Discover Sapporo with Your Family
👨👩👧👦 Sapporo, the capital city of Hokkaido, is a fantastic destination for families looking to explore the beauty and culture of Japan. From snow-filled adventures to unique cultural experiences, there’s something for everyone in this incredible city. To help you plan your family-friendly trip, we’ve put together a list of the top things to do in Sapporo with kids. Enjoy!
Outdoor Fun and Adventure
⛄ Odori Park
Located in the heart of Sapporo, Odori Park is a great place to start your family adventure. This 1.5 km-long park offers beautiful gardens, fountains, and playgrounds for your little ones to explore. During winter, Odori Park transforms into a winter wonderland with the famous Sapporo Snow Festival, featuring giant snow sculptures and fun activities for the whole family.
🌲 Moerenuma Park
Designed by renowned artist Isamu Noguchi, Moerenuma Park is a unique and modern park that offers a variety of outdoor activities for families. You’ll find playgrounds, fountains, and even a small hill for sledding in winter. Don’t forget to check out the Glass Pyramid, which houses an art gallery and a children’s play area.
⛷️ Sapporo Teine Ski Resort
If your family loves skiing or snowboarding, then a visit to Sapporo Teine Ski Resort is a must. With slopes suitable for beginners and experienced skiers, the whole family can enjoy the thrill of winter sports. The resort also offers ski and snowboard lessons, as well as rental equipment, making it an accessible option for all.
Cultural Experiences
🍜 Sapporo Ramen Republic
Introduce your kids to the delicious world of Japanese ramen at Sapporo Ramen Republic. Located on the 10th floor of the ESTA building, this food court offers eight different ramen shops, each serving their unique take on Sapporo’s famous miso ramen. It’s a great way to experience local cuisine and find your family’s favorite.
🏯 Historical Village of Hokkaido
Step back in time at the Historical Village of Hokkaido, an open-air museum that showcases the history and culture of Hokkaido from the late 1800s to the early 1900s. With over 50 buildings to explore, including traditional houses, shops, and schools, your family will gain a deeper understanding of Japan’s past while enjoying a fun day out.
🎨 Sapporo Art Park
Encourage your children’s creativity at Sapporo Art Park, a unique outdoor art museum featuring sculptures, gardens, and interactive exhibits. The park also offers workshops and classes, allowing your family to try their hand at various art forms, such as pottery and glassblowing.
Family-Friendly Attractions
🐟 Shiroi Koibito Park
A must-visit for families with a sweet tooth, Shiroi Koibito Park is a chocolate factory and theme park in one. Learn about the history of chocolate and watch the production process of Sapporo’s famous Shiroi Koibito cookies. The park also features a playground, a mini train ride, and a chocolate-themed café for a truly delightful day out.
🌊 Otaru Aquarium
Just a short train ride from Sapporo, Otaru Aquarium offers an exciting day out for families who love marine life. The aquarium features a variety of sea creatures, including seals, penguins, and dolphins. Don’t miss the entertaining dolphin and sea lion shows, as well as the chance to feed and interact with some of the animals.
🚀 Sapporo Science Center
Spark your kids’ curiosity at the Sapporo Science Center, which features interactive exhibits and hands-on activities that make learning about science and technology fun. Highlights include a planetarium, a tornado simulator, and various workshops where kids can build and experiment with different materials.
Helpful Tips for Families
- 🎎 Many attractions in Sapporo offer discounted admission for children, so be sure to ask about any available discounts when purchasing tickets.
- 🚆 Public transportation in Sapporo is clean, safe, and efficient. Consider purchasing a Sapporo One-Day Pass for unlimited travel on subways and streetcars within the city.
- ❄️ If visiting in winter, be sure to pack warm clothes, as temperatures can drop below freezing. Keep in mind that many attractions, such as parks and playgrounds, may be covered in snow during this time.
- 🍽️ When dining out, look for family-friendly restaurants with kids’ menus or shareable dishes, as Japanese portion sizes can be smaller than those in Australia.
We hope this guide helps you plan an unforgettable family trip to Sapporo, Japan. And remember, Tiny Trek Rentals is here to make your journey smoother and more enjoyable by providing a wide range of high-quality, clean and safe baby equipment for rent. Happy travels! 🌏✈️