16 Best Japanese Cultural Activities to Experience in Sapporo for Foreign Visitors

Sapporo is not just famous for its snow festivals and rich ramen culture. It is a vibrant hub offering diverse experiences, ranging from deeply traditional Japanese culture to unique, local immersion. This guide is optimized for foreign tourists seeking memorable, culturally rich activities!

 

Category 1: Culinary Arts – Hands-On Japanese Food Experience (Washoku)

Washoku, a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage, is best experienced by making it. Hokkaido’s fresh ingredients elevate these authentic experiences.

• Authentic Sushi Making (Nigiri):

  • Learn to prepare Nigiri sushi using Hokkaido’s fresh seafood under a professional sushi chef’s guidance.

  • Includes a photo opportunity in a traditional uniform.

  • Check it out here: Sushi-making experience in Sapporo with English-speaking sushi chef!

 

• Soba Noodle Making (Buckwheat):

  • Experience the traditional craft of Soba (buckwheat) noodle preparation from scratch.

  • Hokkaido is Japan’s leading buckwheat producer. Focuses on artisan skill and healthy Japanese food.

  • Check it out here: A casual and fun soba-making experience in Sapporo

 

• Deco Sushi Making (Kawaii):

  • Create rolled sushi that reveals beautiful, photogenic patterns (characters, flowers) when sliced.

  • A blend of Kawaii culture and traditional culinary art.

  • Check it out here: Deco Sushi Class! Learn how to make incredible beautiful sushi and other Japanese dishes in a home-cooking class in Sapporo!

 

• Temaki Sushi (Home-Style):

  • A fun, interactive experience where groups roll their own colorful ingredients into nori (seeding).

  • Perfect for families and groups looking for a lively, informal Japanese meal.

  • Check it out here: Learn to make handmade sushi with tempura and meat dishes in Sapporo!

 

 

Category 2: Zen & Aesthetics – Traditional Japanese Spirit and Beauty (Wabi-Sabi)

These serene activities offer a deep dive into Japanese spirituality, hospitality, and traditional artistic values.

• Zazen Meditation 

  • Mindfulness practice through temple meditation (Zazen) followed by time spent with the priests learning more about their life

  • Highly recommended for those looking to go a step further than just visiting temples

  • Check it out here: A Sapporo Retreat- Forest Therapy and Zazen Meditation Practice with an English-speaking guide

 

• Kimono Wearing & Strolling:

  • Dress in a traditional Japanese Kimono and explore Sapporo’s seasonal landscapes.

  • Excellent for travel photography and memorable souvenirs.

  • Check it out here: Sapporo in Style: Experience Luxury Kimono and A Private Hokkaido Shrine Tour [Special All Hokkaido Price!]

 

• Japanese Tea Ceremony (Matcha):

  • Learn the art, spirit, and hospitality (Omotenashi) of the Matcha tea ceremony.

  • Enjoy traditional sweets in a setting of quiet elegance.

  • Check it out here: A Sapporo Retreat- join a local guide for “forest therapy” and Japanese tea ceremony

 

• Washi Paper Making:

  • Create Washi, the 1000-year-old Japanese handmade paper, known for its light weight and durability.

  • Makes a unique, artisanal souvenir.

  • Check it out here: Hokkaido “Washi” Crafts Experience- a paper-making artisan’s studio tour in Sapporo

 

• Furoshiki Dyeing:

  • Master the sustainable Japanese skill of using a single cloth (Furoshiki) to elegantly wrap various objects (bottles, boxes) while making your own special furoshiki

  • A practical demonstration of Japanese wisdom.

  • Check it out here: Furoshiki Dyeing Experience and exploring outside the city center of Sapporo!

 

Category 3: Nightlife & Entertainment – Unique Japanese Night Culture

Explore the strong, fun, and hidden sides of Japanese culture after dark.

• Sumo & Chanko Nabe Experience:

  • Experience the power of Sumo (Japan’s national sport) through viewing/demonstrations.

  • Followed by eating Chanko Nabe, the hearty stew consumed by wrestlers.

  • Check it out here: Sapporo Sumo Club- A dinner show with sumo entertainment!

 

• Geisha Experience (Ozashiki Asobi):

  • A rare opportunity to observe the traditional dance, music, and elegant demeanor of Geisha in an Ozashiki Asobi (private party) setting.

  • Check it out here: Extraordinary Geisha Experience and Private Hokkaido Dinner in Sapporo

 

• Snack Bar Hopping (Local Interaction):

  • A guided deep-dive into the iconic, retro Snack Bar culture.

  • An opportunity to drink, sing, and socialize with locals in a classic Japanese nightlife setting.

  • Check it out here: Susukino Nightlife Experience [Special All Hokkaido Price!] in Sapporo!

 

• Sake Tasting (Kikisake):

  • Sample and compare different Sake varieties, leveraging Hokkaido’s pristine water and cool climate for unique flavors.

  • Expands knowledge of Japanese rice wine.

  • Check it out here: Sapporo on Foot: A Walking and Drinking Tour for Japanese Alcohol Enthusiasts

 

• Karaoke Experience (Latest Tech):

  • Sing using the newest technology in Japan, the birthplace of Karaoke.

  • Enjoy a high-energy, private room experience.

  • Check it out here: Private karaoke plan in Sapporo! 2 hours with snacks included!

 

 

Category 4: Local Life & Sweets – Everyday Cultural Immersion

Observe the delicate artistic side of Japanese sweets and participate in everyday communal activities.

• Wagashi Making (Artisan Sweets):

  • Learn to create beautiful Wagashi (Japanese traditional sweets), such as Nerikiri, which are sculpted to resemble seasonal nature.

  • A delicate, artistic activity.

  • Check it out here: Learn the art of traditional Japanese sweets “wagashi” in a home-cooking class in Sapporo!

 

• Radio Taiso (Morning Exercise):

  • Join locals in the widely practiced national morning exercise routine (Radio Taiso) often done in parks.

  • A chance to experience authentic, non-touristy daily Japanese life.

  • Check it out here: Shared tour- Early Morning “Radio Taiso” Exploration at Hokkaido Shrine in Sapporo

 

💡 Why Sapporo is Ideal for Cultural Tourism

Sapporo offers a rare combination of high urban convenience and rich cultural offerings. The city’s excellent transit system allows tourists to efficiently access multiple experiences in a short time. Furthermore, the local food activities benefit significantly from Hokkaido’s globally renowned, high-quality ingredients, making the culinary experiences exceptional. Come join us!