Sapporo is a city that charms visitors with its rich culinary scene, especially after dark. Unlike many Japanese cities, Sapporo’s food culture is deeply rooted in Hokkaido’s fresh local ingredients, making it a perfect place for food tours. Whether you’re a curious foodie or just eager to find authentic spots away from tourist traps, the tours here offer a chance to taste Hokkaido’s best produce, seafood, and sake. For instance, the Sapporo Bar Hopping Food Tour is loved for its insider access to hidden bars and local favorites—plus, it’s just 3 hours of lively exploration, offering a great taste of Sapporo’s nightlife.
If you prefer something more tailored, the Private and Personalized Eat Like a Local Tour allows you to customize your experience, visiting everything from Ganso Ramen Alley to farmland markets. For a full immersion into Japanese food and culture, the Sumo Show Experience combines sumo demonstrations with hearty meals. Whatever your interest, Sapporo’s food tours promise an authentic, flavorful adventure.
1. Sapporo Bar Hopping Food Tour
At number 1 on our list is the Sapporo Bar Hopping Food Tour. For about $101.34 per person, this 3-hour tour offers a lively introduction to Sapporo’s night-time drinking and eating scene. The guide takes you to three local bars, including a hidden underground bar you might never find on your own, and shares stories behind the city’s favorite spots.
What makes this tour stand out is its focus on local favorites and insider tips. You’ll sample varieties of ramen and parfait desserts, plus enjoy the fun of hopping from izakaya to izakaya, discovering Sapporo’s distinctive drinking culture. The tour includes photos after the experience for a memorable keepsake. Reviews praise the knowledgeable guides and the chance to avoid tourist traps, with many mentioning how Midori and Seiko made the night special.
This tour is perfect if you want a social, relaxed way to explore Sapporo’s bar scene, especially after dark. The balance of local insights, great food, and a short duration makes it a good choice for those with limited time or looking for a fun evening out.
Bottom line: Ideal for social travelers eager to explore Sapporo’s nightlife and taste local drinks and snacks.
2. Sapporo: Private and Personalized Eat Like a Local Tour
For around $189, the Private and Personalized Eat Like a Local Tour offers a flexible 3-hour experience tailored to your tastes. Led by a local host, this tour takes you to favorite spots like Ganso Ramen Alley, and even a local beer or sake distillery. With private bookings, you can choose where to go, making it ideal for foodies wanting a customized journey.
The highlight is trying fresh ingredients from Nijo Market and sampling Sapporo’s signature dish, Genghis Khan—a hearty mutton BBQ. Guests frequently mention guides who are passionate and knowledgeable, sharing local stories and history while you eat. The tour is especially suited for travelers who want an intimate, behind-the-scenes look at Sapporo’s culinary scene, away from tourist crowds.
While it’s pricier, the personal touch and flexibility provide excellent value for keen food explorers. It’s also perfect for those with specific dietary interests or who want to focus on local beers and sake.
Bottom line: Best suited for travelers seeking a tailor-made, private experience with local flavors.
3. Sapporo Sumo Show Experience with Japanese Food and Photo
At number 3, the Sumo Show Experience with Japanese Food and Photo offers a lively, interactive look into Japan’s traditional sport. For just $117.39, this 2-hour event combines sumo demonstrations by retired wrestlers with a hearty meal of Chanko-nabe, the famous sumo hot pot.
What makes this experience unique is the chance to learn sumo rules, watch wrestling demonstrations, and even participate in a match if you’re feeling brave. Plus, you receive a souvenir photo with the wrestlers, making it a memorable keepsake. Reviews praise the informative commentary and the fun, engaging atmosphere, suitable for both adults and children.
This tour is ideal if you want a cultural experience combined with good food. It’s less about sightseeing and more about understanding sumo’s rituals, while enjoying a delicious meal. The intimate setting and the inclusion of photos add a personal touch.
Bottom line: Perfect for families or curious travelers interested in Japan’s sports and traditions, looking for a short, interactive experience.
4. Sapporo: Sumo Show Experience with Japanese food & Photo
Number 4 on our list is the Sumo Show Experience with Japanese Food & Photo. For $121 per person, this tour presents a more relaxed sumo experience with opportunities for wrestling demonstrations and a delicious chicken hot pot prepared by former sumo wrestlers.
The highlight is the opportunity to learn rules and practice sumo techniques, making it highly interactive. The bilingual commentary helps non-Japanese speakers understand the rituals behind the sport. Guests enjoy personal photos with the wrestlers and souvenirs to remember the day.
Ideal for those interested in sports, Japanese culture, and tasty food, this tour’s family-friendly approach and focus on hands-on participation set it apart. The hot pot meal is hearty and satisfying, providing excellent value.
Bottom line: A good pick for families and sports fans wanting a fun, memorable cultural experience with great food.
5. A plan to try soba-noodle making and eat with 4 kinds of Japanese favorite condiments!
Coming in at number 5, this Soba noodle making experience is perfect for culinary adventurers. For $120.04, you get a hands-on lesson where you learn to make authentic soba noodles from scratch and then enjoy them with four traditional condiments.
Hokkaido is renowned for its high-quality buckwheat, and this tour lets you appreciate the craft behind Japan’s beloved noodle. The experience lasts about an hour and is suitable for all skill levels. Guests often mention how fun and educational it is, with the opportunity to really understand Japanese soba culture.
This tour is best for foodies who want an interactive experience, and those interested in Japanese culinary traditions. It’s simple, fun, and offers a deep appreciation of a local specialty.
Bottom line: Ideal for those wanting a DIY experience that combines cooking with tasting, especially if you’re a fan of noodles.
6. Private Night Cityscape and Food Walking Tour in Sapporo
Number 6 features the Private Night Cityscape and Food Walking Tour. For $73.60, you’ll explore Sapporo’s illuminated streets over 4 to 5 hours, taking in famous night views from various vantage points.
