Having explored tours across Japan, Sapporo stands out with exceptional value ranging from $29 walking experiences to $238 private ski adventures. The city’s best tours combine practical sightseeing with authentic local encounters. I especially love the 6-hour city highlights tour for its efficient coverage of major attractions and the evening food tours that unlock hidden local izakayas. For winter visitors, the private ski tours are worth every penny, offering personalized instruction and access to pristine powder runs. Let’s look at our carefully selected top tours that showcase the best of Hokkaido’s largest city.
Key Points
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Private skiing tours with expert guide Tomo offer a perfect 5-star rated winter experience including equipment, ski wear, and hot springs.
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The 6-hour highlights tour combines cultural landmarks like Nijo Market with panoramic views from Okurayama Ski Jump Stadium.
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Nature lovers can explore Furano and Biei’s scenic spots through private car tours with hotel pickup and excellent guide reviews.
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Popular culinary tours include the highly-rated bar hopping experience visiting three izakaya bars with a 99% recommendation rate.
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Budget-friendly walking tours start at $29.85, covering major Sapporo landmarks with small group sizes and flexible cancellation policies.
Full Day Private Skiing / Snowboarding Tour in Sapporo
For travelers seeking a personalized winter sports experience in Sapporo, this highly-rated private skiing and snowboarding tour offers exceptional value at $237.61 per person.
The package includes all essential equipment, ski wear, slope tickets, and a rejuvenating hot spring visit.
Led by expert guide Tomo, the tour caters to various skill levels and accommodates dietary restrictions. Guests can choose pickup from Sapporo Station or hotels near Susukino.
Operating daily from January 2024 through March 2026, it’s earned perfect 5-star ratings from 19 reviewers who praise the smooth organization and personalized attention.
The tour concludes at the original meeting point.
Read our full review: Full Day Private Skiing / Snowboarding Tour in Sapporo Review
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One Day Private Sapporo Highlights Tour
While exploring Sapporo’s highlights independently can be overwhelming, this private 6-hour tour offers a well-curated experience at $139.32 per person.
The tour includes hotel pickup and visits to iconic spots like Nijo Market, where visitors can explore seasonal seafood, and White Lovers Park for candy-making insights.
A highlight is lunch at Horyu ramen shop, famous for its Sapporo miso ramen.
The tour culminates at Okurayama Ski Jump Stadium, featuring a lift ride to the 307-meter summit for panoramic city views.
All admission fees, transportation, and food are included. The flexible cancellation policy lets travelers book now and pay later.
Read our full review: One Day Private Sapporo Highlights Tour Review
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Private Car Tour of Furano and Biei in Hokkaido With Local Guide
Moving beyond Sapporo’s city limits, this private car tour takes nature enthusiasts to the picturesque regions of Furano and Biei.
The tour includes stops at Farm Tomita, Shikisai no Oka, and the famous Blue Pond, with pickup from central Sapporo hotels at 7:30 am.
The package covers round-trip transfers, taxes, and lunch, though guests should bring cash for tolls and parking.
Tours lasting over 10.5 hours incur an extra fee of 13,000 yen per hour.
While wheelchair accessible, participants need moderate fitness levels.
With a perfect 5.0 rating from six reviews, visitors praise the tour’s organization and guide expertise.
Read our full review: Private Car Tour of Furano and Biei in Hokkaido With Local Guide Review
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Sapporo: City Highlights Guided Tour With Local Guide
To discover Sapporo’s essential landmarks and cultural heritage, this 4-hour guided tour provides an efficient overview of the city’s highlights.
Led by an English-speaking local guide, the small group tour covers iconic spots including the Sapporo Clock Tower, Odori Park, and Hokkaido Shrine.
Visitors can explore Japan’s brewing history at the Sapporo Beer Museum and enjoy Mount Moiwa’s panoramic views via cable car.
Starting at $145.95 per person, the tour includes lunch, entrance fees, and transportation.
With free cancellation up to 24 hours ahead and a flexible pay-later option, it’s ideal for travelers seeking a comprehensive city experience.
