First-time Hokkaido travellers often base in Sapporo: JR Rapid Airport reaches the city in about an hour every ~15 minutes.

Neighbourhoods

  • Sapporo Station — shopping and onward JR
  • Odori / Susukino — parks and nightlife
  • Near TV Tower / parks for winter illuminations

Sample station hotels (e.g. JR Hotel Sapporo class) for luggage-light winters.