With over 15 years of experience exploring Hokkaido, I have written more than 1,000 travel articles for magazines and websites. I’ve stayed at hundreds of hotels and inns across the region, including around 40–50 in Sapporo alone.

As Hokkaido’s central city, Sapporo offers a wide range of accommodations, from city and business hotels to inns, apartment hotels, and guesthouses. Many of these places take pride in their breakfasts, featuring fresh seafood, meat, and dairy sourced from across Hokkaido.

In this guide, I’ll highlight four key points to consider when choosing a hotel for its breakfast, followed by ten recommended stays.

How enjoyable a meal is ultimately depends on individual taste and preference, but can also be influenced by the environment in which you eat. Hotel breakfasts generally come in two main types: buffet and set menu. Buffet breakfasts offer a wider selection of dishes for guests to choose from, while set menu breakfasts provide predetermined servings of food to each guest.

Accommodations in Sapporo come in different types. Some are buffet-style, some have set menus, and some offer combinations of both, with set menus plus a buffet of side dishes and other items.

Buffet-style hotels are recommended for those who want to enjoy a wide variety of dishes, catering to families and groups with diverse tastes.

On the other hand, hotels with set menus are best for those who prefer a more curated dining experience or simply don't want to keep getting up to serve themselves at the buffet.

Sapporo boasts a rich culinary scene featuring local delicacies such as jingisukan (grilled lamb), soup curry, sushi, seafood bowls, ramen, ramen salad, zangi, and more! And since Sapporo sources high-quality ingredients from all over Hokkaido, many places offer original dishes that make the most of these premium ingredients.

Some hotels offer buffet-style meals featuring local specialties and original dishes, while others provide set menus featuring the hotel's signature dishes. Which hotel you choose ultimately depends on individual preference.

To gain insight into the kind of foods served at a hotel's breakfast, we recommend checking out the descriptions and photos on the hotel's official website and across other travel platforms. If the information you find is not enough, you can also look for word-of-mouth reviews on social media for recommendations.

Word-of-mouth reviews and social media content can be valuable sources for determining the quality of a hotel's offerings. They provide insights into not only the food itself but also the atmosphere and user-friendliness of the environment.

However, it's essential to approach such information cautiously and not rely on it 100%. Breakfast menus often vary from day to day, and of course, individual tastes also differ greatly. Moreover, the dining experience can be influenced by factors like mood and ambiance. But by reading and comparing a number of reviews, it can be easier to get a more comprehensive idea of which hotels have the best reputations for their breakfasts.

When selecting a hotel with breakfast, it's important to consider the timing of the service, as a rushed or hectic breakfast can diminish one's enjoyment of the meal.

For those planning to catch the early express train from Sapporo Station before 8 AM, your timing is important. A 7 AM breakfast will leave you in a rush, while a 6 AM start time allows for a more relaxed dining experience.

During peak hours, typically between 7 and 8 AM, hotel breakfast rooms tend to become crowded. However, if your planned departure time isn't too early and if you're in no particular rush, you may find it more convenient to opt for a hotel with a slightly later breakfast ending time.

Some hotels may offer the option to reserve breakfast either the day before or on the same day. However, in many cases, breakfast is only available with advanced reservations. To ensure availability, we recommend reserving your breakfast when booking your room.

Many accommodations in Sapporo are located in the city center near Sapporo Station, and scattered in suburban areas like Jozankei Onsen. In this article, we have carefully selected ten hotels out of the hundred-plus options available in Sapporo. Each of them have been personally visited by Nobuka, and consistently receive high ratings and reviews. And notably, each of them boast excellent breakfasts!

Here are six hotels in the Sapporo Station and Odori area known for their delicious breakfasts. This area is conveniently located near JR Sapporo Station, making it easy to get around. It's also close to popular sightseeing spots like Odori Park, home to the Sapporo TV Tower, and the historic Sapporo Clock Tower.

