Sapporo, the heart of Hokkaido, has plenty to look forward to, from delicious food to beautiful winter scenery. But choosing the right place to stay is just as important for making your trip run smoothly.
Not sure where to stay in Sapporo? Here are three areas I recommend, depending on how you like to travel:
👉 Sapporo Station is a great choice if you want convenient transportation and easy access to shopping.
👉 Odori Park and Susukino are ideal for food lovers and travelers who enjoy nightlife.
👉 Jozankei is perfect for leaving the city bustle behind and unwinding in natural hot springs.
I’ve put together the highlights of these three areas, along with some of the best hotels in Sapporo to consider, so you can choose a stay that fits the way you like to travel.
🚦 Stay Connected, Shop, and Eat Around Sapporo Station
Sapporo Station is the heart of the city and Hokkaido’s main transportation hub, with JR trains, subway lines, and buses all coming together here. From New Chitose Airport, the JR Rapid Airport train takes about 40 minutes to reach the station.
The surrounding area is packed with shopping and dining options, including Stellar Place, Daimaru, Tokyu Department Store, and the APIA underground shopping mall. You can shop, grab a meal, and catch your next train without going far.
In winter, the underground walkways are especially useful, connecting you to shops and sights around downtown while keeping you out of the snow. If you want to stay close to Sapporo Station, this is the area I’d recommend.
Best for:
✔️ First-time visitors: Convenient transportation makes it easy to get around.
✔️ Travelers who want to fit more into each day: JR connections are handy for trips to Otaru, Asahikawa, or the Chitose area for a hot spring visit.
✔️ Shopping lovers and anyone who values convenience: Several hotels connect directly to shopping complexes, so you can head downstairs for sushi or pick up souvenirs without making a separate trip.
📍 Directly connected to JR Sapporo Station · 🌟 Easy access to trains and the subway ·🌟 Upper-floor rooms with panoramic city views · 🌟 Natural hot spring baths · 🌟landmark hotel

Photo Source: agoda.com
JR Tower Hotel Nikko Sapporo occupies floors 23–34 of JR Tower, Hokkaido’s tallest building, with sweeping city views from both its rooms and restaurants. Add easy train connections and excellent service, and it’s a great choice if you want convenience with a view.
The hotel connects directly to JR Sapporo Station, Stellar Place, APIA, and other shopping facilities, making it easy to get around and head out for sightseeing. Even when it’s snowing, you can reach the station and connected malls without stepping outside. It’s one of the most convenient hotel locations in central Sapporo, particularly if you want to spend less time getting from place to place.
😺 Cathead’s Tip:
The hotel has large communal baths that use natural hot spring water. There’s an extra fee to use the baths, even if you’re staying at the hotel, but hotel guests pay less than day visitors.
Nearby attractions: Odori Park, Former Hokkaido Government Office Building, Sapporo TV Tower
Address: 2-5 Kita 5-jo Nishi, Chuo-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido 060-0005, Japan
Getting there: Directly connected to JR Sapporo Station
Ratings: Agoda: 9.1/10 · Google: 4.5/5
Room rates: Approx. US$220+ per night for a room for two
👉 Check latest rates: Agoda | Trip .com
📍 Near JR Sapporo Station · 🌟 Convenient location · 🌟 Spacious rooms · 🌟 Good value

Photo Source: agoda.com
Located near Sapporo Station’s South Exit, Keio Plaza Hotel Sapporo is one of the city’s well-established, highly rated hotels. It’s a large property with a full range of facilities, and both JR Sapporo Station and Odori Park are about a 5–10 minute walk away. Restaurants, shops, and convenience stores nearby make it easy to settle in.
Many room categories offer plenty of space, and some overlook the city. Clean rooms, friendly service, and a good breakfast buffet make this a comfortable, dependable choice.
There’s also an airport bus stop beside the hotel and a Toyota Rent a Car location on the ground floor, which is particularly convenient if you’re planning a road trip around Hokkaido.
Nearby attractions: Hokkaido University campus walking paths, Former Hokkaido Government Office Building
Address: 7-2-1 Kita 5-jo Nishi, Chuo-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido 060-0005, Japan
Getting there: Approx. a six-minute walk from JR Sapporo Station’s South Exit
Ratings: Agoda: 8.9/10 · Google: 4.2/5
Room rates: Approx. US$105+ per night for a room for two; breakfast buffet Approx. US$26 per person
👉 Check latest rates: Agoda | Trip .com
📍 Near JR Sapporo Station · 🌟 Top-floor hot spring baths and sauna · 🌟 Opened in 2025 · 🌟 Good value

