) |
Is Sapporo worth visiting in the Winter?
The weather in Sapporo can be quite cold during winter, and averages around -5°C (24°F). But be prepared for much lower temperatures, too.
The peak season for travel is winter in Sapporo, so expect to see more tourists than usual. This destination is quite touristy, so in the high season it's busier than usual. You'll see larger crowds and longer lines, as well as higher prices. On the other hand, there's plenty to see and do at this time of year because everything is open. There are many winter activities that you can enjoy around town as well as the world famous Sapporo Snow Festival.
Most visitors come during the winter for the terrific skiing and snowboarding, as it's the main activity here. You'll like that you can take public transit easily in the winter, too. You can get around quickly while avoiding bad weather if needed. This is a great time of year to hit the ski slopes, browse the museums, and taste delicious cuisine. Also, you can check out the nightlife and the big city activities.
Winter Weather in Sapporo
| Avg Temp (°C/°F) |
Avg Rain (mm/inches) |
|
| January | -5°C (24°F) | 108 mm (4.3 in) |
| February | -4°C (24°F) | 86 mm (3.4 in) |
| March | -0°C (32°F) | 82 mm (3.2 in) |
Is Sapporo worth visiting in the Spring?
Spring is the shoulder season for travel in Sapporo. This destination is quite touristy, so in the shoulder season you'll still come across plenty of touriss. However, the prices tend to be a little cheaper.
The weather in Sapporo can be quite cold during spring, and averages around 7°C (44°F). But be prepared for much lower temperatures, too.
You'll find plenty to do during spring, as you'll be able to find the best deals at the shops, spend time at the museums, and grab some drinks at a bar.
Spring Weather in Sapporo
| Avg Temp (°C/°F) |
Avg Rain (mm/inches) |
|
| April | 7°C (44°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) |
| May | 12°C (54°F) | 55 mm (2.2 in) |
| June | 17°C (62°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) |
Related
What is Sapporo most famous for?
Sapporo is most famous for its skiing, winter activities, and the yearly Sapporo Snow Festival. It is often described as park-filled, snowy, vibrant, and laid-back.
What is the most famous sight in Sapporo?
The most popular sight in Sapporo is Odori Park. You can see prices and costs for this and other sights in Sapporo on our travel costs page.
Or, see tickets, activities, and tours for Odori Park and other attractions here.
How touristy is Sapporo? Is it a popular city to visit?
Sapporo is a popular city for tourists and travelers. Here are some of the most popular activities and tours. (Prices in US Dollars)
- Snowshoeing Adventures in a Winter Wonderland - Sapporo: $232
- Hokkaido Asahiyama Zoo,Furano and Biei English/Chinese Bus Tour: $84
- Sapporo Custom Full Day Tour: $212
- Sapporo Afternoon Walking Tour 2h 30mins: $53
- Friday only! A Japanese food experience where you can enjoy hand-made soba noodles and a luxurious Japanese lunch! !: $166
- Half-day (4 hours) Sapporo city Tour: $185
- 2 Day Tour to Icebreaker Mombetsu and Asahiyama Zoo in Hokkaido: $277
- Sapporo Half-Day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide: $93
How long should I spend in Sapporo?
The ideal length of time for a trip to Sapporo is two to three days. Since Sapporo has activities such as skiing, museums, dining, and nightlife, many visit for up to three days.
If you have a specific amount of time for your trip, see our advice about how much time to spend here: Should I spend 1, 2, or 3 days in Sapporo?, Should I spend 3, 4, or 5 days in Sapporo?, and Should I spend 1 or 2 weeks in Sapporo?.
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