Planning a Summer Trip to Sapporo!

Summer in Sapporo is a fantastic season for travel, with its mild weather, various festivals, and stunning natural scenery. Unlike the snowy charm of winter, summer offers a different allure. Here’s a recommended itinerary for a delightful summer trip to Sapporo! Tips for Summer Weather and Clothing in Sapporo: The average temperature in July and August is around 25–26°C, making it quite pleasant. However, mornings, evenings, or high-altitude areas can be chilly, so it’s advisable to bring a light cardigan or outerwear. The sun can be strong, so don’t forget sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses. Recommended Summer Sapporo Travel Itinerary: - Travel Theme: A relaxing trip that combines the charm of the city with the beauty of nearby nature. - Transportation: Use public transportation (subway, walking) within Sapporo city, and rent a car or join a bus tour for trips to nearby areas. - Rental Cars: Small cars cost around 60,000–80,000 KRW per day. If you want to freely explore places like Furano and Biei, renting a car is convenient. - Bus Tours: Various bus tour packages are available to major nearby areas like Furano/Biei, Otaru, and Noboribetsu. Prices range from 50,000–90,000 KRW, and some include admission fees or meals. It’s a great option for hassle-free travel without driving. - Trains: You can also travel between major cities like Otaru, Furano/Biei by train (e.g., Sapporo-Asahikawa-Furano/Biei). Consider the Hokkaido Rail Pass. 💕Odori Park & Sapporo TV Tower Take a stroll through Odori Park, located in the heart of Sapporo, and soak in the summer vibes. (During summer festivals, events like beer gardens are held!) Enjoy panoramic views of Sapporo city from the Sapporo TV Tower. 💕Sapporo Beer Museum & Sapporo Beer Garden Learn about the history and brewing process of Sapporo Beer at Japan’s first beer museum, and enjoy beer tasting. During summer, the Sapporo Beer Festival is held at Odori Park. If visiting during the festival (mid-July to mid-August), enjoy a refreshing beer in the evening. 💕Susukino District & Genghis Khan Experience the lively nightlife at Susukino, Sapporo’s largest entertainment district. Savor a delicious dinner of Genghis Khan (grilled lamb), a signature dish of Hokkaido. 💕Flower Paradise: Furano & Biei Tour Visit Japan’s top lavender farms, where vibrant lavender and colorful flowers bloom. Capture stunning photos and try lavender ice cream. (Peak lavender season: late July to early August) Aoiike (Blue Pond): Admire the mysterious cobalt-blue pond, whose color changes depending on the weather and time of day. Patchwork Road: Explore the vast rolling hills with crops planted in patterns resembling patchwork. Look for famous trees like Ken and Mary’s Tree and Seven Stars Tree. 💕Otaru City & Onsen Relaxation Transportation: Recommended options include JR trains or bus tours (about 40 minutes from Sapporo). Morning: Otaru Canal & Sakaimachi Street Take a walk along the picturesque Otaru Canal or enjoy a canal cruise. Sakaimachi Street near the canal is lined with charming shops, glass crafts, and music box stores. Visit the main music box hall to hear beautiful melodies. Lunch: Otaru Sushi Enjoy fresh sushi in Otaru, a port city known for its abundant seafood. Afternoon: Jozankei Onsen Head to Jozankei, a nearby hot spring town, and relax in an open-air onsen. (Accessible by public transportation or shuttle bus) Jozankei offers various ryokans and day-use onsen facilities. Evening: Return to Sapporo or stay overnight at a Jozankei ryokan. Staying at an onsen ryokan for the night is a great option. Day 4: Shopping & Departure Morning: Sapporo city shopping or Maruyama Park/Zoo Shopping: Enjoy shopping at underground malls near Sapporo Station (APIA, ESTA, PASEO, etc.) or Daimaru Department Store. Nature/Zoo: Take a walk in Maruyama Park or visit Maruyama Zoo to see adorable animals. (In summer, the zoo sometimes hosts "Night Zoo" events.) Lunch: Savor Sapporo’s specialties Try local delicacies like seafood rice bowls, soup curry, and sweet corn, unique to Hokkaido. Afternoon: Transfer to New Chitose Airport and depart. Additional Tips: - Check summer festival dates: If visiting during the Sapporo Summer Festival (mid-July to mid-August), enjoy events like beer gardens at Odori Park. The Makomanai Fireworks Festival (early July) is also worth seeing. - Reservations: Summer is peak season, so book flights, accommodations, rental cars, and popular bus tours in advance. - Transportation Passes: Depending on your itinerary, consider JR Hokkaido Rail Pass or Sapporo city subway passes. - Sweet Corn: Hokkaido’s summer corn is exceptionally sweet due to the large temperature difference between day and night. Don’t miss it! - Souvenirs: Buy Hokkaido-exclusive treats like Shiroi Koibito (White Lover) and Marusei Butter Sand as souvenirs. Have a wonderful summer trip to Sapporo!