There’s something magical about Sapporo, what with the most magnificent ice sculpture festival in the world and all.
It’s a new city in an ancient country and welcomes about 1 million foreign tourists each year.
But in a land where even the written language can’t be deciphered without years of training, how are you ever going to figure out the best place to lay your weary head?
That’s where we come in! Our expert travel team have come up with a useful, one-of-a-kind guide so you know the best neighborhood to pick, based on what’s important to you.
Working out where to stay should be easy, leaving you with all the time needed to plan your culinary attack on the country. Japan is the land of sushi, ramen and teppanyaki, after all!
So let’s get to it, and before long you’ll be navigating the city with ease, confident in your knowledge of exactly where to stay in Sapporo!
Are you more about the exact right accommodation, rather than the location? Check out our top picks for just the best-darned hotel and hostel in Sapporo!
Cute japanese studio | Best Airbnb in Sapporo
When visiting Japan, it’s always handy to live close to a public transport option. This Airbnb is just moments away from the tram and subway station. The apartment is bright, with a mixture between the western and Japanese style. The kitchen is fully equipped and ready for use. You can walk to Susukino or Odori park without a problem.
La’gent Stay Sapporo | Best Hotel in Sapporo
La’gent Stay Sapporo features a 24/7 reception with helpful staff! The hotel is close to Sapporo’s well-known attractions, with Sapporo Clock Tower just a 10-minute walk away. There are 219 modern rooms at La’gent Stay Sapporo each offering all you need to ensure a comfortable stay.
Igloo Dorm and Breakfast | Best Hostel in Sapporo
This is a small guest house in Sapporo. It’s close to the main subway station and easy access to the centre of the city! Close to the nightlife hot-spot of Susukino, Igloo Dorm is a great base to explore the city… and the hostel itself is just the cutest!
Need to spend some quality time with fellow backpackers? Get your fix by staying at one of these amazing hostels in Sapporo!
Igloo Dorm and Breakfast is one of our favourites in Sapporo but they’re not taking guests right now. We’re not sure if they’re closed for good but we hope they’ll come back soon.
Odori Park
Odori Park is an extremely central area just three minutes walk away from the main Sapporo Station, where you’ll no doubt arrive after catching the train from the airport (about a one hour trip).
South of the Station
The positioning of this one seems obvious. It’s the area you find when you head South out of Sapporo Station. However, as Susukino, Odori Park and Nakajima Park are all also technically in this area, we’re focusing more or less on the west bank of the Toyohira River and in from there.
Susukino
Susukino is often given as the answer when people are asked their favourite neighbourhood in Sapporo. We’ve picked it as the best area for nightlife, well, because it is!
North of the Station
North of the Station, again, is pretty easy to find. It’s everything on the other side of the Hakodate train line, from the centre of the city.
Nakajima Park
A little way south, but still to the west of the river, is Nakajima Koen, or Nakajima Park. This little area has it all. It’s easily accessible from the centre of town (one stop from Susukino), has a high concentration of accommodation options, and plenty of choice for eating and drinking.
Sapporo is the capital of Hokkaido, the northernmost of Japan’s four major islands (of the 6,582 total they can claim as their own). It has been around for less than 200 years, making it an absolute baby in Japanese terms. If you are visiting Japan then Sapporo is a worthy inclusion on your itinerary.
While a lot of people are only familiar with Sapporo for the Snow Festival – which is totally okay, it’s awesome – or the 1972 Winter Olympics, it’s a city with a whole lot more to offer!
Nestled in one of the most scenic areas of Japan, natural beauty is right at your doorstep, with a bunch of day trips available for you to maximise your Hokkaido time.
Right in the city, however, there are a number of fun and funky neighborhoods awaiting your attention. While populous, with about 2 million inhabitants, Sapporo is built on a small scale, so finding your way around will be a breeze.
There’s the central entertainment district of Susukino, the hub of all things nightlife!
Or you’ve got the parks – Nakajima for nature and Odori for the events.
Then the directions – North of the Station and South of the Station. At least it’ll be easy for you to work out how to get home each day!
Whatever your priorities, Sapporo has an area just perfect for you, from sociable Japanese hostels to private, artfully-designed Airbnbs and hotels.
Sapporo’s Five Best Neighborhoods to Stay in…
Sapporo’s little, but there’s plenty of options of where to camp out. We’ve chosen the five best areas for a visitor, based on transport, activities and atmosphere!
