Planning to visit the capital of Hokkaido, Sapporo? I have a practical mini guide for you.
Sapporo is one of the most famous destinations in Japan. It is the capital of Hokkaido, the most up north prefecture of Japan. A separated island, the area is known for its snowy landscapes, their famous dairy products, their delicious cuisine and the great chocolate produced there. A magical destination that dwells every Japan traveler's mind.
Recently, I wrote an article about five things to do in winter in Japan (you can read it here), and Sapporo was one of them, as it was a success, and many people referred back to me regarding to Sapporo activities, I decided to write this post based on my trips to Sapporo, which all of them I loved doing and highly suggest you do the same, if you have the opportunity. This article will be focused on winter season, in my opinion it is the most beautiful time to visit Sapporo, but I am sure Sapporo is enjoyable every time of the year.
ODORI PARK
Odori Park is the main park of Sapporo. It was developed in 1871 to serve as fire break for the city. A long park where Sapporo TV Tower is located that offers inumerous events throughout the year. The most famous event is the world known Sapporo Snow Festival, that takes place in February, another winter event is the Sapporo White Illumination that starts in the end of November. I must say, it is one of the most beautiful illuminations I have been too, they usually play songs related to Sapporo and that time of the year, making the visit an unforgettable experience. Take some time to go up in the tower, and enjoy the view of Odori Park from above, it is amusing to see the long park, specially if it is covered in snow.
There are many points to take pictures, and the one that I liked the most, was the one where you can get the tower and the subway entrance with Sapporo written on it. I also suggest you visiting it both at daylight and night time, because scenes are different depending on the time of the day. Also, have in mind that if you are going to Sapporo for the Snow Festival, book your hotel room and flghts in advance, as this time of the year is when Sapporo gets most crowded.
Google Maps link: click here
SAPPORO CLOCK TOWER
Sapporo Clock Tower in an iconic symbol of Sapporo, a very famous place that is a must-do on a trip to Sapporo, it helps you understand the realtion of Hokkaido with agriculture, and how it was infliuenced by western countries. Formerly an agricultural school, it became then a mitlitary facility during World War II, and after a library. Nowadays, it has been transformed into a small museum. The second floor is used mainly for small presentations and events.
The Clock that names the tower is an attraction itself it is a weight-driven mechanism, solely powerd by the force of gravity, made by E. Howard Watch & Clock Company of Boston. And all the mechanism is explaind near a model made by the same company that produced the clock. I am a museum lover, so highly reccomend going to Sapporo Clock Tower, as it is not very big, and near everything, you can squeeze it in your itinerary. Take the opportuniry to take photos of the building and the clock, and you won't regret. We went there on foot, while exploring Sapporo, so the access is very easy, once you are in the city.
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SUSUKINO
Susukino is the entertainment district of Sapporo. The vibrante neon lights brings out the night life ambiance. In Susukino you will find a lot of bars, restaurants, karaoke, pubs and entertainment related shops. It is where locals and tourists go to have fun for the night. As it couldn't be different, it is where you will find the most delicious dishes of local cuisine. Susukino's most famous point is the Nikka Whisky sign, an icon of Sapporo nightlife. If you stroll in Susukino in the evening you will certainly find a place to have fun. The neon lights, the trams passing and snow falling from the sky will certainly engrave a memory in your mind. It is good place to have dinner and drinks after spending the whole day exploring Sapporo.
Another good tip is the underground shopping mall under Susukino, if it is raining or snowing a lot, you can walk under the city, the undergorund mall goes until Sapporo station and it is fun idea for the days of heavy rain.
Google Maps link: click here
FORMER HOKKAIDO GOVERNMENT OFFICE
The Former Hokkaido Government Office is a red-brick building built in 1888 featuring an American Baroque Style. A famed symbol of Hokkaido is now house to historic exbitions, a museum sho, an information office and a conference room. It is one of the first things you will see while strolling in Sapporo, specially if you leave from the station. On winter time, there is an illumination on the area in front of the building, and it is very charming. I took a lot of photos, and what impressed me the most was the red-brick building with a green roof, a type of construction that is not very common in Japan.
