Cheap Flights to Sapporo

Discover Sapporo

Why visit Sapporo, Japan

Sapporo is the fifth-largest city in Japan, and is the prefectural capital of the mountainous northern island of Hokkaido. The area is famous for its snow and winter festival, hosting the Winter Olympics in the 1970s, and its quality beer.

Visit Sapporo and you’ll be able to spend time at the popular Sapporo Beer Museum. This venue traces the brewing history of the city, and also offerings tastings and a beer garden to relax in.

Things to do in Sapporo

On a trip to Sapporo visitors might like to head south to the world-renowned ski resort of Niseko; check out the American-designed, Tokeidai The Sapporoclock Tower, which dates back to 1878 and features a clock that still chimes every hour; explore Odori Park; or head to the observation floor of the Sapporo TV Tower. Apart from trying Sapporo beer, foodies should also try the area’s food specialty, Genghis Khan (barbequed mutton).

Best time to visit Sapporo

The best time to visit Sapporo is generally considered to be in early to mid summer (although it can be rainy then), but many tourists also like to travel to the city in winter for snow sports and other activities. The popular Sapporo Snow Festival, for instance, is held each February, and is the largest winter event in Japan. Sapporo is also lovely in spring and autumn when the cherry blossoms are out and the temperatures are quite mild.

Best time to book

If you want to source the cheapest airfare to Sapporo, click this link for information on the best time to book.

Expect to pay

The currency in Sapporo is the Japanese yen.

Expect to pay approximately AUD$5.83, on average, for a regular-sized coffee when you’re in Sapporo.

Arriving in Sapporo by plane

A flight from Australia to Sapporo will land at New Chitose Airport, which is located around 5km from Chitose and 45km from Sapporo city.  

Many airlines operate flights from Australia to Sapporo, including Air Asia, Jetstar, Scoot, Cathay Pacific, Qantas, Thai Airways, Garuda Indonesia, Air China, and Vietnam Airlines.

Visa requirements

Australians travelling to Sapporo do not need a visa for stays less than 90 days.

Transportation to city centre

A taxi from the airport into the downtown area of Sapporo will cost around $180.

If you’d prefer to hire a rental vehicle for your stay, or organise your own private transfer, you should arrange car hire or airport transfers online.

Where to stay in Sapporo

In Sapporo tourists often stay in the downtown area called Susukino, as it is the entertainment district and has many clubs, bars, restaurants and hotels. Other options are Odori, another entertainment area; Sapporo Station, which has lots of hotels; or the quieter district of Nakajima Park.

If you’re looking to find affordable accommodation in Sapporo, you should consider booking a hotel online.

Useful tips before you go

While you’re in Sapporo you should always remove your shoes before entering a home. In addition, in Sapporo it is best practice to bow when you meet someone, say goodbye to them, or thank them.

For more helpful tips on visiting Sapporo, head to Smart Traveller , a trusted source of travel information.

Please note: all information is correct as of June 2016.