Photo Source: agoda.com
SAPPORO HOTEL by GRANBELL is a stylish, modern hotel in Sapporo’s Higashi Ward, about 7 minutes from JR Sapporo Station on foot. The lobby feels bright and spacious, with high ceilings, warm wood finishes, and soft lighting that make you feel welcome as soon as you walk in.
On the 25th floor, the natural hot spring baths and sauna overlook the city. Overnight guests can use them free of charge—a lovely way to relax after a day of sightseeing.
Rooms have a modern wood-toned design, with plenty of natural light and excellent sound insulation. Solid wood furniture and soft lighting make the interiors feel simple and warm. Some rooms also have large windows with views across Sapporo, making it especially lovely to watch the city turn white in winter.
There’s a convenience store inside the hotel and a large supermarket across the street, so picking up snacks or everyday essentials is easy. Although it’s a midrange hotel, the newer interiors, clean rooms, and well-equipped facilities make it particularly good value.
😺 Cathead’s Tip:
The hotel has parking for Approx. ¥2,000 per night. Other parking lots within a five-minute walk cost around ¥1,000 per night, so they’re worth a look if you’d like to save on parking.
Nearby attractions: Hokkaido University campus walking paths, Former Hokkaido Government Office Building, Odori Park, Sapporo TV Tower
Address: 2-2-2 Kita 6-jo Higashi, Higashi-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido 060-0906, Japan
Getting there: Approx. an eight-minute walk from JR Sapporo Station’s North Exit
Ratings: Agoda: 8.2/10 · Google: 3.92/5
Room rates: Approx. US$105+ per night for a room for two
👉 Check latest rates: Agoda | Trip .com
🍸 Best Area to Stay for Shopping, Dining, and Nightlife
This is one of Sapporo’s liveliest areas, with plenty of restaurants, shops, and bars to explore well into the evening. Odori Park stretches for about 1.5 kilometers, or 0.9 miles, through the city center. It’s a main venue for the Sapporo Snow Festival, with Sapporo TV Tower as its landmark and seasonal events throughout the year. Convenient transportation also makes it a great starting point for sightseeing.
Nearby, Susukino is known for its neon lights, ramen shops, and vibrant nightlife. Tanukikoji Shopping Street, Nijo Market, and Ramen Alley are all within walking distance. You can start the morning with a seafood rice bowl at the market, then enjoy a soak in the evening before heading out for jingisukan, Hokkaido’s signature grilled lamb. It’s an easy area to make the most of your day—and your appetite.
💡 Susukino is one of Sapporo’s busiest nightlife districts, with plenty of restaurants and bars open late. If you’re walking back to your hotel at night, I’d stick to well-lit main streets and avoid quiet side alleys, especially if you’re traveling alone.
Best for:
✔️ Food lovers and night owls: Susukino is a food lover’s paradise, with izakayas, sushi restaurants, and ramen shops all close by.
✔️Couples and photographers visiting for the Snow Festival or nighttime scenery: Staying near Odori Park is especially convenient.
✔️ Travelers exploring without a car: It’s easy to get around by subway, and you can walk to many of downtown Sapporo’s most popular sights.
📍 Above the COCONO SUSUKINO shopping complex · 📍 Directly connected to Susukino Subway Station · 🌟 Exceptionally convenient location · 🌟 Opened in 2024 · 🌟 Stylish design

Photo Source: agoda.com
Set at Susukino’s busy main intersection, SAPPORO STREAM HOTEL has a shopping mall, supermarket, cafés, and sushi restaurants right downstairs. With direct access to the underground shops and subway, you can easily grab a meal, do some shopping, or hop on a train to explore the city.
Light wood tones, stone textures, and soft lighting give the interiors a warm, modern feel. Rooms follow a simple, stylish design, with a good balance of comfort and practicality. They aren’t particularly large, but they’re clean and comfortable.
😺 Cathead’s Tips:
Free access to the hot spring baths is included only with certain room types, so check the details before you book. If you’re driving, you’ll need to park nearby, as the hotel doesn’t have its own parking lot.
Nearby attractions: Tanukikoji Shopping Street, Odori Park, Nijo Market, Original Sapporo Ramen Alley
Address: 4-1-1 Minami 4-jo Nishi, Chuo-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido 064-0804, Japan
Getting there: Direct access from Susukino Station on the Namboku Subway Line
Ratings: Agoda: 9.2/10 · Google: 4.4/5
Room rates: Approx. US$140+ per night for a room for two
👉 Check latest rates: Agoda | Trip .com
📍 In the heart of Susukino · 🌟 Near Tanukikoji Shopping Street · 🌟 Excellent location · 🌟 Spacious rooms

