About the author
- Japanese ex-barista living in Sapporo
- Passionate about specialty coffee
- Spent three years abroad exploring global coffee cultures
- Light roast enthusiast
- Expert on Sapporo’s vibrant coffee scene
Ready to guide you through Sapporo’s best cafes! ☕️
Hello, coffee aficionados! I’m Amiroh, a Coffee Journey Guide hailing from Japan.
Leveraging my experience as a barista overseas, I’m on a continuous quest to explore the wonders of specialty coffee.
I have a particular passion for light roasts and have visited over 100 cafes across Japan and abroad.
Today, I’m excited to share my insights and guide you through Sapporo’s remarkable specialty coffee scene.
Who Will Benefit from This Guide?
- Travelers seeking delicious light-roast coffee in Sapporo
- Those eager to experience Kyoto’s unique specialty coffee culture
- Visitors looking for Instagram-worthy cafe experiences
When ordering at Sapporo coffee shops, pointing at the menu or using gestures can be helpful if there’s a language barrier.
For more complex questions, translation apps are your best friend.
You’ll be ordering like a local in no time!
Let’s dive into Sapporo’s vibrant coffee scene!
List of cafes
| The nearest station | Opening Hours | The roasting level | To GO | Table seating | |
| COFFEE&WINE STANDARD COFFEE LAB. | Odori St 8mins | 10:00-20:00※ | Light to Dark roast | 〇 | Yes |
| Brew it by NODE | Odori St 5mins | 9:00-17:00 | Light to Dark roast | 〇 | Yes |
| ONIYANMA COFFEE&BEER | Odori St 3mins | 8:00-20:00※ | Light to Dark roast | 〇 | Yes |
| Marumi coffee 22％MARKET | Odori St 1mins | 10:00-20:00 | Light to Dark roast | 〇 | Standing |
| SARUTAHIKO COFFEE D-LIFEPLACE Sapporo | Sapporo St 3mins | 07:00-22:00※ | Light to Dark roast | 〇 | Yes |
| tokeinonaikissaten | Kita18jyo St 3mins | 9:00-18:00※ | Light to Dark roast | 〇 | Yes |
| Cafukuya | Maruyamakoenm St 4mins | 10:00-17:00 | Light to Dark roast | 〇 | Counter |
| Rain Miyanosawa | Miyanosawa St 4mins | 8:30-22:00 | Light to Dark roast | 〇 | Yes |
| Little Fort Coffee | Higashi-Sapporo 5mins | 12:00-18:30※ | Light to Dark roast | 〇 | Yes |
| COFFEE STAND 28 | Nango18chome St 8mins | 9:00-18:00※ | Light to Dark roast | 〇 | Yes |
| ACE COFFEE ROASTER | Minamihiragishi St 2mins | 11:00-18:00 | Light to Dark roast | 〇 | Yes |
| CLAXON CoffeeROASTERS | Fukuzumi St 3mins | 12:00-19:30 | Light to Dark roast | 〇 | Yes |
ONIYANMA COFFEE&BEER：8:00-20:00 (L.O. 19:30) Mon-Sat, 8:00-18:00 (L.O. 17:30) Sun & Holidays
tokeinonaikissaten：9:00-18:00 (Tue-Thu, Sun), 9:00-23:00 (Fri, Sat)
SARUTAHIKO COFFEE D-LIFEPLACE Sapporo：07:00-22:00 (Weekdays), 08:00-22:00 (Weekends & Holidays)
Little Fort Coffee：12:00-18:30 (Weekdays), 12:00-18:00 (Sat & Holidays)
COFFEE STAND 28：9:00-18:00 (Mon-Wed), 10:00-17:00 (Sat, Sun & Holidays)
Odori/Tanukikoji/Susukino Area
What’s is this neighborhood like?
- Experience the vibrant heart of Sapporo’s entertainment district
- Enjoy a variety of restaurants, bars, and nightlife options
- Visit the iconic Sapporo TV Tower and relax in Odori Park
- Shop at large department stores and underground shopping malls
COFFEE&WINE STANDARD COFFEE LAB.
Located right in the bustling area of TanukiKoji 7-chome, it boasts excellent accessibility.
With a variety of beans used for hand drip, and the beans being regularly changed, you can enjoy different flavors every time you visit.
Recommended for those who want to savor coffee in a calm and relaxed atmosphere.
As the name suggests, they also focus on wine.
It’s a great place not only for coffee but also to enjoy their carefully selected wines!
