Sapporo might be best known for its winter snow festival, legendary ramen, and crisp Hokkaido beer – but this lively city is also the perfect launching point for exploring more of northern Japan. With charming port towns, steaming hot springs, scenic canals, and dramatic coastal views just a short train ride away, there are so many unforgettable day trips from Sapporo to add to your Japan Itinerary.
Whether you’re visiting in snowy winter or lush green summer, these are the best Sapporo day trips for food lovers, nature fans, and curious explorers alike.
1. Otaru: Canals, Glass & Cheesecake
Travel time from Sapporo: ~30 minutes by train
Otaru is hands-down the most popular and easiest day trip from Sapporo – and once you see the historic canal, you’ll understand why. This charming port town is known for its beautifully preserved warehouses, glass workshops, and ridiculously good desserts.
Stroll along the canal, pop into quirky shops, and sample fresh seafood or creamy Hokkaido cheesecake.
I would highly recommend a day trip like this one: From Sapporo: Otaru & Bibai Snowland Guided Day Tour
Don’t miss:
• Otaru Canal at sunset
• LeTAO cheesecake (worth the hype)
• Otaru Music Box Museum
2. Noboribetsu Onsen
Travel time from Sapporo: ~1.5–2 hours
If you’re craving a classic Japanese hot spring experience, Noboribetsu Onsen is one of the best day trips from Sapporo. This famous onsen town is built around Jigokudani (Hell Valley) — a steaming volcanic landscape that looks straight out of a fantasy novel.
After exploring the valley’s walking trails, soak in mineral-rich hot spring baths and let all your travel fatigue melt away.
Check out this day trip here: Sapporo: Noboribetsu Hell Valley, Lake Toya & Bear Farm Tour.
Best for:
• Onsen lovers
• Relaxing day trips
• Snowy winter scenery
3. Lake Toya
Travel time from Sapporo: ~2–2.5 hours
Lake Toya is a stunning caldera lake surrounded by mountains, hot springs, and walking paths with panoramic views. It’s peaceful, scenic, and perfect if you’re looking to slow down for a day.
In warmer months, you can walk along the lakeshore, take a boat cruise, or ride the ropeway up Mount Usu for epic views over the lake and surrounding volcanoes.
Check out this day trip here: Sapporo: Noboribetsu Hell Valley, Lake Toya & Bear Farm Tour.
Tip: Lake Toya pairs beautifully with a stop at Noboribetsu if you’re traveling by car.
4. Furano & Biei: Flower Fields & Rolling Hills
Travel time from Sapporo: ~2–2.5 hours
Visiting in summer? Furano and Biei are absolute musts. These countryside towns are famous for their colorful flower fields, lavender farms, and postcard-perfect landscapes.
On a winter trip, there isnt any flowers but it is still well worth visiting Furano because you will find Ningle Terrace – the cutest snowy markets!
Even outside peak lavender season, the rolling hills and scenic roads make this one of the prettiest day trips from Sapporo.
Best time to visit:
Late June–July for lavender
Spring–autumn for scenery
5. Jozankei Onsen
Travel time from Sapporo: ~1 hour
Short on time but still want a hot spring experience? Jozankei Onsen is just outside Sapporo and makes for an easy, relaxing half-day trip.
Surrounded by forested valleys and a river, it’s especially beautiful in autumn when the leaves change color.
Perfect for:
• Quick escapes from the city
• Autumn foliage trips
• Post-ramen recovery
6. Yoichi: Whisky & Coastal Views
Travel time from Sapporo: ~1–1.5 hours
Whisky lovers, this one’s for you. Yoichi is home to the Nikka Whisky Distillery, where you can learn about Japan’s whisky history and sample a few varieties (for free!).
Even if whisky isn’t your thing, the coastal scenery and quiet town vibe make this a lovely, low-key day trip.
Bonus: Combine Yoichi with Otaru for a full coastal day.
7. Shikotsu-Toya National Park
Travel time from Sapporo: ~1–1.5 hours
Nature lovers will adore Shikotsu-Toya National Park, home to volcanic landscapes, clear lakes, and excellent hiking trails. Lake Shikotsu is especially beautiful year-round and remains unfrozen even in winter.
One of the highlights of my Japan trip was visiting the Lake Shikotsu Ice Festival! Walk into a magical ice wonderland – check out this guided tour here!
Getting Around: How to Do Sapporo Day Trips
• Trains: Excellent for Otaru, Yoichi, and Noboribetsu
• Rental car: Best for Furano, Biei, Lake Toya, and national parks
• Guided tours: Ideal in winter when road conditions can be icy
Where to stay in Sapporo
Accommodation Recommendations:
Luxury: Tmark City Hotel Sapporo Odori
Mid-Range: Travelodge Sapporo Susukino
Budget: JR Inn Sapporo
Sapporo Is the Gateway to Hokkaido
Sapporo might steal the spotlight with its food, festivals, and beer, but the real magic of Hokkaido lies just beyond the city. From canal-lined towns and volcanic valleys to flower-filled fields and steaming onsens, these best day trips from Sapporo showcase the incredible variety of northern Japan.
Check out my 4-Week Winter Japan Itinerary here!
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you purchase through these links – at no extra cost to you.
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Jess at Sea 
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