Sapporo

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Sapporo

With its rich natural landscape, stunning scenery, and distinctive seasons, Sapporo captivates the explorer in all of us. The capital of Hokkaidō, the most northern and second-largest island of Japan, was established in 1868; its vast open wilderness backed by magnificent mountains was highly appealing to the early settlers back then, just as much as to any visitor today.

The City

It would be hard to lose yourself in modern Sapporo, as it is structured by an American-style grid system, with streets named and numbered according to the points of the compass. Odori Park, Sapporo's 'Central Park', runs through the centre of the city, dividing the North from the South. The northern side houses the university and its student hang-outs, as well as several traditional ryokan inns. To the south lies the shopping district with department stores and restaurants. You will find Susukino with wall-to-wall entertainment here, with locals and visitors alike congregating here to enjoy the variety of bars, restaurants and clubs.

Do & See Dining Cafés Bars & Nightlife Shopping Tourist Information

Do & See

One of the last areas of Japan to be colonised, Sapporo was once the domain of the 'Ainu', an indigenous tribe with a distinct culture, whose history is on display in one of the city’s museums today. Adorned by parks and forests, complete with wildlife, it is a colourful, progressive, and energetic city that attracts the adventurous traveller. The legacy of Sapporo's vivid past is perceivable through various historical buildings. Historic landmarks include the former Hokkaido government office building, the Sapporo Clock Tower, the Hokkaido Shrine, and the Sapporo TV Tower. Having hosted the 1972 Winter Olympics and as a venue for the Sapporo Snow Festival, the city is also famous for winter sports. However, food and art lovers will enjoy themselves here as well. Sapporo Brewery and Shiroi Koibito Park, the Sapporo Symphony Orchestra, and Sapporo Artpark are popular sights, too.

Botanic Garden Hokkaido University

Visit the botanical gardens on the outskirts of the city. There are plenty of pleasant walking trails and lawns, inviting you to take a break. The area includes a small Ainu museum, a greenhouse, and an alpine …

Historical Village of Hokkaido

The Historical Village of Hokkaido has an outdoor reconstruction of Hokkaido life from the mid 19th Century. It shows 60 different types of buildings from this century and shows a town, fishing village, farm village and a mountain …

Tokei-dai - Sapporo Clock Tower

This clock tower is a lasting reminder of Sapporo's comparatively recent past. The wooden building is of American design and one of the few remaining Western-style buildings. It is a witness of the help Sapporo received from the American government in the 1870's when the city was first …

Former Hokkaido Government Building

This red brick building with its characteristic octagonal dome is beautifully lit after dark. It has been destroyed several times over the years and restored time and again to its former glory. The building is today listed as one of the National Important Cultural Properties, and a symbol of the city …

Sapporo TV Tower

The Sapporo TV Tower is now used as an observation tower, offering a fantastic view of the entire city. It was built in 1957 and is located right by Odori …

Sapporo Maruyama Zoo

The Maruyama Zoo covers a vast area and has an amazing variety of animals and birds, around 200 different species. It is a great place to take children, and visit (for example) the Tropical Animal House, the Bear House or the Kid's …

Sapporo Beer Museum

Hokkaido is where beer was born in Japan. This historic brewery opens its doors for a full tour and of course, sampling is a must. Sapporo Beer has been brewed here since 1877, and is one of the most popular brands in the country to-date. There is a beer garden on premises, with two …

Shiroi Koibito Park

Shiroi Koibito is a chocolate factory located in a picturesque fantasy land which is beautifully decorated. In the museum and on a factory tour you can see the process of confectionery production and taste some samples in the adjacent …

Mount Okura Ski Jump Stadium & Museum

Mount Okura is the place to encounter an Olympic ski jump stadium and put yourself into athletes' shoes for a short while. You can take the ski lift to the top and admire the beautiful view of the mountains and city. Close to it is the Sapporo Winter Sports Museum with interactive games for …

