Sapporo, Japan: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2024]

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Ready to pack for Sapporo, Japan? If you're planning to go to Sapporo, I've got some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.

Contents

When to go to Sapporo, Japan

Based on the climate and weather in Sapporo, Japan, the best time to go is July. See below for details.

What to wear/what to pack for Sapporo, Japan

Already know when you're traveling?

Here are some general tips on what to wear in Sapporo, as well as several items to remember to pack when traveling there.

What to wear/what to pack for Sapporo, Japan by month

January

January in Sapporo is very cold and extremely snowy. The rain/snow can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the high 20s F (single digits below 0 C), although night temperatures can dip into the single digits F (10+ below zero C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Japan has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Sapporo. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines frequently losing luggage recently, an AirTag can find it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel pillow

    An excellent option is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. It's important that you get the correct type. The vast majority of adapters for sale now are just plug changers and expect your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one should be appropriate for most areas.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

If you check out a temple, such as Hokkaido Shrine, wear:

If you go to Hokkaido University Botanic Garden, you're likely to do a lot of walking. These are a must:

February

February in Sapporo is very cold and extremely snowy. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the high 10s F (single digits below 0 C), with a few days below 5 F (10+ below zero C). It snows most days. But the colder weather doesn't bring low humidity, which is in the 60% to 70% range on average.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Japan has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Sapporo. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports frequently losing things nowadays, an AirTag can find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel pillow

    An excellent option is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Ensure that you get the right type. The vast majority of adapters for sale now are just plugs and expect your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one should be appropriate for most countries.

If you check out a temple, such as Hokkaido Shrine, wear:

If you go to Hokkaido University Botanic Garden, you're likely to do a lot of walking. These are a must:

March

March in Sapporo is very cold and extremely snowy. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the 20s F (single digits below 0 C). It tends to rain a bit less than half of the time. It also snows almost every day of the month. But the colder weather doesn't bring low humidity, which is in the 60% to 70% range on average.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Japan has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Sapporo. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports constantly losing things recently, an AirTag can find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel neck pillow

    Our fave is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Make sure to find the right type. The vast majority of adapters available online are simply plug changers and require your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could burn up. This one should be appropriate for most places.

If you check out a temple, such as Hokkaido Shrine, wear:

If you go to Hokkaido University Botanic Garden, you're likely to do a lot of walking. These are a must:

April

April in Sapporo is cold and very rainy. Temperatures average in the low 50s F (single digits C) during the day. It rains about two thirds of the time and snows 5-10 days this month.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Japan has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines frequently losing luggage these days, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Sapporo. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Be careful to find the correct type. The vast majority of adapters currently sold are simply plugs and expect your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should be sufficient for most locations.

  • Travel pillow

    Our fave is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

If you check out a temple, such as Hokkaido Shrine, wear:

If you go to Hokkaido University Botanic Garden, you're likely to do a lot of walking. These are a must:

May

May in Sapporo is crisp and extremely rainy. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the 50s F (low 10s C) to low 60s F (mid 10s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Japan has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines constantly losing bags these days, an AirTag can find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Sapporo. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel pillow

    A good option is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Make sure to pick the right type. The vast majority of adapters that you can buy are simply plug changers and expect your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one works in most locations.

If you check out a temple, such as Hokkaido Shrine, wear:

If you go to Hokkaido University Botanic Garden, you're likely to do a lot of walking. These are a must:

June

Traveling to Sapporo in June, you will notice that it is mild and very rainy. Expect it to rain most days. Daytime temperatures are in the high 60s F (low 20s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Japan has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Sapporo. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports always losing bags nowadays, an AirTag can locate it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Be sure to find the right type. Most adapters currently being sold are simply plugs and expect your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should work in most places.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large prices for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A versatile choice is this one

If you check out a temple, such as Hokkaido Shrine, wear:

If you go to Hokkaido University Botanic Garden, you're likely to do a lot of walking. These are a must:

July

July in Sapporo is warm and very rainy. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the 70s F (mid 20s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Japan has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Sapporo. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports constantly losing luggage nowadays, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Be careful to pick the necessary type. Most adapters currently being sold are just plug changers and require your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one should be sufficient for most countries.

  • Travel pillow

    A top rated pillow is this one

If you check out a temple, such as Hokkaido Shrine, wear:

If you go to Hokkaido University Botanic Garden, you're likely to do a lot of walking. These are a must:

August

August in Sapporo is a perfect temperature and very rainy. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the high 70s F (mid 20s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Japan has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports constantly losing things these days, an AirTag can find it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Sapporo. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel pillow

    Our favorite is this one

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Be careful to choose the right type. The majority of adapters for sale now are just plug changers and require your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get fried. This one should work in most locations.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive penalties for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

If you check out a temple, such as Hokkaido Shrine, wear:

If you go to Hokkaido University Botanic Garden, you're likely to do a lot of walking. These are a must:

September

If you visit Sapporo during September, you are likely to find that it is balmy and extremely rainy. Temperatures tend to hover around the low 60s F (low 20s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the 50s F (low 10s C). Humidity is generally between 60 and 70% during the day. In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain most days.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Japan has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports frequently losing things nowadays, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Sapporo. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Be careful to pick the correct kind. Most adapters on sale are just plug changers and require your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could burn up. This one works in most locations.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel neck support pillow