At Cross Hotel Sapporo, guests can enjoy a buffet-style breakfast consisting of an impressive selection of nearly 60 dishes of both Japanese and Western cuisines. The menu includes original meals made from a variety of vegetables, meat, fish, eggs, and other Hokkaido-produced specialties. In addition to soup curry, other local Hokkaido delicacies include fried hokke (mackerel), stewed jingisukan, and zangi (fried chicken), all of which vary by day.

The allure of this restaurant lies in its customizable dining experience, where patrons can tailor an array of dishes to their own preference. You can also create your own original soup curry by picking your favorite ingredients, such as steamed and grilled vegetables or zangi, placing the in a bowl, and pouring the spicy soup over them. For added depth and richness, you can even add a drizzle of flavored oil. This delicious dish pairs excellently with not only rice, but also bread.

Choose your favorite bread from the available options, pick your cold vegetables, then make your open sandwich or burger with bacon, amongst other toppings. We recommend trying different arrangements until you create something to your liking.

In addition to ingredients like butter and honey, the salad corner also has truffle oil and lemon oil, as well as a selection of dressings. With such variety at your disposal, the flavor possibilities are endless!

Cross Hotel Sapporo's breakfast menu offers a variety of dishes designed to be enjoyed in different ways, so we recommend taking small portions of each on your plate. Opting for smaller servings allows you to fully appreciate the food without feeling full too quickly. During Nobuka's visit, she enjoyed the soup curry in three small portions, each with a different flavor.

Guest rooms are primarily designed for two people, although there are options available for solo travelers as well as groups of three or four. The concept of this hotel is "Staying with Art," and artworks adorn the walls of the hotel, with pieces by Hokkaido-based artists decorating the rooms on the standard floors.

Guests staying on the upper-level Cross Floors gain access to meetlounge, an exclusive lounge reserved solely for their use, adding an extra touch of luxury to their stay.

Breakfast at Onsen Ryokan Yuen Sapporo is a set menu of Japanese dishes. One of these is Japanese Gozen, prepared with seasonal Hokkaido ingredients. This option is perfect for those who really want to enjoy authentic Japanese cuisine!

The highlight of the Japanese-style set meal is the hokke hitsumabushi. Originating from Nagoya City in Aichi Prefecture, hitsumabushi is a local delicacy of eel fillets broiled in sauce and served atop or accompanied by rice.

Onsen Ryokan Yuen Sapporo's Hitsumabushi is an original Hokkaido-style dish, inspired by the classic Nagoya City dish of the same name. However, the fish used here is not the traditional eel, but "hokke," or mackerel, a fish more commonly found throughout Hokkaido. And while hokke are sourced from all over the region, those from the Rausu and Wakkanai areas are particularly prized for their high fat content. They are then dried overnight, and prepared in a homemade sauce.

This dish can be enjoyed in three different ways. First, serve the hokke from the rice bowl into into a separate dish, and relish its fluffy texture and rich flavor as-is. Next, elevate the change of taste by pairing it with green onion, wasabi, and Japanese pepper. Finally, enjoy it as chazuke by pouring dashi broth over the remaining portion of your meal.

Breakfast here is more than just hokke hitsumabushi. At Onsen Ryokan Yuen Sapporo, guests are treated to a full-course meal that includes sashimi (like Hokkaido Sarufutsu scallops), appetizers, and hitsumabushi, along with a hearty soup and drink.

Another standout dish is the hassun, traditionally served in the middle of a kaiseki course, which is a sumptuous plate featuring a medley of seasonal delicacies from both the sea and mountains, ensuring a satisfying breakfast for all guests who enjoy it!

Onsen Ryokan Yuen Sapporo is an accommodation that epitomizes the essence of Japanese hospitality, drawing inspiration from the rich ryokan tradition. It has a large bathing area with an open-air bath—a rarity amongst lodgings in Sapporo. The open-air baths are supplied with rejuvenating spring water from Karurusu Onsen in Noboribetsu City, Hokkaido, offering guests the therapeutic benefits of natural hot springs during their stay.

All rooms include a yukata, tabi, and setta sandles, as well as either a shower or bath. Guests must remove their shoes in the bedroom, and can sleep on the tatami mats or on a low bed on a wooden floor.

