The Japanese city of Sapporo lies
on the banks of the Ishikari River, on the island of Hokkaido. Just a short flight from Tokyo, this cool corner of Japan abounds with
gifts that change with the seasons. Once home to the indigenous Ainu people,
the bountiful island of Hokkaido has long lured settlers across the Tsugaru
Strait from the main island of Honshu. Today, the prefecture’s capital
city is renowned for its thriving culinary scene, gorgeous green spaces, and magical yearly snow festival. A tasty way to get acquainted
with the spirit of Sapporo is at the Sapporo Crab Market. Affectionately known as Hokkaido’s Kitchen, this market is a cornucopia of crustaceans, as well as all manner of other seafood
from the bountiful Sea of Okhotsk. Of course, Sapporo’s unbelievably
fresh seafood must always be paired with its legendary liquid gold. At the Sapporo Beer Museum, follow the journey of teenage
renegade Seibei Nakagawa who voyaged to Germany to
study traditional brewing, and returned to found one of Japan’s
oldest and most beloved breweries in 1876. Top off your culinary introduction to Sapporo with an indulgent visit to Shiroi Koibito Park. At this whimsical chocolate wonderland, devour mountains of treats,
learn how they’re made, and even try your hand at creating your own. For a breath of fresh air
after all that foodie goodness, climb aboard the Mount Moiwa Ropeway and let the cable car lift you ever
upward towards the mountaintop. At the summit, feast on panoramic
views of the sprawling metropolis, stretching out all the way to Ishikari Bay. And when dusk falls, be awed as the city is illuminated
in a sea of twinkling lights. Make your way back to the heart of the city, where the lively entertainment
district of Susukino awaits to welcome you with a neon
carnival of restaurants, karaoke bars, and pachinko parlors. Noodle lovers will hit the jackpot here too! Susukino is home to Ganso Ramen Yokocho, a narrow lane packed with specialty
restaurants serving Sapporo’s iconic miso ramen, the best way
to end an epic day in this city. Green spaces are the elemental calm that
punctuate Sapporo’s bustling streets, and the result is a city of
perfectly curated balance. While away a morning in Nakajima
Park among sweet smelling Japanese red spruce and elm. Rent a paddle
boat and venture across Shobu Pond…., take a nap in a shady grotto…., or
visit the historic Hoheikan building, where forward-thinking, Emperor Meiji, rested during his visit to the city in 1880. At the nearby Fushimi Inari Shrine,
follow the tunnel of torii gates, symbolizing the passage from the
earthly realm into the sacred. When you reach the temple,
leave an Ema, a prayer or wish, that the shrine’s kami
spirits are said to receive. Then, make the climb to Asahiyama Memorial Park, for lush walking trails and even
more sweeping views of the city. Or, on the opposite side of the
city, stretch out in Moerenuma Park, over 400 acres of grassy
fields and open-air creations. After relaxing in the city’s
many generous green spaces, turn back the pages at The
Historical Village of Hokkaido. Step into the region’s frontier period, when migrants from Honshu put down roots
on the harshest of Japan’s islands. Then, journey through more of the
prefecture’s chapters at the Hokkaido Museum, which proudly showcases the island’s
history, nature and culture. Once you’ve explored Sapporo’s past, head for the city’s modern,
energetic heart, Odori Park. This mile-long urban park slices
through Sapporo’s skyscrapers, cutting the city into north and south. Spend a sunny afternoon soaking up the fresh air and buzzing atmosphere of
this beloved public space. As the evening sets in, take the elevator to the top of the
Sapporo TV Tower, at Odori’s eastern edge. Gaze out from the observation deck at the sprawling urban jungle
and her treasured park, and watch as the sun sets
over this city of gifts.
Sapporo’s gifts continue as the
seasons change throughout the year. From November to February, the sky opens up and casts a spellbinding
blanket of snow across the city. With the falling snow comes Hokkaido’s
most anticipated annual event. An event which draws over 2
million visitors and transforms the entire city into a real-life winter wonderland …, the Sapporo Snow Festival. Join thousands of rosy-cheeked
snow lovers in Odori Park, the festival’s main site and
birthplace. Every February since 1950, the park has become an
inviting maze of snow statues, sizzling street food, and entertainment spaces. The festivities have since
extended beyond Odori park, and today the neighborhood of
Susukino is also transformed. Stop by Ice World, where
sculptures, slides, and tunnels, all made entirely of ice await. And when your hands become
numb with cold, don’t worry, you’ll find plenty of vendors offering steaming pork buns and hot saké to help you thaw. Besides its famous beer, Sapporo’s
saké scene is also world-class. And in the wintertime, atsukan or hot
saké is the city’s favorite drink. Head to the Saké Museum to discover the intriguing history of Japan’s national
beverage and warm up a little more. The falling snow imparts magic upon not
just the festival, but the entire city. Tour some of Sapporo’s historic treasures, whose charms truly sparkle in the wintry weather. At the Former Hokkaido Government Office, take in the striking contrast
of the building’s red bricks against the snow-powdered pines. Then, make your way to the city’s Clock Tower, whose cheerful chimes have kept
Sapporo running on time since 1881. For more Snow Festival thrills,
catch a bus to Tsudome. A paradise for the young, and young at heart, the futuristic dome buzzes with snowball battles, toboggan races and snowman building competitions. Make tracks to the Olympic Museum, which celebrates the glorious
1972 Sapporo Winter Games. Then, watch as death-defying skiers
fly down the 440-foot ski jump. If you’re itching to get
out on the slopes yourself, Mount Moiwa is the place to
go, with runs fit for rookies through to experienced powder hounds. Best of all are the views of the sprawling city, stretching out like a dream into the snowy abyss.
Few places are as open-hearted
as the city of Sapporo. Its summers overflow with lush
green spaces, cultural celebrations, and culinary innovations. And in winter, despite the bitter cold, this city lights up with a communal
warmth that shines across all of Hokkaido. Welcome to Sapporo, a city that keeps on giving… 24 hours a day...365 days a year… in sunshine and in snow.
