Sapporo Vacation Travel Guide | Expedia

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 Ohotsuka. 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 upwards 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 Suzukino awaits to welcome you with a neon carnival of restaurants, karaoke bars, and pachinko parlors. Noodle lovers will hit the jackpot here too. Suzukino is home to Ganzo 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 Hokeikan 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 Moe Renuma 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 sake to help you thaw. Besides its famous beer, Sapporo's sake scene is also world-class, and in the wintertime, Atsukan, or hot sake, is the city's favorite drink. Head to the Sake 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 powderhounds. 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.