Ino's Place

Sapporo


This is a popular backpackers' spot with all the fixings: friendly, bilingual staff, clean rooms with modern bunks, private lockers, free coffee and tea, no curfew, laundry facilities, a kitchen and a communal lounge space. Bonus: the owner is a juggler and the hostel doubles as a shop for juggling goods.

From the subway exit (don't go to JR Shiroishi Station!), walk straight for a few minutes along the main street in the direction of the Eneos petrol station. Turn right at the fourth traffic light and you'll see a detached two-storey white building – you've arrived. The website tells you all you need to know.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Sapporo attractions

1. Chitosetsuru Sake Museum

1.54 MILES

Fans of Japan's national drink will enjoy this museum, which – though English signage is lacking – has visually understandable displays about the history…

2. Sapporo Beer Museum

1.84 MILES

This legendary Sapporo attraction is in the original Sapporo Beer brewery, a pretty, ivy-covered brick building. There's no need to sign up for the tour;…

3. Sapporo TV Tower

1.94 MILES

Beating Tokyo Tower by two years, Sapporo TV Tower (147m) arrived in 1956, bringing with it the modern television age. It was designed by 'Dr Tower' Naitō…

4. Ōdōri-kōen

2.03 MILES

This haven in the heart of the city is fully 13 blocks (1.5km) long, with the TV Tower at its eastern end. Among the green lawns and flower gardens are…

5. Sapporo Clock Tower

2.12 MILES

No Japanese tourist can leave Sapporo without snapping a photo of the city's signature landmark and oldest building, the clock tower. Built in 1878, the…

6. Tower Three-Eight

2.34 MILES

Defeating Sapporo TV Tower when it comes to views and class (but not cultural significance!), the 38-floor JR Tower (173m) has a spacious observatory with…

8. Black Slide Mantra

2.48 MILES

This sculpture in Ōdōri-kōen by Japanese-American artist Noguchi Isamu is hands-on art at its best: made of black stone to stand out in the snow, the…