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Hokkaido Day Tour From Sapporo: Asahiyama Zoo, Blue Pond Japan
For nature and wildlife enthusiasts, this full-day excursion from Sapporo combines the unique Asahiyama Zoo experience with the serene beauty of Hokkaido’s Blue Pond.
At $105.99 per person, the tour covers transportation, zoo admission, and lunch. It’s wheelchair accessible and accommodates up to 40 travelers.
Winter visitors can catch the penguin parade, though timing varies.
While the tour offers great value, it’s non-refundable and itineraries may change due to weather. Recent reviews (4.8/5) praise the guides’ knowledge, though some noted receiving Mandarin instead of English guidance.
Meeting points are flexible, but participants should arrive 10 minutes early.
Read our full review: Hokkaido Day Tour From Sapporo: Asahiyama Zoo, Blue Pond Japan Review
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1-Day Walking Tour in Sapporo: Historical Sights of Sapporo
Ready to explore Sapporo’s rich heritage? This 8-hour walking tour takes visitors through the city’s most significant historical landmarks for Kč 3,806 per person.
Starting at Sapporo Station’s South Exit at 9 a.m., the tour includes the iconic Clock Tower, Japan’s oldest, and the 147.2-meter TV Tower with its panoramic views.
Participants visit the bustling 2jo Fish Market for lunch, explore the City Museum in the Old Court of Appeals Building, and end with sake tasting in Susukino’s entertainment district.
The package includes an English guide, transport, entry fees, and lunch. Must be 20+ to join. Free cancellation available 24 hours before.
Read our full review: 1-Day Walking Tour in Sapporo: Historical Sights of Sapporo Review
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Sapporo Private Sightseeing Tour in Onsen With Special Package
While soaking in Sapporo’s thermal springs, visitors can enjoy a private sightseeing adventure that includes unique snowshoe walking activities.
This highly-rated tour, with a perfect 5.0 rating from six reviews, starts at $210.45 per person.
Tours depart from Sapporo Station North Square and run daily between 10 AM and 9 PM. It’s essential to confirm the exact start time when booking.
While the experience isn’t wheelchair accessible, most travelers can participate. However, it’s not suitable for those with back problems, heart conditions, or pregnant women.
The tour ends at the original meeting point, and bookings require advance confirmation.
Read our full review: Sapporo Private Sightseeing Tour in Onsen With Special Package Review
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Sapporo: Private and Personalized Eat Like a Local Tour
Food enthusiasts seeking an authentic taste of Sapporo can embark on a private 3-hour culinary adventure for $176.20 per person.
This flexible tour matches travelers with local hosts based on their preferences and includes 5-6 food tastings plus drinks.
Guests can explore Ganso Ramen Alley, sample fresh seafood at Nijo Market, and try local specialties like Sapporo beer, Chitosetsuru sake, and Genghis Khan mutton BBQ.
The experience maintains a strong 4.6/5 rating from previous visitors.
With free cancellation up to 24 hours ahead and the option to pay later, it’s a low-risk way to discover Sapporo’s culinary scene.
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Sapporo Bar Hopping Food Tour
For travelers seeking an affordable nightlife experience, the Sapporo Bar Hopping Food Tour offers excellent value at $96.23 per person.
The intimate 6-person tour visits three local izakaya bars, avoiding tourist traps while providing one food set, two plates, and three drinks.
Meeting under the NIKKA sign at Susukino station, guests explore with highly-rated guides like Midori, Waka, or Ayumi.
With a 99% recommendation rate from 124 reviews, the tour’s highlights include ramen, parfaits, and authentic local spots.
While not wheelchair accessible, the experience includes post-tour photos and can be canceled free up to 24 hours before.
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Sapporo: Buddha Hill, TV Tower, and Sake Stand Bar Tour
This comprehensive 8.5-hour cultural tour combines Sapporo’s most iconic spiritual and modern attractions for $175.14 per person.
Starting at Sapporo Station, visitors explore the Butsugan-ji Temple, featuring a 45-meter Buddha Nirvana statue, before heading to the Hill of Buddha’s 13.5-meter statue and unique Moai and Stonehenge replicas.
The tour includes panoramic views from Sapporo TV Tower’s observation deck and concludes with sake tasting at Yata Stand Bar.