A variety of room sizes are available to accommodate different group sizes, from 1- or 2-person rooms to 3- or 4-person rooms, with some featuring futons for additional guests. It's an ideal choice for those truly seeking to immerse themselves in Japanese culture.

The Sapporo Grand Hotel offers breakfast at a choice of several restaurants. The Northern Terrace Diner (East Wing, 1F) serves a 90-course Western and Japanese buffet-style breakfast, while Garden Dining Waraku (Main Wing, 4F) features a Japanese set menu with beautiful views of the Japanese garden.

Here are the breakfast offerings at Northern Terrace Diner. The menu features an array of dishes made from local Hokkaido ingredients, with many unique to the hotel. Guests particularly enjoy the fresh-cooked omelets prepared by the chef right before your eyes, amongst other demonstration items. While all the dishes are exceptional, we've carefully selected three must-try items, exclusive to Sapporo Grand Hotel!

First, let's look at the Ramen Salad, one of Hokkaido's local delicacies. Interestingly, the Ramen Salad originated right here at Sapporo Grand Hotel, where the beer hall Big Jock opened on the first floor of the hotel's annex in 1985. The head cook at the time wanted to offer ramen that could be enjoyed even in summer, so he developed a new product that had never been offered before.

With its perfect pairing with beer and other alcoholic beverages, it quickly gained popularity, spreading to izakayas across Hokkaido and becoming a beloved regional dish.

Next, let's check out the hotel bread, freshly baked by skilled boulangers right at the hotel's bakery. The bakery at the Sapporo Grand Hotel has earned a long-standing reputation among Sapporo residents for its deliciousness, and every item is of exceptional quality. You can also try it with butter and honey for breakfast!

Lastly is a selection of sweets, also crafted by the hotel's bakery. Amongst them, the French toast and apple pie are must-try treats. The French toast is prepared by soaking the hotel's bread overnight in their traditional corn soup, which is made from local Hokkaido corn and slow-baked in a low-heat oven. Meanwhile, the apple pie has been a longstanding favorite since the hotel's inception in 1934, and is served with a modern twist while preserving its traditional essence.

The Sapporo Grand Hotel is directly connected to Chikaho, an underground passageway conveniently linking Sapporo Station to Odori Station. There are three buildings—the main building, the east wing, and the annex—with a wide range of room types available, from single and double rooms to more spacious ones capable of accommodating up to four guests. This variety allows guests to choose the accommodation best tailored to their specific needs and preferences.

Breakfast at Keio Preilia Hotel Sapporo is buffet-style, with Western-style meals that highlight the bounty of Hokkaido's seasonal ingredients. Those craving seafood can explore the affiliated restaurants outside the hotel for delights like kaisendon (seafood rice bowl).

However, if you're staying at Keio Prelia Hotel Sapporo, the hotel's Western-style cuisine is a must-try! The chef, bestowed with the title "Le Disciple d'Auguste Escoffier," a prestigious recognition among French culinary experts, personally explores producers across Hokkaido to craft original dishes using carefully selected local ingredients. Each ingredient is procured at the peak of its season, guaranteeing that every dish is an exquisite culinary experience.

The chef's demonstration menu showcases dishes made with seasonal ingredients (contents vary daily based on ingredient availability). You'll be amazed as you wonder how one could possible indulge in such magnificent cuisine in the morning! The lavish appearance of the meals are sure to delight, as well!

All dishes are so delectable that you're bound to want to indulge! Here are three of the most notable menu items.

Rooms primarily consist of twin rooms for one or two guests, with some triple rooms equipped with three beds for groups of three. In addition to the large public bath, guests also love the ladies-only lounge and powder room.

Just a 5-minute walk from Sapporo Station, Keio Plaza Hotel Sapporo is a popular choice among travelers for its highly rated breakfast. The hotel takes pride in offering a luxurious morning spread featuring fresh Hokkaido ingredients and local specialties.

Guests can choose between two breakfast options: a buffet-style meal at Glass Seasons on the first floor or a beautifully crafted Japanese meal at Pegasus on the 22nd floor, which also offers stunning views from the top of the hotel.

