Sapporo
Snow Festival magic, ramen alley and beer gardens.
Overview
Sapporo comes alive every February when the Snow Festival transforms Odori Park into a luminous wonderland of ice sculptures. The ramen alley, Sapporo Beer Museum and Jozankei Onsen offer classic Hokkaido flavour and nature.
Plan your trip
Best time to visit
February for the Snow Festival; June to August for lavender farms; December for illuminations.
How to get there
New Chitose Airport (CTS) is 40 km south, connected by the rapid JR train (~40 min). Tokyo is 1h30 by bullet train.
Getting around
The subway system is clean and extensive; buses cover outer districts; the JR Pass covers city-centre travel.
Travel budget
Three-star hotels JPY 10,000-18,000/night (~EUR 65-115); a ramen bowl JPY 900-1,200; a brewery tour JPY 1,000.
Safety
Very safe; standard precautions.
Visa information
Visa-free for many Western nationalities.
Internet & eSIM
Japan eSIMs (Airalo, Ubigi, Sakura) offer excellent 4G/5G nationwide.
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ExplorePlan the practical stuff
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