Transportation, admission fees, lunch, and an English-speaking guide are included.
Travelers can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, though the tour isn’t suitable for pregnant women or wheelchair users.
Read our full review: Sapporo: Buddha Hill, TV Tower, and Sake Stand Bar Tour Review
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Furano Biei Tour Sapporo DEP: English Speaking Driver, No Guide
Departing from Sapporo, the private Furano Biei tour offers groups of up to 4 people a flexible day trip with an English-speaking driver for $930.08.
Travelers can customize their experience by selecting 3-4 sites to visit during their 3-hour exploration of the Furano and Biei areas.
The tour’s 4.8-star rating reflects its quality service, which includes entrance fees and lunch.
While there’s no licensed guide, the tour caters to diverse needs with wheelchair and stroller accessibility.
Car seats are available for infants, though rear-facing seats aren’t provided.
Guests can cancel free of charge up to 24 hours before departure.
Read our full review: Furano Biei Tour Sapporo DEP: English Speaking Driver, No Guide Review
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1-Day Tour Sapporo: the Port City of Otaru & Local Brewery
While Furano and Biei showcase Hokkaido’s rural charm, the port city of Otaru offers visitors a different slice of Japanese culture and history.
This 8.5-hour tour from Sapporo Station costs $175.14 per person and includes transportation, lunch, and an English-speaking guide.
Travelers can explore the iconic Otaru Canal, visit Kitaichi Glass Factory, and enjoy the melodies at the Music Box Museum.
The tour includes stops at the Vancouver-gifted Steam Clock and concludes at Germain Beer Brewery.
With free cancellation up to 24 hours and a reserve-now-pay-later option, it’s a flexible choice for experiencing Otaru’s heritage.
Read our full review: 1-Day Tour Sapporo: the Port City of Otaru & Local Brewery Review
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Otaru Canal Private Sightseeing Tour From Sapporo Station
A well-rated private tour showcases Otaru Canal’s scenic beauty for up to 8 travelers, with prices starting at $183.30 per person.
The tour runs from January 2025 to March 2026, operating Monday through Saturday with flexible start times.
The package includes air-conditioned transport, onsen visit, lunch, and dinner.
Travelers can meet at Sapporo Station or request a pickup, where they’ll find their guide holding a personalized sign.
Guide Tomo has earned praise for providing local insights and dining recommendations.
While the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible and has a no-refund policy, it maintains a perfect 5.0 rating from satisfied visitors.
Read our full review: Otaru Canal Private Sightseeing Tour From Sapporo Station Review
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Sapporo: Golden Route Guided Walking Tour
For travelers seeking a more economical guided experience, the Golden Route Walking Tour offers an excellent introduction to Sapporo’s landmarks at just $29.85 per person.
This compact 2-hour tour covers major attractions including the TV Tower, City Hall, Clock Tower, and Red Brick Government Building.
With groups limited to 8 participants, travelers get personalized attention while walking the 3.2 km route.
The tour includes entry to the TV Tower and Clock Tower, making it a solid value. Visitors should wear comfortable shoes and bring rain gear.
Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the tour starts.
Read our full review: Sapporo: Golden Route Guided Walking Tour Review
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Sapporo Afternoon Walking Tour 2h 30mins
Travelers seeking a mid-range guided experience will find excellent value in the Sapporo Afternoon Walking Tour, priced at $54.31 per person.
This 2.5-hour tour starts at JR Sapporo Station’s South Exit and ends at Tanukikoji Shopping Street, accommodating up to 8 participants.
The tour runs rain or shine, with English-speaking guides leading the way. During snowy conditions, groups can access underground walkways.
It’s earned a perfect 5.0 rating from five reviewers who’ve praised the exceptional guides and interesting locations.
While not wheelchair accessible, most travelers can join. Free cancellation‘s available up to 24 hours before departure.
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Sapporo Departure: Lake Shikotsu Ice Festival Half-Day Tour
While walking tours offer cityside exploration, the Lake Shikotsu Ice Festival Half-Day Tour takes visitors beyond Sapporo’s urban boundaries to experience one of Hokkaido’s stunning winter spectacles.