    An excellent option is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge prices for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

If you check out a temple, such as Hokkaido Shrine, wear:

If you go to Hokkaido University Botanic Garden, you're likely to do a lot of walking. These are a must:

October

In October, Sapporo is relatively cool and extremely rainy. Temperatures routinely are in the high 50s F (mid 10s C) and 5-10 days this month jump into the 60s F (high 10s C) range. At night, lows are in the low 40s F (single digits C). This is also a rainy time for Sapporo, with most of the days of the month having rain. In October, humidity reaches as high as 70%.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Japan has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Sapporo. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports constantly losing things recently, an AirTag can find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel neck support pillow

    Our fave is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge penalties for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Check that you find the necessary kind. The vast majority of adapters available online are just plugs and require your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one works in most countries.

If you check out a temple, such as Hokkaido Shrine, wear:

If you go to Hokkaido University Botanic Garden, you're likely to do a lot of walking. These are a must:

November

November in Sapporo can be brisk, somewhat snowy and very rainy. Temperatures average in the 40s F (single digits C) during the day. It rains about half of the time and snows about half of the time.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Japan has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines repeatedly losing luggage these days, an AirTag can find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Sapporo. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Ensure that you find the right type. A lot of adapters currently being sold are simply plug changers and expect your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one works in most locations.

  • Travel neck support pillow

    Our fave is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

If you check out a temple, such as Hokkaido Shrine, wear:

If you go to Hokkaido University Botanic Garden, you're likely to do a lot of walking. These are a must:

December

In December, Sapporo is frosty and extremely snowy. Temperatures routinely are in the 30s F (single digits C) range. At night, lows are in the low 20s F (single digits below 0 C). This is also a rainy time for Sapporo, with a few of the days of the month having rain. In December, humidity reaches as high as 70%.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Japan has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports constantly losing luggage nowadays, an AirTag can find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Sapporo. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Take care to choose the necessary type. The majority of adapters available online are simply plugs and require your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one should work in most areas.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Travel pillow

    A good option is this one

If you check out a temple, such as Hokkaido Shrine, wear:

If you go to Hokkaido University Botanic Garden, you're likely to do a lot of walking. These are a must:

What to do in Sapporo, Japan

Sapporo, the capital of Japan's Hokkaido region, is a city filled with unique and exciting tourist attractions. From its famous winter festivals to its delectable cuisine and stunning natural scenery, Sapporo has something for everyone. Here are some of the top tourist attractions that you should put on your list when visiting Sapporo.

1. Sapporo Beer Museum

Sapporo Beer Museum is a popular tourist attraction located in the heart of Sapporo city. This museum is not only a fascinating attraction for beer lovers, but also for anyone interested in history and culture. Here you can learn about the history of beer in Japan and the brewing process that's been used for over a century. And yes, of course, you can taste some delicious beer as well.

2. Odori Park

Odori Park is one of the most popular public parks in Sapporo City. It's a 13-block long park that stretches through the center of the city, making it an ideal spot for picnics, walking, and events. Visitors can also enjoy the beautiful seasonal foliage of cherry blossoms in the spring, and snow sculptures during winter's Sapporo Snow Festival.

3. Hokkaido Shrine

Hokkaido Shrine is a popular place of worship situated in Maruyama-koen Park, one of the urban forested areas of Sapporo. Hokkaido Shrine is the biggest and the most famous Shinto shrine in Hokkaido. The shrine is home to a great number of deity trees, which makes it a special spot for praying and holding religious events. In the shrine, visitors can explore the traditional Japanese architecture in the area as well.

4. Mt. Moiwa Ropeway

Mt. Moiwa is the ideal spot for sightseeing in Sapporo in both the daytime and the night. During the day, visitors can take a cable car from the base of the mountain to the top and enjoy the panoramic view of the city from the summit. At night, visitors will enjoy the stunning cityscape of Sapporo's city lights which has been highly rated globally.

5. Otaru Canal

Otaru is a smaller city near Sapporo that is home to the historic Otaru Canal. The canal was once the center of trade and commerce in the Otaru city during the early 20th century. Today, the canal has been turned into an attraction, with brick warehouses that have been renovated into shops and restaurants, and a promenade. Visitors can take a scenic walk, taking in the unique vibes of this historical space.

6. Shiroi Koibito Park

Shiroi Koibito Park is a chocolate factory and museum that has attracted visitors around the world. Visitors can walk around the park, explore the history of chocolate and its production, and see how it is made by professional artisans. As the home of the established Hokkaido confectionery manufacturer Ishiya, visitors can also purchase chocolates, sweets, and souvenirs which are only available in the attraction.

Bottom Line

Sapporo, Japan, is a city with something for everyone, from its unique food, stunning natural scenery, and distinctive museums. Whether you're a beer lover, history enthusiast, or simply love to explore new places, Sapporo surely has something to keep you mesmerized throughout your visit!

About your travel guide

Hi! I'm Dev. I've traveled all over the world and in my travels, I have made many packing lists. In this series, my team and I have compiled the most useful information, as well as things we couldn't live without, to help you plan your trip.

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