Mount Moiwa

With its 530 metres, Mount Moiwa is the highest landmark in Sapporo. Take the ropeway up to the top and stay until the sun has set to enjoy the change in lighting. Be aware that it can be chilly in …

Sapporo Snow Festival

Taking place in February, the Sapporo Snow Festival is an impressive event. Huge snow sculptures, one more fascinating than the next, dot Odori Park; some require a staggering 500 trucks filled with snow to be …

Moerenuma Park

With its fountain and hills forming many geometric shapes, Moerenuma Park is an attraction for all four seasons. In spring the trees look like a sea of cherry blossoms, in summer you can enjoy the refreshing fountain and wading pool facilities, in the fall the whole park is full of colourful leaves and in …

Odori Park

Originally Odori Park was built to separate the city centre, namely the administrative district, from the residential and commercial district. Nowadays, it serves as an oasis directly in the city and is used as a venue for several festivals throughout the year. YOSAKOI Soran Festival, Beer Garden and the Summer Festival as well as …

Takino Suzuran Hillside Park

There are a lot of activities for both children and adults at Takino Suzaran Hillside Park. In the winter, you can go sledding and tubing or skiing on a gentle slope. In the summer, the park is full of pretty flowers and children can engage physically by bouncing on rubber, rolling huge red balls …

Hokkaido Shrine (Hokkaido Jingu)

The Hokkaido Shrine is said to be the oldest temple in Japan. After a wonderful stroll through Murayama Park, you get to the Shrine. The entrance to the temple is very traditional with little stone pillars on either side and traditional ceremonies are held …

Sapporo Dome

Watch the local baseball or football teams Hokkaido Nippon Ham Fighters and Consadole Sapporo play on their home field. The dome has also been the venue of the 2002 FIFA World Cup and is the planned venue for future Olympic Games and Asian Winter Games as …

Asahiyama Memorial Park

Located on a hill overlooking the city, the Asahiyama Memorial Park is a great place to get an amazing view of Sapporo and its surroundings. After a small hike up a path in the woods, you can enjoy the spectacular scenery either during the day or at night when the city lights are shining …

Sapporo Art Park

The Sapporo Art Park is a great spot for both outdoors lovers and art fanatics. The open-air sculpture garden combines the best of both worlds and offers a good balance of art and …

Hokkaido Ainu Center

The Ainu are the indigenous people of Japan and Russia, speaking Ainu language. This centre traces the distinctive history and culture of the island's indigenous people to deepen the historical recognition of these people and preserve their culture for generations to …

Dining

Sapporo's proximity to the sea and its open plains provide the city with an abundance of fresh seafood, vegetables, and dairy products. The Susukino district, brimming over with restaurants, is alive with flavour. Here you will find fine examples of local delicacies, including ramen, sushi, crab, Uni (sea urchin), and Genghis Khan (lamb barbecue).

Kaniya Sapporo Crab House

Kaniya Sapporo is a multi-level restaurant with grand decor and a menu to match, crab being the speciality. Crab sashimi, kani-sukiyaki, boiled crab, and more are all to be had …

Kirin Beer Garden

Genghis Khan grill offers set prices on an all-you-can-eat buffet (sessions last 100 minutes). This beer restaurant also serves local dishes, various crab dishes, shiraoi Japanese beef and party …

Fukunoya Tanaka

Fukunoya Tanaka, a 5-minute walk from the Susukino station, is well-known for its puffer fish dishes. Private rooms and a smoking area are also available. In addition, the entrance fee includes also an all-you-can-drink …

Via BRERA

This is the place for Sapporo-style Italian cuisine. The extensive menu also contains a wide variety of good wines to choose from. The entry fee includes unlimited drinks for the whole …

Soup Curry & Cafe Suage

After all the outdoor activities in Sapporo, what could be better to warm you up than a hot soup? The soup curry at this restaurant is fantastic and a must-try. You first order your meat, all of the finest quality, then you order the soup base either squid ink or curry broth and last …

