Shopping in Sapporo combines modern malls with traditional markets in Japan’s northern hub. The best guided experiences pair retail therapy with culture. Among the standout tours, the private market-to-kitchen experience at Nijo Market stands above others – you’ll learn to make sushi while discovering local ingredients. The Mitsui Outlet Park tour offers excellent value for brand-conscious shoppers, with a stop at HOKKAIDO Snow Park adding seasonal excitement. We particularly love the evening Izakaya and sake tasting tour for its authentic mix of shopping and dining culture.
These tested-and-proven shopping adventures represent our favorite ways to explore Sapporo’s retail scene. Let’s explore the top shopping tours worth your time and money.
Key Points
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Mitsui Outlet Park in Sapporo offers discounts up to 70% on a variety of brands, making it an ideal destination for shopping enthusiasts on the Hokkaido Winter Experiences tour.
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The Culinary Immersion with Local Expert tour includes a visit to the Nijo Ichiba market, where visitors can explore regional Hokkaido produce and ingredients.
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The Scenic Day Trips in Hokkaido tour includes a stop at the Furano Flower Farm, where visitors can enjoy the region’s floral diversity and potential shopping opportunities.
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The Sake Lovers Private Tour offers an opportunity to experience Japanese sake tasting and visit local Izakaya establishments, which may include shopping for traditional Japanese goods.
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The Ningle Terrace, visited on the Sapporo Natural Attractions Tour, features artisanal shops and unique locally-made products, providing a cultural shopping experience.
Asahiyama Zoo, Blue Pond, Farm Tomita, Ningle Terrace (from Sapporo)
This private tour takes visitors on an immersive journey through some of Sapporo’s most captivating natural and cultural attractions.
Priced at $429.31 for up to 3 guests, the 11-hour experience includes admission fees, transportation, and a meal.
Highlights include the Asahiyama Zoo, known for its innovative animal exhibits, and the ethereal Blue Pond.
Travelers also visit the vibrant Farm Tomita and the charming Ningle Terrace, a quaint village of artisanal shops.
The tour is accessible, with wheelchair and stroller options, and offers flexibility, allowing guests to adjust the itinerary based on personal preferences and seasonal changes.
With an overall rating of 4.5, this comprehensive Sapporo excursion promises an unforgettable day of discovery.
Read our full review: Asahiyama Zoo, Blue Pond, Farm Tomita, Ningle Terrace (from Sapporo) Review
Book now: Check availability
Play With Snow! at HOKKAIDO Snow Park & Outlet Shopping
Immersing oneself in the winter wonderland of Hokkaido’s Snow Park is a thrilling experience for visitors seeking to embrace the region’s snowy delights.
The 8.5-hour tour offers a comprehensive package, including a bus transfer to the Hokkaido Ballpark F Village and a chance to try first-time skiing and sledding.
Multilingual staff provide support, and equipment rentals are included.
After the snow adventure, the tour heads to the Mitsui Outlet Park, where shoppers can enjoy discounts of up to 70% on a wide range of brands.
With its practical itinerary and diverse experiences, this tour is an ideal choice for those wanting to make the most of Sapporo’s winter offerings.
Read our full review: Play With Snow! at HOKKAIDO Snow Park & Outlet Shopping Review
Book now: Check availability
Private Market Tour and Cooking Class With Kanae, a Sapporo Local
For those seeking a more immersive cultural experience in Sapporo, a private market tour and cooking class with local resident Kanae offers an excellent opportunity.
Rated 5.0 based on 15 reviews, this hands-on experience allows visitors to explore Nijo Ichiba market, learn to cook regional Hokkaido dishes, and enjoy a stress-free meal in Kanae’s home.
The class covers a variety of menus, with vegetarian and vegan options available. Meeting at Maruyama Koen Station, the tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, ensuring a convenient and personalized experience.
With a maximum group size of 5, travelers are guaranteed Kanae’s undivided attention and can enjoy the local culinary traditions of Sapporo.
Read our full review: Private Market Tour and Cooking Class With Kanae, a Sapporo Local Review
Book now: Check availability
Hokkaido: Biei Blue Pond and Furano Flower Farm Day Trip
Nestled amidst the stunning landscapes of Hokkaido, the Biei Blue Pond and Furano Flower Farm day trip offers visitors a chance to enjoy the natural beauty of the region.
