Where to Stay in Sapporo • 5 Top Areas + Hotel Guide

As you’re planning where to stay in Sapporo, hop on this virtual guide around one of the most exciting cities in Northern Japan. 

Below I’ve included the 5 top neighborhoods in Sapporo, each with a list of the best hotels that I ordered from most to least expensive. 

In short, Odori Park is the best area to stay in Sapporo, as that’s where you’ll find the main attractions and some fab hotels. But I’ve compared 4 more neighborhoods, in case you’d prefer something different. 

I’d recommend booking your hotels in advance as Sapporo is a super popular holiday destination! 

Quick Picks for Your Stay

Want to quickly book your hotel in Sapporo? Then check out this list which has the best accommodations, all located in Odori Park:

A bit confused by all these areas? Don’t worry, the map below will help you visualize all the best places to stay in Sapporo, Hokkaido that I’ll talk about in the post:

1. Odori Park – where to stay in Sapporo for the first time

Looking for a central location in the city? You can’t go wrong with Odori Park!

This vibrant and lush area is set just a 15 minute walk away south from Sapporo Station (map), and it’s perfect for first-time visitors who want to stay in a central neighborhood, close to everything in the city! Not only will you find a huge park (Odori Park means large street in Japanese) and lush greenery but also tons of attractions!

PRO TIP 1: If you’re planning to visit other towns in the country, I’d recommend getting the Japan Rail Pass that lets you travel as much as you want for a number of days!

The neighborhood is not only home to all the city festivals (Sapporo Snow Festival for instance, when you get to see some massive snow and ice sculptures) and the Hanami parties (which celebrate the cherry blossoms in April), but also to so many attractions.

PRO TIP 2: If you’re visiting Sapporo in winter (although it snows heavily during that time) you should definitely use the Chi-Ka-Ho Underground Passageway (map), which links Sapporo, Odori & Susukino stations, and has some shops too. 

During your time in the city you should definitely visit the Gallery Odori Museum, the Sapporo TV Tower with a beautiful 360 view to the city and the famous Sapporo Beer Museum. 

Odori Park is also home to Nijo Market (map) where you can indulge in some delicious and fresh seafood! There are so many stalls that no doubt you’ll leave this place with a full belly. 

Other accommodation options in Odori Park

---

Since Odori Park is such a popular neighborhood where most tourists will want to stay, I thought I’d offer you 3 extra hotel options in case the ones above are already sold out:

• Luxury: Karaksa Hotel – this hotel combines authentic Japanese style with Western contemporary elements and offers guests a unique stay in the city. It features rooms with lots of space and a hot spring bath. 
• Mid-range: Tmark City Hotel – each room at this hotel comes with a private bathroom, a modern style and air-conditioning. 
• Budget: Tokyu Stay – finish your search, I’ve found the perfect budget hotel for you! With a central location this place offers rooms with a flat-screen tv and private bathroom. 

Things to do in Odori Park

• Check out the Sapporo TV Tower and Clock Tower
• Grab a delicious curry soup at Garaku restaurant (map)
• Visit the Gallery Odori Museum
• Stop by the Miyoshi Shrine (map)
• Eat yummy food at Nijo Market 
• Have fun at the AoAo Sapporo Aquarium (map)
• Learn new things at Chitosetsuru Sake Museum

2. Sapporo station (Downtown) – for a great transportation link

The area around Sapporo Station, the city’s main train and subway station, is technically the Downtown area.

This is the best location to stay in Sapporo for people who want to use the train or subway a lot and also stay in the middle of all the action, this neighborhood is definitely a keeper.

NOTE: The Hokkaido island is super famous for its ski resorts, especially the Niseko area which has 4 ski resorts in total. If you’re headed there, you’ll probably pass through Sapporo. But if you’re not going that far you can head to Teine, an area set a 30 min train ride away from Sapporo that has a ski resort and hit the slopes there!

Staying here means you’ll be located within walking distance of Odori Park, so you can easily just head there, without using public transport.

Downtown Sapporo offers a blend of urban vibes and nature and tons of fun attractions that you should check out!

Some of the main ones are the Beer Museum, the Sapporo TV Tower (map) and the Clock Tower (map).

If you want to do a bit of shopping while in the city, head to Akarenga Terrace Mall (map) where there are countless stores and also restaurants, in case you want to grab a bite.You should definitely end a day of exploring the city on the JR Tower Observation Deck (map) where you can admire some stunning views!

Other accommodation options in Downtown Sapporo

---

Sapporo Grand Hotel – since there are lots of hotel and hostel options around Sapporo Station, I’d thought I’d add one more option. Start your morning with a delicious breakfast at his hotel that has a contemporary decor, rooms with a flat-screen Tv and a bar. 

Things to do Downtown Sapporo 

• Visit the Beer Museum
• See the Sapporo TV Tower and Clock Tower
• Shop for souvenirs at Akarenga Terrace Mall
• Go on a trip to Atsubetsu Ward to visit the Historical Village of Hokkaido
• Admire the views from the JR Tower Observation Deck 
• Take the ropeway up to Mt. Moiwa

Subscribe here to get up to 35% off your accommodation for your next trip!

3. Susukino – best place to stay in Sapporo for nightlife

Want to do some bar hopping and enjoy the city’s nightlife? Then there’s no better place than Susukino! 

