What is the typical itinerary for the Sapporo Biei tour?

The Biei tour usually consists of four courses: Shikisai no Oka (Shikisai Hill), Shirogane Blue Pond, Shirahige Waterfall, and Farm Tomita. You can comfortably explore all of them on a day trip by taking a bus tour.

How long does it take to get from Sapporo Station to Otaru Canal by public transport, and what are the start and end times for the Otaru bus tour?

It takes approximately 40 minutes to get from Sapporo Station to Otaru Canal by public transport. The Otaru bus tour starts at 10 AM and ends at 6 PM.

What are the admission fees for the Sapporo TV Tower Observatory for on-site purchase and advance booking, respectively?

The admission fee for the Sapporo TV Tower Observatory is almost ~$7 if purchased on-site. If you book in advance, you can purchase it for around ~$6.

How can I get an additional discount when booking the Otaru bus tour on Klook, and what is the validity period?

You can get an additional discount of ~$2 by entering the coupon code '세시간전3천원할인쿠폰' on Klook. This coupon is valid until August 31st.

Sapporo Summer Travel: Top 5 Must-Visit Attractions in 2026

Sapporo Summer Travel: Top 5 Must-Visit Attractions in 2026 | TRVLOGUE

Otaru is another fantastic day trip destination from Sapporo, easily reachable by public transport in just about 40 minutes from Sapporo Station. It's often the second most popular excursion after a Biei tour!

From the iconic Otaru Canal to the scenic coastal views around Cape Kamui and the charming historical streets, Otaru offers a plethora of natural beauty and quaint attractions you won't find in the city center.

A typical tour starts around 10 AM and allows you to see everything by 6 PM. Many tour operators, like Klook, often have special promotions. You might find tours for around ~$28, so keep an eye out for current deals!

🔻Book your Otaru Bus Tour at a discount!🔻

홋카이도, 오타루, 삿포로 조인 일일 버스 투어 - 클룩 Klook 한국

Hokkaido, Otaru, Sapporo Joint 1-Day Bus Tour - Klook Korea3ha.in

You can often find additional discounts by using promotional codes. Always check Klook or other booking platforms for the latest offers before you book!

3. Sapporo TV Tower

The Sapporo TV Tower is an iconic landmark of the city, conveniently located within Odori Park, making it perfect for a leisurely stroll and some sightseeing.

The observation deck offers panoramic views of Sapporo. While tickets purchased on-site are typically around ~$7, you can often find them for around ~$6 if you book in advance.

The tower looks especially beautiful when it lights up in the evening, providing a fantastic backdrop for your photos.

4. JR Tower Observation Deck

Another excellent observation deck is the JR Tower. Personally, I found the views of Sapporo from the JR Tower to be even more breathtaking.

Even on a cloudy day, my photos turned out beautifully! There's also a cafe inside the tower, so if you have some extra time, grabbing a coffee while enjoying the cityscape is a wonderful way to relax.

For a more detailed review, including how to get there, hours, and booking information for the JR Tower, check out my companion post linked at the bottom of this article.

5. Former Hokkaido Government Office & Nikka Sign

Last but not least, we have the Former Hokkaido Government Office (affectionately known as the Red Brick Office) and the iconic Nikka sign. The Nikka sign is a fantastic photo opportunity, much like the famous Glico Man in Osaka.

I chose to recommend these spots over the Beer Museum because not everyone is a fan of alcohol, and these offer a different kind of cultural experience.

The Former Hokkaido Government Office is currently (as of 2026) open for interior viewing, though I unfortunately visited before this became an option. It's a beautiful historic building worth exploring.

With a lovely pond right next to it, it’s a great place for a peaceful stroll and is conveniently close to Odori Park, making it an easy stop on your itinerary.

While the weather wasn't ideal during my visit, this area is typically vibrant with blooming flowers, making it even more charming. Don't let a little cloud cover deter you – Sapporo's beauty shines through!

That concludes my list of the BEST 5 places to visit on your summer trip to Sapporo, Japan!

🔹 More Sapporo Travel Inspiration 🔹