This tour stands out for its combination of cityscape photography and local food stops, including neon-lit streets, ramen shops, and local bars. The guide shares insights into the city’s illumination displays and food scene, making it a visual and culinary treat. Reviews note how it’s perfect for those wanting to see Sapporo by night while sampling delicious local dishes.
It’s suited for travelers interested in night photography, city lights, and food. The longer duration allows for a relaxed pace and multiple scenic stops.
Bottom line: Great for night owls and photography buffs wanting a combination of sights and bites.
$73.60 per person
7. A Japanese food experience plan in Sapporo where you can enjoy tempura and 3 types of Hokkaido-only sake along with a soba making experience!
Number 7 offers a full sensory experience, combining tempura, soba, and sake tasting. For $120.78, you learn to make soba noodles, then enjoy tempura paired with three special Hokkaido sake varieties.
The tour emphasizes local ingredients and craft—Hokkaido is Japan’s top soba producer, and the owner is also a sake brewer, adding authentic insight. Guests enjoy seasonal sake and traditional dishes, making this a well-rounded cultural experience. Reviewers highlight the enthusiastic instructor and delicious, filling meal as standout features.
This experience suits food lovers wanting hands-on learning and a deep dive into Hokkaido’s culinary specialties. It’s a shorter experience but packed with educational value.
Bottom line: Perfect for cooking enthusiasts and sake explorers eager to learn and taste local drinks.
8. Sapporo: All You Can Eat Sukiyaki & Shabu-Shabu Reservation
Number 8 is the All You Can Eat Sukiyaki & Shabu-Shabu, priced at around $52. It offers a dining experience focused on premium Hokkaido beef and pork at Beef Zen, in the lively Susukino district. The all-you-can-eat format allows you to indulge in fresh, high-quality meat alongside vegetables and Japanese condiments.
Guests rave about the relaxed, spacious atmosphere and the ability to add sushi and snow crab for an extra indulgence. This tour is best for travelers seeking an authentic, hearty Japanese hot pot meal without breaking the bank. The focus here is on quality ingredients and generous servings.
While it lacks the storytelling of some tours, the value lies in the delicious food and casual environment. It’s ideal for groups and families wanting a no-fuss, filling meal after a day of sightseeing.
Bottom line: Best for meat lovers and those wanting a straightforward, high-quality hot pot experience.
$52 per person
9. Sapporo Night Food Tour: 3 Hidden Restaurants with a Foodie Guide
Number 9 is the Sapporo Night Food Tour, featuring three secret eateries in Susukino. Priced at $225.06, it’s the most extensive and immersive experience, lasting around 4 hours. You’ll visit a cozy home-style Japanese restaurant, a long-established tempura place, and finish with a customizable final stop—parfait, sake bar, craft beer, or izakaya.
This tour shines for its variety of hidden spots and tailored ending. The guide helps you navigate local favorites you might never discover alone. Many reviews highlight how the tour offers deep insight into Sapporo’s local cuisine and nightlife.
It’s best suited for serious foodies eager to explore less touristy venues and experience the city’s culinary diversity in one evening. The long duration ensures ample time to enjoy each dish and soak in the local atmosphere.
Bottom line: For adventurous eaters wanting an authentic, off-the-beaten-path experience.
$225.06 per person
10. Sapporo: Izakaya & Street Food Tour (10+ Dishes, Drinks Included)
Our final entry is the Izakaya & Street Food Tour, priced at $98.57. Though it has no reviews yet, it offers a 4-hour journey through Sapporo’s lively street food scene, sampling over 10 dishes and drinks. Stops include casual street stalls and lively izakaya pubs, providing a broad taste of local flavors.
This tour is perfect for travelers who want a comprehensive introduction to Sapporo’s casual eating culture. With a focus on local street food and small eateries, it’s a great value for those eager to try many dishes in one outing.
While less detailed reviews are available, the itinerary promises a bustling, authentic experience suitable for anyone wanting to see the city through its food.
Bottom line: Excellent for food explorers who want a variety of dishes and drinks in a casual setting.
$98.57 per person
How to Choose the Right Food Tour in Sapporo
When selecting a food tour, consider your budget, interests, and the type of experience you want. For a social, lively night out, the Bar Hopping Tour offers a fun way to sample Sapporo’s nightlife. If you want a more personalized, in-depth experience, the Eat Like a Local Tour is ideal. Those interested in cultural traditions should consider the Sumo Show Experience, especially if sumo intrigues you.
For active cooks or food lovers eager to learn, the soba noodle-making experiences offer both education and tastings. Budget-conscious travelers might prefer the All You Can Eat Sukiyaki & Shabu-Shabu, which provides hearty meals at a great price. Meanwhile, those seeking hidden treasures and off-the-beaten-path spots will find the Night Food Tour particularly rewarding.
Booking early is advisable, especially during peak travel seasons, as popular tours fill quickly. Think about your preferred pace, whether a short, focused experience or a longer, immersive night out, and match that with the tour that suits your style.
Final Thoughts
Sapporo offers a diverse array of food tours, from lively bar hops to private tastings and cultural experiences like sumo. Whether you’re after a fun, social evening or a deep dive into local culinary traditions, there’s a tour suited for you. For casual travelers, the Bar Hopping Tour provides a lively introduction, while dedicated foodies may prefer the Private Eat Like a Local Tour. If you’re fascinated by sumo or want to learn how to make soba, the options here won’t disappoint.
To make the most of your time in Sapporo, consider your interests carefully and book ahead—these experiences tend to fill up. Whatever your choice, exploring Sapporo’s food scene promises a flavorful journey that will leave your taste buds satisfied and your camera full of great memories.