After savoring the things to do in Sapporo, from the snowy delights of the Sapporo Snow Festival to the lush beauty of Moerenuma Park, adventurers can find even more to explore just a short journey away. Day trips from Sapporo unlock the natural splendor and cultural richness of Hokkaido, offering experiences from the serene shores of Lake Toya to the breathtaking vistas of Daisetsuzan National Park.
Venturing beyond Sapporo, the vast landscape of Hokkaido presents an array of things to do across Japan’s northernmost island, including the exploration of volcanic calderas, relaxing in natural hot springs, and indulging in the freshest seafood. These excursions not only highlight the island’s natural wonders but also its unique cultural heritage, offering a deeper appreciation of Japan’s diversity.
Selecting where to stay in Sapporo is crucial for those wishing to delve into the city’s vibrant festivals and culinary scene while also exploring Hokkaido’s scenic outskirts. The right accommodation provides a comfortable base for both urban exploration and outdoor adventures, ensuring a memorable experience of Japan’s wild north.
Discover Best Day Trips from Sapporo, Japan
1. Otaru, Japan
Otaru, a charming port city known for its beautifully preserved canal area and historic buildings, offers a glimpse into Hokkaido’s rich maritime history. Enjoy a stroll along the Otaru Canal and visit the numerous glassware shops and seafood restaurants.
Distance: Approximately 40 km
Travel Time: About 30-40 minutes by train
Transportation: Train
Main Attractions: Otaru Canal, glassware shops, seafood restaurants
Best Time to Visit: Year-round
Entrance Fees:
- Otaru Music Box Museum: Free
- Otaru Aquarium: $12
- Nishin Goten (Herring Mansion): $8
Budget: Approximately $20-$50 (including transportation, entrance fees, and food)
Scenic Spots: Otaru Canal, Tenguyama Ropeway, Mt. Tengu
Travel Tip: Try the local sushi and visit the Otaru Music Box Museum, which houses an enchanting collection of music boxes.
2. Asahikawa, Japan
Asahikawa, famous for its zoo and ramen, is the second-largest city in Hokkaido. The Asahiyama Zoo is a must-visit for its unique enclosures, and the city’s ramen is renowned for its rich soy sauce flavor.
Distance: Approximately 130 km
Travel Time: Around 1.5 hours by train
Transportation: Train
Main Attractions: Asahiyama Zoo, Asahikawa Ramen Village, Otokoyama Sake Brewery Museum
Best Time to Visit: Year-round (Winter for Asahikawa Winter Festival)
Entrance Fees:
- Asahiyama Zoo: $10
- Otokoyama Sake Brewery Museum: Free
Budget: Approximately $30-$60 (including transportation, entrance fees, and food)
Scenic Spots: Tokiwa Park, Asahibashi Bridge, Kamuikotan Gorge
Travel Tip: Visit in winter to see the Asahikawa Winter Festival, one of the largest snow festivals in Hokkaido.
3. Furano, Japan
Furano is known for its picturesque landscapes, especially during lavender season in July. The area is also famous for its wineries, cheese factories, and the beautiful Furano Flower Fields.
Distance: Approximately 110 km
Travel Time: About 2 hours by train
Transportation: Train
Main Attractions: Furano Flower Fields, Furano Cheese Factory, Ningle Terrace
Best Time to Visit: July (Lavender season)
Entrance Fees:
- Furano Flower Fields: Free
- Furano Cheese Factory: $3
- Ningle Terrace: Free
Budget: Approximately $20-$50 (including transportation, entrance fees, and food)
Scenic Spots: Farm Tomita, Shikisai no Oka, Blue Pond
Travel Tip: Rent a car for easy travel around the Furano area, especially to visit the flower fields and nearby Biei.
4. Noboribetsu Onsen, Japan
Noboribetsu Onsen, Hokkaido’s most famous hot spring resort, is part of Shikotsu-Toya National Park. The area is also known for its “Hell Valley,” a geothermal area that creates the hot spring waters.
Distance: Approximately 110 km
Travel Time: Around 1.5 hours by car or bus
Transportation: Car (GetRentacar.com), Bus (Busbud)
Main Attractions: Hell Valley (Jigokudani), hot springs, Noboribetsu Bear Park
Best Time to Visit: Year-round
Entrance Fees:
- Hell Valley: Free
- Noboribetsu Bear Park: $26
- Noboribetsu Date Jidaimura: $35
Budget: Approximately $30-$70 (including transportation, entrance fees, and food)
Scenic Spots: Oyunuma Pond, Mt. Hiyoriyama, Noboribetsu Marine Park Nixe
Travel Tip: Visit the Jigokudani (Hell Valley) for its otherworldly landscape and take a dip in one of the many hot spring baths.
5. Lake Toya, Japan
Lake Toya, known for its serene beauty and active volcanoes, offers a scenic escape with opportunities for hiking, hot springs, and boat tours. The area also features the Usuzan Ropeway, which offers panoramic views of the lake and nearby Showa Shinzan.
