The island of Hokkaido is famous for its gorgeous outdoors, hot springs, skiing areas, and beer! So naturally, its buzzing hub of a capital Sapporo makes for a great starting point. The city is all about a rich, thriving culture, fabulous cuisine, neon-lit, electric nightlife, and an amazing and famous Snow Festival. In fact, Sapporo also has an incredibly rich beer history. What’s more, choosing excellent accommodation is a great way of exploring and making the most of your stay. The best hotels in Sapporo effusively combine functionality, and luxury sans losing sight of Japan‘s aesthetic that is so prevalent in the country’s hospitality industry.
Just like its culture, Sapporo’s neighborhoods are incredibly diverse and each has its own unique charm. For instance, the central Chuoku and Odori Park are the best places to stay for a first-time visitor, as they are home to a lot of the city’s attractions. Party monsters will love Susukino, the largest entertainment district north of Tokyo. Nakajimakoen is for nature lovers and outdoors-people, with its many parks and green spaces. If you’re a snow lover, the Kita ward with its abundance of snow during winter is where you need to be staying. However, no matter what neighborhood you choose, you’ll get to experience a very different and unique side of Sapporo.
Sapporo’s sights, along with its repute of being one of the cleanest cities in the world, are what make it such a fantastic place to visit. So, here are the 11 best hotels in Sapporo, Japan.
Sapporo Excel Hotel Tokyu
11
If you’re looking for a centrally-located hotel in Sapporo, then the Sapporo Excel Hotel Tokyu is for you. The hotel not only offers all mod-cons along with excellent service but is also close to many of Sapporo’s attractions and sights. Moreover, the hotel also lies close to the subway and tram lines, making almost every nook and corner of the city accessible.
It’s easy to see why this makes it to the list of good Sapporo hotels. Rooms are all designed with contemporary touches, a slew of mod-cons, and gorgeous views of the surrounding neighborhood of Chuoku. Larger groups have the option of family-sized rooms too. What’s more, all rooms have wheelchair access, room service, and free Wi-Fi as well.
Apart from the rooms, the hotel has a laundry list of amenities as well. The hotel has meeting rooms and even a banquet room. Moreover, the hotel even arranges for tours to the Moiwa mountain. Foodies will love the on-site restaurant that serves both local and Western cuisines. Plus, the Maple Bar is great for an evening cocktail before heading out to enjoy Sapporo’s nightlife.
Ibis Styles Sapporo
10
Located midway between Susukima and Nakajimakoen is the Ibis Styles Sapporo, which is an excellent mid-range hotel. The hotel sits right next to Nakajima Park in a tranquil neighborhood and is close to the subway station as well, making much of Sapporo within reach. Its excellent location is what makes it one of the most popular hotels in Sapporo, Japan.
Even though it’s a mid-range hotel, Ibis Styles has a host of modern amenities for its guests. Vending machines are peppered across the hotel, while the second-floor laundry room is a boon for guests who intend to stay for long. A mini-gym is ideal for gym rats to not miss out on their workout regime, while the computer station is helpful for checking mails. What’s more, the breakfast-only restaurant deserves special praise for its hearty and delicious spread. If that wasn’t enough, the staff even arranges for in-room breakfast. Finally, the hotel even has a beauty center and a coffee bar for grabbing a cup while on-the-go.
When it comes to accommodation, Ibis Styles has a variety of rooms catering to different types of travelers. Plus, the rooms are quite spacious according to Japanese standards and are equipped with all sorts of mod-cons. If you can, get a room on a higher floor which promises spectacular views of the city, especially in winter.
JR Tower Hotel Nikko Sapporo
9
Those who do not want to compromise on luxury and style need to look no further than the JR Tower Hotel Nikko Sapporo. This gem of a sky-high five-star hotel promises all the luxury you could ever want, along with striking, resplendent views of the city. The cherry on top is that it also lies within walking distance of transport hubs, the city’s attractions, and markets.
A pleasant lobby peppered with potted palms and other foliage adds a nice touch, even as the earth-toned hues are livened up with pops of artwork. Three restaurants, of which two lie on the 35th floor, offer spectacular views over Sapporo. However, the hotel’s 22nd-floor spa which is fed by natural spring water is its absolute highlight. Luxuriate in the mist/dry saunas, plunge baths, whirlpool, or the hot spring bath after a long day of exploring and walking around Sapporo. Likewise, the hotel also provides laptop rental as well as complimentary breakfast for its guests.
Rooms at JR Tower are done up in a gray-and-brown color scheme with pops of green, patterned walls and carpets, and sleek furnishings. Since the rooms lie between the 23rd and 34th floors, the best part about the rooms is easily the huge windows that offer lovely views. Curl up with a cup of coffee, music, or a book in the window-side seating area and enjoy unobstructed views of Sapporo. If you want to indulge, go in for the spacious suites which have marble bathrooms and even wet bars.
