Sapporo

Sapporo, Japan

Sapporo is Japan's fifth largest city by population, and the largest city on the northern Japanese island of Hokkaido. This typical northern city of Japan draws over 2 million tourists from around the world with Sapporo Snow Festival.

Savor up Sapporo's winter snow, summer cool, autumn red leaves and spring green – Sapporo can excite even the most jaded travelers.

Getting around

• Odori Park

  The park in the heart of the city is best visited in winter nights when trees are lit up to create amazing constellations of lights. Sapporo Lilac Festival and the Sapporo Snow Festival are celebrated here every February.

• Hitsujigaoka Observation Hill

  It's Sapporo's signature scenic lookout that affords sweeping views of the Ishikari Plain. Take in the vast meadows where white sheep are grazing lazily. Visitors come in droves to the place that mesmerizes with its idyllic sceneries.

• Sapporo Clock Tower

  This wooden structure of American design is one of the few surviving western buildings in Sapporo. It is a reminder of the embrace of western education by Japan in the 19th century and the start of land reclamation of Sapporo in the early days.

• The Former Hokkaido Government Office

  This red brick building under the government protection houses a few historical exhibition rooms and libraries. Admission is free.

• Susukino

  For a true taste of Sapporo's nightlife, Susukino, the largest entertainment and dining neighborhood in western Japan, is the right place to be. Many tend to make a night of it on weekend.

  
  
  
• Foods

  Sashimi, hand-pulled noodles and sushi prepared in distinctive Sapporo ways will make all foodies want to linger longer.