Sapporo Day Tour

Pick-up from hotel in Sapporo

Hokkaido Shrine (Hokkaido Jingu) in Maruyama Park, approach through beautiful forested grounds (86 hectares of primeval forest), Hokkaido's most important Shinto shrine enshrining four kami including gods of land development and nation-building, elegant shrine architecture rebuilt in 1871 after Meiji Restoration, walk tree-lined approach paths especially beautiful in spring (late April cherry blossoms, early May plum blossoms) and autumn (October foliage), nearby Maruyama area has trendy cafes and boutiques if time permits, shrine reflects Hokkaido's unique history as Japan's northern frontier developed in modern era

Drive to Sapporo Beer Museum (15 minutes east)

Sapporo Beer Museum tour and tasting, housed in historic red-brick building (former sugar factory from 1890), Japan's only beer museum showcasing brewing history since 1876, free self-guided museum tour through exhibits on Japanese beer evolution, see historical advertisements, brewing equipment, learn how German techniques were introduced to Hokkaido, Meiji-era brewing heritage, Premium Tour option (¥500) includes guided tour in English and 2 beer tastings, Beer Garden Restaurant Bierhalle Lion for lunch with fresh Sapporo beer and Genghis Khan (grilled mutton - Hokkaido specialty), or proceed to paid tasting lounge to sample: Sapporo Classic (only available in Hokkaido!), Black Label, seasonal limited editions (¥400-800 per glass), non-alcoholic options available

Lunch at Sapporo Beer Garden OR drive to city center for miso ramen, Option A: Genghis Khan (jingisukan - grilled lamb/mutton on helmet-shaped grill) at Beer Garden with fresh beer (¥2,500-4,000), Option B: Authentic Sapporo miso ramen at famous shop - Sumire, Junren, or Ramen Shingen (¥800-1,200), rich miso broth with butter, corn, bean sprouts, thick noodles, lunch not included allows flexibility

Drive to Odori Park area (10 minutes to city center)

Odori Park & Sapporo TV Tower, walk through Sapporo's iconic 1.5km-long central park stretching east-west through city center, 13 blocks of gardens, fountains, and seasonal flowers (tulips spring, roses summer, autumn foliage), site of Sapporo Snow Festival every February - millions visit to see massive snow and ice sculptures (if visiting during festival, this is highlight!), visit Sapporo TV Tower at park's east end - observation deck at 90m offers panoramic city views with park, mountains, and city grid below (¥1,000 admission), see distinctive Sapporo city planning with perpendicular street grid unlike organic growth of older Japanese cities

Walk or short drive to nearby attractions

Choose ONE based on interests, Option A: Shiroi Koibito Park (30 min drive) - Chocolate factory producing Hokkaido's most famous cookie souvenir, European-style gardens and buildings, watch cookie production through windows (¥800 museum admission), chocolate museum and gift shop, rose garden beautiful June-October, Option B: Former Hokkaido Government Building (Akarenga) - beautiful red-brick Meiji-era building (1888), free admission, historical exhibits about Hokkaido development, photogenic Western-style architecture, Option C: Nijo Market - Sapporo's fish market with fresh Hokkaido seafood, king crab, sea urchin, salmon roe, scallops, browse stalls and try seafood bowls (kaisendon), more tourist-friendly than Tokyo's Tsukiji, Option D: Tanukikoji Shopping Arcade - historic covered shopping street (200m long, 7 blocks) with mix of traditional and modern shops, dates from 1873

Susukino district exploration, arrive at Susukino - Sapporo's entertainment quarter and Japan's largest nightlife district north of Tokyo, walk neon-lit streets with over 4,000 bars, restaurants, and clubs, see famous Susukino crossing with bright signs and billboards, numerous king crab restaurants with giant crab displays on buildings (Kani Honke, Kani Doraku), fresh seafood restaurants showcasing Hokkaido bounty, browse area before evening crowds arrive, Ramen Yokocho (Ramen Alley) nearby - narrow alley with 17 ramen shops each with unique style (popular for dinner)

Optional Ramen Yokocho dinner stop OR evening shopping in Tanukikoji arcade OR return to hotel

Drop-off at Sapporo hotel or can extend time in Susukino for dinner (arrange later pickup)