Uncover the soul of sake at Sapporo Toyohara River Sake Science Museum, where science meets craft in every drop. From rice polishing to fermentation, you’ll see how tradition and innovation blend to create Japan’s beloved brew. Try rare limited-edition sakes, enjoy local food pairings, and even try your hand at brewing. It’s not just a museum—it’s a sensory journey through time, taste, and terroir.

Everything you need to know about Sapporo Salmon Museum
Recommended is the Sapporo Marriott Hotel, just a 10-minute drive from the museum. It features Japanese-modern style rooms, a luxury spa, and complimentary shuttle service to downtown. Guests can enjoy local sake tasting experiences and panoramic views of Yōkōdō Hill from select rooms—perfect for combining cultural exploration with scenic relaxation in Hokkaido.
Take the Sapporo Municipal Subway Tozai Line from "Nishi 4-chome Station" (a 5-minute walk from the museum) to "Odori Station" in just 15 minutes. Alternatively, bus routes 27 and 63 offer direct access to downtown in about 20 minutes. Use the Kitaca card for seamless travel, enjoying city greenery and winter light displays along the way—ideal for connecting science museum visits with shopping and dining.
The museum offers hands-on brewery tours, interactive tasting workshops, and limited-edition sake gift sets. Visitors can explore the crafting of Hokkaido pure rice sake using local Furano rice, and participate in label design sessions. Weekly weekend events include sake master talks on aroma profiles and brewing history—ideal for enthusiasts seeking authentic insight into regional craftsmanship.
Yes, the Toyohira River Trail nearby features playgrounds, picnic areas, and bike paths—perfect for all seasons. Summer brings cherry blossoms, while winter hosts snow sculpture festivals and hot spring viewing decks. Also consider visiting the Sapporo City Zoo (15-minute drive), where kids can enjoy penguin parades and bear feeding sessions, blending nature, education, and fun for the whole family.
Start at 9:00 AM with a guided tour and sake tasting at the museum. Head to the Toyohira River Trail for lunch and relaxation by 11:00 AM. Visit the Sapporo City Museum (10-minute drive) at 1:30 PM to explore Hokkaido’s history and indigenous culture. Return via Takihama Shopping Street in the evening to buy souvenirs like Hokkaido malt whisky and matcha chocolate, creating a well-rounded day of culture, nature, and cuisine.
Open daily from 9:00 to 17:00 (last entry at 16:30), closed Mondays (except public holidays). Adult tickets cost ¥800, students half price, children free. Guided tours and tastings require advance HopeGoo at ¥1,200, including five samples of regional sake. Reserve online to secure your spot and ensure a smooth, immersive experience.
Sapporo Asahi Hotel is a top choice, located just a 10-minute drive from the Toyohira River Wine Science Museum. The hotel features modern Japanese-style rooms with views of greenery and distant Sapporo Dome. It offers an on-site onsen bath and a local craft beer bar, allowing guests to immerse in Hokkaido’s unique brewing culture after visiting the museum. Conveniently situated near Sapporo Station, it provides easy access via subway or bus. Guests can also join the hotel’s weekend sake tasting workshop, exploring traditional Japanese fermentation techniques in depth.
The most convenient option is taking the Sapporo Municipal Subway Namboku Line from West 2-chome Station (a 10-minute walk from the museum) to Sapporo Station, taking about 25 minutes. For comfort and direct access, pre-book a private shuttle or use a taxi—approximately 15 minutes, costing 800–1200 JPY. The Sapporo Asahi Hotel offers complimentary shuttle service, making it ideal for visitors. Additionally, the museum has a self-service bike rental station, perfect for cycling short distances through scenic riverside paths into downtown Sapporo.
Beyond exploring the exhibition on Japanese sake history and brewing techniques, don’t miss the on-site free sake tasting sessions, featuring local Hokkaido brews like the "Snow Country Junmai" series. Afterward, stroll along the scenic Toyohira River Trail, a tree-lined path perfect for walking or jogging amid nature. In the evening, head to Hokkaido’s famous Tonkotsu Ramen district, where you can savor authentic Sapporo ramen paired with regional shochu. Some guided tours even include a sake and wagashi pairing class, blending tradition with culinary artistry in a deeply cultural experience.
Prince Hotel Sapporo is ideal for families, offering family-friendly rooms, a children’s playroom, and free breakfast with accessible facilities. Located just a 15-minute drive from the museum, it features ample parking and EV charging stations. The hotel hosts outdoor family activity zones where kids can participate in mini brewing experiments. Regularly scheduled Family Sake Discovery Days present interactive, educational workshops that engage both children and adults in fun, hands-on learning. Nearby, large supermarkets and themed shops offer convenient shopping for souvenirs and essentials.
Yes! The sunset promenade along the Toyohira River is a prime photo spot, especially at golden hour when sunlight reflects off the water and contrasts with the city skyline. Another popular location is the sculpture garden outside the museum, featuring abstract installations inspired by brewing tools, blending industrial design with contemporary art. Inside, the glass-domed exhibition hall creates stunning light effects, perfect for capturing sake bottles and artistic lighting compositions. Weekends often host pop-up sake-themed markets, where costumed photographers and immersive art installations add narrative depth to your shots.
See what other travelers say about Sapporo Salmon Museum