Since it’s open until 8:00 PM, it’s also a good place to say, “Let’s go after work.”
Having options for both coffee and alcohol is convenient.
- You can buy beans that are roasted in-house in Sapporo city.
- Quiet, Leisurely Coffee Enjoyment in a Cozy Ambiance.
- It’s open until late at night, and you can also enjoy alcohol.
・Location
Sapporo Municipal Subway：Approximately 8 minutes on foot from Sapporo Municipal Subway Odori Station (Exit 1)
Hours：10:00-20:00 (L.O. 19:30) Sun-Fri, 10:00-22:00 (L.O. 21:30) Sat
Official HP：https://standardcoffeelab.com/
Official instagram：https://www.instagram.com/coffee_wine_standard_coffeelab/
Brew it by NODE
Therefore, the interior is equipped with a variety of musical instruments.
A cafe with excellent access, just 5 minutes on foot from Odori Station and 2 minutes from Susukino Station.
They offer a variety of coffee beans from numerous origins, allowing customers to choose between hand drip or espresso based.
Some cafes separate beans for hand drip and espresso, so it’s enjoyable to explore different flavors by choosing your favorite beans and brewing method.
It’s recommended to try and compare the taste before they sell out!
After much contemplation, I chose a café latte. It had a flavor that accentuated the sweetness of the milk.
I enjoyed the café latte tremendously.
Particularly noteworthy was the smoothness of the milk foam and the delightful sweetness of the milk.
When ordering a latte, be sure to savor not only the coffee but also the milk.
If it’s your first visit, you might get a bit confused finding the entrance.
Enter through the automatic door, and on the left side in the front, you’ll see a wooden door.
Once you go through there, you’ll find the shop in the back!
- You can enjoy light roast coffee, whether it’s espresso or drip.
- Can spend leisurely while enjoying coffee.
- Easy to visit when you want to work alone.
・Location
Sapporo Municipal Subway：Approximately 5 minutes on foot from Odori Station (Exit 36)
Hours：9:00-17:00
Closed：Thursday
Official HP：https://www.coffee-node.com/
Official instagram：https://www.instagram.com/node_brewit
ONIYANMA COFFEE&BEER
This shop is located just a short walk from Odori Station.
Depending on the time of day, there can be a line outside, indicating its popularity.
With a diverse menu beyond just coffee, it’s a cafe where you can have an enjoyable time with various companions.
The wide variety of coffee beans and coffee-related goods is a notable point, and the ability to consult with experts while making purchases adds to the appeal.
Being close to the station, it’s an easily accessible cafe for both solo and group visits.
With a considerable number of seats, it’s a cafe that is welcoming, but due to its popularity, it might get crowded during certain times…
It was relatively quiet around 11 AM on a Sunday.
- You can enjoy a variety of coffee beans from many regions.
- Easily accessible due to its outstanding location.
- There are single booths and 4-person tables, making it convenient for different group sizes.
・Location
Sapporo Municipal Subway：Approximately 3 minutes on foot from Odori Station (Exit 1)
Hours：8:00-20:00 (L.O. 19:30) Mon-Sat, 8:00-18:00 (L.O. 17:30) Sun & Holidays,
8:00-10:00(breakfast),11:00-14:00(lunch)
Official HP：https://oniyanmacoffee.jp
Official instagram：https://www.instagram.com/oniyanma_coffee
Marumi coffee 22％MARKET
Located right at the ticket gates of Odori Station and directly connected to Underground pedestrian space , this place boasts excellent accessibility regardless of rain or snow!
While the wide variety of coffee beans to choose from is certainly delightful, what’s even better is that you can taste them before making your selection! This system allows you to enjoy coffee made from beans that match your preferred taste and aroma.
The shop coexists with a bakery and stores offering local Hokkaido products, making it an ideal spot for selecting souvenirs and gifts.
This description seems to be about a coffee shop in Sapporo, specifically near Odori Station. It highlights the shop’s convenient location, its coffee bean selection process, and its suitability for souvenir shopping.
The variety of coffee samples available for tasting is abundant!
The staff are truly helpful and explain the features of the beans in an easy-to-understand manner. On top of that, you can taste the coffee, so you might discover the characteristics of coffee that you like!
This shop is recommended even for those who are not accustomed to light roasts!
*Medium and dark roasts are also available to order.
- You can purchase beans from the nationally famous SARUTAHIKO COFFEE
- Directly connected to major stations through the underground walkway, making it easily accessible regardless of the weather
- Trendy original designs that might tempt you into making a purchase.
