Sapporo 24-Hour Stay
Purpose of the Trip
Enjoy Sapporo to the fullest in just 24 hours! Sightseeing, sushi, and sweets galore!
Schedule
Day 1
Arrive at New Chitose Airport in Sapporo around 9 PM. Immediately transfer to a bus heading towards Susukino, which takes about 80 minutes. Stay at Vessel Inn Sapporo Nakajima Park. The hotel is an 8-minute walk from the bus stop. Enjoy the drink bar at the front desk until 11 PM, where I had a matcha latte. Then, I went to Nanakamado for a parfait. Night parfaits are a Sapporo specialty. After returning, I refreshed myself in the large public bath, which also has a sauna. The hairdryers are Dyson, and the showers are ReFa.
Day 2
Visit Sandria, a 24-hour sandwich shop offering takeout only. I bought their limited-edition Yubari Melon Sandwich and enjoyed it in my room with coffee. At 7:50 AM, I joined a Sapporo-Otaru-Shakotan tour. After a 2-hour bus ride, we arrived at Shimamui Coast, known for its stunning cobalt-blue waters and being one of Japan's top 100 beaches. Next, we visited Cape Kamui, where the cape juts dramatically into the ocean. Walking the Charenka Path to fully enjoy the "Shakotan Blue" takes about 40 minutes round trip, so comfortable shoes are recommended. Afterward, we took a bus to Otaru, where I left the tour (pre-arranged with the tour company). I arrived in Otaru around 1:30 PM.
In Otaru, I enjoyed Hokkaido seafood at Otaru Masazushi, where the salmon roe was particularly delicious! The canal area in Otaru is lined with various shops, making it a fun place to explore. Kitaichi Glass is a charming shop perfect for souvenirs. At Kitaichi Hall, you can enjoy tea and sweets under the soft glow of lamps, creating a magical atmosphere. Around 5 PM, I took a train from Otaru Station to New Chitose Airport, which took about 2 hours. I arrived at the airport at 7 PM. The airport has many gourmet options, including ramen and soft-serve ice cream, as well as numerous souvenir shops, making it convenient to shop here. I relaxed at the airport's credit card lounge before my 8:30 PM flight back to Haneda Airport.
Hotel
Vessel Inn Sapporo Nakajima Park features a large public bath, drink service, and post-bath ice cream service. Members can also receive beer, yogurt drinks, and other perks at check-in. The rooms are clean, and the Susukino area is conveniently located and lively at night.
Transportation
With buses and trains readily available, tours are accessible, and you can enjoy your trip without needing a rental car.
Tips
To make the most of your 24-hour stay, travel light. The hotel provides pajamas and amenities, so you don’t need to pack much. Avoid checked luggage for smoother transitions. Note that Cape Kamui is inaccessible in bad weather.
Instagram-Worthy Spots
Cape Kamui offers breathtaking views. Kitaichi Hall’s lamp-lit ambiance is also stunning.