Nemuro Hanamaru at Sapporo Station

This gem of a place is unfortunately far from being a secret. Thus the queue can be pretty long. However, the sushi coming on conveyor belts is so excellent, that it is a popular place for tourists and locals alike. Grab a ticket, ask the staff to help you with the Japanese ticket machines, …

Daimaru Sapporo Food Area

Daimaru Sapporo Food Area is full of culinary scents. Whether you just want to have a look at the local delicacies and admire the beautiful packages or want to grab a bite to eat, the stalls here offer so many snacks nobody will leave hungry. Food options range from titbits to snack foods to …

Sky J

Located at the very top of JR Tower Hotel Nikko, Sky J provides a panoramic view of Sapporo city. They serve fusion food and a variety of western and Japanese dishes made with fresh seasonal …

Sapporo Beer Garden

This beautiful old building has a unique atmosphere. Meat lovers will thoroughly enjoy the Japanese style barbecue with a cold beer. After a brief instruction on how to use it, you'll be able to grill your meat straight on the …

Molière

At this cosy French Michelin restaurant, you can try excellent French and Japanese Fusion food, namely gourmet French dishes with Japanese accents as well as seasonal and local Hokkaido ingredients. The sommelier will recommend a complementing wine from the extensive wine …

Menya Saimi

You can easily spot this place by the long queue lining at its door. This might be due to its excellent reputation. The suburban restaurant's ramen was voted number one by ramen chefs in Japan. Five ramen flavors are on the menu, all made with fresh ingredients. Get the miso ramen, their number one …

Jingisukan Daruma 4・4 Nikaitei

Lamb lovers are going to love this place as they serve tender lamb and the best Gengis Khan in town with fresh mutton meat and Dharma meat. Various beer brands like Kirin Ichiban Shibori Sapporo Classic are on the menu to best accompany your …

Picante Soup Curry

Soup curry with layers of flavour are a must-try in Hokkaido. The name Picante is no verdict: you can adjust the spiciness of the dish from mild to super hot, for those looking for a …

Ebisoba Ichigen

This restaurant is a bit off the beaten path but the Ebisoba menu is worth the search. The thick soup can be modified according to your preferences; the egg topping is highly …

Daruma Honten

At Daruma Honten, the menu quite is plain: lamb and onion grilled on wood. It sounds simple but the combination of lamb, onion and shallot is amazing, the real deal without over-complicated sauces or exuberant inventions. The lamb is simply good and …

Ramen Shingen

Ramen Shingen is a typical traditional Japanese tavern which serves ramen that lives up to its reputation. The broth is rich and tasty until the last drop, and the gyoza is fantastic as …

Farm to Table TERRA

Tired of heavy ramen broth and grilled lamb, and looking for some plant-heavy food? Terra caters to all tastes and features a creative menu with mouth-watering vegetarian and vegan cuisine. All the ingredients are labelled and dishes range from soy meat burger with Hokkaido mozzarella cheese to vegetarian …

Gotsubo Oyster Bar

Take a break from all the miso ramen at Gotsubo. This diner is well known for its big fresh oysters. Its good reviews make this tiny spot in the heart of Sapporo very crowded, especially during dinner …

Cafés

In Sapporo, coffee culture percolates vibrantly alongside its esteemed tea traditions. Renowned for its chilly winters, Sapporo embraces coffee as a warming elixir, with numerous cosy cafés dotting its streets. Locals and visitors alike indulge in meticulously brewed cups, often served alongside delicate pastries or hearty sandwiches. Tea culture in Sapporo is equally revered, influenced by Japanese traditions that honour the art of tea-making, from serene tea ceremonies to the daily enjoyment of green tea varieties like matcha.

