The Best Day Trips From Sapporo

Sapporo is a lively and dynamic place, but some travelers might be looking for a quick escape from the hustle and bustle of Japanese city life. Fortunately, there is no shortage of relaxing hot springs, panoramic mountain landscapes, and historical sights in the countryside surrounding the city – and all of it is an easy bus or train ride away. If you are planning to spend more than a day or two in Sapporo city, be sure to check out some of these nearby attractions.

Otaru

A quaint harbor city just thirty minutes outside Sapporo by train, Otaru is known for glasswork shops, cozy cafés, local restaurants, and old-fashioned architecture. In the evening, oil lamps light the cobblestone streets that run alongside the gorgeous Otaru Canal, pictured below. For travelers looking for a relaxing or romantic evening, this is a must-visit.

Otaru, Hokkaido Prefecture, Japan

One of the most well-known onsen destinations in all of Hokkaido, Jozankei hot springs can be reached in less than an hour by car from central Sapporo. With over 50 sources of hot spring water in the district, each bath has its own unique atmosphere and temperature. Getting there is easy – there are daily shuttle buses departing from Sapporo, Susukino, and Odori stations.

Jozankei Onsen, Hokkaido Prefecture, Japan

Noboribetsu

Arguably Hokkaido’s most famous hot spring resort, Noboribetsu takes about one hour by car from Sapporo city. The area is known for its picturesque mountain views and snow-covered landscapes, all of which can be enjoyed from the warmth and comfort of a hot bath. The various minerals in the spring water are said to have positive effects on health and beauty.

Noboribetsu Onsen, Noboribetsu, Hokkaido Prefecture, Japan

Historic Village of Hokkaido

Curious about what life was like in the days of old Japan? The traditional architecture of this village was designed to give visitors the feeling of exploring the country in its “frontier days.” The structures are modeled after those of the Meiji period (1868 – 1912) and continue through the Showa period, which ended in 1989. Guests looking for a more authentic experience can tour the old town in a horse-drawn trolley.

Historic Village of Hokkaido, Hokkaido Prefecture, Japan

Shikotsu-Toya National Park

Named after its two lakes, Shikotsu and Toya (pictured below), this national park is hugely popular due to its scenic views, hot springs (see above), and hiking trails. Hikers will have the chance to climb Mt. Yotei, an inactive volcano that bears striking resemblance to the legendary Mt. Fuji.

Shikotsu-Toya National Park, Hokkaido Prefecture, Japan

Shrine at Lake Toya (Toyako) in Hokkaido, Japan

Shiraoi Ainu Museum

Another option for the history buff in your group, this museum provides a window into the life of the Ainu, the indigenous people of northern Japan and Russia. The museum is comprised of five traditionally designed Ainu houses, with each house representing a unique aspect of Ainu culture and lifestyle. Visitors will have chances to see a dance performance, join a craft workshop, try authentic Ainu cuisine, and play traditional Ainu musical instruments.

Ainu Museum, Hokkaido, Japan

Sea of Okhotsk

Every winter, massive chunks of ice break off from the coast of Russia and drift south toward Abashiri Harbor in Hokkaido. The area receives heavy tourism during this time as watching the drift ice has become a popular sightseeing activity. However, the Okhotsk Sea Ice Museum, a hands-on science center that gives visitors a look into the culture and history of this unique location, remains open throughout the year.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.