How to Avoid Tourist Traps in Sapporo, Hokkaidō, Japan
1. Odori Park
Sprawling park known for its annual snow festival. Avoid overpriced food stalls by packing snacks and water.
- Pack Snacks: Bring your own food to save money
- Avoid Peak Hours: Visit during off-peak hours for a more enjoyable experience
- Check Festival Dates: Plan your visit around the actual festival dates to make the most of it
2. Tanukikoji Shopping Street
Busy shopping street with souvenir shops and restaurants. Compare prices at different stores before buying.
- Compare Prices: Don't buy the first item you see
- Visit Local Markets: Find cheaper, more authentic souvenirs at local markets
- Ask Locals: Ask locals for recommended shops and prices
3. Sapporo Beer Museum
Popular destination for beer lovers. Save money by buying tickets online.
- Buy Online: Purchase tickets online to save time and money
- Visit During Off-Peak Hours: Avoid crowds and long lines by visiting during off-peak hours
- Try Local Brews: Sample the local beers for an authentic experience
4. Sapporo TV Tower
Iconic tower with panoramic views. Save money by buying discounted tickets at convenience stores.
- Buy Discounted Tickets: Buy tickets at convenience stores to save money
- Visit During Sunset: Experience the tower's stunning sunset views
- Check Tower Hours: Plan your visit to match the tower's operating hours
5. Okurayama Lookout
Popular winter destination for Olympic ski jump views. Save money by using public transportation.
- Use Public Transportation: Take a bus or train to save money
- Visit During Winter: Experience the winter scenery and ski jump competitions
- Check Weather Conditions: Plan your visit based on weather conditions for a safe and enjoyable experience
6. Furano Flower Fields
Colorful flower fields in the summer. Save money by visiting during the week.
- Visit During the Week: Avoid crowds and save money by visiting during the week
- Take a Bus Tour: Save time and money by taking a bus tour to multiple flower fields
- Check Flower Field Opening Dates: Plan your visit based on the flower field's opening dates
7. Sapporo Factory
Shopping mall with restaurants and an observatory. Save money by eating at local eateries outside the mall.
- Eat Outside the Mall: Save money by eating at local eateries nearby
- Visit During Off-Peak Hours: Avoid crowds and long lines during peak hours
- Check Store Sales: Find deals and sales at various stores in the mall
8. Sapporo Clock Tower
Historic clock tower with a museum. Save money by buying discounted tickets online or at convenience stores.
- Buy Discounted Tickets: Save money by purchasing tickets in advance
- Visit During Off-Peak Hours: Avoid crowds and long lines during peak hours
- Check Tower Hours: Plan your visit based on the tower's operating hours
9. Ishikari River Park
Relaxing park with river views. Save money by bringing a picnic lunch.
- Pack a Picnic Lunch: Save money by eating your own lunch
- Visit During the Day: Enjoy the park during the day and avoid nighttime tourist crowds
- Check Park Events: Plan your visit based on any scheduled events or concerts
10. Sapporo Dome
Large stadium hosting sporting events. Save money by buying tickets in advance online.
- Buy Tickets Online: Save money and time by purchasing tickets online
- Avoid Peak Games: Avoid high-profile games with expensive ticket prices
- Check Event Schedule: Plan your visit based on the event schedule
11. Sapporo Teien Park
Beautiful park with a Japanese garden. Save money by bringing a picnic lunch.
- Pack a Picnic Lunch: Save money by eating your own lunch
- Visit During the Day: Enjoy the park during the day and avoid nighttime tourist crowds
- Check Park Events: Plan your visit based on any scheduled events or concerts
12. Moiwayama Observatory
Mountain observatory with stunning views. Save money by using public transportation.
- Use Public Transportation: Take a bus or train to save money
- Visit During Clear Weather: Enjoy the best views during clear, sunny weather
- Check Observatory Hours: Plan your visit based on the observatory's opening hours
13. Otaru Canal
Historic canal area with shops and restaurants. Save money by avoiding overpriced food and drink.
- Avoid Overpriced Food and Drink: Find affordable options outside the touristy areas
- Visit During Off-Peak Hours: Avoid crowds and long lines during peak hours
- Check Shopping Deals: Find deals and sales at various shops in the area
14. Mt. Moiwa Ropeway
Cable car ride with city views. Save money by buying discounted tickets online.
- Buy Discounted Tickets: Save money by purchasing tickets in advance
- Visit During Off-Peak Hours: Avoid crowds and long lines during peak hours
- Check Ropeway Hours: Plan your visit based on the ropeway's operating hours
15. Sapporo Art Park
Modern art museum with sculptures and exhibits. Save money by visiting during off-peak hours.
- Visit During Off-Peak Hours: Avoid crowds and long lines during peak hours
- Check Exhibit Schedule: Plan your visit based on the exhibit schedule
- Bring a Picnic Lunch: Save money by eating your own lunch