Where to Stay

Most of the hotels in Sapporo are centrally located, within walking distance to many of the tourist attractions and restaurants. Hotels in Sapporo are generally more affordable than those in Tokyo, Osaka and Kyoto. You'll find the most variety in Chūō-ku, with a few options in Minami-ku and Suskino.

Minami-ku

One hardly discernible step below the top hotels in Sapporo is a class of hotels that would in many cities be considered at the top of the pile. They provide superior accommodation and services that are similar in almost every aspect to those hotels in the top class. The Shogetsu Grand Hotel has a natural hot spring on the premises. The Jozankei Manseikaku Ryokan Hotel has a relaxing sauna and outdoor pool. You'll find that their rates are reasonable and that service is impeccable.

Chūō-ku

Many of top class hotels, such as the Hotel New Otani Sapporo and the ANA Hotel Sapporo are located close to Sapporo Station, convenient for getting to and from the New Chitose Airport. The top hotels always have English-speaking staff on hand and go the extra mile to provide additional services.

Two other hotels, the Keio Plaza Hotel and the Sapporo Prince Hotel, are definitely worth checking out if you want high-class accommodation at reasonable prices.

There are many moderately-priced hotels in Sapporo, some of which are considered business hotels. Rooms in these hotels is not particularly spacious, but it is comfortable and clean. Most hotels in this category have a restaurant, but offer few other facilities apart from air conditioning and television. Two such recommended hotels include the Sapporo Tokyu Inn and the Hotel Sunroute Sapporo.

The budget traveler is well provided for in Sapporo. There are a number of inexpensive hotels offering decent accommodation, and there are more youth hostels than in most large Japanese cities. Also keep in mind the many ryokans, or traditional Japanese inns, such as the Guest House NONAKA. Accommodation at this level is strictly utilitarian: most rooms are just for sleeping. In the Western-style hotels you will have a bed, but in the ryokan expect to sleep Japanese-style on a futon on the floor. One noteworthy budget hotel, the Hotel New Budget Sapporo, provides satellite TV in each room at no extra charge, and is conveniently located in the center of the city.

Located near the airport is the Sheraton Hotel Sapporo, which is the tallest building in Sapporo, so you should have no problem finding your way back after a night in Susukino.

Susukino

Other accommodation that is unique to Japan includes capsule hotels and love hotels. The capsule hotels are aptly described by their name. The capsule, or room, measures about 6 by 3 feet with a mattress and a small TV.

Throughout Susukino you will find saunas that are open 24 hours. You can check-in and, after you have enjoyed the cleansing, you can bunk down on a cot in the relaxation room for the night. Don’t expect a good night’s sleep, though. The lights stay on at all hours and people are constantly coming and going, but if you're looking to save some money, it's a good option.

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