・Location
Sapporo Municipal Subway：Approximately 3 minutes on foot from Odori Station (Exit 7)
Hours：10:00-20:00
Official HP：https://www.marumi-coffee.com/
Official instagram：https://www.instagram.com/marumi_coffee/
Sapporo Station/Kita18jyo Area
What’s is this neighborhood like?
- Explore the bustling transportation hub of Sapporo
- Visit the JR Tower for panoramic views of the city
- Shop at large malls like Stellar Place and Daimaru
- Experience student life around Hokkaido University campus
SARUTAHIKO COFFEE D-LIFEPLACE Sapporo
The first store in Hokkaido for the nationally famous Sarutahiko Coffee.
Accessible through the underground walkway from Sapporo Station or Odori Station, making it a convenient spot regardless of the weather.
Surrounded by numerous commercial facilities, it’s easy to stop by for shopping or leisure.
As expected from a renowned establishment, the store was consistently busy with customers. However, the efficient staff handled the orders with precision.
Despite the bustling atmosphere, each cup was meticulously brewed, showcasing their expertise.
On this day, I enjoyed a drip coffee from Colombia. True to its description of a ‘pleasant bitter taste,’ I experienced a fruity bitterness reminiscent of eating grapefruit, lingering on the palate.
It was a cup that made me rediscover the joy of savoring coffee.
- Enjoy a pre-order tasting to discover your perfect brew
- Wide selection of products beyond coffee beans, making it easy to find souvenirs
- Friendly staff will recommend beans tailored to your preferences
・Location
Sapporo Municipal Subway：Approximately 1 minutes on foot from Sapporo Station (Exit 10)
Hours：07:00-22:00 (Weekdays), 08:00-22:00 (Weekends & Holidays)
Official HP：https://sarutahiko.jp/
Official instagram：https://www.instagram.com/sarutahikocoffee/
tokeinonaikissaten
It’s not just the variety of beans that’s pleasing, but also the diversity of processing methods for these beans. I’ve rarely seen a single shop offering such a wide range of differently processed beans.
This shop caters to a broad spectrum of coffee enthusiasts, from beginners in light roast coffee to those seriously interested in specialty coffee.
The owner seems to be a movie enthusiast, as evidenced by the background music and movie posters adorning the shop, which add a nice touch to the atmosphere.
Depending on the time of day, it’s often fully occupied and you might not be able to get in. If you really want to get in, morning or lunchtime might be better.
You can’t see much of the interior from outside, so it’s truly a coffee shop where you can enjoy your coffee at leisure.
- Wide selection of coffees to drink, suitable for going with anyone
- Relaxed atmosphere and flow in the shop, easy to spend time leisurely
- You can find unique beans that aren’t available elsewhere
・Location
Sapporo Municipal Subway：Approximately 3 minutes on foot from Kita18jyo Station (Exit 2)
Hours：10:00-20:00
Official HP：https://tokeinonai.thebase.in/
Official instagram：https://www.instagram.com/tokeinonaikissaten/
Maruyama/Miyanosawa Area
What’s is this neighborhood like?
- Enjoy nature at Maruyama Park, especially beautiful during cherry blossom season
- Visit the historic Hokkaido Shrine
- Explore upscale residential areas with unique architecture
- Hike the nearby Mount Moiwa for stunning city views
Cafukuya
A new café that opened in November 2023, located in a popular tourist area near Hokkaido Shrine and Maruyama Park.
It’s close to the station, in an area with many popular bakeries and gourmet spots. It’s really exciting to have a place where you can enjoy delicious light roast coffee in such a location!
While it’s fun to choose from the wide variety of beans, what makes it even more enjoyable is that the kind owner thoroughly explains their characteristics, allowing you to select coffee that suits your preferences.
It’s nice to explore tourist spots like Maruyama Park and Hokkaido Shrine with a delicious coffee in hand!
- Enjoy coffee and canelés in a modern atmosphere primarily based on white
- Various types of house-roasted beans available for purchase
- The kind owner helpfully explains the characteristics, making it easy to choose
・Location
Sapporo Municipal Subway：Approximately 4 minutes on foot from Maruyamakoen Station (Exit 4)
Hours：10:00-17:00
Closed：Monday
公式HP：https://cafukuya.stores.jp/
公式instagram：https://instagram.com/cafukuya.sapporo?igshid=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA==
Rain Miyanosawa
There is a roaster on the first floor (half-basement?), and the second floor is the cafe space.
I really like the atmosphere on the first floor, so I’ve only had coffee there or for takeout.