Overall, its accommodation, amenities, and perks are what make JR Tower easily one of the most luxurious hotels in Sapporo, Japan.
Sapporo Park Hotel
8
If you’re willing to splurge a little in Nakajimakoen, then you won’t find a hotel better than the Sapporo Park Hotel. It lies right next to the subway station and features gorgeous views of Nakajima Park from all of its rooms.
Don’t be fooled by the stark exterior of the hotel; on the inside, it features contemporary and sleek interiors. Yellow-and-grey patterned carpets complement Calder-inspired mobiles and mod oak pieces of chic furniture. Dig into the Western-style buffet breakfast buffet served at the terraced restaurant, and enjoy traditional local fare at its Japanese restaurant. A lobby bar is excellent for grabbing a quick drink or a nightcap, and the hotel also offers in-room massages as well as room service.
Peering out over Nakajima Park, rooms at the hotel are divided into Executive, Standard, and Superior floors, but all are stylish and feature a slew of mod-cons. Standard and Superior-floor rooms feature abstract art and are done up in pastel hues. The Exceutive Level rooms which are very popular boast black-and-white photography, darker furnishings, and include using video-on-demand and a special lounge. Park View rooms boast the best views of Nakajima Park.
Social Hostel 365
7
Budget travelers visiting the city during the Sapporo Snow Festival will love staying at the Social Hostel 365. It is conveniently located close to Susukino subway station, which puts most of Sapporo within easy reach.
Guests at the budget hostel can choose between 12-bed dorms and twin private rooms, both of which are very comfortable. Dorm room beds have reading lights, power outlets, and even privacy curtains. Moreover, the rooms feature extremely comfy mattresses with cozy pillows and duvets.
The best parts about the hostel, given its name, are its socials. The bar and sheesha lounge on the first floor is an excellent place to hang out and strike conversations and make cool new pals. Apart from helpful freebies like local maps and toiletries, the hostel even stacks board games and has a steam room as well. However, what makes the hostel a great place to stay during the Snow Festival is that its venue is merely 10 minutes away. Furthermore, it also provides free storage for snowboarding and skiing equipment!
Hotel Okura
6
The luxurious Hotel Okura lies a mere block from Odori subway station and balances personal touches and style nicely.
A slew of amenities allows guests to enjoy a day within the hotel as well as relax after a day of exploring Sapporo. The size of the hotel means that the staff learns of guests quickly, making for more personalized service. Okura has both Japanese and Cantonese restaurants, satiating a range of palates and cravings, a bar-lounge, and a hair salon. Complimentary breakfast includes both American and Japanese items, which allows for sampling of local cuisine along with familiar comforts. Round-the-clock room service wraps up all services with a neatly-tied bow.
One of the best features of Okura’s rooms is their size and foot xx, which is far bigger than any centrally-located Sapporo hotel. All rooms are styled in light-wood furnishings, tan/grey carpets, comfy window-side seating, and mod-cons. Suites offer more luxury in the form of bathtubs, a wet bar, and more room.
Nakamuraya Ryokan
5
Experience Japan’s heritage in the best way by staying at Nakamuraya Ryokan, one of the best traditional hotels one can hope to live in Sapporo. The charming ryokan (traditional Japanese inn) lies on a quiet side street near Hokkaido University Botanical Garden and is close to JR Sapporo Station.
The elegant ryokan is a wonderful way to be introduced to true Japanese-style hospitality. Rooms are air-conditioned and feature traditional tatami-mat floors and low futon bedding. Traditional in-room kaiseki meals are served to guests in true ryokan style. Moreover, guests have the option of getting meal plans, which include breakfast-only, breakfast and dinner, or no-meal ones.
Still, that’s not all. The inn even has a beautiful, 24-hour communal ofuro, which is a communal bathing space common in the country.
Sapporo Grand Hotel
4
It’s easy to see why travelers love the Sapporo Grand Hotel. It is elegant, it has tons of amenities, and boasts excellent views of Sapporo’s skyline. Established in 1934, the hotel is considered to be one of the first Western-style hotels in the entire Hokkaido.
Rooms at the Sapporo Grand, which are divided into Standard, Deluxe, and Super-Suites, are a testament to the hotel’s luxury. Plus, vibrant carpets, vintage design sensibilities, and mod furnishings dot every room, along with lovely wall art. Some rooms even offer fabulous views of the Japanese garden, which look their best in spring. For absolute indulgence, the higher-category rooms boast whirlpool tubs too. What’s more, there’s even round-the-clock room service for those who want to eat in the comfort of their rooms.