Photo Source: agoda.com
Part of France’s Accor group, Mercure Hotel Sapporo is a four-star hotel that blends French elegance with design inspired by Hokkaido’s natural surroundings. The look is understated and modern, with a European touch. It’s a good fit if you want somewhere stylish and comfortable without being far from the action.
The hotel sits on a main road in Susukino, close to subway stations and surrounded by shops and restaurants. Ramen Alley, grilled lamb restaurants, izakayas, and dessert cafés are all nearby, so finding something to eat is easy from breakfast through late-night snacks. Even during snowy weather, the convenient location makes it easy to travel between the hotel and the city’s sights.
Rooms are more spacious than those in many Japanese city hotels, with Simmons mattresses that strike a comfortable balance between firmness and softness. Higher-floor rooms also offer nighttime views across Sapporo.
Nearby attractions: Tanukikoji Shopping Street, Odori Park, Nijo Market, Original Sapporo Ramen Alley
Address: 2-2-4 Minami 4-jo Nishi, Chuo-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido 064-0804, Japan
Getting there: Approx. a two-minute walk from Susukino Station on the Namboku Line, or a one-minute walk from Hosui-Susukino Station on the Toho Line
Ratings: Agoda: 8.7/10 · Google: 4.2/5
Room rates: Approx. US$130+ per night for a room for two
👉 Check latest rates: Agoda | Trip .com
📍 Near Susukino Subway Station · 🌟 Convenient location · 🌟 Hokkaido seafood breakfast · 🌟 Complimentary communal baths

Photo Source: agoda.com
If you want to stay in Susukino and start the day with a seafood breakfast, Vessel Hotel Campana Susukino is worth considering. The hotel is about 4 to 6 minutes from Susukino Station on foot. You can also walk to Tanukikoji Shopping Street and Ebisoba Ichigen for ramen, so it’s easy to spend the evening shopping and grabbing a late-night bite before heading back.
I stayed in a Moderate Twin Room, which was clean and tidy, with outlets beside both beds. The mattresses were firm and supportive—just the way I like them. The room was comfortable for two, though opening two large suitcases at the same time left limited space to move around. The hotel also has complimentary communal baths for guests, plus paid washers and dryers, making it practical for a stay of several nights.
The seafood breakfast is the hotel’s standout feature. During my stay, I could build my own seafood rice bowl with salmon roe, sweet shrimp, and scallops. I also had steamed crab legs, soup curry, and a Tokachi-style pork rice bowl, so there was plenty of Hokkaido flavor on the buffet.
Some of the seafood was better than others, and the serving area got crowded at peak times. Still, if breakfast, location, and practical facilities are your priorities, this is a Sapporo hotel worth considering.
😺 Cathead’s Tip: If you’re driving, keep in mind that the hotel uses a mechanical parking system. When you’re ready to leave, ask the front desk to arrange retrieval and allow a little extra time.
Nearby attractions: Tanukikoji Shopping Street, Susukino shopping and entertainment district, Nijo Market, Odori Park
Address: 6-16-1 Minami 5-jo Nishi, Chuo-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido 064-0805, Japan
Getting there: About 4 to 6 minutes on foot from Exit 4 of Susukino Station.
Ratings: Agoda: 9.0/10 · Google: 4.5/5
Room rates: Approx. US$95–210+ per night for a room for two, including breakfast
👉 Check latest rates: Agoda | Trip .com
📍 Near Odori Park · 🌟 In the heart of Sapporo · 🌟 Onsen ryokan·🌟 Spring water from Noboribetsu’s Karurusu Onsen