It’s a great experience to choose and enjoy coffee while talking with the person roasting on the first floor.
Although the second floor is famous for its food and you can also drink coffee, I recommend the first floor for those interested in coffee!
In this shop, you can choose to drink your favorite beans with hand drip or espresso.
- You can enjoy coffee in the atmosphere of the roasting place.
- You can buy various varieties of self-roasted beans.
- The staff is friendly and easy to consult about coffee.
・Location
Sapporo Municipal Subway：Approximately 4 minutes on foot from Miyanosawa Station (Exit 5)
Hous：8:30-22:00
Closed：Tuesday
Official HP：https://www.rain-hokkaido.com/
Official instagram：https://www.instagram.com/maruyama.caferain/
Other areas
What’s is this neighborhood like?
- Experience local residential life away from tourist crowds
- Enjoy outdoor activities along the Toyohira River
- Experience Sapporo’s urban development at Akarenga Terrace
- Relax in numerous neighborhood parks and green spaces
Little Fort Coffee
A cafe located within walking distance from Higashi-Sapporo Station, nestled in a residential area.
With almost a decade of operation, the cafe has gathered many regular customers, showcasing the positive impact it has on the local community.
The interior of the cafe exudes a slow-paced atmosphere, providing a space for people to read or relax.
The variety of coffee beans available for selection adds to the enjoyment, allowing customers to choose based on the compatibility with the daily cake offerings.
A counter that seems capable of brewing delicious coffee
Enjoyable moments of contemplation in choosing from the options
Beautiful latte art- The allure of the daily coffee and cake selections
- A warm and inviting atmosphere unique to a community-oriented establishment
- A tranquil interior, perfect for savoring coffee at a leisurely pace
・Location
Sapporo Municipal Subway：Approximately 5 minutes on foot from Higashi Sapporo Station (Exit 2)
Hours：12:00-18:30 (Weekdays), 12:00-18:00 (Sat & Holidays)※Tuesday：Takeout Only
Official HP：https://littlefortcoffee.tumblr.com/
Official instagram：https://www.instagram.com/littlefortcoffee
COFFEE STAND 28
A specialty coffee shop with in-house roasting located in the residential area of Nango 18-chome.
You can choose from several types of beans with different roasting levels, making it fun to select each time. Moreover, they offer a wide variety of baked goods, so it’s enjoyable to consider different coffee and pastry combinations.
This is also a warm, community-oriented shop where you can see regular customers.
Although it’s a special blend, the latte was well-balanced and very easy to drink.
- The wide variety of baked goods and coffee beans is attractive.
- There’s a parking lot, so it’s possible to go by car.
- You can enjoy your coffee leisurely in the quiet interior.
・Location
Sapporo Municipal Subway：Approximately 8 minutes on foot from Nango18chome (Exit 3)
Hours：9:00-18:00 (Mon-Wed), 10:00-17:00 (Sat, Sun & Holidays)
Closed：Thursday, Friday
Official HP：https://coffeestand28.com/
Official instagram：https://www.instagram.com/coffeestand28/
ACE COFFEE ROASTER
The interior exudes the owner’s excellent sense of style, and you might be overwhelmed by the atmosphere the moment you enter.
You can take good photos from any seat, so you might find yourself wanting to take pictures constantly.
Not only is the coffee excellent, but the desserts are also of high quality and plentiful.The pudding seems to be especially popular, so it’s recommended to enjoy it with your coffee!
It seems to be calm from opening (11 AM) until around lunchtime, but it gets very busy around 3 PM, so if you want to enjoy it leisurely, avoid around 3 PM.
- Take Instagram-worthy photos easily
- Enjoy both coffee and delicious sweets
- Choose from multiple varieties of house-roasted coffee beans
・Location
Sapporo Municipal Subway：Approximately 2 minutes on foot from Minami Hiragishi Station (Exit West)
Hours：11:00-18:00
Closed：Monday(open if Monday is a holiday, closed the following Tuesday)
Official instagram：https://www.instagram.com/acecoffeeroaster
CLAXON CoffeeROASTERS
A relaxed café located in a residential area near Fukuzumi Station.
The interior has a calm and warm atmosphere, ideal for enjoying coffee.
The food selection is also excellent and pairs perfectly with the coffee!
Recommended not only for solo visitors but also for spending time leisurely with friends.
Depending on the timing, you can choose guest coffee in addition to their house-roasted coffee!
Having such occasional treats makes it enjoyable to frequent the café.
