2-Day Hokkaido Summer Itinerary: Sapporo & Otaru
Overview
Day By Day ItineraryMust See Attractions
Otaru Highlights Day Tour from SapporoBook now 
Sapporo TV Tower Entry TicketBook now 
Sapporo Golden Route Walking TourBook now 
Sapporo Full Day Mt Moiwa Night View Otaru TourBook now 
Sapporo Bar Hopping Food TourBook now 
Otaru Aquarium AdmissionBook now
A Little About This Trip
I took this Hokkaido trip from late June into early July, and the island’s summer side completely surprised me—sunny days, lush green views, and such an easygoing feel! ☀️🌿 I still wouldn’t try to “do Hokkaido” in only two days because it’s HUGE, but if that’s all you have, Sapporo and nearby Otaru are the best pairing. You’ll get city sights, shopping, Genghis Khan, and the gorgeous view from Mt. Moiwa before taking a short train ride to Otaru’s waterfront, historic streets, glass shops, and sweet treats. 🍜🚃
These stops work in other seasons too, but two days only scratches the surface! If your schedule allows, I really recommend at least four or five days so you can slow down and experience more of Hokkaido’s flower fields, nature, and farther-flung scenery. 🌸 Start with my four-day Hokkaido itinerary or five-day Hokkaido itinerary for a fuller trip!
Itinerary Map Overview
Day OneSapporo's Best Sights
- Odori · Susukino · Mt. Moiwa
- 7 stops
Sapporo Clock Tower
Why this stop?
- Explore Sapporo history through photographs, models, documents, and the 1878 drill hall
- Hearing the working clock chime made the building feel wonderfully alive!
Practical Tips
- Walk-up admission is available without advance booking.
Sapporo TV Tower & Odori Park
Why this stop?
- See central Sapporo and distant mountains from the 144-meter observation deck
- Our first Hokkaido stop had tower souvenirs, shops, and restaurants all inside!
Practical Tips
- Buy observatory tickets at the third-floor counter.
Sapporo Chikagai AURORA TOWN underground shopping arcade
Why this stop?
- Food, fashion, cosmetics, and anime shops fill this arcade beneath Odori Station
- A useful all-weather shopping wander with a little bit of everything
Tanukikoji Shopping Street
Why this stop?
- Seven covered blocks mix department stores, anime shops, casual food, and local finds
- Our random beer-truck discovery made this shopping wander especially fun! 🍻
Mt. Moiwa
Why this stop?
- Ropeway access opens onto Sapporo, Ishikari Bay, and surrounding mountain views
- Watching misty fog roll over the hills below was GORGEOUS 😍
Practical Tips
- Exchange QR tickets at the fourth-floor counter.
Sapporo Genghis Khan Juttetsu
Why this stop?
- Grill Hokkaido-style mutton on a distinctive dome-shaped skillet
- Juttetsu’s clean, tender lamb was one of our best Hokkaido meals!
Susukino nightlife district - barhopping!
Why this stop?
- Sapporo’s neon nightlife hub packs bars, karaoke, restaurants, and late-night food together
- A local-led bar crawl can introduce authentic establishments beyond the obvious tourist stops
Day TwoOtaru Aquarium, Canal & Sakaimachi
- Shukutsu · Otaru Canal · Sakaimachi
- 8 stops
Otaru Aquarium (Winter Penguin Walk)
Why this stop?
- Cold-water marine life and a dramatic Sea of Japan setting distinguish this aquarium
- Winter’s curious penguins waddle through the snow during an adorable outdoor walk 🐧
Otaru Canal
Why this stop?
- Stone warehouses, gas lamps, and water reflections capture Otaru’s historic port atmosphere
- We loved slowing down here; the glowing lamps feel especially romantic after dark ✨
Practical Tips
- Reserve canal cruises ahead; limited sailings can be weather-canceled.
Otaru Denuki Koji
Why this stop?
- Around 20 tiny restaurants fill narrow lanes directly across from Otaru Canal
- Browse seafood, ramen, izakaya, and snacks beneath charming lanterns and miniature storefronts
Kamaei Factory Outlet
Why this stop?
- Watch Otaru fish cakes being made through the huge factory window
- The many freshly fried varieties made such a delicious walking snack! 😋
Kitaichi Glass
Why this stop?
- Locally made glass fills shops and studios with museum-level craftsmanship
- Browse affordable souvenirs, statement pieces, music boxes, and nearby artisan demonstrations ✨
Otaru Steam Clock
Why this stop?
- Steam plays a five-whistle melody every 15 minutes at this bronze landmark
- A charming, free pause while exploring Sakaimachi’s shops
Otaru Music Box Museum
Why this stop?
- Thousands of music boxes fill a historic timbered hall at Marchen Crossroads
- Create a personalized music box or join a hands-on craft workshop
LeTAO Main Store
Why this stop?
- Otaru’s famous pastry shop packs cakes, chocolates, and gift sweets under one roof
- Eating our pastries beside the chiming Steam Clock was my favorite part!
Before You Go to Hokkaido
Not for all of Hokkaido, but two days can work if you focus on Sapporo and Otaru. Spend one day exploring central Sapporo and Mt. Moiwa, then give Otaru’s waterfront and craft district the second day. Choose at least three days if Biei and Furano are priorities.
Absolutely! I went from late June into early July and loved the sunny, comfortable weather and green scenery. This Sapporo-and-Otaru route works in any season, but choose the three-day itinerary or longer if Hokkaido’s summer flower landscapes are a priority.
Book the Otaru day tour first if you want transportation handled, then reserve Sapporo TV Tower for your preferred city-view time. The rest of this short Sapporo-and-Otaru route is easy to keep flexible.