#1 Odori Park – Where to Stay in Sapporo First Time
Odori Park is an extremely central area just three minutes walk away from the main Sapporo Station, where you’ll no doubt arrive after catching the train from the airport (about a one hour trip).
It’s the place to be in all seasons.
In winter it is home to the incredible Sapporo Snow Festival (this is the third time I’ve mentioned it already, can you tell I’m a fan?), as well as the Christmas illuminations and markets.
In spring, there’s the cherry blossoms, where locals will hold ‘Hanami’ parties. These flower-viewing picnics are not to be confused with the ‘Hanabi’, or fireworks, that are frequent events throughout the summer!
Oh, and there’s the summer festival, with its enormous beer garden. What better place to enjoy an iconic Sapporo Draft than in Sapporo?
It’s the kind of park where people hang out, just for the sake of it. Families, teenagers, couples, grandparents; this is a place to relax, listening to the music from the busking performers, with a snack from one of the vendors.
To really get the lay of the land, you can head to the Sapporo TV Tower at the end of the park. This landmark stands directly in the centre of Sapporo, so is the best vantage point to see the city, and the nearby Maruyama Mountain, laid out in front of you. The admission fee is pretty reasonable, and kids get a discount if you’re travelling as a family.
Things to See and Do in Odori Park:
- If you haven’t guessed… go to the Snow Festival!
- Relax in the beer garden with a Ramune (lemonade) or a Sapporo.
- Head up to the observation deck of the Sapporo TV Tower.
- Try your luck at scooping balls from the water with a paper net, as a traditional Japanese festival game.
- Wander the park, checking out the intricate floral displays and exhibits.
Cute japanese studio | Best Airbnb in Odori Park
When visiting Japan, it’s always handy to live close to a public transport option. This Airbnb is just moments away from the tram and subway station. The apartment is bright, with a mixture between the western and Japanese style. The kitchen is fully equipped and ready for use. You can walk to Susukino or Odori park without a problem.
Sapporo View Hotel Odori Koen | Best Hotel in Odori Park
Sapporo View Hotel Oodori Kouen is ideal for guests wishing to discover Sapporo and its surroundings. A short walk from Odori Park, the 4-star hotel provides comfortable rooms equipped with free wireless internet access, a refrigerator and slippers.
Goen Lounge & Stay | Best Hostel in Odori Park
Featuring a shared lounge, Goen Lounge & Stay Sapporo is located in Sapporo, a 10-minute walk from Odori Park. This 2-star hostel offers a 24-hour front desk. The property is 641 m from the city Sapporo City Center.
Goen Lounge & Stay is one of our favourites in Sapporo but they’re not taking guests right now. We’re not sure if they’re closed for good but we hope they’ll come back soon.
Hotel WBF Sapporo Odori | Best Hotel in Odori Park
Hotel WBF Sapporo Odori features 57 air-conditioned rooms. Each has a bathroom that provides slippers and a hairdryer. For those wanting to stay nearby, the sophisticated restaurant is a great option, providing a range of French, Italian and local cuisine.
Hotel WBF Sapporo Odori is one of our favourites in Sapporo but they’re not taking guests right now. We’re not sure if they’re closed for good but we hope they’ll come back soon.
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View on Osprey View on REI#2 South of the Station – Where to Stay in Sapporo on a Budget
The positioning of this one seems obvious. It’s the area you find when you head South out of Sapporo Station. However, as Susukino, Odori Park and Nakajima Park are all also technically in this area, we’re focusing more or less on the west bank of the Toyohira River and in from there.
South of the Station is the old administrative centre of Sapporo, and if you stay quite close to the station you can find the old Government Building, now an impressive museum and tribute to days gone by.
The botanic gardens are here too, because Sapporo just loves a park! They’re actually affiliated with the University of Hokkaido and have their own museums onsite. A particular stand out is that based on the Ainu people, the indigenous people of northern Japan.
This is our top pick for the place to stay in Sapporo on a budget as it has the free attractions outlined above, and is within walking distance of all of the other areas and their activities too.
The Nijo Market is a great place to visit to see where all that fresh sashimi you’ve been eating comes from!
Things to See and Do in South of the Station:
- Take a stroll through the botanic gardens and enjoy the peace.
- Check out the catch of the day at the Nijo Market.
- Visit the Government Building to learn a bit more about the city
- Pay attention to the Northern People’s Museum to find out about Japan’s indigenous people.
- See the clock tower that seems like a bit of USA in Japan!
