SappoLodge

Top choice in Sapporo


A little slice of mountain life a stone's throw from Susukino – you can use the climbing wall to get to the 2nd-floor dorms instead of the stairs – SappoLodge is a magnet for outdoorsy types who find themselves in the city. The only downside is the noise from the (fun, popular) ground-floor bar until 'quiet time' is enforced at 2am.

Owner (and Sapporo native) Nara-san is a real adventurer. He worked as a guide for 14 years and this is his form of 'retirement' – though he still takes guests on hiking and backcountry excursions to his favourite spots (shoot him an email if you're keen).

It's a great spot for a nightcap, even if you're not staying here.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Sapporo attractions

1. Chitosetsuru Sake Museum

0.37 MILES

Fans of Japan's national drink will enjoy this museum, which – though English signage is lacking – has visually understandable displays about the history…

2. Sapporo TV Tower

0.42 MILES

Beating Tokyo Tower by two years, Sapporo TV Tower (147m) arrived in 1956, bringing with it the modern television age. It was designed by 'Dr Tower' Naitō…

3. Ōdōri-kōen

0.45 MILES

This haven in the heart of the city is fully 13 blocks (1.5km) long, with the TV Tower at its eastern end. Among the green lawns and flower gardens are…

4. Sapporo Clock Tower

0.57 MILES

No Japanese tourist can leave Sapporo without snapping a photo of the city's signature landmark and oldest building, the clock tower. Built in 1878, the…

5. Black Slide Mantra

0.8 MILES

This sculpture in Ōdōri-kōen by Japanese-American artist Noguchi Isamu is hands-on art at its best: made of black stone to stand out in the snow, the…

7. Hokkaidō Ainu Center

0.87 MILES

In an office building across the street from Hokkaidō University Botanical Garden, this cultural centre is run by the Hokkaidō Ainu Association and has a…

8. Tower Three-Eight

0.94 MILES

Defeating Sapporo TV Tower when it comes to views and class (but not cultural significance!), the 38-floor JR Tower (173m) has a spacious observatory with…