Since this tour isn’t listed in the provided facts, travelers might want to consider alternative winter experiences like the Hokkaido Ski Full-Day Tour at Sapporo International Ski Resort, which runs for 10 hours and costs from €63.77 per person.
This highly-rated tour (4.1/5 from 31 reviews) provides a full day of winter activities while staying closer to the city. It’s an economical choice for those wanting to experience Hokkaido’s famous winter attractions.
Read our full review: Sapporo Departure: Lake Shikotsu Ice Festival Half-Day Tour Review
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Sapporo 6hr Private Tour With Government Licensed Guide
Guided by licensed local experts, the Sapporo 6hr Private Tour offers a highly customizable experience with a stellar 98% recommendation rate from 43 reviews.
Travelers can select 3-4 must-see attractions from options like Moerenuma Park, Mount Moiwa, Nijo Market, and Jozankei Onsen.
The tour starts at $149.36 per person and includes hotel pickup and an English-speaking guide.
While transportation and entrance fees aren’t included, the tour’s flexible format lets guests use public transit or taxis between sites.
With a maximum group size of seven, it’s wheelchair and stroller accessible.
Advance booking is recommended, and cancellations are free up to 24 hours before.
Read our full review: Sapporo 6hr Private Tour With Government Licensed Guide Review
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Sapporo: Guided Lunch Tour in Nijo Market in Sosei East
Starting at the iconic Sapporo Clock Tower, this 2.5-hour lunch tour takes visitors through the heart of Sosei East for $63.03 per person.
The small group of up to 8 participants visits key landmarks like Sapporo City Hall, TV Tower, and Hokkaido Jingu Tongu Shrine before ending at Nijo Market for a fresh seafood lunch.
The tour includes TV Tower entry, lunch, insurance, and an English-speaking guide.
While it’s not suitable for pregnant women, wheelchair users, or those with food allergies, guests can cancel for free up to 24 hours before.
Travelers should wear comfortable shoes and bring weather-appropriate clothing.
Read our full review: Sapporo: Guided Lunch Tour in Nijo Market in Sosei East Review
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Hokkaido Noboribetsu Lake Toya, Otaru Panoramic Tour From Sapporo
This comprehensive day tour from Sapporo covers 400 kilometers of Hokkaido’s most scenic locations for $120 per person.
The 8 AM departure from Sapporo Station explores Noboribetsu, Mount Usu’s Bear Ranch, Lake Toya, and Otaru, with a multilingual guide providing insights throughout the journey.
While the 40-person group size might feel large, travelers praise the tour’s extensive coverage and the guide’s knowledge.
The package includes transportation and Bear Ranch admission.
There’s wheelchair and stroller accessibility, plus free cancellation up to 24 hours before.
Visitors should bring a lunch pack and cash for additional expenses.
Read our full review: Hokkaido Noboribetsu Lake Toya, Otaru Panoramic Tour From Sapporo Review
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Hokkaido: Asahiyama Zoo, Furano, and Ningle Terrace Tour
For travelers seeking a comprehensive winter experience, the 10-hour Asahiyama Zoo, Furano, and Ningle Terrace tour provides excellent value at Kč 1,567 per person.
The journey starts at Sapporo Station’s North Exit at 8:00 am, with multilingual guides offering commentary in English, Japanese, and Chinese.
Highlights include 2 hours at Asahiyama Zoo, known for its winter animal activities, plus visits to the turquoise Biei Blue Pond and the charming Ningle Terrace.
While winter conditions can affect attraction visibility, guests praise the skilled drivers and informative guides.
Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure.
Read our full review: Hokkaido: Asahiyama Zoo, Furano, and Ningle Terrace Tour Review
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Sum Up
Sapporo’s diverse tours cater to every traveler’s interests and budget. Whether it’s skiing in winter, exploring local markets, or visiting nearby attractions like Asahiyama Zoo and Blue Pond, visitors won’t run short of options. Private guides offer flexibility and local expertise, while group tours help cut costs. From half-day city highlights to full-day regional excursions, Sapporo’s tour offerings make exploring Hokkaido’s beauty accessible and convenient.