Sapporo Excel Hotel Tokyu | Best Hotel in South of the Station
The front desk of this 4-star hotel operates around the clock and the friendly staff can suggest sights to visit and provide other tourist information. After a day of discovering the nearby region, guests can relax in the comfort of their air-conditioned rooms.
Ibis Styles Sapporo | Best Hotel in South of the Station
Featuring a swimming pool and ski-in/out facilities, Ibis Styles Sapporo provides modern accommodation. It offers a bar and is a stone’s throw from Nakajima-Koen Station. This luxury hotel provides valet parking, a coffee bar and a beauty centre.
“don’t-get-lost” studio | Best Airbnb in South of the Station
If you’re staying at this Airbnb, you won’t even have to worry about getting a sim card. The host provides portable limitless wifi, that you can take with you. No more getting lost because google maps doesn’t work. Apart from that, the home is super affordable, clean and loved by all previous guests.
“don’t-get-lost” studio is one of our favourites in Sapporo but they’re not taking guests right now. We’re not sure if they’re closed for good but we hope they’ll come back soon.
Social Hostel 365 | Best Hostel in South of the Station
This well-rated hostel boasts a bar & shisha lounge. Private double rooms are available with Wifi & hot showers in the city centre, only a ten-minute walk from Susukino subway street. All beds are double size mattresses with cosy duvets & feather pillows for the best night’s sleep!
Social Hostel 365 is one of our favourites in Sapporo but they’re not taking guests right now. We’re not sure if they’re closed for good but we hope they’ll come back soon.
#3 Susukino – Best Area to Stay in Sapporo for Nightlife
Susukino is often given as the answer when people are asked their favourite neighborhood in Sapporo. We’ve picked it as the best area for nightlife, well, because it is!
It’s the largest entertainment district in Japan, outside of Kabukicho in Tokyo. It’s a maze of neon lights, bars, restaurants, and red-light joints.
This is a wild place where locals and foreigners alike come to party, with something for everyone on its streets. You can see the incredible fashion more expected in Harajuku here, as well as the shopping of Shinjuku.
The street performers are both outlandish and impressive, so stop a while to have a look before continuing to your next bar!
If you want to get off street-level, there’s an underground shopping street running between Susukino and Sapporo stations.
Back above, you can find your way through the winding Ramen Alley, where a myriad of small stores awaits to serve you the famous Hokkaido ramen. It’ll only set you back a few hundred yen, so you’ll have more in your pocket for later on!
Accommodation here isn’t too pricey either, but don’t expect a restful night’s sleep!
Things to See and Do in Susukino:
- Check out a live show at Bar Locotonte.
- Take a ride on the brightly lit Noria Ferris Wheel.
- Be a classic tourist abroad and head to the Irish bar, BrianBrew!
- Shop ‘til you drop on the underground shopping street.
- Eat your fill at the original Ramen Alley, there since the 1950s!
SappoLodge | Best Hostel in Susukino
The most convenient and comfortable guest house in Sapporo. SappoLodge is based on the concept of a lodge in an urban area. There is a bar full of the warmth of the wood on the first floor, so that all the guests can communicate with other guests and locals.
Sapporo Tokyu Rei Hotel | Best Hotel in Susukino
The hotel has 575 rooms and has been recently refurbished. Rooms at Sapporo Tokyu REI Hotel are modern and air-conditioned, and offer a refrigerator, internet access and slippers. Each provides its very own bathroom with a shower, a bathtub and bathrobes.
Mercure Hotel Sapporo | Best Hotel in Susukino
This chic hotel has a front desk that operates 24/7 and the friendly staff can recommend places to visit and provide other tourist information. Each luxury room at Mercure Hotel Sapporo comes with slippers and a refrigerator, while the bathrooms offer hair dryers and showers.
Close-to-party home | Best Airbnb in Susukino
If you’re interested in exploring the nightlife of Sapporo, you should check out this Airbnb. A bit further from the buzz, you’re in 7min walking distance – you’ll definitely enjoy the quiet area at night. To make you feel even more comfortable, we chose a home that is a bit more westernized.
Close-to-party home is one of our favourites in Sapporo but they’re not taking guests right now. We’re not sure if they’re closed for good but we hope they’ll come back soon.
A new country, a new contract, a new piece of plastic – booooring. Instead, buy an eSIM!
An eSIM works just like an app: you buy it, you download it, and BOOM! You’re connected the minute you land. It’s that easy.
Is your phone eSIM ready? Read about how e-Sims work or click below to see one of the top eSIM providers on the market and ditch the plastic.
