Sapporo tours

Things to do in Sapporo

Sapporo unfolds before you with its snow-blanketed avenues, where the crisp air and the scent of miso ramen come together in a symphony for the senses. This city thrives with a singular mix of contemporary dynamism and serene natural splendour, from its lively beer gardens to the peaceful stretches of Odori Park. With your local guide at your side, Sapporo tours morph into memorable voyages beyond the usual scenic snapshots. Feel the enchantment as you indulge in a steaming bowl of ramen on a food and wine tour or breeze past queues on a skip-the-line visit to Hokkaido's bustling cultural landmarks. Your private tours in Sapporo open a window into the essence of Hokkaido’s culture, where each street corner echoes its tales. If you’re looking for more inspiration, take a look at our curated list of things to do in Sapporo. Explore Sapporo your way At ToursByLocals, we believe that how you explore is just as important as where you go. That’s why every Sapporo tour is private, flexible, and built around you: Move at your own pace, skip the crowds, make connections and follow your curiosity. Find local guides offering private tours in Sapporo for every interest, including: Food and Drink tours: Warm up with miso ramen in Susukino, then hit Nijo Market for a seafood donburi and a taste of uni straight from the shell. Food and drink tours often include the Sapporo Beer Museum with a Genghis Khan lamb grill or a stop for rich soup curry. History tours: Explore the Historical Village of Hokkaido to see pioneer-era buildings, then visit the Former Hokkaido Government Office and the Clock Tower for Meiji stories. Your guide can round out history tours with a walk through Hokkaido University’s historic campus. Nature and Wildlife tours: Ride the Mt. Moiwa ropeway for city views and a short forest walk where you might spot red squirrels, then head to Maruyama Park and Hokkaido Shrine for birdwatching. For a deeper nature fix, a half-day trip to Lake Shikotsu offers clear water trails and quiet beaches. Central Sapporo is walkable and well covered by subway, trams, and JR. For parks and lakes outside the core, you can book tours with private transportation or ask your local guide to arrange a car. This isn’t a one-size-fits-all itinerary, you can tailor your private tour to match your interests, pace and personality with a local who knows Sapporo inside and out. Walking tours & neighbourhoods Take a private walking tour to explore Sapporo and check out some popular neighborhoods for your itinerary with a local guide. There's no better way to know a neighborhood than having a local by your side. - Susukino: Known for its vibrant nightlife, Susukino is perfect for those who love entertainment and dining. With its many izakayas, karaoke bars, and ramen shops, it's a lively spot for multigenerational groups looking to enjoy Sapporo's energetic side. - Odori: As the heart of the city, Odori offers a mix of green spaces and cultural attractions. It's an excellent area for families to explore, with its parks, museums, and the iconic Sapporo TV Tower. - Maruyama: This residential area appeals to cultural tourists with its beautiful park and shrine. It's a peaceful retreat from the city's hustle and bustle, where you can enjoy nature and local life. Day trip ideas from Sapporo Use Sapporo as your base, then branch out on easy day trips to small port towns, coastal cliffs, and hot spring valleys that feel a world away but sit close enough for a relaxed schedule on your tour. Otaru: Stroll the canal, step into brick warehouses now filled with glasswork and simple seafood spots, and watch street musicians by the water; food lovers, design fans, and casual photographers get an easy mix of tastes, textures, and short walks that fit a slow day. Jozankei and Lake Shikotsu: Soak in an onsen town tucked inside Shikotsu-Toya National Park, with riverside trails, footbaths, and forest views, then circle the clear caldera lake where quiet docks and shoreline paths make room for light hikes and calm moments if you like nature without long drives. Shakotan Peninsula and Yoichi: Follow cliff roads to Cape Kamui for blue water and sea stacks, then stop in a coastal town for simple seafood and fishing port scenes, a good choice if you enjoy sea views, short coastal walks, and local flavours folded into one route. Furano and Biei: Roll through patchwork hills, farm stands, and scenic lookouts, with seasonal colour that peaks in summer fields and autumn lanes, a comfortable plan for photographers and anyone who prefers open roads, wide skies, and a tour paced around light and viewpoints. A private tour with a local guide is the best way to really get to know a place. Skip the crowds, follow your interests, and see a side of Sapporo most travellers miss.