The Top 10 Things to See and Do in Sapporo
Most people associate Sapporo with the tall, stylish, steel cans of beer typically sold at Japanese restaurants overseas. While beer is bountiful in Sapporo city, there are plenty of other sights and activities to keep travelers busy. Festivals, winter sports, local cuisine and live performances draw millions of tourists to the city every year. Check out some of the best things to see and do in Sapporo.
Drink beer at the Sapporo Beer Museum
Visit the Sapporo Beer factory and beer museum, where patrons can learn more about the history of beer in Japan and how it is brewed. At the end of the guided tour, guests are treated to a 30-minute drinking session where they are allowed to drink all the beer they want.
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Odori Avenue Park
The contrast between this lush, green park and the modern metropolis that surrounds it is what makes Odori Avenue Park worth the visit; located in the Sapporo’s downtown, visitors can start their trip with a relaxing day in the park while still being in walking distance to the city’s museums, shopping centers and nightlife areas.
Moerenuma Park
This “art park” was created by renowned Japanese-American artist Isamu Noguchi, and features several sculptures and art pieces in various locations around the park. The available activities vary by season. In the summer there is a miniature beach inside the park and in the winter guests are able to rent cross-country ski equipment to traverse the park.
Jogai Ichiba (Curb Market)
Specializing in Hokkaido seafood and produce, this public market holds nearly 80 restaurants, shops and food stalls. The market is frequented by locals as well as tourists, so travelers have a chance to eat some of the best seafood in the country without having to pay tourist prices. Be sure to try donburi, a simple yet delicious helping of seafood served over a bowl of rice.
Jozankei Onsen
Jozankei Onsen features overs 50 natural hot springs as well as several spa hotels and resorts, nestled deep in the valley and surrounded by a gorgeous view of the mountains. If you came to Japan for hot springs, this is a must-visit.
Shiroi Koibito Park
Travelers with a sweet tooth, rejoice. Shiroi Koibito (literally “white lover”) is a famous cookie that originated in Sapporo. This theme park was built by the company responsible for the original Shiroi Koibito cookie, and offers workshops where guests get a chance to make their own cookies. There is also a restaurant and a chocolate shop for those of you who want some extra goodies to take home.
Historic Village of Hokkaido
This rustic village was built to satisfy the history buff in your travel group. The village consists of 52 historical structures meant to function as living time capsules. Visitors can experience the “frontier days” of Japan, beginning with the Meiji period (1868 – 1912) and continuing through the Showa period ending in 1989.
Susukino
This is the Kabukicho of Sapporo, a red-light district famous for wild nightlife, adult entertainment and bars that stay open ‘til sunup. While not for everyone, single travelers and party people will certainly be in for an interesting night. Do not bring your mom here.
Sashimi Boat
Sure, you can find these all over Japan (and the world) nowadays but why not try it in the region known for having the freshest fish in Japan? The most famous spot for this dish is Taiyo Izaka Tetchan, where the staff will even fry up your leftover sashimi if you’re finding it difficult to stomach that much raw fish.
Sapporo Snow Festival
Hands down the most exciting event in Sapporo, this celebration of snow and ice runs for one week every year and pulls in over two million tourists from across the globe. The festival features hundreds of snow and ice sculptures, skiing and snowboarding events, athletic competitions, a beauty contest (where the winner is awarded the title of “Ice Queen”), and countless other activities for both young and old. If you are visiting Japan in winter, this is definitely worth planning your trip around.
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