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After a short 1.5-hour flight from Tokyo, I landed at New Chitose Airport — the main gateway to Hokkaido. From the airport, the “Rapid Airport” train took me directly to Sapporo Station in just under 40 minutes. Smooth, easy, and surprisingly affordable.
Sapporo Station: More Than Just a Transit Hub
Walking through Sapporo Station for the first time, I was genuinely impressed. This isn’t just a place to catch a train — it’s a massive, beautifully designed complex packed with restaurants, cafes, and a seemingly endless selection of shops for clothing, cosmetics, and Hokkaido souvenirs.
Honestly, you could spend an entire day just exploring the station and its connected underground shopping areas. If you’re arriving hungry or need to pick up supplies, this is the place to do it.
Getting from New Chitose Airport to Sapporo Station:
Train is strongly recommended for most travelers
Train: “Rapid Airport” — approx. 37 minutes, ¥1,150
Taxi: approx. 60–80 minutes depending on traffic, ¥12,000–15,000
Where to Stay: ONSEN RYOKAN Yuen Sapporo
For accommodation, I chose ONSEN RYOKAN Yuen Sapporo — and it turned out to be one of the best decisions of the trip.
The ryokan is technically within walking distance from Sapporo Station, but with a heavy suitcase, I hopped in a taxi for a quick 5-minute ride. Worth every yen.
What Makes Yuen Special
ONSEN RYOKAN Yuen Sapporo sits in a sweet spot between a modern city hotel and a traditional Japanese ryokan. The rooms are comfortable and beautifully designed, with that quiet, understated elegance that good ryokans do so well.
But the real star of the show is the onsen.
Here’s what makes it remarkable: even though you’re right in the middle of Sapporo, the hotel pipes in real thermal water directly from Noboribetsu Karuruls Onsen — one of Japan’s most celebrated hot spring resorts, famous for its volcanic, mineral-rich waters with genuine healing properties.
After a flight and a day of travel, soaking in authentic onsen water without leaving the city center felt like a small miracle. It was the perfect reset.
ONSEN RYOKAN Yuen Sapporo — Check Rates & Availability:
- Expedia (Best for flight bundles)
Quick Info:
Reservation recommended, especially on weekends
Access: 5-minute taxi from Sapporo Station
Onsen: Natural thermal water from Noboribetsu (city center location)
Style: Modern ryokan — Japanese aesthetics with hotel-level comfort
Dinner: Hairy Crab at “Oga” — A Hokkaido Must-Do
For dinner, I headed to Oga, a premier seafood izakaya and one of the most well-regarded spots in Sapporo for Hokkaido’s finest ingredients.
The Hairy Crab (Kegani) — Worth Every Bite
The undisputed highlight was the Hairy Crab (Kegani). It arrived perfectly peeled — a meticulous, time-consuming process that speaks to the level of care Japanese hospitality takes as a given.
The meat was extraordinarily sweet and delicate — nothing like the crab you might have had elsewhere. If you’re in Hokkaido and you eat seafood, this is non-negotiable.
We also ordered a giant grilled Atka Mackerel (Hokke) — so fresh and juicy it practically melted. And of course, paired with cold Sake. The combination was perfect.
Why Oga Stands Out
- Specializes in live Hairy Crab (Kegani) prepared fresh to order
- Private Horigotatsu-style rooms — relaxed, intimate atmosphere
- Exceptional quality seafood sourced directly from Hokkaido
- Reservation is essential — this place fills up fast
Restaurant Info:
Check current hours and reservation availability before visiting
Name: Kitsutsuki Ryouri Oga
Address: 8F Sansuri Building, 3-1 Minami 3-jo Nishi, Chuo-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido
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