The breakfast buffet at Glass Seasons is themed around the concept of "It's practically a sightseeing experience!" The spread is designed to give you the feeling of traveling through Hokkaido, with local specialties like sushi, as well as a variety of dishes that showcase regional vegetables, seafood, and other Hokkaido ingredients while blending both Japanese and Western styles.

Among the many unique Hokkaido dishes, the ones made right in front of you are particularly noteworthy. Here are three must-try dishes that are prepared and presented right before your eyes.

The first dish is Asa Sushi (morning sushi). Local Hokkaido seafood and vegetables are expertly used to make nigiri and rolled sushi, allowing you to enjoy the fresh, made-to-order flavors straight from the chef's hands.

The second dish is an omelet made with Komesuya brabd eggs. Komesuya is a special egg from Otofuke, Hokkaido, where the feed is made with rice, giving the yolks a lighter color. There are two sauce options to choose from: a Western-style white sauce made with Hokkaido Tokibi corn, or a Japanese-style sauce made with Akkeshi Kombu soy sauce and onions.

The third dish is dessert. From cream puffs to milk pudding, the sweets are prepared right in front of you and are not only visually stunning but absolutely delicious. Each one is a treat you won't want to miss. To make sure you have room to try them all, be sure to pace yourself with the savory dishes beforehand!

In addition to the live-prepared dishes, the buffet also features a variety of Hokkaido's local specialties, such as jingisukan and soup curry. There's also a wide selection of Western-style dishes, including salads, bread, and the hotel's signature veal pâté.

On the other hand, the Japanese set meal at Pegasus is designed to offer a seasonal taste of Hokkaido, both visually and in flavor. Expert chefs prepare an exquisite, carefully crafted meal using the finest ingredients. The menu changes with the seasons, and each dish highlights the fresh, seasonal produce, making for an exceptional dining experience year round.

JR Tower Hotel Nikko Sapporo is a high-rise hotel directly connected to JR Sapporo Station, offering convenient access without worrying about rain or snow. Guests also rave about the stunning views of Sapporo from the higher floors.

There are two options for breakfast: Restaurant & Bar SKY J and Sky Restaurant Tancho. Whichever suits your mood, both restaurants offer the added charm of enjoying your meal while taking in the view from approximately 150 meters above ground at window-side seats.

At SKY J, you can enjoy a buffet-style breakfast featuring an abundance of local Hokkaido ingredients. There are several dishes unique to the region, including a seafood bowl with unlimited servings of masu ikura (salmon roe), jingisukan, soup curry, and the traditional Ainu dish Ohau (a fish soup).

In the Western-style section, the hotel's homemade breads, daily soups, and croffles are particularly popular. There are also some unique breakfast options for Hokkaido, such as Vietnamese-style banh mi sandwiches and shrimp miso ramen, adding a special twist to the usual morning offerings.

SKY J's pancakes are a standout recommendation for breakfast. With an automatic pancake machine, you can easily cook your pancakes, then customize them with a choice of toppings. Whether you prefer a sweet version or want to make it savory by adding thick-cut bacon and scrambled eggs, you can create your perfect pancake meal.

For sweet pancakes and the hotel's homemade breads, it's highly recommended to pair them with the house-made hasukappu (haskap) butter. The tartness of the haskap perfectly complements the refreshing feel of a morning meal.

At Tancho, you can leisurely enjoy authentic Japanese flavors made with Hokkaido's finest ingredients. The menu offers either a traditional Japanese set meal or a seafood chirashi bowl. The set meal features a variety of Japanese dishes, including sashimi, while the seafood chirashi bowl beautifully arranges seasonal sashimi and other fresh ingredients.

At Tancho doesn't employ a buffet approach; instead, exquisite dishes are served to guests while maintaining their beautiful presentation. If you're looking to enjoy delicious Japanese cuisine in a calm, relaxed setting, be sure to experience breakfast at Tancho.

Here are four hotels in the Tanukikoji, Susukino, and Nakajima Park area known for their delicious breakfasts. This area is perfect for exploring Sapporo, with easy access to the popular Tanukikoji Shopping Street, the lively Susukino entertainment district, and scenic Nakajima Park. Depending on the hotel, Odori Park may also be nearby, and while it's a bit of a walk from Sapporo Station, the area remains highly convenient for travelers.