This all-day tour boasts a duration of 10 hours and is rated 4.2 out of 91 reviews, making it a popular choice among travelers. Priced at $65.35 per person, the tour promises to take guests to the mesmerizing Biei Blue Pond, known for its vibrant turquoise hue, as well as the picturesque Furano Flower Farm, where visitors can stroll through fields of colorful blooms.
This day trip is an ideal option for those seeking to explore Hokkaido’s natural wonders.
Read our full review: Hokkaido: Biei Blue Pond and Furano Flower Farm Day Trip Review
Book now: Check availability
Sake Lovers Private Tour: Visit Liquor Store and Izakaya
Individuals seeking an immersive sake-centric experience in Sapporo will find the Sake Lovers Private Tour an enticing option. Priced from $290.15 per person, this private tour includes an English interpreter, private taxi transportation, sake tasting, and dinner at an Izakaya.
Pickup is available from central Sapporo hotels or the North Exit of Sapporo Station. The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible but is suitable for most travelers.
Confirmation is provided within 48 hours, and cancellations are free up to 24 hours prior. With a private experience and flexible booking, the Sake Lovers Private Tour offers an intimate and customizable way to explore Sapporo’s sake culture.
Read our full review: Sake Lovers Private Tour: Visit Liquor Store and Izakaya Review
Book now: Check availability
Hand-Rolled Sushi Experience Tour at Sapporo Nijo Market
Sapporo’s Nijo Market provides the ideal setting for a hands-on sushi-making experience. This tour allows up to 5 participants to learn the art of hand-rolling sushi at the market.
The meeting point is at Builcess Square Odori, conveniently located near public transportation. However, previous customers have reported difficulty finding the starting point.
The tour includes a sushi lunch, but it seems the experience was less than satisfactory for one reviewer, who encountered communication issues and a no-show tour group.
Despite the negative feedback, the tour operator, さっぽろ下町づくり社, continues to offer this unique opportunity to explore Sapporo’s culinary heritage.
Read our full review: Hand-Rolled Sushi Experience Tour at Sapporo Nijo Market Review
Book now: Check availability
Private Farm to Table Tailored BBQ Experience in Sapporo
For those seeking a unique farm-to-table dining experience in Sapporo, the Private Farm to Table Tailored BBQ Experience offers a memorable culinary adventure.
Operated by Hokkaido Treasure Island Travel Inc., this private tour takes guests to a scenic location in Sapporo where they can enjoy a tailored BBQ menu featuring grilled seasonal vegetables, wood-plank grilled seafood, and roasted beef from Hokkaido University’s Shorthorn cattle.
The experience also includes a harvest activity, private round-trip transfers, and optional wine tastings at a local winery.
With a price starting from $580.29 per person, this tour provides a personalized and authentic taste of Hokkaido’s culinary delights.
Read our full review: Private Farm to Table Tailored BBQ Experience in Sapporo Review
Book now: Check availability
Frequently Asked Questions
Are There Any Discounts or Deals for Group Bookings?
Many tour companies offer discounts for group bookings. Travelers can often save 10-20% on the total cost when booking with a group of 4 or more people. Some providers may also include additional perks for larger groups.
Can I Request a Custom Tour Itinerary Based on My Interests?
Yes, you can request a custom tour itinerary. Many tour operators are happy to tailor the experience to your interests and preferences. This allows you to make the most of your time and see the sights you’re most excited about.
What Is the Average Duration of the Shopping Tours?
The average duration of the shopping tours is typically between 3-5 hours. This allows enough time to explore the major shopping districts and make purchases, while providing a rundown of the area’s retail offerings.
Do the Tours Include Transportation to and From the Starting Point?
The tours typically include transportation to and from the starting point. This makes it convenient for participants, as they don’t have to worry about getting to the tour’s starting location on their own.
Can I Book a Tour on Short Notice or Do I Need to Plan Ahead?
You can usually book a shopping tour on short notice, though planning ahead may ensure more availability. Many tour operators offer convenient pickup and drop-off services, so transportation is often included.
Recap
Sapporo offers a range of shopping tours that cater to diverse interests. From exploring Asahiyama Zoo and the Blue Pond to experiencing a private market tour and cooking class, visitors can enjoy the city’s culture and cuisine. For those seeking outdoor adventures and retail therapy, the HOKKAIDO Snow Park & Outlet Shopping and the Biei Blue Pond and Furano Flower Farm Day Trip are excellent options. Sapporo’s shopping tours provide a well-rounded experience of the city’s attractions.