- Relax in a warm, wooden atmosphere
- Enjoy house-roasted coffee beans and delectable sweets
- Experience the ambiance of a local cafe
・Location
Sapporo Municipal Subway：Approximately 3 minutes on foot from Fukuzumi Station (Exit 1)
Hours：12:00-19:30
Closed：Tuesday, Wednesday
Official HP：https://www.claxoncoffee.com/
Official instagram：https://www.instagram.com/claxoncoffee/
Coffee Etiquette in Japan
In Japanese specialty coffee shops, hand-dripped coffee often takes center stage over espresso.
Keep in mind that non-fat or non-dairy milk options might not always be available.
Remember these etiquette tips when visiting the best cafes in Japan
- Keep your voice down and avoid phone calls.
- Order at least one drink per person if you plan to stay a while.
- Be mindful when taking photos, especially of other customers.
- Don’t forget to actually enjoy your coffee amidst the photo-taking!
【Sapporo】Summary
Sapporo’s culture of light-roast coffee is currently on the rise!
While there still seems to be a strong presence of dark-roast cafes in the region, it’s exciting to see the growing popularity of light-roast coffee.
I’ll provide the list again for your reference
List of Cafes
| The nearest station | Opening Hours | The roasting level | To GO | Table seating | |
| COFFEE&WINE STANDARD COFFEE LAB. | Odori St 8mins | 10:00-20:00※ | Light to Dark roast | 〇 | Yes |
| Brew it by NODE | Odori St 5mins | 9:00-17:00 | Light to Dark roast | 〇 | Yes |
| ONIYANMA COFFEE&BEER | Odori St 3mins | 8:00-20:00※ | Light to Dark roast | 〇 | Yes |
| Marumi coffee 22％MARKET | Odori St 1mins | 10:00-20:00 | Light to Dark roast | 〇 | Standing |
| SARUTAHIKO COFFEE D-LIFEPLACE Sapporo | Sapporo St 3mins | 07:00-22:00※ | Light to Dark roast | 〇 | Yes |
| tokeinonaikissaten | Kita18jyo St 3mins | 9:00-18:00※ | Light to Dark roast | 〇 | Yes |
| Cafukuya | Maruyamakoenm St 4mins | 10:00-17:00 | Light to Dark roast | 〇 | Counter |
| Rain Miyanosawa | Miyanosawa St 4mins | 8:30-22:00 | Light to Dark roast | 〇 | Yes |
| Little Fort Coffee | Higashi-Sapporo 5mins | 12:00-18:30※ | Light to Dark roast | 〇 | Yes |
| COFFEE STAND 28 | Nango18chome St 8mins | 9:00-18:00※ | Light to Dark roast | 〇 | Yes |
| ACE COFFEE ROASTER | Minamihiragishi St 2mins | 11:00-18:00 | Light to Dark roast | 〇 | Yes |
| CLAXON CoffeeROASTERS | Fukuzumi St 3mins | 12:00-19:30 | Light to Dark roast | 〇 | Yes |
ONIYANMA COFFEE&BEER：8:00-20:00 (L.O. 19:30) Mon-Sat, 8:00-18:00 (L.O. 17:30) Sun & Holidays
tokeinonaikissaten：9:00-18:00 (Tue-Thu, Sun), 9:00-23:00 (Fri, Sat)
SARUTAHIKO COFFEE D-LIFEPLACE Sapporo：07:00-22:00 (Weekdays), 08:00-22:00 (Weekends & Holidays)
Little Fort Coffee：12:00-18:30 (Weekdays), 12:00-18:00 (Sat & Holidays)
COFFEE STAND 28：9:00-18:00 (Mon-Wed), 10:00-17:00 (Sat, Sun & Holidays)
Sapporo’s specialty coffee scene is booming, offering coffee enthusiasts a perfect blend of traditional Japanese aesthetics and modern coffee craftsmanship.
Whether you’re exploring the bustling streets near Odori Station or venturing into quieter residential areas, you’re sure to find a cafe that suits your taste.
Remember that the operating hours provided are subject to change.
Always check the official websites or social media accounts of each cafe for the most up-to-date information before your visit.
I hope this guide helps you discover the perfect cup during your Sapporo adventure.
Enjoy your coffee journey through the vibrant city of Sapporo, with its beautiful parks, delicious cuisine, and lively atmosphere. Experience the unique blend of modern city life and stunning natural surroundings.
Here are some recommended specialty coffee spots in the Kyoto area!
Are you going to Osaka? Check this out too!
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