Hello everyone wondering where to stay in Sapporo! I’m a local who’s been living in Sapporo for a good 40 years, and I’m here to share some top-notch hotel information and tips on choosing areas, especially for all of you visiting from overseas.
I really want you to experience a stay where you can feel the “real Sapporo” that only a local knows, not just the standard stuff you find in guidebooks. So, I’m going to pour in my experiences and honest opinions to help you figure out the best place for you to stay.
You know, Sapporo has a completely different vibe depending on the area. Whether you like bustling places or prefer quiet spots, you’re sure to find a favorite. Let’s also get a solid grasp of the hotel situation during big events like the Snow Festival or concerts.
I think reading this article will make choosing a hotel in Sapporo a whole lot easier, making you go, “Ah, I get it now!” I’ll be chatting friendly, mixing in some insider tidbits, so just relax and read on.
Alright, the big question of where to stay – this is pretty crucial, you know. Sapporo is a fun city to walk around, but where you base yourself can make a huge difference in how comfortable your trip is.
Sapporo Station Area: The Transportation Hub, Convenient for Everywhere!
JR Sapporo Station is about a 40-minute ride from New Chitose Airport (New Chitose Airport Official Website) on the JR Rapid Airport train. Being the gateway to Hokkaido, it’s incredibly convenient if you plan to visit other cities like Otaru or Asahikawa. There are plenty of new hotels directly connected to or surrounding the station.
- Pros: Superb transportation access. Plenty of shopping malls, so you won’t have trouble finding souvenirs. A wide range of options from business hotels to city hotels.
- Cons: Being a popular area, prices can be a bit higher, especially on weekends and during peak tourist season. Also, the atmosphere is slightly different between the north and south sides of the station, so consider where you want to go when deciding which side to stay on.
- Recommended for: People planning to travel to other cities in Hokkaido, those who want to make the most of their arrival and departure days, and those who want to enjoy shopping.
A Local’s Honest Take: The station area is convenient, but surprisingly, many parts of it are quiet at night. However, some restaurants might close a bit early, so if you plan to enjoy the late evening, you might want to keep that in mind.
Odori Park Area: Sapporo’s Oasis, The Heart of Events!
Odori Park (I could only find the Japanese site, so please use your browser to translate) is Sapporo’s iconic park, stretching about 1.5 km from east to west. You can enjoy seasonal flowers, and most importantly, it’s the main venue for the “Sapporo Snow Festival” (Sapporo Snow Festival Official Website) and the YOSAKOI Soran Festival, making it the best location if you’re here for an event.
- Pros: Close to event venues. The city hall and office district are nearby, giving it a calm atmosphere. Department stores and underground shopping arcades are also well-developed, making it easy to get around even on rainy or snowy days.
- Cons: As expected, hotels are hard to book during event periods, and prices skyrocket. It’s just how it is, unfortunately. It’s usually quiet, but it might get a bit noisy during event setup periods.
- Recommended for: People who want to enjoy events like the Snow Festival or YOSAKOI Soran Festival, those who want to enjoy the park scenery, and those who want to be active in the city center.
Susukino Area: One of Japan’s Premier Entertainment Districts, Never Sleeps!
Susukino is one of Japan’s foremost entertainment districts. It’s packed with delicious restaurants, bars, and ramen shops, making it a paradise for food lovers. It’s lively late into the night, perfect for those who want to enjoy Sapporo’s nightlife. For more details, I hope you’ll also check out “Sapporo Susukino District: A Local’s Complete Guide to Its Charms, How to Enjoy It, and What to Watch Out For.”
- Pros: A gourmet heaven! Plenty of nightlife options. Subway stations are also nearby, making access to various places surprisingly good.
- Cons: It’s quite lively at night, so it might not be suitable for those who prefer a quiet stay. Families might also want to carefully consider the hotel’s location. However, recently, more quiet hotels and those slightly off the main street have been popping up even in Susukino.
- Recommended for: People who want to fully enjoy Sapporo’s nightlife andグルメ (gourmet food), and night owls.
Nakajima Park Area: An Urban Oasis, For a Quiet and Relaxing Stay
Nakajima Park is a large park spreading south of Susukino. It’s highly recommended for those who want to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and spend time quietly. The park also houses historical buildings like Hoheikan and the Sapporo Concert Hall Kitara.
- Pros: Incredibly quiet and calm environment. The park is rich in greenery, and just strolling through it feels refreshing. It’s also attractive that Susukino is within walking distance.
- Cons: It’s a bit far from Sapporo Station and Odori Park, so the subway will likely be your main mode of transport. Strolling in the park might be a bit tough during the snowy season.
- Recommended for: People who want to relax in a quiet environment, and those who love park strolls.
What Are the Best Value Hotels That Locals Secretly Use?
Well, that’s a tough question… (laughs). Value changes depending on the season and booking situation, you know. But if I had to say, you can sometimes find reasonably priced and comfortable business hotels in the Sapporo Station North Exit area, or in areas a little east or west of Odori Park. Weekdays are especially a good bet.