Distance: Approximately 120 km
Travel Time: About 2 hours by car or train
Transportation: Train, Car (GetRentacar.com)
Main Attractions: Usuzan Ropeway, Showa Shinzan, Toyako Onsen
Best Time to Visit: Year-round
Entrance Fees:
- Usuzan Ropeway: $15
- Showa Shinzan Bear Ranch: $8
- Lake Toya Boat Tour: $10
Budget: Approximately $30-$60 (including transportation, entrance fees, and food)
Scenic Spots: Lake Toya, Mt. Usu, Toyako Forest Museum
Travel Tip: Stay overnight at a lakeside hotel to enjoy both evening and morning views of the lake.
6. Hakodate, Japan
Hakodate, at the southern tip of Hokkaido, is famous for its spectacular night view from Mount Hakodate and its unique history. The city’s Morning Market, historic fort, and old Western-style buildings are highlights.
Distance: Approximately 260 km
Travel Time: Around 3-4 hours by train
Transportation: Train
Main Attractions: Mount Hakodate, Hakodate Morning Market, Goryokaku Park
Best Time to Visit: Year-round
Entrance Fees:
- Mount Hakodate Ropeway: $12
- Goryokaku Tower: $9
- Hakodate Tropical Botanical Garden: $5
Budget: Approximately $40-$80 (including transportation, entrance fees, and food)
Scenic Spots: Mount Hakodate, Goryokaku Park, Motomachi
Travel Tip: Try the fresh seafood, particularly squid, which Hakodate is famous for, and visit the Goryokaku Tower for a bird’s-eye view of the star-shaped fort.
7. Shikisai-no-Oka, Japan
Shikisai-no-Oka provides stunning landscapes in Biei, offering panoramic flower fields from April to October. It’s a photographer’s paradise with rolling hills and a variety of flowers blooming in different seasons.
Distance: Approximately 160 km
Travel Time: Approximately 2.5 hours by car or bus
Transportation: Bus (Busbud), Car (GetRentacar.com)
Main Attractions: Panoramic flower fields, seasonal blooms, alpaca farm
Best Time to Visit: April to October
Entrance Fees:
- Flower Park: Free
- Alpaca Farm: $5
Budget: Approximately $20-$40 (including transportation, entrance fees, and food)
Scenic Spots: Flower Fields, Blue Pond, Patchwork Road
Travel Tip: Rent a golf cart to easily navigate the large area of the flower park, especially during the summer months.
8. Yoichi, Japan
Yoichi, a small town west of Otaru, is known for its whiskey distillery, the Nikka Whisky Distillery, founded by the “Father of Japanese Whiskey,” Masataka Taketsuru. The town also offers beautiful coastal scenery and fresh seafood.
Distance: Approximately 50 km
Travel Time: About 1 hour by train
Transportation: Train
Main Attractions: Nikka Whisky Distillery, Yoichi Space Museum, Yoichi Wine Factory
Best Time to Visit: Year-round
Entrance Fees:
- Nikka Whisky Distillery: Free
- Yoichi Space Museum: $3
- Yoichi Wine Factory: Free
Budget: Approximately $10-$30 (including transportation, entrance fees, and food)
Scenic Spots: Yoichi Coastline, Fruit Orchards, Niki Hills Winery
Travel Tip: Take a guided tour of the Nikka Whisky Distillery to learn about whiskey production and enjoy some tastings.
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FAQ About Best Day Trips from Sapporo, Japan
What are some recommended day trips from Sapporo?
Recommended day trips from Sapporo include Otaru, known for its canal and historic buildings; Furano and Biei, famous for their beautiful flower fields and landscapes; Noboribetsu, for its hot springs and Hell Valley; and Asahikawa, featuring the Asahiyama Zoo.
Is a visit to Otaru worthwhile?
Yes, Otaru is highly recommended for its beautifully preserved canal area, glasswork shops, and sake distilleries. It’s a charming city with a rich history and plenty of culinary delights.
Can I see lavender fields on a day trip from Sapporo?
Absolutely! Furano is famous for its stunning lavender fields, best visited in July. The area also boasts beautiful landscapes year-round, with flower fields in summer and snow activities in winter.
What attractions are there in Noboribetsu?
Noboribetsu is renowned for its hot springs (onsen) and the spectacular Hell Valley (Jigokudani), where visitors can see volcanic activity and enjoy various thermal baths.
Is there wildlife to see near Sapporo?
Asahiyama Zoo in Asahikawa offers a chance to see wildlife up close, including penguins, polar bears, and seals. It’s known for its unique enclosures designed to showcase the animals’ natural behaviors.
Can I explore traditional Japanese culture on a day trip from Sapporo?
Yes, places like the Historical Village of Hokkaido in Sapporo itself, and the nearby towns offer insights into Japan’s rich history and traditional culture through well-preserved buildings and cultural exhibits.
Are there any scenic nature spots near Sapporo for a day trip?
The Shikotsu-Toya National Park, with its caldera lakes, hot springs, and Mount Usu, offers breathtaking natural scenery and various outdoor activities, making it a perfect day trip from Sapporo.
What food experiences should I not miss on a day trip from Sapporo?
Don’t miss trying fresh seafood in Otaru, soft serve ice cream and cheese in Furano, and onsen tamago (hot spring eggs) in Noboribetsu. Each region near Sapporo offers unique local delicacies worth trying.
Sources:
https://www.getyourguide.com/sapporo-l32644?activity_type=dayTrip
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