At The Knot Sapporo, breakfast is a set menu featuring both Japanese and Western dishes, known as the Knot Orb Breakfast. This breakfast is served in a round "three-tiered oju," a traditional stacked food box symbolic of Japanese food culture and typically reserved for special occasions or lavish meals.

The three-tiered box boasts a sleek, modern design and a spherical shape. Each tier is revealed in sequence. First, you remove the lid to unveil the top tier. Then, you lift the first tier to reveal the second tier. Finally, the third and final tier is revealed upon removing the second tier. It's a fun, playful mechanism that adds an element of excitement to your meal, as guests eagerly anticipate the delicious delights hidden within each tier.

Dishes are prepared using primarily ingredients from Hokkaido, with the menu changing to reflect the seasons. The breakfast set includes the variety of dishes from the three-tiered Oju, the grilled fish of the day, homemade dashimaki egg, and salad.

On top of that, guests can also enjoy rice, miso soup, the bread of the day (made from Hokkaido wheat), and an array of beverages at the buffet corner, all of which can be refilled as desired. Guests can also choose from one of two extras: "Two Hokkaido Delicacies," made to accompany rice, or the "Hokkaido Yogurt and Sweets from Senshuan" (a century-old confectionery on the hotel's first floor) for dessert.

For your reference, the contents of the three-tiered Oju from March to May 2024 were as follows:

The Knot Sapporo is directly connected from the hotel's basement to the underground shopping arcade that runs from Odori Station to Susukino, providing access without exposure to rain or snow. It's also highly convenient for shopping and dining, as it's a brief two-minute stroll to Tanukikoji shopping street and downtown Susukino, which are popular attractions amongst tourists.

In the hotel lounge, you can use your "Knot Coins," the hotel's original currency that is given to guests at check-in which they can exchange for food and drinks (4:00 PM - 11:00 PM, Last order at 11:30 PM). The entrance fee is two original coins per person, and includes a welcome plate.

There are several room types suitable for two, all of which use Hokkaido materials in their construction, including Donan cedar wall surfaces and Sapporo soft stone night tables. The Deluxe King room has a spacious layout with a king-size bed and a stunning view, and is especially recommended for couples seeking a tranquil retreat.

La'gent Stay Sapporo Odori is located near popular spots like Odori Park, which hosts various events throughout the year, and the Tanukikoji shopping district. It's especially popular for its delicious breakfast and the opportunity to enjoy a relaxing hot spring bath.

Breakfast is a Japanese and Western-style buffet, featuring about 60 different dishes, with a focus on local Hokkaido ingredients.

The breakfast at La'gent Stay Sapporo Odori is particularly appealing for its wide range of local Hokkaido specialties. Dishes like butadon (pork rice bowl), soup curry, zangi (Hokkaido-style fried chicken), and jingisukan are all must-try items.

The soup curry comes highly recommended with toppings like grilled vegetables. Not only does it look vibrant, but it also offers a great balance of nutrients, allowing you to enjoy a variety of delicious ingredients.

In addition to butadon (pork rice bowl) and soup curry, another must-try Hokkaido dish is chanchan yaki. Chanchan yaki is a traditional Hokkaido dish in which salmon and vegetables are steamed and grilled with a miso-based seasoning. Here, you can also enjoy a variation made with roasted pork instead of fish, making it a perfect option for those who prefer meat over seafood.

The Western-style menu also features a variety of delicious options, including freshly baked croissants with a rich buttery aroma, corn bread piled high with sweet corn, and a colorful assortment of vegetables in the salads—each dish is definitely worth trying.

While some menu items change daily, the breakfast offers a wonderful selection of both Japanese and Western dishes, with a strong emphasis on Hokkaido's local specialties that are definitely worth trying.

Dormy Inn Premium Sapporo is a business hotel located right by the bustling Tanukikoji Shopping Street, frequented by locals and tourists alike. The hotel features a large public bath, which includes an indoor bath, an outdoor bath (semi-open-air), and a high-temperature sauna (for men only; the women's sauna is located in the adjacent Dormy Inn Sapporo Annex building).

