Being on the northernmost island of Hokkaido, Sapporo isn't really a walkable option in the winter (with the exception of the Snow Festival each February). But in the summer, while the rest of Japan swelters in the heat and humidity, Sapporo and Hokkaido are very attractive options.

Sapporo is considered one of the most walkable major cities in Japan, especially in its central grid-like core. The city's design is unique for Japan, featuring wide, numbered streets that are easy to navigate. A major feature of its walkability is the Chi-Ka-Ho, a massive 1.9 km underground pedestrian walkway that connects the main Sapporo Station to the Odori Park and Susukino entertainment districts. This underground "city" is essential during the snowy winter months, providing a climate-controlled environment lined with shops, cafes, and rest areas. . Above ground, the central Odori Park stretches for 12 blocks through the heart of the city, offering a beautiful, flat path for pedestrians. While the city is spread out, the most popular tourist sites, restaurants, and shopping arcades are concentrated in a central area that can be easily explored on foot in 20 to 30 minutes.