Photo Source: agoda.com
Opened in 2020, ONSEN RYOKAN YUEN Sapporo brings the peaceful atmosphere of a hot spring inn into the city. Its design combines modern Japanese style with traditional Japanese aesthetics, creating a quiet, elegant setting.
The rooms aren’t especially large, but the interiors are carefully finished. Each room has a large window, framing Sapporo’s streets during the day and the city lights after dark.
The ryokan uses natural hot spring water brought in from Karurusu Onsen in Noboribetsu, one of Hokkaido’s well-known hot spring destinations. Separate men’s and women’s facilities include large, partially open-air communal baths, which overnight guests can use free of charge.
😺 Cathead’s Tip:
The atmosphere is quiet and relaxed, and there are fewer shops nearby than around Sapporo Station. Still, the station and Daimaru are only about a 10-minute walk away. It’s a lovely option if you want a little peace and quiet while staying close to the city’s busiest areas.
Nearby attractions: Odori Park, Sapporo TV Tower, Tanukikoji Shopping Street, Former Hokkaido Government Office Building
Address: 7-6 Kita 1-jo Nishi, Chuo-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido 060-0001, Japan
Getting there: Approx. a nine-minute walk from Odori Subway Station
Ratings: Agoda: 8.7/10 · Google: 4.3/5
Room rates: Approx. US$190+ per night for a room for two
👉 Check latest rates: Agoda | Trip .com
🌳 Sapporo’s Mountain Retreat for Relaxation
Jozankei Onsen lies in a mountain valley southwest of central Sapporo, about an hour away by car. Often described as Sapporo’s backyard, Jozankei stretches along the Toyohira River, with hot spring inns, footbaths, and cafés tucked along its winding streets.
Fall brings colorful foliage across the mountains, while winter covers the valley in snow, with steam rising from the baths. It’s one of Hokkaido’s popular hot spring towns, and the scenery is a big part of its charm. The spring water is classified as hypotonic and neutral in pH, with a mildly salty character. It’s traditionally said to help the skin retain moisture and keep the body warm after a soak.
Beyond the baths, there are several places worth exploring, including Futami Park, Futami Suspension Bridge, Hoheikyo Dam, Jozankei Shrine, and the hot spring town itself.
Whether you’re coming to relax, photograph the fall foliage, or enjoy a couples’ getaway, Jozankei is worth an overnight stay. You don’t need to drive, either: direct buses from Sapporo Station make getting here easier than you might expect.
Best for:
✔️ Travelers who want to experience Japanese hot spring culture: Many inns draw water from natural hot spring sources and offer kaiseki-style meals.
✔️ Couples: A stay with dinner and breakfast included makes it easy to leave the city bustle behind and enjoy a relaxing, romantic soak surrounded by snow.
✔️ Families: Large hot spring resorts offer spacious rooms, and some also have children’s play areas.
📍 Jozankei Onsen · 🌟 Beautiful forest-inspired interiors · 🌟 Open-air baths · 🌟 Hot spring resort · 🌟 Dinner-and-breakfast packages

Photo Source: agoda.com
Set beside the Toyohira River valley, Jozankei Tsuruga Resort Spa MORI NO UTA is an upscale hot spring resort inspired by the surrounding forest. The scent of natural wood and the quiet atmosphere set the mood, while wood finishes and greenery throughout the hotel make it feel as though you’re staying among the trees.
The scenery is beautiful in every season. Rooms combine Japanese and Western styles, with simple, understated interiors, and some have private baths.
Breakfast and dinner are both buffets featuring seasonal Hokkaido ingredients. The seafood is delicious and high quality, with scallop sashimi, sweet shrimp, other sashimi, salmon roe, and crab legs, alongside Japanese and Western hot dishes and desserts. There’s plenty to choose from, and plenty to look forward to at mealtimes. It’s a great choice for couples and anyone looking to treat themselves to a luxurious hot spring stay.
😺 Cathead’s Tip:
There’s plenty to love here, from the beautifully designed interiors to the relaxing hot spring baths. The dinner buffet is a highlight, too, so I’d book a stay that includes dinner.
Nearby attractions: Futami Suspension Bridge, Jozankei Shrine, Shiraito Falls, Jozankei hot spring town
Address: 3-192 Jozankei Onsen Higashi, Minami-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido 061-2302, Japan
Getting there: Approx. a 45-minute drive from central Sapporo
Ratings: Agoda: 8.8/10 · Google: 4.3/5
Room rates: Approx. US$255+ per night for a room for two including breakfast; Approx. US$385+ per night for a deluxe room for two including breakfast and dinner
👉 Check latest rates: Agoda | Trip .com
📍 Jozankei Onsen · 🌟 Opened in 2021 · 🌟 Many rooms overlook the valley · 🌟 Open-air baths · 🌟 Onsen hotel · 🌟 Stay packages with dinner and breakfast