Susukino is the second largest entertainment district in Japan, after Kabukicho in Tokyo, so you can imagine that many tourists come here to party the night away

Which is why I wouldn’t recommend this neighborhood to those of you who’d prefer something quiet, tranquil or to those traveling with families.

It’s not only the tourists that enjoy Susukino’s vibrant atmosphere, locals usually come here as well (yep it can get pretty crowded at night). But don’t let that put you off, because if your favorite bar in Susukino is too full then you can always hang around the streets to watch some cool performances.

If you’re looking for some places to start the night, you can head to Nikka Bar (map) or Immix Bar (map) where they also have karaoke! 

Another thing that puts Susukino on the map is the amount of local restaurants that serve the most delicious ramen (among many other Japanese dishes), you can find them all on the Ramen Alley (map). Trust me, after a night out, the ramen will taste heavenly!

And if you want to easily explore the rest of the city, head to the subway station (map) which connects you to the central part of the city. You can reach Odori Park and Downtown Sapporo in no time!

Other accommodation options in Susukino

---

Hotel Nets Sapporo – here’s another budget-friendly hotel in Sapporo, Susukino, that has a 24-hour front desk, a restaurant and a great location. 

Things to do in Susukino

• Grab a drink at Nikka Bar
• Catch the live performances on the streets of Susukino
• Dance all night at D-mode club (map)
• Visit the Otaru area on a trip 
• Go for a walk in Maruyama Park (map)
• Eat a yummy ramen on the Ramen Alley 
• Catch a sunset by the Toyohira River (map)

4. Nakajima Park – best place to stay in Sapporo for families

Looking for the best area to stay in Sapporo for you and your family? Then this area may be perfect for you!

PRO TIP: If you’re planning to visit multiple cities in the country, in a short amount of time, you can look into the Japan Explorer Pass from Japan Airlines, which grants access to various domestic flights. That way you can fly in from Tokyo to Sapporo, or to other places. The prices start from US$50 and can go up to US$90. 

Nakajima Park is located within walking distance from Odori Park (just 20 min south) but it offers a more tranquil setting and a large green area where you can take the kids out to play and have fun!

The neighborhood is named after the huge park (map) where honestly you can spend hours exploring the tree-line lanes and also visiting some of the attractions inside the park like Iyahiko Shrine (map) and the Hokkaidō Museum of Literature.

Inside the park you’ll also find the Sapporo City Observatory (map) where you can go with the fam to see the skies during the day or night! To be honest I’d recommend both, although at night it might be more exciting. If you’re coming during the cherry blossom season (late March – early April), then you might spot a couple in the park, especially around the Iris pond (map).

Other accommodation options in Nakajima Park

Things to do in Nakajima Park

• Visit the Hokkaido Museum of Literature
• Explore Nakajima Park with the kids 
• Admire the night sky at Sapporo City Observatory 
• Check out the historical Hohei Kan building (map)
• Stop by the peaceful Sapporo Gokoku Shrine
• Go on a trip to Art Park (map) 

5. Jozankei Onsen – where to stay for tranquility 

Jozankei Onsen is located around a 1h train ride away from Sapporo Station, in a lush green that’s part of Shikotsu-Toya National Park. 

This hot spring resort area is perfect for those who want to relax in the famous Japanese onsens!

For anyone who doesn’t know, an onsen is a traditional Japanese hot spring bath. Usually there are lots of ryokans (a traditional Japanese inn) that offer these kinds of hot springs to share or private ones. If you get the opportunity, I’d recommend experiencing it at least once in your life.

Jozankei Onsen, which is part of the Minami Ward is one of the most famous hot spring resort areas on the island, and with good reason since it looks incredible!

You can spend your days hiking and exploring the gorgeous National Park (map), go for walks in the peaceful places like Jozankei Gensen Park (map), admire the gorgeous waterfalls (map) and relax in one of the many onsen baths (most of them are set in hotels).

And since it’s only an hour away by train, you can always head into Sapporo on a day trip!

NOTE: If you’re coming during winter you can even hit the slopes, in the Jozankeimikasa Ski Area (map)!

Other accommodation options in Jozankei Onsen

Things to do in Jozankei Onsen

• Explore the Shikotsu-Toya National Park
• Relax in a hot spring
• Go for a walk in the Jozankei Gensen Park 
• Hit the slopes in the Jozankeimikasa Ski Area 

👑 Luxury price:	US$140
💵 Mid-range:	US$70
🛏️ Budget:	US$40
📍 Best area:	Odori Park
🛎️ Best luxury hotel:	41 Pieces
🧳 Best mid-range hotel:	La’gent Stay
👛 Best budget hotel:	Best Western

FAQs about hotels in Sapporo

Final thoughts on where to stay in Sapporo

Already packing your bags? Well, now that you’ve read this guide on where to stay in Sapporo, Japan, I’m sure you feel more than ready to hit the road!

But remember that you should definitely book your hotels in advance, before anything else! That way you can score the lower rates and find a much wider range of options.

If you’re still not sure, which hotels to pick then check out my top 2 favorite ones, both located in Odori Park:

• 41 Pieces – set south of Sapporo Station, this modern hotel offers family rooms with large windows, a terrace and a great location
• La’gent Stay  – a great mid-range option that has spacious rooms, private parking spaces and a bar

By the way, if you have any questions on Sapporo, don’t shy away from leaving them in the comment section below! I’ll make sure to answer them as soon as I can!

Happy exploring,

Victoria

---