The Ultimate Sapporo Solo Travel Guide

Planning a solo trip to Sapporo, Japan? Here’s everything you need to know for your visit:

QUICK FACTS

The largest city on Hokkaido Island, Sapporo is home to nearly 2.7 million people in the metro area.
The modern city is among the nation’s youngest, having developed from a population of just 7 members in 1857.
It is the prefecture’s main political, cultural and economic channel.
The city held the 1972 Winter Olympics, the first ever held in Asia.
Nickname: The City of Ramen

Currency: Japanese Yen (JPY).
Spoken languages: Japanese.
Best time to visit: from January to March for the wonderful snow season and the world-renowned Sapporo Snow Festival. Alternatively, visit from April to September for a pleasant, mild climate.
Arriving via airport: New Chitose Airport (CTS) is served by Chuo, Hokuto Kotsu and Donan bus lines with tickets dependent on distance; JR bus Airport Express for ¥1,040 one-way. Taxis pick up passengers from the arrivals hall and charge ¥12,000-14,000.

The best hostel for solo travelers in Sapporo: Untapped Hostel. Super clean (even by Japan standards), warm, friendly owners, and right next to the train station. Features an on-site restaurant and bookstore cafe. Book this one ahead of time (not many hostels in Sapporo, so the best ones fill up fast).
Chūō-ku is the focal point of the city, a well-planned district awash in entertainment and culture through the many landmarks, which include the Sapporo TV Tower and Odori Park.
Susukino is a fun congestion of bars, restaurants, karaoke lounges, teahouses and more, perfect for those who like to be central to the action.

Sapporo is Japan’s easiest-to-navigate city, with city blocks named and numbered according to the point of the compass.
The city’s organized transportation system consists of the subway, tram and privately-owned bus companies. One-day passes for unlimited use of the subway cost ¥800 while a one-day pass for unlimited use of the network costs ¥1000.
The Hokkaido Rail Pass provides unlimited access to JR trains and buses in all of Hokkaido, with a 3-day pass priced at ¥15,000 and a weekly-pass at ¥22,000.
Taxis are readily available around the city and can be hailed from the street. Meters start at ¥580 with a 20% surcharge between 23.00-5.00. Dial 881 311 or 581 2454 to pre-book.

Drinking age is 20, and last call is 4 AM.
Susukino is home to the largest and most varied entertainment scene, with bars open all night catering to the young professional crowd.
Sapporo Station has a lively pub scene that caters to a casual crowd.
Odori offers its takers a vibrant music scene, favoured by local and international bands.
Great bars for foreigners: Bearfoot Bar (top pick), Rad Brothers, Beer Inn Mugishutei (craft beers), and Beer Cellar Sapporo. For a cool “Blade Runner” themed bar with a view, stop by Electric Sheep Bar.

Sapporo TV Tower watches over the city, a landmark that holds an observation deck at 90 metres, shops and restaurants.
Odori Park is a symbol of Sapporo, a major cultural destination famed for its activities as it hosts the annual Snow Festival in February and the Bon and Yosakoi summer festivals.
Sapporo Beer Museum is a museum dedicated to the history of beer in Japan and in particular to Sapporo beer, one of the oldest and most popular brands in the country.
Hokkaido Museum of Modern Art hosts exhibits on contemporary art
Sapporo Clock Tower is the oldest building in the city and one of the few remaining Western-style structures, a symbol of the American assistance received in developing the city.

Nijo Market features fresh local produce such as Hokkaido melons and seafood such as sea urchins and salmon roe.
Sapporo Art Park allows visitors to appreciate its outdoor museum, craft studio and workshops from a beautiful park setting.
Moerenuma Park is the last wish by the late sculptor Isami Noguchi. The grounds feature several interesting designs, from the Sea Fountain to the Glass Pyramid and are a popular summer and winter destination.

Hokkaido is the birthplace of Sapporo beer, first brewed in 1876 during the Meiji period.
Shiroi Koibito is the ubiquitous souvenir, a premium sandwich cookie that translates to “white lover,” made with white chocolate between two wafers of shortbread.
Great restaurants in Sapporo: Daruma Main Shop (griddle-cooked lamb), Sushizensusukinoten ($$$), Nagoyakatei Shiroishi-hondōri (conveyor belt sushi), Soup Curry GARAKU (Japanese curry), kohashi soba ($$$), Emmy’s Kitchen (best Mexican in town), Delhi Gardens (Indian).
Crazy about Ramen? Head to Ganso Ramen Yokocho (Original Ramen Alley) and you’ll be spoiled for choice. A whole alley of ramen!
Sweets/desserts: Bisse Sweets, Kitakaro L.
Where to find good cheap eats: Ramen Yokocho is a lane packed with shops selling Sapporo’s famous ramen for budget-friendly prices. For great Yakitori on a budget, head to Kushidori Tokeidaidori.
Dangerous areas: none – Sapporo is a very safe city.

Recommended trip duration: 2-3 days