Travel : Sapporo - Highlights of this Japanese city

 

Sapporo is the capital of Hokkaido, Japan's northernmost island, and one of the country's largest cities. Known for its snowy winters, delicious cuisine, and vibrant festivals, Sapporo offers a unique blend of natural beauty, modern conveniences, and rich culture. It’s particularly famous for hosting the annual Sapporo Snow Festival and for being the home of Sapporo beer.

Introduction to Sapporo:

Founded in the 19th century, Sapporo is a relatively young city by Japanese standards, having grown rapidly due to its role as the administrative center of Hokkaido during the Meiji period. It’s now a dynamic city with a population of nearly 2 million people and is renowned for its wide streets, lush parks, and proximity to stunning natural landscapes, including mountains, hot springs, and ski resorts.

Best Places to Visit in Sapporo:

1. Odori Park: Situated in the heart of the city, Odori Park stretches over 1.5 kilometers and is a popular venue for the Sapporo Snow Festival every February. The park is a beautiful place to walk through in any season, with flower gardens in the spring and summer, and winter illuminations in the colder months.

2. Sapporo Snow Festival (Yuki Matsuri): Held every February, the Sapporo Snow Festival is one of Japan's largest and most famous winter events, drawing millions of visitors. It features massive snow and ice sculptures displayed across Odori Park and Susukino, Sapporo’s entertainment district.

3. Mount Moiwa: A short cable car ride from the city, Mount Moiwa offers stunning panoramic views of Sapporo, especially at night when the city is illuminated. It’s also a popular spot for hiking and skiing in the winter.

4. Historical Village of Hokkaido: This open-air museum showcases traditional buildings from the Meiji and Taisho periods, offering visitors a glimpse into Hokkaido's past. The village replicates a historic town with farmhouses, merchant buildings, and public offices.

5. Moerenuma Park: Designed by Japanese-American sculptor Isamu Noguchi, this park is a masterpiece of modern landscape architecture. Its geometrically arranged hills, fountains, and structures are beautiful examples of contemporary design integrated with nature.

6. Sapporo Beer Museum: As the birthplace of Sapporo beer, this museum is a must-visit for beer lovers. You can learn about the history of beer in Japan and sample freshly brewed Sapporo beer.

7. Shiroi Koibito Park: A theme park operated by a famous local confectionary company, Shiroi Koibito, it’s ideal for families. The park features a factory tour, workshops, and a variety of sweet treats.

8. Hokkaido Shrine (Hokkaido Jingu): Located in Maruyama Park, this shrine is a place of worship and holds significance in local history. It’s especially beautiful during cherry blossom season and New Year's celebrations.

Best Seasons to Visit Sapporo:

1. Winter (December to February): Winter is arguably the best time to visit Sapporo, particularly for snow lovers. The city is transformed into a winter wonderland, with activities like skiing, snowboarding, and snowshoeing being major draws. The Sapporo Snow Festival in February is the highlight of the season.

2. Spring (March to May): Spring is a beautiful time in Sapporo, with cherry blossoms (sakura) blooming around late April to early May. Maruyama Park and Hokkaido Shrine are popular spots for hanami (cherry blossom viewing). The weather begins to warm, making it a pleasant time to explore the city.

3. Summer (June to August): Summers in Sapporo are mild compared to the rest of Japan, with temperatures hovering around 25°C (77°F). It’s a great time to enjoy outdoor activities, including hiking in the surrounding mountains and attending the Sapporo Summer Festival, where beer gardens take over Odori Park.

4. Autumn (September to November): Fall brings crisp weather and stunning autumn foliage. The parks and mountains around Sapporo, such as Nakajima Park and Mount Moiwa, are particularly beautiful with shades of red, orange, and yellow. It’s also a great time to enjoy the seasonal food harvests.

Best Cuisines in Sapporo:

1. Sapporo Ramen: Sapporo is famous for its miso-based ramen, which is distinct from other types of ramen found in Japan. The broth is rich and savory, often topped with corn, butter, pork slices (chashu), and seafood. Popular ramen spots include Ramen Alley in Susukino, where many local ramen shops serve their variations of this beloved dish.

2. Jingisukan (Genghis Khan): Named after the Mongolian ruler, this dish features lamb or mutton grilled on a convex-shaped skillet. It’s a unique Hokkaido specialty, often paired with vegetables. Some of the best places to try Jingisukan include the Sapporo Beer Garden and specialty restaurants around the city.

3. Sapporo Beer: Sapporo is the birthplace of one of Japan's oldest and most famous beer brands. Sapporo beer can be enjoyed at the Sapporo Beer Museum or at beer gardens around the city during the summer festival.

4. Seafood (Crab, Uni, and Ikura): As a coastal city, Sapporo is known for its incredibly fresh seafood. The most famous is Hokkaido crab, particularly the king crab, which can be found in markets like Nijo Market or restaurants around the city. Other specialties include sea urchin (uni) and salmon roe (ikura), which are often served in sushi or donburi (rice bowls).

5. Hokkaido Dairy Products: Hokkaido’s vast open spaces and cool climate make it ideal for dairy farming. Sapporo’s cafes and restaurants serve high-quality dairy products like milk, cheese, and ice cream. Shiroi Koibito Park is also famous for its white chocolate cookies and desserts.

Airlines and Connectivity:

1. Airlines Connectivity: Sapporo is served by New Chitose Airport (CTS), located about 50 kilometers southeast of the city center. It is Hokkaido’s largest airport and one of the busiest in Japan, with direct flights to major cities in Japan like Tokyo, Osaka, and Nagoya, as well as international destinations including Seoul, Taipei, Beijing, Hong Kong, and Bangkok.

Japan Airlines (JAL), All Nippon Airways (ANA), and budget carriers like Peach Aviation and AirAsia Japan offer frequent domestic flights.

Several international airlines, including Korean Air, China Airlines, and Thai Airways, provide international connectivity.

2. Train and Bus Connectivity:

Hokkaido Railway Company (JR Hokkaido) operates the railway system in Sapporo, with direct trains connecting Sapporo to major cities in Hokkaido, including Hakodate and Asahikawa.

The Hokkaido Shinkansen (bullet train) connects the southern part of Hokkaido to Honshu (the main island of Japan). However, it currently only extends as far as Hakodate; to reach Sapporo, you must take a regular express train from Hakodate.

Long-distance buses and highway buses also connect Sapporo to nearby towns and ski resorts.

3. Local Transport:

Sapporo has a well-developed public transportation system, including a subway network, buses, and streetcars. The Sapporo Subway consists of three lines that cover most of the city.

Taxis and car rental services are also widely available, making it easy to explore the surrounding areas.