Grab an eSIM!#4 North of the Station – Coolest Place to Stay in Sapporo
North of the Station, again, is pretty easy to find. It’s everything on the other side of the Hakodate train line, from the centre of the city.
This is the university part of town, so it’s got the young vibe (and high concentration of coffeeshops) that goes with that. This is part of how it earned its title of coolest neighborhood to stay in Sapporo.
The presence of so many students also means there are a number of theatres and cheap dining options. Get really local and go to an izakaya, a pub that serves small plates of food. It’s like tapas, Japanese style!
Another big plus for the north side is the Sapporo Beer Museum. This is the old factory turned historic landmark. You can go in for free, but if you want to do a tasting, you’ll need to pay up!
North is also home to the racecourse, if that’s your kind of thing, and a recording studio. Who doesn’t want their crooning memorialised forever? I’m thinking on the way home from an evening spent in Susukino… That’d sound great!
Things to See and Do in North of the Station:
- Record your wailing for posterity at Studio Cadiz
- Have a flutter at the Sapporo Racecourse.
- Visit the Hokkaido Railway Technology Museum.
- Quench your thirst with a trip to, and tasting at, the Sapporo Beer Museum.
- Wander the university campus with a coffee from one of the nearby roasters!
Sapporo Clark Hotel | Best Hotel in North of the Station
Rooms at Hotel Clark Sapporo are comfortable and feature tea and coffee making facilities and a refrigerator. The restaurant is open for breakfast and provides a suitable setting for those who want to stay close to everything the property has to offer.
Hotel Livemax Sapporo-Ekimae | Best Hotel in North of the Station
Ideally situated for sightseeing, Hotel Livemax Sapporo-Ekimae is within walking distance of several of the city’s tourist attractions, including Sapporo JR Tower, Former Hokkaido Government Office and Hokkaido University.
Tiny student studio | Best Airbnb in North of the Station
This Airbnb might be tiny, but it’s got all you need. From a comfy bed to a sofa and a TV, a very well equipped kitchen and a small bathroom with hot water. Located north of the train station, you’re in walking distance to good public transport connections, cute little cafes and lots of attractions.
Tiny student studio is one of our favourites in Sapporo but they’re not taking guests right now. We’re not sure if they’re closed for good but we hope they’ll come back soon.
Ten to Ten Sapporo Station | Best Hostel in North of the Station
Ten to Ten Hokkaido Sapporo station is located near Sapporo station[9 minutes by foot], so you can go everywhere easily: Sapporo downtown, Otaru, Mt.Moiwa, whatever. This hostel offers five types of rooms, so whatever you style, they’ve got you covered!
Ten to Ten Sapporo Station is one of our favourites in Sapporo but they’re not taking guests right now. We’re not sure if they’re closed for good but we hope they’ll come back soon.
#5 Nakajima Park – Best Neighborhood in Sapporo for Families
A little way south, but still to the west of the river, is Nakajima Koen, or Nakajima Park.
This little area has it all. It’s easily accessible from the centre of town (one stop from Susukino), has a high concentration of accommodation options, and plenty of choice for eating and drinking.
All that is beside the obvious attraction of the gorgeous Nakajima Park itself!
The park is a large garden with a central pond. It has a specific Japanese garden section, and if you’ve ever visited one of these, you’ll know the ethereal beauty and calm that comes with their manicured perfection.
There’s also the lovely Hassoan tea house, where you can experience the traditional tea ceremony. Part refreshment – part ritual – fully Japanese, the tea ceremony is one of those cultural must-dos while in this country.
The kids will be happy with all the green space to cut loose on, while there’s also a zoo nearby, and an astronomical observatory. There’s even a performing arts theatre, right in the park, with its shows tailored specifically for kids. No subtitles though!
By all accounts, the Kirin Beer Garden around here is a good place to try the Genghis Khan lamb, the famous dish of Sapporo!
Things to See and Do in Nakajima Park:
- Try the incredible Genghis Khan lamb at the Kirin Beer Garden.
- Try the incredible Kirin beer at the Kirin Beer Garden.
- Visit the zoo with the young ones. The fees are reasonable and its exhibits care for the creatures.
- Take part in a traditional tea ceremony. Bonus if you get to wear kimono!
- Stroll around Nakajima Park, admiring the attention to detail.
Premier Hotel Nakajima Park | Best Hotel in Nakajima Park
Premier Hotel Nakajima Park Sapporo has 228 modern rooms that are equipped with a range of essential facilities to ensure guests have an enjoyable stay. To start the day, guests are able to enjoy breakfast at Premier Hotel Nakajima Park Sapporo’s in-house restaurants.
