Sapporo

Sapporo, the capital of Hokkaido, is Japan's fifth largest city. This young metropolis comes alive each February with the Sapporo Snow Festival, where you can see enormous snow sculptures. You can stroll through Odori Park, learn about brewing at the Sapporo Beer Museum, or take day trips to nearby hot springs and ski resorts. With its wide streets and many parks, Sapporo has a distinct feel compared to other major Japanese cities.

Sapporo's Snowy Climate

Sapporo receives around 5 meters of snowfall annually, making it one of the snowiest major cities in the world. The city embraces its wintry climate, with excellent ski resorts just outside town and the Sapporo Snow Festival as the highlight of the winter calendar. During the festival, you'll find massive snow and ice sculptures lining the streets of Odori Park.

Experiencing Sapporo Year-Round

While winter defines Sapporo, the city has something for every season. Spring brings cherry blossoms to Maruyama Park and Odori Park. Summers are mild compared to much of Japan, with temperatures rarely exceeding 30°C. This makes it comfortable for you to explore the city's parks or enjoy a cold Sapporo Beer at an outdoor beer garden. In autumn, you can see vibrant red and gold foliage, especially beautiful at Hokkaido University's ginkgo tree avenue.

Sapporo's Food Scene

Sapporo's restaurants showcase Hokkaido's fresh seafood, dairy, and produce. The city claims to be the birthplace of miso ramen, a hearty soup that warms you up on cold winter days. You can try various regional ramen styles at the Sapporo Ramen Republic food court. Jingisukan, a grilled lamb dish named after Genghis Khan, is another local specialty. For seafood, head to the Nijo Market or Curb Market for the freshest catches from Hokkaido's waters.

Sapporo Beer Museum

At the Sapporo Beer Museum, you can learn about Japan's oldest beer brand, founded in 1876. The museum explains the brewing process and history, and you can taste different Sapporo beers at the adjacent Beer Garden. The museum's distinctive red-brick building stands out among Sapporo's modern architecture.

Parks and Nature Areas

Sapporo has many parks and green areas despite its urban setting. Odori Park, a 1.5 km stretch of green cutting through the city center, hosts events year-round and is a pleasant spot for a walk. Moerenuma Park, designed by sculptor Isamu Noguchi, integrates art and nature with geometric shapes and large lawns. At the Hokkaido University Botanical Gardens, you can see local plant species and visit a small museum about Hokkaido's indigenous Ainu people.

Exploring Beyond Sapporo

You can use Sapporo as a base to visit other parts of Hokkaido. Otaru, a port town with a scenic canal and glassworks, is 45 minutes away by train. For a relaxing hot spring experience, go to Jozankei, an onsen resort in the mountains about an hour from Sapporo. If you want to ski world-renowned powder snow, you can reach Niseko in about 2 hours by train.

Transportation in Sapporo

Sapporo's grid layout and public transportation make it easy to get around. The subway has three lines that go to most major sites. In winter, you can use the extensive underground walkway system connecting many downtown buildings and subway stations, letting you avoid the cold and snow above ground.