Fun Things to Do in Sapporo | Travel Guide (2024) | Best Places to Visit
Sapporo Travel Guide
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Welcome to Sapporo's fifth-largest city and the capital of the northernmost island of Hokkaido. Known for its stunning natural beauty, vibrant festivals, and delicious cuisine, Sapporo offers a unique and unforgettable travel experience. As the host city of the 1972 Winter Olympics, Sapporo boasts world-class ski resorts and winter sports facilities, making it a haven for snow enthusiasts. Beyond its winter wonderland, Sapporo is also famous for its annual Snow Festival, where massive ice sculptures take center stage. Additionally, visitors can explore the city's rich history and culture by visiting the Hokkaido Shrine, the Sapporo Clock Tower, and the Odori Park. With its blend of modernity and tradition, Sapporo is a must-visit destination for those seeking an authentic Japanese experience.
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Things To Do In Sapporo
Sapporo is a vibrant city with a plethora of activities and attractions to explore. Here are some things to do in Sapporo:
1. Visit the Sapporo Clock Tower: This iconic landmark is a symbol of the city and offers a glimpse into Sapporo's history. Explore the museum inside the tower to learn about its significance.
2. Stroll through Odori Park: Located in the heart of the city, this spacious park is perfect for a leisurely walk or a picnic. Admire the beautiful flowers during the summer or enjoy the snow sculptures during the Sapporo Snow Festival in winter.
3. Indulge in Hokkaido's culinary delights: Sapporo is renowned for its delicious food. Try the famous Sapporo ramen, fresh seafood, and local specialties like Jingisukan (grilled lamb) and soup curry.
4. Explore the Sapporo Beer Museum: Beer enthusiasts will enjoy a visit to this museum, which showcases the history and brewing process of Sapporo beer. Taste different varieties of beer and learn about its cultural significance.
5. Shop at Tanukikoji Shopping Arcade: This bustling covered shopping street offers a wide range of shops, boutiques, and restaurants. Browse for souvenirs, fashion items, and local products.
6. Visit the Hokkaido Shrine: This tranquil Shinto shrine is a peaceful retreat from the city's hustle and bustle. Take a walk through the beautiful forested grounds and experience the serene atmosphere.
7. Enjoy winter sports at Sapporo Teine: If you visit during the winter months, participate in skiing or snowboarding at this popular ski resort. Take in the breathtaking views of the city while enjoying the slopes.
8. Discover the Sapporo Underground Pedestrian Space: This extensive underground network of shopping malls, restaurants, and entertainment venues is perfect for escaping the cold or rainy weather. Explore the various shops and eateries.
9. Visit the Sapporo TV Tower: Climb to the observation deck of this tower for panoramic views of the city. Capture stunning photos of Sapporo's skyline and surrounding mountains.
Tours And Activities In Sapporo
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Best Time To Visit Sapporo
The best time to visit Sapporo is during the winter months of December to February. This is when the city is transformed into a winter wonderland and hosts the famous Sapporo Snow Festival. During this time, you can enjoy skiing and snowboarding in the nearby mountains, ice skating at the outdoor rinks, and admire the impressive ice sculptures at the festival. Additionally, Sapporo is known for its delicious seafood and hot springs, which are perfect for relaxing after a day in the snow. However, it's important to note that the winter months can be quite cold, with temperatures dropping below freezing, so make sure to pack warm clothing.
Flight Calendar For Sapporo
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Best Areas To Stay In Sapporo
Sapporo offers a variety of great areas for accommodation. Here are a few options:
1. Susukino: Known as Sapporo's entertainment district, Susukino is a vibrant area with numerous restaurants, bars, and clubs. It is a popular choice for those looking for a lively nightlife scene. Additionally, Susukino is conveniently located near major attractions such as Odori Park and the Sapporo TV Tower.
2. Odori: Located in the heart of Sapporo, Odori is famous for its beautiful park that stretches for 1.5 kilometers. This area is ideal for those who enjoy outdoor activities and want to be close to major events and festivals that take place in the park throughout the year. Odori is also home to many shopping centers, department stores, and restaurants.
3. Nakajima Park: Situated near Susukino, Nakajima Park is a peaceful and scenic area that offers a tranquil atmosphere. The park itself is a great place for leisurely walks, picnics, and even boat rides on the lake. Nakajima Park is also home to the Hokkaido Museum of Modern Art, making it a great choice for art enthusiasts.
4. Maruyama: Maruyama is a charming neighborhood known for its famous Maruyama Park, which is particularly popular during cherry blossom season. This area offers a more relaxed and residential vibe, with plenty of cafes, shops, and traditional Japanese houses. Maruyama is also home to the Hokkaido Shrine, a significant Shinto shrine in Sapporo.
5. Sapporo Station: For those who prefer convenience and easy access to transportation, staying near Sapporo Station is a great choice. This area offers a wide range of accommodation options, from luxury hotels to budget-friendly hostels. Sapporo Station is also a transportation hub, making it easy to explore other parts of the city and beyond.
Overall, Sapporo offers a diverse range of areas for accommodation, each with its own unique charm and attractions. Whether you're looking for a lively nightlife scene, proximity to parks and cultural sites, or convenient transportation options, Sapporo has something to offer for every traveler.
Hotels Map Of Sapporo
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Transportation To Sapporo
There are several transportation options to get to Sapporo:
1. By Air: The most convenient way to reach Sapporo is by flying into New Chitose Airport (CTS), which is located about 50 kilometers south of the city. There are numerous domestic and international flights that connect to Sapporo.
2. By Train: Sapporo is well-connected to other major cities in Japan by train. The JR Hokkaido Shinkansen (bullet train) runs from Tokyo to Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto, and from there, you can transfer to a local train to reach Sapporo.
3. By Bus: There are long-distance bus services that operate between Sapporo and various cities in Japan. These buses are usually cheaper than trains or flights, but the travel time is longer.
4. By Ferry: If you prefer a scenic journey, you can take a ferry from various ports in Japan to Tomakomai, which is about 40 kilometers southeast of Sapporo. From Tomakomai, you can take a train or bus to reach Sapporo.
5. By Car: If you enjoy driving, you can rent a car and drive to Sapporo. The city is well-connected by highways, and there are several rental car companies available.
Once you arrive in Sapporo, the city has an efficient public transportation system, including subway, buses, and taxis, to help you get around.
Nearby Destination From Sapporo
1. Otaru: A charming coastal town known for its historic canal and beautiful glassworks.
2. Chitose: Home to the New Chitose Airport and the famous Chitose Outlet Mall Rera.
3. Asahikawa: A bustling city renowned for its Asahiyama Zoo and winter ice festival.
4. Hakodate: A picturesque port city offering stunning views from Mount Hakodate and delicious seafood.
5. Noboribetsu: A hot spring resort town famous for its unique Jigokudani (Hell Valley) and natural geothermal wonders.
6. Furano: A scenic town known for its lavender fields, ski resorts, and delicious local produce.
7. Tomakomai: A coastal city with beautiful beaches, golf courses, and the popular Tomakomai Port Festival.
8. Obihiro: A vibrant city renowned for its horse racing, delicious local cuisine, and Tokachi Millennium Forest.
9. Kitami: A city surrounded by nature, offering opportunities for wildlife viewing, hot springs, and the Kitami Mint Memorial Museum.
10. Muroran: A port city with stunning coastal landscapes, a vibrant music festival, and the iconic Hakucho Bridge.