Staying at Rembrandt Style Sapporo was a fantastic experience from start to finish. The hotel’s location is unbeatable—right next to the train station, making it super convenient for getting around Sapporo or heading out for day trips. Our family room was spacious enough for three people, with plenty of room to move around without feeling cramped. On-site amenities are thoughtful: a connected Lawson convenience store means you can grab snacks, drinks, or essentials anytime, and there’s also a shopping arcade right downstairs—perfect for last-minute souvenirs or casual dining. The on-site bathhouse is a real highlight; after soaking in the warm waters, I treated myself to a refreshing ice pop—a little luxury that made the moment even better. Parking costs just 800 yen per day, which is incredibly reasonable. The bathroom features a smart dry-wet separation design and includes a small bathtub, adding comfort to the stay. The only minor downside? No outdoor hot spring (rotenburo), but honestly, everything else more than makes up for it. This place delivers excellent value and comfort—highly recommend for travelers looking for a cozy, well-located base in Sapporo.

Staying at Super Hotel Sapporo-Susukino was an absolute delight! The location is unbeatable—right in the heart of Susukino, just steps away from shopping streets, restaurants, and local attractions. I found it super easy to get around by subway, making day trips or exploring the city a breeze. The room was clean, well-maintained, and surprisingly spacious for the price. The bed was comfortable, and I slept like a baby. What really stood out was the friendly and helpful staff—they went the extra mile to make sure everything was perfect. It’s a fantastic value for money, and I’d definitely book again. Highly recommended for anyone visiting Sapporo!

The detailed instructions and guidance before arrival made our stay incredibly smooth and enjoyable. If you're unsure where to park, don't worry—parking at the adjacent lot works just as well, as they’re all very similar in terms of location and accessibility. We ended up using the one next door and found it convenient for both entry and exit. The location is perfect—close to downtown, shopping areas, and great dining options. Everything we needed was within easy reach. With such a hassle-free experience and excellent value, I’d definitely book here again.

The stay was really enjoyable overall. The staff were polite and attentive, making us feel welcome from the moment we arrived. While a bit more concise communication would have been appreciated, their kindness still made a positive impression. What stood out most was the spacious room—so much room to move around, with a comfortable bed and all essentials neatly provided. The shower pressure was a little weak, but considering current living costs, it’s perfectly functional for daily use. Honestly, the room’s comfort and size made this place feel like a real home away from home. Great location too—easy access to public transit and downtown. Definitely worth recommending, and I’d happily return.

Absolutely delighted with this hotel! The location is unbeatable—just a short walk from the JR station and close to Sapporo TV Tower, making it super convenient for exploring the city. If you're planning a trip to Ski Resort Chirano, the bus stop is just a 10-minute ride away, so getting there is effortless. The room itself is modern and well-equipped with thoughtful amenities like a steam dryer and microwave—perfect for a quick meal or drying clothes after a day out. The interior design feels fresh and clean, with plenty of space and a nice, calming atmosphere. Everything was spotless and well-maintained. I’d definitely stay here again on my next visit to Sapporo, and I’d highly recommend it to fellow travelers looking for comfort and convenience in a great location.

