Best things to do in Sapporo

Being one of Japan’s youngest major cities, Sapporo is a dynamic and glitzy centre famous for its ramen and beer and snow festivals. Gifted with an abundance of spacious gardens and white distant mountains, here are some of the best things do to in Sapporo that makes this city an attractive destination in for travellers every year.

Sapporo Snow Festival

Often held at the beginning of February every year, this is by far Sapporo’s best attraction and one of the best events in the whole of Japan for winter. It features hundreds of snow and ice sculptures, and with its main site being at the luscious Odori Park, you can enjoy the scene right from the top of Sapporo Tower once it lights up late at night. Be sure to also check out the events and concerts that take place to make this a very memorable winter in Japan.

Historic Village of Hokkaido

An open-air museum based in the suburbs of the city, this rustic village showcases Hokkaido’s development from the 19th century consisting of nearly 60 structures split into mountain, farming and fishing villages. If you’re a history enthusiast, this would definitely satisfy your curiosity.

Moerenuma Park

Surrounded by a marsh and plenty of green space, this bold park was created by renowned Japanese-American artist Isamu Noguchi and features dramatic features such as sculptures, hills and art pieces that are littered around the park. A miniature beach is also available in the park in the summer and winter guests are able to rent ski equipment to have fun around the park so the activities offered will vary with the seasons.

Sushiko

Japan’s largest entertainment district north of Tokyo, it is packed with bars, restaurants, karaoke sets, panchinko parlours and endless avenues for adult entrainment so you can imagine it to be famous for a wild nightlife. While this kind of setting may not be for everyone, if you’re a ramen lover, check out Ramen Yokocho, which is a narrow lane packed with shops serving Sapporo’s famous ramen noodles.

Sapporo Beer Factory

The only beer museum in Japan, Hokkaido is the best place for its beer in the country where one of its most famous and popular brands is also brewed. Here, you can learn all about the history of beer in Japan and how it’s processed. What’s better is that guests are treated to a small drink tasting session after the exhibition. If that’s not enough, alternatively, you can hit the beer halls next to the museum where you can drink and dine in the atmospheric Sapporo Beer Garden.

Jogai Ichiba (Curb Market)

A great place to try local produce and fresh seafood and is often frequented by locals and tourists alike, so it’s an awesome way to try some of the best seafood in the country in the little eateries without paying touristy prices. Definitely try Donburi, a popular starter to the day of seafood served on top of rice – simple, delicious and affordable.

Shiroi Koibito Park,

This is heaven for anyone with a sweet tooth. A theme park by a local chocolate company who produces Hokkaido’s flagship Shiori Kobito cookie, this place also has workshops where you can make their own cookies and there is also a restaurant and cookie shop if you wish to take anymore sweet treats home with you.

Odori Avenue Park

A pleasant place to inhale the fresh, green air away from the noise and rush of the city and a delightful place to have an afternoon lie down or stroll around on the walkways whilst still being in walking distance to the shopping centers, museums and entertainment districts.