Whether you’re looking for a traditional Japanese ryokan, a budget ryokan, or something a bit more quirky (comic themed capsule hotel?), there’s something in Sapporo for you. Sapporo, the capital of the island of Hokkaido and the largest city in northern Japan, is mainly famous for its famous beer (the oldest in the country) and the February Snow Festival, with its snow sculptures giants are lit in urban parks. The skiing and hot springs are also a big draw, and its proximity to the city center makes it a useful springboard from which to explore this relatively undeveloped and stunning island. Here are the best hotels in Sapporo you should not miss.
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The Best Hotels in Sapporo, Japan
Pirka Sapporo
Pirka Sapporo offers simple yet clean hostel-style accommodation in a quiet residential area in downtown Sapporo. While not particularly close to the city’s attractions, the subway is easily accessible, and the attentive host couple runs a cramped train. Choose from capsule or Japanese-style dormitories, all with shared amenities, ample toiletries and a common area with complimentary tea, coffee and water.
The Base Sapporo Susukino
Located between Susukino, the south central restaurant, and Sapporo’s entertainment district, the Base’s modern suites can accommodate up to six guests. The neon white bunk beds and tiered mattress give it a friend or family-friendly feel, and each bed is thoughtfully furnished with a kitchenette, dining table and washing machine. It is kept original, relatively spacious and the balconies in the rooms along with the sleek building facade almost suggest you more accommodation.
Randor Residence Susukino Suites
Unspoiled, modern and slightly austere suites equipped with kitchens, washing machines and hot tubs characterize this small hotel centrally located between Odori Park and Nakajima. Like apartments with one unit per floor, their spaciousness and versatility – up to three bedrooms plus futons and sofa beds – make them ideal for large families or groups of friends. . . There are countless restaurants and eateries in Susukino which means that the kitchen here may not be in use.
Nakamuraya Ryokan
Just meters from the Sapporo Botanical Garden, a cozy traditional Japanese inn tucked away in a modern building offers a more authentic and uncluttered experience of contemporary Japan. Expect tatami floors, low tables and chairs, futon beds and smart food, if there is a concession to Western palates. Shared onsen (hot spring) baths, also open to the public, help provide a more immersive experience, although guests with tattoos may not be allowed to bathe here.
Sapporo Grand Hotel
Sapporo Grand Hotel is one of the best hotels in Sapporo boasting a covered shopping arcade, gym and spa center, a 5-minute walk from JR Sapporo Station via connecting tunnel. It features 7 dining options, a concierge service and free Wi-Fi throughout. Rooms at Sapporo Grand Hotel are equipped with air conditioning, a TV and a refrigerator. A work desk, slippers and toiletries are also provided. Guests can enjoy a massage or a beauty treatment. The hotel houses the Memorial Library, which also serves as a museum. Fresh seafood, fine wines and international specialties are available at Sapporo Grand’s restaurants. Northern Terrace serves breakfast and lunch buffets, while Lobby Lounge Mizar features a fireplace. Guests who enjoy the breakfast buffet will receive a discount if they notify the front desk before arriving at the restaurant. Sapporo Grand Hotel is a 2-minute walk from Sapporo Clock Tower and Oodori Park. Kokusai Ski Field is a 1-hour drive away.
Cross Hotel Sapporo
A 5-minute walk from JR Sapporo Station, Cross Hotel Sapporo features large public baths with spectacular city skyline views, a concierge service and comfortable rooms with free Wi-Fi. A 15-minute walk from Susukino entertainment area. The spacious air-conditioned rooms have modern interiors and a stylish bathroom with toiletries. Some bathrooms have city views. LCD TV, fridge and tea/coffee are also provided. There is a large outdoor public bath and an indoor bath for relaxation, exclusively for men and women. Cross Hotel Sapporo operates a 24-hour front desk, providing dry cleaning and luggage storage services. Rental computers are available upon request. The hache by haruhoro restaurant offers Italian and French dishes combined with local ingredients and culinary culture.
Comics and CapsuleHotel
Imagine you are sleeping in the library among the books and behind the shelves. Your “room” is a curtained, wood-paneled cocoon like a sleeping station on a train. Welcome to Comicap, a special kind of Japanese hermitage where, in the hotel’s words, you “forget about time and read manga”. It’s quirky, and although the 30,000+ manga might confuse most foreign visitors, there’s nothing stopping you from bringing your own to empathize with the distinct pressures of urban Japan. . . . and its unique exits.