The stay at this property was generally positive—service was consistent and the location is convenient, just a short subway ride into downtown Sapporo. The apartment itself was clean and well-maintained, with all the essentials for a comfortable stay. However, one thing to note is that there were no slippers provided in the room nor toothbrushes, which made me wish I had brought my own. It’s a small oversight, but adding these basic amenities would greatly enhance guest comfort. Overall, it’s a great value option for travelers looking for a quiet, home-like atmosphere in Sapporo, and I’d definitely consider returning on future visits.

I always stay at The Knot Sapporo whenever I visit Sapporo—it's become my go-to spot. Located right in the heart of downtown, it's literally steps away from Sapporo Station, Odori Park, Nijo Shopping District, and Susukino. Everything is super accessible whether you're walking or taking the subway. The rooms are clean, well-maintained, and staff are genuinely friendly and helpful. One of the best perks? You get bonus coins during check-in that can be used for drinks, snacks, or even meals at the on-site restaurant—great value and a nice touch for travelers who want convenience without breaking the bank.

The location is excellent—super convenient for getting around Sapporo, and I’m so glad I chose this place. The apartment was clean, quiet, and the bed was spacious and comfortable, making for a great night’s sleep. I’d definitely stay here again. One small issue was a slight leak from the washing machine, which could be fixed easily. It would’ve been even better with an electric rice cooker—since we didn’t have one, we used a small pot to cook rice for breakfast, which worked out fine but was a bit of a hassle. Overall, it’s a solid choice for travelers looking for a cozy, well-located stay in Sapporo.

Staying at Cozy and Convenient Royal Heights in Sapporo was a great experience overall. The hotel is perfectly located with a Pizza Hut and a supermarket just steps away—perfect for grabbing quick meals or essentials without having to travel far. The only minor note is that you need to carry your luggage up to the second floor, but the stairs are manageable and well-lit. The room itself is spacious and thoughtfully designed—clean, modern, and easy to navigate. The instructions for using amenities were clear and straightforward, which made settling in hassle-free. I especially appreciated the excellent value for money. Whether you're here for business, sightseeing, or a family trip, this hotel offers comfort, convenience, and a welcoming atmosphere. I’d definitely stay here again on my next visit to Sapporo.

Staying at KOKO Hotel Sapporo Odori was one of those rare moments where travel truly feels like living. Visiting Hokkaido during the off-season turned out to be unexpectedly magical—fewer crowds, softer light, and a calm that wraps around you like a warm blanket. I spent a quiet afternoon on a bench right outside the station, sipping coffee while enjoying a steaming bowl of curry from a nearby spot. The aroma filled the air, simple but deeply satisfying. Walking through Nakamise Street, I stopped by Seicosmart for some fresh produce—fresh, local, and full of life. What struck me most wasn’t the scenery or the sights, but the feeling of being present. No rush, no itinerary, just time to breathe. This hotel isn’t just a place to sleep—it’s a gateway to a slower, more thoughtful way of traveling. The location is perfect: steps from the train station, close to shops and local flavors. It’s not about checking boxes; it’s about finding peace in small things—a sunlit bench, a good meal, a moment of stillness. If you’re looking for a real, authentic experience beyond the tourist trail, this is it. A true gem for anyone who believes travel should feel like coming home.

The location is perfect—just a short walk from the heart of Sapporo, making it easy to explore the city on foot. Despite being close to downtown, the area remains quiet and peaceful, which was great for a restful night’s sleep. The host was incredibly responsive, always quick to reply and helpful with any questions or requests. It’s clear they care about guest experience. Overall, this place offers excellent value and comfort—highly recommend for anyone visiting Sapporo.

I did pre-check-in via email, which made the process super smooth and stress-free. The hotel had already noted my request for a lower-floor room, and they honored it—such a thoughtful touch! I brought the earplugs just in case, but honestly, the room was incredibly quiet—no voices, no loud noises at all. The bedding was soft and cozy, and I slept like a baby. The bathroom and sink area were spotless, and having a dedicated hair dryer (one unit) was such a nice surprise—it’s rare to find that in budget-friendly places. Everything about this stay felt well thought out. If I’m traveling solo again, I’d definitely book here without hesitation. Truly excellent value for money.
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