Apart from the luxurious rooms, the hotel guests have a lot of amenities to look forward to. The in-house restaurant serves a gamut of international as well as local fare. A workout room is very useful for burning off the calories you put on digging into delish Japanese cuisine. An in-house spa is great for relaxation, and there’s even a memorial Library that’s a museum too!
Ten to Ten Sapporo Station
3
If you want to stay in a budget place somewhere near Sapporo Station, there’s no place better than the offbeat, unique, and yet amazing Ten to Ten. It is one of the most well-located hotels in Sapporo, Japan, with the main train station a mere 5-minute walk away.
This hostel offers five kinds of rooms, including female-only and mixed dorms, double, quadruple, twin, family, and even Japanese-style traditional rooms! So, no matter the style of room you want to stay in, this place has you covered. What’s more, all rooms are spacious, and dorm rooms have storage lockers, reading lights, and privacy curtains. Moreover, each bed is longer than the usual Japanese standards.
Apart from accommodation, the hostel also features an on-site bar with great food and excellent local craft beers. The quaint manicured garden with alfresco seating is the perfect place for tucking into a simple but hearty breakfast. A TV lounge is great for meeting fellow travelers, while the bicycles on rent make it easy for you to explore Sapporo on your own. Overall, Ten to Ten gets a perfect score of ten out of ten!
Sapporo Cross Hotel
2
The chic, central Sapporo Cross Hotel is wonderfully located between Odori and Sapporo stations. It is not only close to many of the city’s attractions but also doles out a modern, stylish and upscale service.
A striking exterior made of contemporary, sleek glass panels holds within its folds some amazing interiors. Vibrant modern art, low mood lighting, and a boutique-like aesthetic rule the roost here. The black, gray, and white modish furnishings seem to complement the entire look, even adding to the sensual vibe. It is home to a funky lounge and an equally hip restaurant that serves out lip-smacking Japanese fare. A heavenly swimming pool overlooks the city, with views being especially wonderful at night.
Rooms are luxurious, to say the least, and are divided into three distinct styles: Hip, Natural, and Urban. The ‘Hip’ rooms have the most flair with gray accents and chic white decor. As the name suggests, the ‘Natural’ ones feature earth-beige tones and light-wood furnishings. The ‘Urban’ ones have contemporary minimalistic black-and-gray decor. Moreover, all rooms have all sorts of hi-tech mod-cons, including hand-grinders in the Cross Floor rooms.
Sapporo Prince Hotel
1
The Sapporo Prince Hotel is one classic treat of a place to stay at in the city. Featuring elements of Japan’s living aesthetics, it is also one of the most luxuriously romantic boutique hotels in Sapporo.
So, what makes the hotel so different from the others? For one, it’s the exquisite open-air hot spring atop the roof! After a long day of exploring the city, all one needs to do is to sink into the hot mineral water space and all your tiredness will deliciously melt away. The fact that there are panoramic mountains in the background only makes the experience all the better. An in-house restaurant satisfies all sorts of hunger and food cravings, while the room service delivers hot food to the comfort of your room. The bar is fantastic for sipping a cocktail at the end of the day while watching the sun set on Sapporo.
Rooms are lavishly furnished with contemporary mod-cons, are spacious, and even have ensuite bathrooms with bathtubs. , have If you’re looking for the best rooms, we’d suggest you choose one on the higher floors which have views of the surrounding mountains. They make for jaw-dropping views, especially on a white winter’s day.
Recommended Restaurants / Bars / Food Tours in Sapporo:
- Sapporo Eat Like a Local Tour: Sapporo’s mouthwatering cuisine sure deserves a day dedicated to it. So, embark on a culinary tour of Sapporo’s best flavors guided by an equally amazing local. Apart from checking out ramen haunts and its local street food scene, you’ll also get to visit an original beer distillery!
- Ebisoba Ichigen: There’s no way you can leave Sapporo without eating ramen! Hokkaido is the heart of Japan’s ramen culture, after all. Head to Ebisoba Ichigen in Susukino’s famous Ramen Alley, which serves the freshest and most unique ramen noodles in the city.
- Hanamaru: Sapporo also happens to be one of the best places to dig into sushi. Head straight to the unusual Hanamaru, which serves color-coded dishes on a conveyor belt, where every color signifies to a price!
Recommended Activities In Sapporo:
- Sapporo Personalized Tour With a Local: How’d you like to discover the lesser-known, or better yet, the hidden delights of Sapporo’s many neighborhoods? Embark on a thrilling adventure of the city with a local armed with the best-kept secrets of Sapporo.
- Day Tour from Sapporo – Shirahige Falls, Blue Pond, and more: Are you staying in Sapporo for more than just a day or two? Then explore the best of Hokkaido island on this wonderful day tour that takes you around its best attractions – Furano’s Ningle Terrace, Shirahige Falls, Biei’s Blue Pond, and Asahiyama Zoo.
