Sapporo is a foodie’s paradise and a treasure trove for shoppers looking to experience authentic local markets. What makes it stand out among Japan’s cities is its blend of fresh seafood, seasonal produce, and small artisan stores, all rooted in Hokkaido’s rich agricultural tradition. Whether you’re after a hands-on cooking experience, a deep dive into the seafood markets, or a cultural stroll through historic neighborhoods, Sapporo offers a variety of tours that cater to different interests. We especially like the private Market Tour and Cooking Class with Kanae, which combines local market insights with a personalized cooking lesson—perfect for food lovers wanting an authentic taste of Hokkaido.
If you prefer exploring with a mix of history and flavor, the Authentic Sapporo: Nijo Market Seafood Lunch & History Tour provides a guided walk with a delicious seafood lunch and insights into Sapporo’s early days. For those wanting a quick yet comprehensive experience, Nijo Market Guided Tour with Seafood Meal offers a short but rich exploration of the city’s most famous food market, ending with a local seafood meal.
Below, we detail each tour, highlighting what makes them special, who they’re best suited for, and what you can expect to gain from the experience.
1. Private Market Tour and Cooking Class with Kanae, a Sapporo Local
At number 1 on our list, this private cooking experience combines a guided tour of Nijo Ichiba market with a hands-on cooking class and lunch. For around $82, you’ll spend about four hours with Kanae, a local who loves sharing her knowledge of Hokkaido ingredients. You’ll explore the market with your guide, learning how to select the freshest fish, vegetables, and fruits. Then, at her home, you’ll cook regional dishes at your own pace, with all ingredients, lunch, and alcoholic beverages included.
What sets this tour apart is its intimate nature—being private means you get undivided attention and the chance to ask all your burning questions about local ingredients or cooking tips. Many reviewers praise Kanae for her friendliness and her ability to make you feel like a guest in her own kitchen. The experience is perfect for foodies who want to learn authentic recipes and enjoy a stress-free day of cooking and eating. It’s also a rare opportunity to master regional Japanese dishes in a comfortable, local setting.
Bottom line: This tour offers excellent value for those seeking a personalized, immersive culinary experience with a friendly local host.
2. Authentic Sapporo: Nijo Market Seafood Lunch & History Tour
The second spot is a lively guided walk that combines a fresh seafood lunch at Nijo Market with stories about Sapporo’s origins and its early days. For $64, you’ll explore one of the most iconic markets in the city, often called the “Citizens’ Kitchen,” with a knowledgeable guide. The tour includes tasting some of the freshest seafood—think oysters, crab, and sashimi—while you learn how Hokkaido’s cold waters support abundant marine life.
After the market, the tour takes you along the Sosei River to uncover Sapporo’s history, including the story of the Sosei East Area, which played a key role in the city’s development. A highlight is visiting Hokkaido Jingu Tongu, a shrine beloved by locals. The mix of culinary delights and cultural insights makes this tour ideal for travelers interested in both food and the local history.
Bottom line: Perfect for those wanting a well-rounded introduction to Sapporo’s food scene and its historical roots, all in a manageable timeframe.
3. Sapporo Guided Walking Lunch Tour in Nijo Market and Sosei East
This short, guided tour offers a taste of Sapporo’s food and history in just about 2.5 hours for $67.43. It’s ideal for travelers with limited time who still want a meaningful experience. The tour kicks off at the historic Clock Tower, then takes you to Sapporo City Hall and Odori Park to understand the city’s growth.
A highlight is riding the Sapporo TV Tower’s observation deck for panoramic views, followed by a walk across the Oldest Bridge in Sapporo, the Sosei Bridge, which is a piece of local history you can touch. Finally, your guide leads you to the Hokkaido Jingu shrine, where you’ll learn about its religious significance. The meal at Nijo Market—sushi or donburi—offers a genuine taste of local flavors.
Bottom line: This tour is a good option if you want a quick but rich overview of Sapporo’s history, city life, and culinary scene.
$67.43 per person
4. Tour in Sapporo Shrine, Fish Market and Shiroi Koibito Park
At number 4, this full-day tour combines cultural sites with foodie stops and sweets. Starting at the Hokkaido Jingu Shrine (constructed in 1869), you’ll learn about Shinto traditions and enjoy the peaceful surroundings. Next, the tour visits the Central Wholesale Market, where you can marvel at the fresh seafood and seasonal produce—perfect for anyone interested in Hokkaido’s bounty.
Later in the day, you’ll visit the famed Shiroi Koibito Park, where you observe how the iconic chocolate cookies are made and even decorate your own. With about 8.5 hours of activity, this tour offers a comprehensive look at Sapporo’s spiritual, culinary, and sweet side. The price reflects the full experience, including entry fees and transportation costs.
Good for: Travelers who want a mix of culture, culinary exploration, and a sweet treat to cap off the day.
Bottom line: This tour is ideal for those who love a mix of sightseeing, local food, and fun confectionery activities—be sure to book early for a full day’s adventure.
