Sapporo | Japan

Sapporo – The Winter Wonderland of Japan

Sapporo is the capital city of Hokkaido, Japan's northernmost island, and is best known for its winter sports, snow festivals, and delicious cuisine. As one of Japan’s largest cities, Sapporo offers visitors a mix of modern urban life, scenic nature, and rich history. Whether you’re drawn to the snow-covered peaks for skiing, the springtime flowers blooming in the parks, or the food scene that’s uniquely Hokkaido, Sapporo has something to offer year-round.

Geography

Sapporo is located in the northwestern part of Hokkaido, which is known for its cooler temperatures, even in the summer. The city is surrounded by mountains, including the Mt. Moiwa and Mt. Teine ranges, providing a beautiful backdrop for the urban landscape. The Toyohira River runs through the city, and Sapporo is also near the Sea of Japan, adding to its scenic beauty.

Proximity to Other Cities

• Tokyo is approximately 1,100 km from Sapporo, and can be reached in about 1.5 hours by Shinkansen (bullet train) or 1 hour by plane.
• Hakodate, another major city in Hokkaido, is around 300 km to the south and is easily accessible by train.
• Asahikawa, another city in Hokkaido, is about 130 km away from Sapporo, known for its zoo and mountain landscapes.

History

Sapporo’s history dates back to the early 19th century, when it was initially a small settlement inhabited by the Ainu people, the indigenous population of Hokkaido. The city began to grow in the late 1800s when the Meiji government established it as a government-designated town and focused on developing Hokkaido’s agricultural potential.

Sapporo’s rapid development continued after the construction of the Hokkaido Railway in the 1880s, which connected the city to the rest of Japan. By the 1970s, Sapporo had become a modern urban hub. The city gained international recognition when it hosted the 1972 Winter Olympics, which solidified its reputation as a center for winter sports.

Top Attractions

1. Sapporo Snow Festival

• One of Japan's most famous winter events, the Sapporo Snow Festival is held every February and attracts millions of visitors from all over the world. The festival features enormous snow and ice sculptures displayed in Odori Park, Susukino, and Tsudome.
• The Odori Park site, in particular, showcases impressive ice sculptures and snow castles, while Susukino is home to stunning ice art and ice bars. The Tsudome site is more family-oriented, with snow slides and snow activities.

2. Odori Park

• Odori Park is located in the heart of Sapporo and is the city’s central green space. It stretches for about 1.5 kilometers and is a popular destination year-round. During the Sapporo Snow Festival, it becomes the focal point for the snow sculpture displays.
• The park is also home to a large clock tower, fountains, and beautiful seasonal flowers, making it a wonderful spot for a leisurely walk, especially in spring and summer.

3. Sapporo Clock Tower

• The Sapporo Clock Tower, or Tokei-dai, is one of the city’s most iconic landmarks. Built in 1878, the clock tower is a historic building that once served as the headquarters for the city's early government offices.
• The tower has a museum inside where you can learn about Sapporo’s early development and the history of the clock itself. The building is especially stunning when lit up at night.

4. Mount Moiwa

• Mount Moiwa is a popular spot for panoramic views of the city. Visitors can take a cable car and gondola to the summit, where they can enjoy breathtaking views of Sapporo, the sea, and the surrounding mountain ranges.
• In the winter, Mount Moiwa becomes a popular spot for skiing, while in the summer, it's ideal for hiking and enjoying the beautiful nature of Hokkaido.

5. Susukino District

• Susukino is Sapporo’s vibrant entertainment and nightlife district. The area is packed with bars, restaurants, karaoke joints, and clubs, making it a great place for both locals and tourists to enjoy a night out.
• The district is also known for its ramen shops, especially miso ramen, which is a specialty of Sapporo.

6. Sapporo Beer Museum

• As the birthplace of Sapporo Beer, one of Japan’s oldest and most famous beer brands, the Sapporo Beer Museum offers an interesting look at the history of brewing in the region.
• Visitors can take a tour of the museum, learn about the beer-making process, and enjoy tastings of Sapporo's signature beers. Adjacent to the museum is the Sapporo Beer Garden, where visitors can enjoy a meal with Genghis Khan, a local grilled lamb dish.

7. Hokkaido Shrine

• Hokkaido Shrine is a major Shinto shrine located in the Maruyama Park area of Sapporo. The shrine is dedicated to Kami (gods) associated with the development of Hokkaido.
• The surrounding park is a popular spot for cherry blossoms in the spring and is a peaceful place for reflection. The shrine’s beautiful architecture and serene environment make it a calming escape from the city.

8. Moerenuma Park

• Designed by the famous artist Isamu Noguchi, Moerenuma Park is a large public park that features modern art, playgrounds, and wide open spaces. The park includes an artificial mountain, a glass pyramid, and water features, making it a unique place to explore.
• It’s an ideal spot for a picnic or a walk, and its striking modern design contrasts with traditional Japanese parks.

Sapporo Cuisine

Sapporo is renowned for its unique Hokkaido-style cuisine, which is influenced by the island's cooler climate and abundant natural resources. Some must-try dishes include:

• Miso Ramen: Sapporo is famous for its miso ramen, a rich and flavorful noodle soup made with a miso-based broth, often topped with corn, butter, and bean sprouts.
• Genghis Khan (Jingisukan): A local specialty, this is a grilled lamb dish cooked on a dome-shaped grill. The dish is typically served with vegetables and rice.
• Seafood: Hokkaido is known for its fresh seafood, including crabs, sea urchins, and salmon roe. Sapporo’s seafood markets offer a chance to taste some of the freshest catches in Japan.
• Hokkaido Milk: Hokkaido is famous for its high-quality dairy products, especially milk and cheese, which are often used in desserts like soft-serve ice cream.

Climate

Sapporo has a humid continental climate, with cold winters and mild summers. It’s particularly famous for its snowfall during the winter months.

• Winter (December to February): Winters in Sapporo are cold and snowy, with heavy snowfall from December to February. It’s one of the best places in Japan for winter sports, especially skiing and snowboarding.
• Spring (March to May): Spring is a lovely time to visit as the cherry blossoms bloom, and the weather becomes milder.
• Summer (June to August): Summers are cool compared to the rest of Japan, with temperatures usually ranging from 20°C to 25°C. This is a good time for outdoor activities like hiking and cycling.
• Autumn (September to November): Fall foliage in Hokkaido is stunning, and Sapporo’s parks, like Maruyama Park, are perfect for enjoying the autumn colors.

Conclusion

Sapporo is a city that offers something for everyone, whether you’re visiting in the snowy winter months to enjoy the Sapporo Snow Festival or exploring the parks, museums, and local cuisine in the warmer months. With its beautiful landscapes, modern urban attractions, and deep connection to nature, Sapporo is a place where visitors can experience both the natural beauty and the rich cultural traditions of Hokkaido. Whether you're a winter sports enthusiast, a food lover, or simply looking to explore one of Japan's most unique cities, Sapporo is sure to leave a lasting impression.