Known for its annual Snow Festival, this city in northern Hokkaido is also home to some interesting attractions.
Among its most obvious Western-influenced structures is the former Hokkaido Government Office building, which sports a classic red brick facade.
In addition, the area around Odori Park features nightlife hotspots like Susukino.
Sapporo’s Natural Beauty
Sapporo is a city that embraces nature, and there are countless parks and green spaces to explore. The city’s main park, Odori Park, is a pulsating hub of activity during the snow festival in winter and other festivals throughout the year, but you can also take time to stroll through other scenic areas like Maruyama Park, Toyohira riverbank, or Nakajima Park. For those who love to run, the forested trails of the Sapporo Marathon Course offer a perfect venue. After a day of exercise, you can soothe your muscles with a long soak at Jozankei Onsen.
For art lovers, the Hokkaido Museum of Modern Art and the Miyanomori International Museum of Art showcase some of Japan’s finest contemporary works. The Museum of Natural History, in contrast, presents the story of Hokkaido through its enchanting exhibits.
As a metropolitan area, Sapporo has plenty of great shopping and entertainment. You’ll find a wide selection of new and old shops, boutiques, cafes, and restaurants throughout the city. The main shopping area is the Nakajima Shopping Street, which stretches over a mile and is home to many of the city’s best department stores.
The city is a pedestrian- and bicycle-friendly place, and many central locations and parks are within walking distance of each other. IC cards (including Suica and Pasmo) are accepted on most city buses and subways, making travel simple and convenient. The city also offers a community-run rental bike program, Porocle, with bikes available at around 40 locations throughout the city.
Sapporo is surrounded by magnificent mountains, which are especially picturesque during the autumn months and winter when the landscape is blanketed with white snow. One of the most famous is Mount Moiwa, where you can enjoy views that stretch further than the city itself from its observation deck.
If you’re looking for a break from urban life, the town of Otaru is only a short train ride away and is known for its charming canal area and historical buildings. It’s also a good base for trips to Noboribetsu, one of the country’s premier hot spring resorts. From here you can visit Jigokudani, the “Hell Valley,” and other stunning geothermal attractions. Lake Toya is another popular destination, with its caldera lake and spectacular scenery, as well as the Showa Shinzan, a volcanic lava dome.
Sapporo’s Culture
Sapporo is a dynamic metropolis, boasting an urban culture that perfectly blends the natural with the man-made. The city was a pioneer in the use of Western technologies in Japan during the late 19th century and has a distinct townscape that reflects its unique history.
Whether you are looking for an exciting nightlife or a relaxing escape, you will find it all in Sapporo. The city’s vibrant parks and gardens provide a tranquil setting, while its museums and attractions showcase the rich cultural heritage of Hokkaido. From internationally renowned scientific centers to historic sites and landmarks, there is something for everyone to enjoy.
In spring, the city’s parks are filled with beautiful cherry blossoms. The Hokkaido Museum displays the region’s natural and cultural heritage, and the Maruyama Zoo showcases the diversity of animals found in Hokkaido. The city’s ramen shops are famous for their thick, wavy noodles served in a rich soybean paste-flavored soup and topped with green onion, roasted pork (chashu), and seasoned boiled eggs. The Sapporo Art Park features sculptures in a serene outdoor setting, while the Hokkaido Ainu Culture Center reveals the traditional lifestyle of the indigenous Ainu people.
Winter (December to February) is a magical time to visit Sapporo, as the city’s population doubles during the Snow Festival. During the festival, you will find incredible snow and ice sculptures throughout Odori Park and in downtown Sapporo. The city also hosts the Sapporo White Illumination, where the streets and buildings are lit up with dazzling light displays.
Sapporo’s extensive public transportation network makes getting around the city easy. The subway and buses are clean and efficient, and many attractions are within walking distance of each other. When using public transportation, visitors are encouraged to purchase IC cards, such as Suica or Pasmo, which can be used for all forms of transportation. Alternatively, you can rent a bike from the numerous rental companies in the city. A bike ride is a great way to explore the city’s parks and see the best of Sapporo. IC cards can be purchased at all ticket machines or at most convenience stores and supermarkets.
Sapporo’s Food
With world-class ski slopes in the winter and lush, untarnished nature in the summer, it’s no wonder that Hokkaido attracts visitors from all over Japan. But the northern Japanese island also has another claim to fame: its incredible food. The capital city of Hokkaido, Sapporo, has a wide range of culinary options that are sure to satisfy any palate. Whether it’s fresh seafood, a piping hot bowl of ramen or something as hearty as a curry rice, Sapporo offers a variety of culinary experiences that are bound to satisfy any appetite.
Seafood is a staple in Sapporo, and there’s no better place to get your fix than at one of the city’s many seafood markets. Try kaisenmaru for a seafood-and-rice dish that’s sure to satisfy even the most demanding diners. Or you can opt for chirashizushi, which means “scattered rice,” for a lighter option that still delivers on flavor and extravagance.
As well as seafood, Sapporo is a hub for some of the best ramen in the country. The city lays claim to being the birthplace of miso ramen, and a number of restaurants specialise in dishes from across the region. Those who want to sample some of the best in town should head to Curb Market, where some 80 stores and restaurants are serving up delicious dishes.
For those who prefer a warmer meal, try some of the city’s many curry houses. Jyoti The Door to India is one of the most popular and serves up authentic Indian curry from morning until late into the night.
While it may be hard to resist all that fresh seafood and piping hot ramen, you shouldn’t ignore the local produce either. There are a number of food markets in the city where you can find anything from wild mountain vegetables to dairy products and meat. The food here is as fresh and as delicious as the natural beauty of Hokkaido, and you’re guaranteed to have a culinary adventure that you’ll never forget.
As with any good trip, it’s important to remember that the experience isn’t just about what you do, but how you finish as well. And in Sapporo, there’s no better way to wrap things up than with a tasty ice cream sundae. You’ll see a lot of these shops in the area around Susukino, and they tend to stay open until quite late, perfect for those with an appetite for both food and drink.
Sapporo’s Nightlife
After the sun sets, Sapporo takes on a new persona. Its most prominent nightlife district is Susukino, where you can dance all night and eat sushi, ramen and izakaya. The city is also known for its many clubs and pubs where you can enjoy the latest music with friends.
Sapporo has a long history of beer brewing, so it makes sense that the most popular night time activities here revolve around food and alcohol. Street food markets are bustling at night, especially in Odori Park, where the city’s most famous festival is held during winter and early spring.
In addition to the usual Japanese fare, there are many international restaurants and bars in Sapporo. Some of these are dedicated to the local foreign community, while others cater to those looking for a taste of home. There is a lot to choose from, but some of the best places include TK36, which is a staple among the foreign population, and Gaijin Bar or Rad Brothers for those looking to meet other westerners.
For those who prefer to relax after a long day, the many parks and public spaces of Sapporo offer plenty of chances to unwind. The main shrine in the center of town, Hokkaido Jingu, is a peaceful place to wander and pick up an omikuji (fortune). You can also head to the botanical gardens or explore the lush grounds of the University of Hokkaido, which are surprisingly large and relaxing for such a close-to-the-city destination.
Unlike some other cities, Sapporo is a good place to travel solo, as the city’s friendly atmosphere and extensive public transportation system make it easy to navigate. This means you can explore on your own pace, discover unique attractions and get to know the locals more deeply. It’s also the perfect way to make the most of your limited time in Hokkaido’s capital!
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