$161.74 per person
5. Sapporo: Sacred Shrine, Seafood Market & Shiroi Koibito Park
Similar to our previous entry but slightly shorter, this all-in-one package takes about 8.5 hours for $167. It covers the Hokkaido Shrine, the Central Wholesale Market, and Shiroi Koibito Park, with a focus on the rituals at the shrine and the production process of the famous sweets. You’ll learn local customs and taste Hokkaido seafood, making it an excellent choice for travelers who want cultural context along with food samples.
The guide explains the significance of the shrine’s rituals and offers tips on etiquette, which adds depth to the experience. The tour also provides a chance to explore the park and try decorating your own cookie, creating a memorable souvenir.
Best suited for: Those interested in Japanese traditions combined with tasting fresh seafood and sweets.
Bottom line: A solid choice for a full-day, well-rounded tour that balances spirituality, food, and fun.
$167 per person
6. Sapporo Market to Table: Fresh Hokkaido Produce Cooked by a Chef
This market-to-table experience is priced higher at about $327, but it offers the rare opportunity to shop for ingredients at Nijo Market with an English-speaking guide. After selecting seafood, vegetables, and local treats, you’ll head to a hidden restaurant where a French chef will prepare a multi-course meal using your ingredients.
The tour is about six hours long and is perfect for travelers who want to combine shopping with a gourmet meal. The guide helps you navigate the market, ensuring you find the freshest items, and then you enjoy the fruits of your labor in a cozy, local eatery. The experience is best for foodies eager to learn about regional ingredients and enjoy a chef’s touch on their bounty.
Bottom line: An excellent choice if you want hands-on involvement in sourcing and cooking your meal, and if you value a high-end culinary experience.
$326.70 per person
7. Sake Lovers Private Tour Visit Liquor Store and Izakaya
For sake aficionados, this private 3-hour tour offers a taste of Japan’s beloved rice wine culture. Starting at the Meishu No Yutaka liquor store, you’ll sample numerous types of sake from different regions. The guide’s 1.5-hour tasting session allows you to compare flavors and find your favorite.
Afterward, you’ll head to a local izakaya near Susukino where you can enjoy unlimited sake paired with small dishes for about an hour. This is an ideal tour for those wanting an in-depth exploration of sake’s nuances and the chance to enjoy it in a relaxed, authentic setting.
Best for: Sake lovers looking for a private, intimate experience and an introduction to Japanese drinking customs.
Bottom line: A well-curated experience for connoisseurs seeking to deepen their appreciation of sake in a friendly, personal setting.
$302.01 per person
8. Sapporo Day Trip: Market, Okurayama, Shiroi Koibito & Otaru Canal
This full-day trip is perfect for travelers who want to see more of the area. Starting with a visit to Jogai Market, you’ll browse local seafood and produce. Then, ride the ropeway at Okurayama Ski Jump Stadium for panoramic city views, followed by a visit to Shiroi Koibito Park to watch how the famous cookies are made.
Finally, a stroll along Otaru Canal reveals a picturesque, historic port town with glassware shops and cafes. The trip is about 8 hours, and the price covers transportation for up to four people. It’s suitable for families or groups wanting a comprehensive day combining food, scenery, and local culture.
Bottom line: Ideal for those wanting a full sightseeing day with plenty of variety, from markets to scenic views.
$653.38 per group (up to 4)
9. Nijo Market Guided Tour with Seafood Meal
Our final pick is a guided market tour that lasts about 1.5 hours. It’s perfect for travelers wanting a quick immersion into Sapporo’s seafood scene. Your guide will introduce you to the stalls, explaining how locals select and prepare Hokkaido’s finest catches—think tuna, crab, oysters, and more.
The tour concludes with a seafood meal included in the price, so you can taste the best of what the market offers. It’s a straightforward, no-fuss way to experience local flavors without a full day commitment.
Bottom line: Great for those short on time but eager to experience Sapporo’s seafood bounty firsthand.
$124.85 per person
How to Choose the Best Shopping & Market Tour in Sapporo
When selecting a tour, consider your budget, how much time you have, and what kind of experience you’re after. Want a personalized class? Try Kanae’s private cooking tour. Looking for culinary immersion combined with history? The Nijo Market seafood and history tour is perfect. For short visits, the guided market and seafood meal offers an efficient yet flavorful experience.
If your focus is cultural insights and sweets, check out the Shiroi Koibito Park combo. For a day-long adventure exploring beyond Sapporo, the Otaru Canal and mountain trip provides a scenic tour with food, views, and history.
To sum it up, Sapporo’s shopping and market tours span a wide spectrum—from intimate cooking classes to full-day excursions. For foodies, the private Kanae experience is a standout, offering a deeply personal taste of local life. For those interested in culture and history alongside their meals, the Nijo Market seafood tour is hard to beat. And if you want to combine sightseeing with great food, the Otaru Canal trip provides a balanced day of exploration.
No matter your style, these tours give you a genuine taste of Sapporo’s vibrant food scene and local charm. Book early to secure your preferred experience, especially during peak travel seasons.