Also, areas around Nishi 11-chome Station on the Tozai Subway Line, or further west around Maruyama Park Station, are a bit further from the city center, but because of that, you might find good quality hotels at more reasonable prices. These are areas where locals live their daily lives, so it might be good for those who want to experience a local atmosphere.
This is Where It’s Truly Quiet and Comfortable!
For those seeking tranquility, hotels around Nakajima Park are a sure bet. If you get a room with a park view, the refreshing feeling when you wake up in the morning is exceptional. Also, if your budget allows, extending your trip to Jozankei Onsen (Jozankei Onsen Official Website) is an option. It’s a hot spring resort about an hour’s bus ride from central Sapporo, surrounded by nature, where you can truly refresh. However, it takes travel time, so it’s more for those who want to relax in a hot spring rather than a base for Sapporo sightseeing.
Off-the-Beaten-Path Hotels Friendly to Foreigners (Front Desk Staff Languages, etc.)
Sapporo has become quite an international city recently, so English support is becoming standard at many hotels. Especially at newer hotels around Sapporo Station and Odori Park, or at international chain hotels, there’s a high chance of finding multilingual staff.
As for hidden gems, some guesthouses or small boutique hotels are run by owners who have extensive overseas experience and are incredibly helpful. You might find a great match by searching on review sites with keywords like “English speaking staff” or “helpful staff.” If a place is serious about catering to foreign tourists, their website should also be solid! Check if you can easily browse their site in your language!
A Local’s Honest Take: Actually, during peak tourist seasons for foreigners (especially around the Snow Festival or summer vacation), I get the impression that most hotels have staff accustomed to dealing with international guests. So, I don’t think you need to worry too much. Rather, choosing a hotel that fits your travel style, location, and atmosphere might lead to higher satisfaction.
Hotel Situation and Booking Tips During Events (Snow Festival, YOSAKOI, Concerts, etc.)
For this, acting fast is everything, really!
- Sapporo Snow Festival: People come from all over the world, so some hotels, especially those near the Odori Park venue or the Susukino venue, can get booked up six months, or even a year in advance!
- Tips:
- Book as early as possible! Check official websites frequently, and consider travel agency package tours.
- Shift your area a bit. Hotels around Sapporo Station, Nakajima Park, or a few subway stops away might be relatively easier to book.
- Aim for cancellations. Sometimes cancellations pop up 직전 (just before), but this is really up to luck.
- Downside: Everywhere is crowded during this period, and hotel rates are often double or triple the usual. It might be a tough time for those who want to sightsee calmly. But, the impact and beauty of those snow and ice sculptures are something I really want you to see at least once. For more details on the Snow Festival, please also check “Sapporo Snow Festival: The Ultimate Guide to Dates, What to Wear, Access, and How to Enjoy It.”
- Tips:
- YOSAKOI Soran Festival (Yosakoi Soran Festival Official Website [Japanese only]): This festival, held in early June, is also very popular. Hotels are used as accommodations for the dancers, so while it’s not as intense as the Snow Festival, early booking is still crucial for general reservations.
- Tips: Just like the Snow Festival, early booking and considering areas slightly away from the city center are recommended.
- Concerts and Conferences: On days when there are big events at Sapporo Dome or Kitayell, nearby hotels also get crowded. Especially if a popular artist’s concert coincides with a weekend, rooms can sell out in a flash.
- Tips: Check for hotels as soon as event dates are announced! Even if you can’t find one in the city center, you might find hotels along subway lines with surprisingly smooth access to the venue.
If you absolutely can’t find a hotel in Sapporo city, or if they’re too expensive… as a sort of trick, it’s not a bad idea to expand your search to hotels in Otaru, which is easily accessible by JR, or the Chitose area near the airport. It takes a bit more travel time, but your options will greatly expand.
Please remember that details like prices and event schedules are current as of this writing, so be sure to check the official websites for the latest information.
A Little Advice You Might Not Find in Guidebooks
- For Longer Stays: Some hotels offer discounted rates for consecutive nights. It’s a good idea to compare on booking sites.
- Breakfast: Hotel breakfasts are nice, but Sapporo has so many delicious things to eat. Waking up early to find breakfast at a local bakery or a lively market, mingling with the locals, can be a fun experience. However, winter mornings are bitingly cold, so taking your time to enjoy a warm breakfast at the hotel is, of course, a smart choice too.
- Coin Laundry: For longer stays, it’s convenient to check if your hotel has a coin laundry or if there’s one nearby. Not all hotels have them, so be sure to check.
Finally
Has this given you a better idea of how to choose a hotel in Sapporo? Where you stay truly changes the impression of your trip. That’s why I want you to carefully choose a place that matches your travel purpose and style.
Sapporo is a city with its own unique charms in every season. Eat delicious food, see beautiful scenery, relax in a comfortable hotel, and make lots of wonderful memories! If there’s anything else you’d like to know, feel free to ask me anytime.
Please remember that details like prices, times, and services mentioned in this article are current as of my writing, so be sure to check the latest information on official websites before your trip!
I sincerely hope your trip to Sapporo will be an unforgettable and wonderful one!
