Sapporo, the capital of Hokkaido and Japan’s fifth largest city, is one of the youngest major cities in the nation. In fact, the city has only seven people population during 1857, but has exponentially risen in the succeeding years. [Read: Winter in Hokkaido]
Sapporo is indeed a bustling city to travel to! They have a lot of commercial and shopping hubs, festivals, parties, and great delicacies to try. Hence, if you plan to visit the place, here’s a quick guide on the top things to do in Sapporo:
Visit the Sapporo TV Tower
The Sapporo TV Tower is located at the heart of the city. It is a 90-meter high structure that provides a 360-view of the city and Sea of Japan when you’re atop. It also contains the best angle to watch ongoing events or festivities in Odori Park during clear skies. Best visited at night, vantaging the TV Tower will make you appreciate the night light and winter decorations around the city.
Explore Odori Park
Odori Park is considered as one of the best parks to visit in Sapporo. It is a green space that would allow you to interact and have a little chit chat with the locals. Since the place is covered in flowers, fountains, and trees, the changing season is also noticeable.
Have a taste of local Hokkaido cuisine
Indulging in local Hokkaido cuisine might be the best part about traveling to Sapporo. The locals freshly serve seafood and delicacies like mutton barbecue, soup curry, and dairy products. All of these are paired with rice and fresh vegetables to enhance their flavors.
Some restaurants you should try are Daruma Honten, Soup Curry Dining and Sausage, Gotsubo, and more.
Experience the Sapporo Snow Festival
The Sapporo Snow Festival is a winter event held at the beginning of February. The festivities last for seven days which mainly features ice sculpture competition with representatives from all over the world.
Apart from that, visitors can enjoy sightseeing sculptures illuminated with colorful lights, experience real-life igloos and ice castles for kids, and more.
Visit the Sapporo Beer Museum
Of all the top things to do in Sapporo, this is by far the most important experience you should try. A visit to Beer Museum will not just let you taste smooth and enriched Sapporo Beer, but also let you tour around the museum and distillery. They will show you how it’s done and teach you about history beer making in Japan.
The garden also houses various restaurants that serve the beer with grilled vegetables and barbecued lamb.
See the Hokkaido Shrine
The Hokkaido Shrine is one of the places in Japan that show the spectacular beauty of cherry blossoms. During springtime in June, many tourists visit the place to have a picturesque moment with the changing season. It is also an event place for traditional ceremonies like weddings, New Year’s day eve celebration, and even exorcisms.
Visit Mount Moiwa
One of the top things to do in Sapporo is to visit Mount Moiwa. Being at the top will give you a panoramic view of the city, Mashike Mountains, and Ishikari Bay stretch from Mount Moiwa. No doubt the mountain is known for bringing out the best view of Japan! Of course, never forget to take photos for souvenir!
