Day Itinerary · Hokkaido

A Perfect Golf Day in Hokkaido

Tee time at Sapporo Kokusai · Nijo Market · Jingisukan at Daruma · October 2026 · 7 min read

Hokkaido's golf season runs from May to October, and when conditions are right — cool air, wide fairways, no humidity — it is the finest golf in Japan. This itinerary takes you from the first tee at one of Hokkaido's most respected inland courses to a seafood market in the city, and ends with a dinner that defines Sapporo dining.

The Day at a Glance

07:30

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Departure

Hotel to Sapporo Kokusai Golf Club

Taxi or rental car from central Sapporo. The club is approximately 60–70 minutes south via Route 230 toward Hiroo. Book in advance or ask your hotel concierge.

09:00

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Tee Time

Sapporo Kokusai Golf Club — 18 Holes

Founded in 1958, Sapporo Kokusai is set in a forested valley with river crossings and elevation changes that reward strategic play. Par 72, 6,810 yards from the back tees. Caddies available; cart mandatory on most days.

Green fee approx. ¥13,000–¥22,000

13:00

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Lunch

Clubhouse Restaurant

Japanese golf clubhouse lunches are a ritual. Expect karaage teishoku, curry rice with soft-boiled egg, or cold soba. Budget ¥900–¥1,500. The post-round bath (ofuro) is on the lower floor — don't skip it.

14:30

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Drive

Return to Central Sapporo

60–70 minutes back to the city. If you rented a car, return it near the station. If by taxi, arrange a return pick-up at the pro shop.

16:00

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Afternoon

Nijo Market (二条市場)

A covered market in the Odori district open since the Meiji era. Browse stalls of Hokkaido king crab, sea urchin (uni), salmon roe, and scallops. Most vendors offer tasting and will vacuum-pack for travel. A short, lively walk — closes around 18:00.

Chuo-ku, Sapporo · 5 min walk from Odori station

17:30

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Rest

Return to Hotel

Freshen up before dinner. If you're staying in Susukino, dinner is walking distance. Most Sapporo hotels are 10 minutes or less from Daruma by taxi.

19:00

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Dinner

Daruma (だるま) — Susukino

Sapporo's most famous Jingisukan (lamb barbecue) restaurant, open since 1954. Diners sit around a domed iron grill and cook lamb and vegetables in tallow. The queue outside is part of the experience — arrive 15 minutes early or make a reservation if possible. Order the standard set and add a Sapporo draft.

Minami 5 Jo Nishi 4, Chuo-ku · Open from 17:00

21:00

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Evening

Susukino or Hotel

Susukino is Hokkaido's largest entertainment district. Ramen Yokocho (ラーメン横丁), miso soup bars, and late-night izakaya are within walking distance. Or head back to your hotel — either way, the day is complete.

The Courses

Sapporo Kokusai Golf Club

Nukabira, Hiroo Town, Hokkaido · Founded 1958 · Par 72 · 18 holes · Caddies available

One of Hokkaido's long-established inland courses, set in a river valley south of Sapporo. The course is known for its tree-lined fairways and the quality of its greens in summer. Green fees vary by season and day of week: roughly ¥13,000 (weekday) to ¥22,000 (weekend peak). Reservations via the pro shop or through Teelink Japan.

The Afternoon

Nijo Market (二条市場)

Minami 3 Jo Higashi 1, Chuo-ku, Sapporo · Open 06:00–18:00 · Free entry

One of Sapporo's oldest markets, operating since the Meiji era. The covered arcade runs about 100 metres and contains fishmongers, produce stalls, and small restaurants. King crab (タラバガニ) and snow crab (ズワイガニ) are the signature purchases. Several vendors have standing counters where you can eat on the spot — a fresh sea urchin bowl (uni-don) from the market is one of the best things to eat in Hokkaido.

The Dinner

Daruma (だるま) — Main Branch, Susukino

Minami 5 Jo Nishi 4, Chuo-ku, Sapporo · Open 17:00–23:30 · Reservations recommended

Since 1954, Daruma has been the benchmark for Jingisukan in Sapporo. The name refers to the Dharma doll — the restaurant's sign is unmistakable on the Susukino block. The lamb is high-quality, the dipping sauce (tare) is house-made, and the smoke-filled counter seats about 30. Expect a queue on weekends from 18:30 onward. Reservations are possible; ask your hotel to call ahead. Budget ¥2,500–¥3,500 per person with beer.

Practical Notes

Getting to the golf course: No public transport serves Sapporo Kokusai Golf Club directly. A taxi from central Sapporo is approximately ¥8,000–¥10,000 each way. Some groups hire a private van for the day — ask Teelink to arrange this.

Rental clubs: Available at the course, typically ¥2,000–¥4,000 per set. If your clubs are in Japan, yamato transport (宅急便) can deliver them to the clubhouse the day before. Teelink handles the shipping coordination for Silver and Gold plan clients.

Best months: June, July, and September offer the most stable conditions. August is warmer and busier. October is beautiful but can be cold by afternoon.

Where to Stay in Sapporo

Sapporo has a wide range of hotels suited to golfers — from luxury city properties close to the Susukino dining district to comfortable business hotels near Sapporo Station. For this itinerary, staying central makes the evening at Daruma and a morning departure to Hiroo Town both straightforward.

Browse hotels in Sapporo on Booking.com →

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What to Pack for Hokkaido Golf

Hokkaido rounds can turn cold even in summer, particularly early morning and on exposed hillside fairways. A lightweight golf wind jacket is worth carrying in your bag from May through October. If you are shipping clubs ahead via yamato, a golf travel bag rated for domestic courier handling keeps equipment protected across multiple transfers.

Play This Day With Teelink

We handle the reservation at Sapporo Kokusai, arrange your transport, and prepare a personalised itinerary — including dinner suggestions and market timing.

Enquire About Hokkaido →