Where to Stay on a Budget in Sapporo

Not only is the Quintessa Hotel just north of Nakajima Park, a scenic green space for walks in summer or cross-country skiing in winter, it’s also only a sushi roll’s toss from a metro station – so exploring Sapporo is easy. The spacious rooms, decorated in cappuccino tones, also come with handy add-ons: parking for your hire car, rental bikes and laundry service. The breakfast buffet is a serious affair, with around 80 different dishes on offer, from Hokkaido pumpkin to local milk.

Only a couple of blocks from Sapporo’s party heart, Susukino, which is packed full of whisky bars, izakaya pubs, lamb-scented jingisukan barbecue restaurants and more, Karaksa is a natural pick for night owls who want to enjoy the city after dark. Cheery rooms are decked in whites and light woods, while a restaurant serves up only-in-Hokkaido specialities. A second-floor public bath is ideal for warming frosty limbs after a winter’s day exploring.

A fresh, youthful vibe pervades at Red Planet, from the dramatic red-and-black lobby stylings to the minimalist, contemporary rooms with white-washed walls. Desk areas suit business travellers planning to mix work with pleasure, but in truth this hotel is best used as a crash pad for further exploration. After all, you’re primely placed: just a short walk from Odori Park, the centre of Sapporo’s annual Snow Festival.

Lifort is a winner for outdoorsy types who want to immerse themselves in one of Sapporo’s prettiest green spaces, Nakajima Park. There are loads of amenities on site, including a 24-hour front desk, a chapel and even a restaurant, while fans of Japanese culture will love the proximity to the Koharadojo Calligraphy Art Museum. It’s a popular spot for big weddings and banquet events, so keep eyes peeled for local revellers dressed to the nines.

Sapporo is best-known for its annual Snow Festival, when epic, multi-storey ice sculptures – fashioned by the world’s finest carvers – appear in central Odori Park. And Grids Sapporo puts you in the centre of this energetic strip, also home to live music and cockle-warming drinks. The hostel itself is set in a shopping arcade, so you can indulge in a spot of boutique-browsing before bedding down in dorm-style rooms. Travelling as a family? Book a traditional tatami room with futon beds for the full Japanese experience.

Right next to Hokkaido University – as well as a metro stop that will whisk you to central Sapporo station – Untapped is one of Sapporo’s coolest affordable stays: think concrete-style walls, industrial-chic lighting and distressed wood detailing. There’s a comfy lounge area and kitchen space where you can catch up with friends, old and new, over a steaming hojicha roasted tea. Or, prep a meal before tackling the Sapporo brewery tour – an easy journey away via public transport.

Want to see the real Hokkaido, away from the tourist trail? In the eastern reaches of the city, Ino’s Place is in a local neighbourhood that gives you an authentic Japanese experience. With free coffee and tea, and a cosy lounge – as well as equipped kitchen for self-catering – it’s not fancy, but it’s certainly homely. Wooden bunk beds feature in sleeping quarters, while there are laundry facilities and lockers for storing away valuables when you head out to explore.