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SHIROI KOIBITO PARK
If you vist Hokkaido, you will certainly see Shiroi Koibito chocolate boxes for sale and in tourists hands. It is the most famous chocolate in Hokkaido and you will certainly love not only the chocolate but also the Park. When you enter Shiroi Koibito Park it looks like you entered a magical candy land. There are some attraction in the park, and the most famous is the factory tour where you can see how those delightful chocolates are made. You can also participate in classes where you can decorate your own cookies. The Ishiya Museum guides the visitor in the history of the company, and during winter season there is also the illumination event. At the end of the tour you can stop at their restaurant for delicious snacks and I must say their ice cream is superb. The entire park is enjoyable, since the moment you see it from outside, the magical atmosphere of a chocolate factory makes the tour even more pleasant. Before leaving the park, you will have the opportunity to buy the most famous Hokkaido souvenir: a can of Shiroi Koibito Chocolate. I highly suggest you buying one (or more) for yourself as a delicious memory of your trip to Sapporo, giving it to people as a present will also show how much consideration you have towards that person. Regardles of time and age, Shiroi Koibito Park is definitely a place you should include in your travel plans to Sapporo.
Google Maps link: click here
SAPPORO BEER MUSEUM
Sapporo Beer Museum is the only museum in Japan dedicated to beer. It tells the history of the brewers who have been prducing beer in Sapporo since 1877, the museum was opened in 1987 to demonstrate how Hokkaido's tradition and pioneering history is integrated by Sapporo Beer. The building had been a sugar factory, became a beer factory then today serves as a very well established museum.
The brick construction offer an amazing atmosphere, specially for the photograph lovers. Inside the museum, you can make a time travel by watching the original posters used by the brewery along the years, and understand the costumes and popular designs of those times. If you are a beer lover after the tour is done you will have the opportunty to drink various types of beer Sapporo Beer offer on the Star Hall.
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SAPPORO OLYMPIC MUSEUM
Sapporo Olympic Museum is a museum dedicated to Sapporo 1972 Winter Olympic Games and winter sports. The museum is located in Okurayama Stadium, in the bottom of the Ski Jump, which is the most amazing part of the tour. Particularly, I found very interesting how long and steep the Ski Jump is, and how bold athletes must be to jump off it, also in the winter it gets covered in snow, which produces incredible pictures and moments, during summer there is no snow, so the Ski Jump has different appearences within one year. Inside the museum, you will find exhibitions on materials used by athletes in the games. And also will have the experience of virtually jumping and playing other winter sports. It is impressive how the games brought even more fame and succes to the city, and how they care for this beautiful memory.
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THE HILL OF THE BUDDHA
The Hill of the Buddha is located in Makomanai Takino Cemetery. One of the many giant Buddha statues in Japan, this one is famous for its peaking head over the hills of lavender fields. The monument design by Tadao Ando is unique for its concept of modern Buddhist art. It was built in 2016, celebratring the 30th anniversary of the cemetery. The beauty of the statue got famous in entire Japan, resulting in lots of domestic visitors going to the hills to visit the massive Buddha. It got popular because of the peaking head, but taking pictures of the inside of the hills produced a lot of famous shots in social medias. If you are lucky to get a bright sunny day, you will be able to see it on its most beautiful aspect. Within Makomanai Takino cemetery , you will see replicas of Moai statues, measuring up to 9 meters, the statues inspire an ambiance of respect, and of Stonehenge that instantaneously
reminds us of the spirituality of the cemetery. It is a peaceful walk that will bring you serene moments to add up in your memories from Sapporo. It is not only an attraction for the eyes, but also for the spirit.
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Another important aspect of a trip to Sapporo is the food. Hokkaido is nationally known for its delicious food. It is famous to the point of its products come with a Hokkaido map printed in the package as sign of quality. It wouldn't be any different to visit tha actual place. Sapporo's food is amazing, specially the dairy products. Reccomended foods to eat in Sapporo are the sea food, Sapporo Ramen, the amazing cheese, the chocolate, and all dairy products related foods. I felt in love with Sapporo chocolate, the second time I visited Sapporo I bought a lot of it to bring home, because chocolate there is different.
And, finally, it is important to discuss how to get to Sapporo, located in a separated island from Honshu (the main island). I usually fly with ANA (All Nippon Airways) to Sapporo, which I highly reccomend. But there are other options to get to Sapporo by plane, be attentive to companies like Peach Airlines, they are often offering low-cost flights to Sapporo from the main cities in Japan. You also have the option to go by Shinkansen from Tokyo, or you can also go by car, but as it is a separated island, you will have to take the ferry.
Considering all of this, I highly reccomend you visiting Sapporo, regardless you are a international or a domestic visitor. The atsmosphere of Hokkaido is different, and you can only know it by visiting it. It will always bring a smile to your face when you remeber your adventurous days in Sapporo.
Michelle Motoki
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