Eight Ricefield Cafe

This café, with its rounded tables and a New York-inspired design, is so popular among locals and visitors that a reservation is required. Their specialities are creamy Italian desserts, pizza and other Western …

Miyakoshiya Coffee

Miyakoshiya offers a cosy atmosphere with pleasant music and tasty coffee. A great alternative to come and relax after a day of …

Brown Books Café

Brown Books Café offers a unique opportunity to sit down in peace and quiet and enjoy a good book while sipping on a hot coffee. The first floor has a quaint shop selling organic coffee beans, newspapers and coffee related goods. The second floor is a small café with Japanese and English …

Kotobuki Coffee

Kick off your day before the sightseeing at this wood-dominated coffee shop. Their menu includes a wide choice of coffee and tea served with delightful …

SATURDAYS Chocolate Factory Cafe

SATURDAYS Chocolate Factory Cafe is a local brand that makes chocolate from raw cocoa beans. Attached to the coffee shop is a factory where visitors can see first-hand how these popular hand-crafted chocolate bars are made. Hot chocolate, choco-latte and brownies are just a few hits from their large …

Snow Brand Parlor

The Snow Brand Parlor café is famous among locals and visitors for its "Snow Royal" ice cream, created in honour of a Showa emperor. Here, matcha lovers will likely swoon over the matcha affogato; other than their popular ice cream they also serve more than 30 different types of cakes and parfait, all made …

ISHIYA Café

Nana’s Green Tea

This café strives to give you that authentic and unique tea experience. Qualified staff will instruct you all about Japanese tea, hot water and ceremonies while you relax and soak in the atmosphere. Various matcha drinks and matcha parfait make this tea room attractive for many …

Bars & Nightlife

For nightlife in Sapporo, head to the vibrant, neon-lit Susukino district. The area is also home to numerous karaoke bars, nightclubs, and entertainment venues, offering something for every taste. Being the famous beer capital of Japan, Sapporo is never short of a pint; be sure to visit a traditional pub known locally as izakaya. Don't miss the chance to try local delicacies at the many street food stalls and late-night eateries, which add to the district's lively atmosphere.

Susukino District

Known as the beating heart of Sapporo's nocturnal scene, the Susukino District is home to an eclectic mix of izakayas, stylish bars, lively karaoke venues, and bustling nightclubs. Whether you're looking to indulge in gourmet cuisine, sip on meticulously crafted cocktails, or dance the night away, Susukino provides an energetic atmosphere that buzzes with …

Famous Door

Famous Door might be located in Japan, but is designed to create a New Orleans atmosphere. This is the type of place where you meet locals and even get to strike up conversation with the …

Buddy Buddy

The owner designed this American bar himself. The crowd is usually in their late thirties, with two open floors and live bands. You will most likely hear jazz and blues …

Beggars Harlem

Situated above Buddy Buddy, Beggar's Harlem is the place for the best live music, particularly for blues and jazz . The cosy, eclectic interior with red leather couches creates a perfect atmosphere to relax and …

Big Echo Karaoke

Going to a typical Japanese Karaoke Bar should definitely be on your list when in Sapporo. People gather with some friends, have some drinks and sing along. Big Echo Karaoke offers karaoke in English, Chinese, Korean and Japanese, with varied song choices to make it possible for everyone to …

500 Bar & Dining

500 Bar, located in the Susukino precinct, is famous to its foreign and local clientele for the affordable prices. Their menu lists all kinds of drinks and food for only ¥540 (tax included). If you don't speak Japanese ask the waiter for the English …

Shopping

Sapporo provides a great number of stores, offering everything from fashion boutiques with well-known Western brands to traditional cotton or silk kimonos. Not only the city offers a number of large underground malls such as the popular Tanuki Koji Shopping Arcade, but also department stores like Parco with ten floors of shopping—and don't forget the small local shops selling souvenirs. Other popular products in Hokkaido besides kimonos are wood carvings, produced often by the Ainus, available in the boutiques of Sapporo as well as in the gift shops of hotels and museums.