Breakfast is served buffet-style with a mix of Japanese and Western options. The highlights include "Kobachi Yokocho" (small dishes with various side dishes), as well as seafood donburi (rice bowls) and grilled seafood, all made with fresh ingredients from Hokkaido.

The dishes include a variety of items such as rolled omelets, tofu dishes, and vegetable dishes, all served in small portions. This allows guests to easily pick up multiple dishes without the need for tongs.

If you want to enjoy dishes unique to Hokkaido, you can't miss the DIY seafood bowl where you can pile your favorite toppings on top of rice. All you can eat ika (squid), salmon, scallops, and other seafood are available in so you can create and enjoy your own original seafood bowl.

Grilled delicacies and jingisukan are also must-trys. The grilled items include scallops with shells, whelk, and vegetables like potatoes, all served piping hot right off the grill.

Though a business hotel, Dormy Inn Premium Sapporo is highly praised for its delicious meals, and it also offers a large public bath and complimentary late-night soba noodles, making it a popular choice. Its convenient location is ideal for shopping and nightlife, making it a hotel you'll want to return to when visiting Sapporo.

Sapporo Park Hotel is a historic hotel located next to Nakajima Park, which is famous for its cherry blossoms and autumn foliage. It's also within walking distance of the lively Susukino district, making it the perfect place for those who want to enjoy both nature walks and the nightlife.

At the Sapporo Park Hotel, the breakfast buffet features a range of options including hotel-made breads like freshly baked croissants, Danish pastries, and rolls, along with dairy products from Hokkaido. While the focus is on Western-style dishes, there are also Japanese options and creative takes on Ainu cuisine. The hotel-made honey is a standout, perfect for pairing with yogurt, pancakes, or toast. This honey is collected from beehives set up on the hotel's rooftop, where the bees gather nectar from various flowers, including the acacia trees in Nakajima Park.

One of the must-try dishes on the Western menu is the live cooking experience where the chef prepares the food right in front of you. There's the "Hokkaido Pork Shoulder Steak" served with a Japanese-style sauce made from local onions, and the "Hokkaido Scallops" grilled on a hot plate with a sauce made from basil grown in the hotel's own garden.

In addition to Western-style dishes, there are plenty of local Sapporo specialties you'll want to try, like soup curry and creative twists on Ainu cuisine. For the soup curry, a great way to enjoy it is by topping it with steamed vegetables and drizzling it with your choice of flavored oil. You can choose from four options: basil, shrimp, ginger, or sesame. It's fun to try a little of each and explore all the different flavors!

The Ainu-inspired dishes include two varieties: Sayo and Ohau. Sayo is a porridge made from millet and other grains, traditionally eaten by the indigenous Ainu people of Hokkaido. After eating fatty grilled meat or fish, it was often enjoyed as a refreshing palate cleanser, sipped like tea. At the hotel, this dish is thoughtfully reimagined and served to guests.

Ohau is one of the traditional dishes that was central to the Ainu people's diet. It is a hearty soup made by simmering locally sourced fish and vegetables in an iron pot. The Ohau served at the hotel is a modern twist on this dish, featuring salmon paste and vegetables in a warm, flavorful broth.

The dessert menu is also fantastic. Pancakes that cook automatically are perfect with your choice of maple syrup or jam. You can also enjoy soft serve ice cream from a self-serve machine, topped with your favorite dry fruits, compote, or other toppings. The homemade honey pairs wonderfully with both the pancakes and soft serve. Be sure to try the variety of sweets and get creative with different combinations!

Which hotel breakfast caught your eye? If you're planning a trip to Hokkaido, where fresh ingredients are abundant, choosing the right hotel breakfast is definitely something to consider. Sapporo, in particular, has a wide range of hotels offering top-quality meals made with local ingredients, so you'll have plenty of amazing options to choose from. Take your time to research and find the hotel that suits your taste, and enjoy a delicious start to your day!

Note: The information in this article is accurate as of January 2025. Please check the official websites for the latest details.