Activities in Sapporo

Sapporo changes completely with the seasons, so plan around when you're going. Winter brings the Snow Festival and skiing, summer brings lavender fields and cool air, and the food is good all year. The city needs about two days, and Hokkaido's distances are long, so allow more time for Furano or the lakes than a map might suggest.

Winter

Sapporo Snow Festival. Huge snow and ice sculptures fill Odori Park and other sites, usually in early to mid-February. Go after dark, when they're lit up. Hotels fill months ahead, so book early.

Skiing. Sapporo Teine and Sapporo Kokusai are close enough for a day trip, and both have rental gear. Niseko, around two and a half hours away, has famous powder, and it's better for a longer stay. Reserve lessons early in peak season.

Hot springs. Jozankei is about an hour from the city by bus and has many public baths and ryokan. It makes an easy night away, or a relaxing break after skiing.

Summer and autumn

Lavender in Furano and Biei. Lavender usually peaks in July, with other flowers in stripes through summer. It's about two hours or more from Sapporo. A car or day tour is easiest, because farms are spread out. Stay on the paths, as the fields are private farmland.

Hiking and nature. Daisetsuzan National Park has high trails and early autumn colours, and Shikotsu-Toya has lakes and volcanoes. Check the weather and bear warnings, and bring proper gear.

In the city

Odori and the Clock Tower. Odori Park runs through the centre and hosts events all year. The historic Clock Tower is small, so it's a short stop on your way past.

Mount Moiwa. A ropeway takes you up for one of the best night views in the city. Go around sunset, and bring an extra layer.

Beer and sweets. The Sapporo Beer Museum is in an old brick building and offers paid tastings, and Shiroi Koibito Park is a fun stop for families and chocolate fans.

Moerenuma Park. A huge park shaped by the sculptor Isamu Noguchi, with hills and a glass pyramid. It's a little out of the centre, but it's great in good weather.

Food

What to try. Sapporo is known for miso ramen, soup curry, and jingisukan, which is grilled lamb. Nijo Market is good for a seafood breakfast, and crab is a local highlight. Expect queues at famous ramen shops.

Day trips

Otaru. Rapid trains take around 40 minutes, so it's an easy half-day, and sitting on the sea side gives you lovely views. Come for the canal, glass workshops and sushi, and stay until the lamps come on at dusk.

Noboribetsu and Lake Toya. Noboribetsu has a steaming volcanic valley and well-known hot springs, and Lake Toya is a calm caldera lake. Travel takes time, so pair them on one overnight trip rather than rushing.

Practical advice

Winter walking. Pavements get icy, so wear boots with grip and take short steps. The underground walkway between Sapporo Station and Susukino keeps you out of the snow.

Getting around. The subway and trams cover the centre, and trains from New Chitose Airport take about 40 minutes. Heavy snow can delay flights and trains, so leave spare time before a departure.

Driving. A car helps in summer in Furano and Biei, but winter driving on ice needs real experience, so join a tour instead if you're not used to it.