Sapporo is the capital city of Hokkaido and the fifth largest city in Japan. It is also one of Japan’s youngest cities, with a population of just seven people in 1857. Today, Sapporo has an estimated population of just under 2million people. Sapporo was designed using a rectangular street system, so Sapporo is considered to be the easiest city in Japan to navigate. Sapporo became famous throughout the world after hosting the 1972 Winter Olympic Games. The city is well-known today for its beer and the annual snow festival (yuki matsuri) which is held annually in February. Hokkaido celebrates many festivals.
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- Sapporo Snow Festival (yuki matsuri) is held in the first week of February and is Sapporo’s largest festival. The festival consists of an ice sculpture competition which attracts entrants from all over the world. The festival is spread across three locations: Odori Park, Satorando and Susukino.
- Maruyama Zoo is one of Japan’s largest zoos with over 220 different species. A 15minute walk from Maruyama Koen Subway Station or take JR Bus Nishi 15 to “Dobutsuen mae”.
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Odori Park is in the center of Sapporo and stretches over twelve blocks. The park separates the city into north and south. Odori Park hosts the annual Sapporo Snow Festival in February, and offers stunning greenery during the warmer months. The TV Tower (replica of the Eiffel Tower) with an observation deck stands at the eastern end of the park. Odori Park is five blocks south of Sapporo Station (about 10minute walk). |
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The Sapporo Clock Tower is one of Sapporo’s most famous sights. The building was completed in 1878, and the clock was added in 1881. The building was initially built as a drill hall of the Sapporo Agricultural College. It currently houses a museum. The Clock Tower is a 10 minute walk south of Sapporo Station. |
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Susikino is considered to be the Japan’s largest entertainment district north of Tokyo. It boasts numerous shops, restaurants, karaoke shops, pachinko parlors and bars. Ramen Yokocho is a narrow lane in Susikino lined with numerous ramen shops. Susukino Station is the second stop from Sapporo Station on the Subway Nanboku Line.
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Maruyama Zoo is one of Japan’s largest zoos with over 220 different species. A 15minute walk from Maruyama Koen Subway Station or take JR Bus Nishi 15 to “Dobutsuen mae”. |
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- Sapporo Snow Festival (yuki matsuri) is held in the first week of February and is Sapporo’s largest festival. The festival consists of an ice sculpture competition which attracts entrants from all over the world. The festival is spread across three locations: Odori Park, Satorando and Susukino.
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- The Botanic Garden is close to the city center and serves primarily as a scientific and educational garden for Hokkaido University. It was established in 1886 and is a fantastic location for a picnic or walk in summer. There is an alpine garden, preserved forest, greenhouse and museum. In winter, only the greenhouse is open to the public. The garden is a 10 minute walk southwest of Sapporo Station.
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- The Historic Village of Hokkaido (kaitaku no mura) is an open air museum that exhibits around 60 buildings dating from 1868. The museum is divided into a town, farm village, fishing village and mountain village. The village is located in the Nopporo Forest Park. From Sapporo Station take a JR local train on the Hakodate Line to Shinrin Koen Station (about 15minutes). From Shinrin Koen Station the village is a 20minute walk.
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