Travel guides

Preparation, transfers, sample itineraries and shopping. Written once and kept current.

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  GuideSapporo

  Three days in Sapporo: New Chitose Airport, an Otaru day trip, and winter clothing

  JR Rapid Airport reaches Sapporo from New Chitose Airport in as little as 37 minutes for ¥1,230. This three-day itinerary covers Odori Park, the Clock Tower, Tanukikoji and Susukino on Day 1; Otaru Canal and Sakaimachi Street on Day 2; and Mt. Moiwa or Shiroi Koibito Park before the airport on Day 3. It also covers the announced 2027 Snow Festival dates, winter clothing and traction. Fares and opening hours were checked in September 2026.

  • Itineraries
  • Seasonal
  • Food
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  GuideSapporo

  Otaru day trip from Sapporo: JR, Sankaku Market, the canal, Mt. Tengu and Yoichi

  JR Rapid Airport reaches Otaru from Sapporo in as little as 32 minutes for ¥800, roughly every 30 minutes by day. Walk from Otaru Station through Sankaku Market, the canal and Sakaimachi Street to Minami-Otaru. Add a canal cruise (40 minutes; ¥1,800 by day, ¥2,000 at night), Mt. Tengu (¥2,000 winter return), or Nikka's Yoichi Distillery (book the free tour). Includes the 6–13 February 2027 Snow Light Path, luggage storage and the 23:08 last train. Fares and times were checked in September 2026.

  • Itineraries
  • Food
  • Culture