Sapporo Park Hotel | Best Hotel in Nakajima Park
Featuring views of Nakajima Park, the hotel is an ideal place to stay for those wanting to check out local attractions in Sapporo. All the stylish rooms at Sapporo Park Hotel feature free wireless internet access, a minibar and a private bathroom.
Modern family apartment | Best Airbnb in Nakajima Park
Accommodating up to 10 people (but that’s Japanese standards, so maybe more like 6), this Airbnb is perfect for big families that want to explore Japan together. Close to the train station, you won’t have any problems to get around. The Nakajima park is right next door and a great place to spend the day.
Modern family apartment is one of our favourites in Sapporo but they’re not taking guests right now. We’re not sure if they’re closed for good but we hope they’ll come back soon.
Ten to Ten Nakajima-Koen | Best Hostel in Nakajima Park
Ten to Ten Nakajima-Koen is located in the Sapporo City Centre neighborhood in Sapporo, 1.1 km from Odori Park and 1.3 km from Sapporo TV Tower. Guests can enjoy the on-site restaurant. Large family rooms are available.
Ten to Ten Nakajima-Koen is one of our favourites in Sapporo but they’re not taking guests right now. We’re not sure if they’re closed for good but we hope they’ll come back soon.
Stash your cash safely with this money belt. It will keep your valuables safely concealed, no matter where you go.
It looks exactly like a normal belt except for a SECRET interior pocket perfectly designed to hide a wad of cash, a passport photocopy or anything else you may wish to hide. Never get caught with your pants down again! (Unless you want to…)
Hide Yo’ Money!FAQ about Finding a Place to Stay in Sapporo
Here’s what people usually ask us about the areas of Sapporo and where to stay.
What To Pack For Sapporo
Pants, socks, underwear, soap?! Take it from me, packing for a hostel stay is not always quite as straightforward as it seems. Working out what to bring and what to leave at home is an art I have perfected over many years.
Ear Plugs
Snoring dorm-mates can ruin your nights rest and seriously damage the hostel experience. This is why I always travel with a pack of decent ear plugs.
Hanging Laundry Bag
Trust us, this is an absolute game changer. Super compact, a hanging mesh laundry bag stops your dirty clothes from stinking, you don’t know how much you need one of these… so just get it, thank us later.
Sea To Summit Micro Towel
Hostel towels are scummy and take forever to dry. Microfibre towels dry quickly, are compact, lightweight, and can be used as a blanket or yoga mat if need be.
Monopoly Deal
Forget about Poker! Monopoly Deal is the single best travel card game that we have ever played. Works with 2-5 players and guarantees happy days.
Grayl Geopress Water Bottle
Always travel with a water bottle! They save you money and reduce your plastic footprint on our planet. The Grayl Geopress acts as a purifier AND temperature regulator. Boom!
Check out my definitive Hotel Packing list for even more top packing tips!
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance for Sapporo
ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing.
They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.
SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!
Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.
Final Thoughts on Where to Stay in Sapporo
Sapporo is a northern gem. Gateway to the natural beauty of Hokkaido, it’s worth a decent visit in its own right!
And now, thanks to our handy guide, you’ll be living like a local, knowing which area is right for you, and what it has to offer.
Sapporo offers fine dining and cheap eats, classy cocktail bars and gritty pubs, high-end shopping and kitschy souvenirs. Whatever you’re into, this city has you covered.
Staying at our best hotel overall, La’gent Stay Sapporo, will keep you in the centre of the action and ready to take on the town.
So that’s it for our travel crew’s ideas and recommendations on what to do and where to stay in Sapporo. Choose where you’d like to stay and then plan the rest of your trip using our three-day Sapporo itinerary.
- Check out our ultimate guide backpacking around Japan.
- Figured out where you wanna stay? Now it’s time to pick the perfect hostel in Sapporo.
- Or… maybe you want to check out some capsule hotels in Sapporo instead.
- Planning out an itinerary for Sapporo is a great way to maximise your time.
- Save yourself hassle and money and get an international sim card for Japan.
- Swing by our super epic backpacking packing list to prep for your trip.
And for transparency’s sake, please know that some of the links in our content are affiliate links. That means that if you book your accommodation, buy your gear, or sort your insurance through our link, we earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). That said, we only link to the gear we trust and never recommend services we don’t believe are up to scratch. Again, thank you!