Photo Source: agoda.com
Grand Blissen Hotel Jozankei is designed to bring you closer to nature, with many rooms overlooking the Toyohira River landscape as it changes through the seasons. The hotel has both open-air and large communal baths, so you can settle into the hot spring water and enjoy the scenery at an unhurried pace.
Rooms have a modern Japanese style, with Japanese-Western layouts, wood tones, and soft lighting. They’re spacious and airy, creating a peaceful place to relax, and some come with private baths. The mattresses are from the British brand Slumberland, with a comfortable feel that’s neither too soft nor too firm.
The restaurant serves creative dishes made with local Hokkaido ingredients. Breakfast is a Japanese set meal, with salads, fruit, desserts, and other choices available in the buffet area.
Dinner is a seven-course meal combining Japanese, Western, and Chinese influences. The main course is roasted ribeye made with Hokkaido’s Tokachi Herb Beef. From the beef itself to the cut and the way it’s cooked, there’s real care behind the dish—and the meat is wonderfully tender and juicy.
😺 Cathead’s Tip: If you’re traveling with kids, the hotel also has a playroom where they can spend some time between outings.
Nearby attractions: Futami Park, Futami Suspension Bridge, Jozankei Shrine, Jozankei hot spring town
Address: 4-328 Jozankei Onsen Higashi, Minami-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan
Getting there: Approx. 60 minutes by hotel shuttle from JR Sapporo Station’s North Exit; advance reservations are required. Alternatively, it’s Approx. a 50-minute drive from central Sapporo.
Ratings: Agoda: 8.9/10 · Google: 4.2/5
Room rates: Approx. US$310+ per night for a room for two, including breakfast and dinner
👉 Check latest rates: Agoda | Trip .com
Final Thoughts
Still wondering where to stay in Sapporo? I’d start with how you want to spend your days.
🚆 For easy train connections and shopping nearby, I’d stay near Sapporo Station.
🍜 For great food, nightlife, and plenty to explore on foot, I’d choose Odori or Susukino.
♨️ For a slower pace and a relaxing hot spring stay, I’d head to Jozankei—especially for a soak with snowy views in winter.
Whether you picture yourself browsing the shops, heading out for another bowl of ramen, or settling into a warm outdoor bath, there’s a place in Sapporo to suit your trip.
*All information provided above is for reference only. For full details, please refer to the official websites of the respective hotels and organizations.
🌍 Plan Your Japan Trip:
👉 Hoshino Resorts Tomamu The Tower Review: Rooms, Breakfast & Dinner at Buffet Dining hal
👉 Best Time to Visit Hokkaido, Japan: Weather, Seasons & Travel Tips
👉 Best Time to Visit Nagoya 2026: Weather, What to Wear & Things to Do
👉 Hilton Nagoya Hotel Review: Spacious Rooms, Western Comfort & Breakfast Buffet
👉 Best Time to Visit Takayama & Shirakawa-go 2026: Weather & Travel Tips
👉 Hotel and Spa Gift Takayama Review: Rooftop Onsen, Prime Location & Local Breakfast
👉 Best Time to Visit Fukuoka 2026: The Ultimate Guide
👉 Best Time to Visit Kyushu: A Seasonal Guide for First-Timers
✈️ Airport Lounge Reviews:
👉 New Chitose Airport Royal Lounge Review: Food, Free Beer & Runway Views
👉 Cathay Pacific The Deck Lounge Review at Hong Kong Airport: Is It Worth It?
👉 Qantas Lounge Hong Kong Review: Food, Seating & Overall Experience
Hi, I’m Cat Head! Having lived in the US, Canada, and Hong Kong, I bring a unique global perspective to the world of travel. I’m a Japan travel specialist dedicated to finding the best travel deals and crafting seamless DIY itineraries.
Whether you’re looking for luxury hotel reviews on a budget or travel hacks, I share my first-hand experiences and travel tips to make your next trip unforgettable.