The easiest way around Sapporo is on foot, since the major sights and attractions are within walking distance from each other. Though, some sights are located a bit further ahead, where a car or bus might be necessary. 

Travelers can also opt to buy the following passes to get around:

• Donichika Ticket
  • Coverage: all subway lines in Sapporo
  • Duration: 1 day (only available on weekends and public holidays)
  • Price: 520 Yen
  • Where to buy: all subway stations in Sapporo

• Subway 1-Day Card
  • Coverage: all subway lines in Sapporo
  • Duration: 1 day
  • Price: 830 Yen
  • Where to buy: all subway stations in Sapporo

Travelers who come by train should get off at Sapporo station. 

Rail Passes: 

• Hokkaido Rail Pass
• Japan Rail Pass
• JR East South Hokkaido Rail Pass

Rental Cars:

• from Otaru
• from Lake Shikotsu and Chitose

Nearest Airport:
The nearest and most convenient airport is New Chitose airport. 

• by car: approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes
• by public transport: approximately 30 minutes

We recommend staying here between two and three days.

Hiking:

The hiking season in this area typically runs from Summer until Autumn
 

Winter sports:

Ski resorts in Japan typically run from January until April. Though this can differ from year to year, depending on the amount of snow.

• Takino Snow World Family Ski Resort: click here for the most up-to-date information.

• Sapporo Kokusai Ski Resort: click here for the most up-to-date information.

• Sapporo Teine: click here for the most up-to-date information.

• Sapporo Moiwayama Ski Area: click here for the most up-to-date information.

• Bankei Ski Area: click here for the most up-to-date information.

• Snow Cruise Onze: click here for the most up-to-date information.

Scenic rides:

• Moiwa ropeway: click here for the most up-to-date information.

• Teineyama ropeway: click here for the most up-to-date information.

There are several festivals here throughout the year. Please be advised that the following list is based upon previous entries of those festivals and that the dates might have changed slightly in the following year. It is also possible that the entire festival is cancelled in the case of heavy rainfall or a natural disaster. Please check with the official organisers' website for the most up-to-date information. 
​​​​​​
For the exact location of any of the festivals listed here, you can consult our map above by clicking on the icon in the upper most corner of the map to open the map legend. Festivals are hidden by default but can be made visible by clicking on the "Festivals" checkbox in the map legend.

• Sapporo Snow Festival

  • Date: February 4th until February 11th
     

• Flower Festival Sapporo

  • Date: June 22nd until June 30th

  • Time: 10:00 - 18:00
     

• Sapporo Summer Festival

  • Date: July 19th until August 16th

  • Time: ???
     

• Doshin UHB Fireworks Festival

  • Date: July 26th

  • Time: 19:40 - 20:30
     

• Hokkai Bon Odori

  • Date: August 10th until August 16th

  • Time: 18:00 - 21:00
     

• Fighters Fireworks Festival

  • Date: August 17th

  • Time: 19:30 - ???
     

• HTB Railway Festival

  • Date: August 24th and 25th

  • Time: 10:00 - 18:00
     

• Sapporo Autumn Fest

  • Date: September 6th until September 29th

  • Time: 10:00 - 20:30
     

• Streetcar Festival

  • Date: September 7th

  • Time: 10:00 - 16:00
     

• Sapporo Okadama Airport Festival

  • Date: September 8th

  • Time: 09:00 - 15:00

We recommend the following options for staying connected in Japan:

• Sakura Mobile Travel Sim (data only)
• Sakura Mobile Travel Sim (data + voice)
• Sakura Mobile Unlimited Wifi / Pocket Wifi