Sapporo
札幌市
Things to Do in and Around Sapporo
Sapporo is the central city of Hokkaido, offering a cityscape that can be enjoyed throughout the four seasons. The city is laid out in a grid pattern centered around Odori Park, making it easy to walk around and full of tourist attractions. From the winter spectacle known for the Snow Festival to the cool climate of summer, it can be enjoyed all year round. The city is also popular as a food capital, boasting a variety of gourmet spots where you can savor dishes made with fresh seafood and agricultural products.
Where is Sapporo?
Sapporo City is located in the southwestern part of Hokkaido, occupying the central part of the Ishikari Plain. To the north, it faces Ishikari Bay, with Ebetsu City to the east, Chitose City and Otaru City to the south, and Otaru City and Ishikari City to the west. It is a basin-like terrain surrounded by mountains, with Lake Shikotsu located about 15 km south of the city center. Additionally, the Ishikari River flows through the northeastern part of the city, making it a city blessed with a rich natural environment.
Getting Around
It takes about 40 minutes to reach Sapporo from New Chitose Airport by express train, arriving at JR Sapporo Station. For getting around the city, the subway is convenient, with three lines in operation: the Tozai Line, the Namboku Line, and the Toho Line. The city tram is also an option for touring sightseeing spots. In winter, be cautious of icy roads, but you can move around without worrying about snow by using the underground malls 'Poroco' and 'Aurora Town.'
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About Sapporo
In Sapporo City, there are parks like Odori Park and Nakajima Park that showcase different expressions throughout the seasons. Especially, Odori Park becomes the venue for the "YOSAKOI Soran Festival" in summer and the "Sapporo Snow Festival" in winter, offering unique attractions each season. The Sapporo Snow Festival, which began in 1950, has grown into an international event attracting about 2 million visitors annually. The gigantic snow sculptures and ice carvings draw attention from around the world.
The Birthplace of Japan's Proud Beer Culture
Sapporo is known as the birthplace of Japan's beer culture. In 1876, Japan's first full-scale beer factory, "Sapporo Beer Brewery," was established, becoming the predecessor of today's "Sapporo Beer." At the Sapporo Beer Museum, visitors can learn about the history of Japan's beer industry, and the tasting corner is popular. It is also a valuable place for foreign tourists to learn about the origins of Japanese craft beer.
Wisdom of a City Living with Snow
Sapporo is a major city located in one of the world's heavy snowfall areas. The annual snowfall can reach about 6 meters, but citizens have built a unique culture of coexisting with snow. The underground walking space stretches about 2 kilometers, allowing comfortable shopping and movement even in winter. Efforts are also underway to utilize snow as a resource, with environmentally friendly technology developments such as snow cooling systems.
A Treasure Trove of Hokkaido's Cuisine
Sapporo is a hub for Hokkaido's ingredients, offering fresh seafood and agricultural products. Particularly, the "Sapporo Central Wholesale Market" is a food sanctuary visited by locals and tourists alike. At the morning market, seasonal ingredients gathered from all over Hokkaido can be obtained, and the restaurants within the market offer freshly caught seafood. There are also many dishes originating from Sapporo, such as ramen, jingisukan, and soup curry, establishing its status as a culinary capital.
Encounter with Ainu Culture
Sapporo is also a place where you can experience the culture of the Ainu, the indigenous people of Hokkaido. At the "Sapporo Ainu Culture Exchange Center," you can learn about Ainu traditional crafts, music, and language. In recent years, efforts have been made to preserve and pass on Ainu culture, with traditional ceremonies and dance performances held regularly. It provides a valuable opportunity to understand Japan's multicultural aspects.
Sapporo
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