Sapporo

Best Shopping

Sapporo offers a wide range of shopping experiences, from modern department stores to traditional markets and unique specialty shops. Here are some of the best shopping areas in Sapporo:

• Tanuki Koji Shopping Arcade: This covered shopping arcade in the heart of Sapporo is a bustling pedestrian street lined with a variety of shops, boutiques, restaurants, and souvenir stores. It's a great place to find fashion items, cosmetics, and local Hokkaido products.

• Pole Town: Connected to Tanuki Koji, Pole Town is another covered shopping arcade known for its trendy fashion boutiques, accessories, and stylish shops. It's a popular spot for young shoppers looking for the latest fashion trends.

• Sapporo Underground Shopping Malls: Beneath the streets of Sapporo, you'll find a network of underground shopping malls like Aurora Town, Esta, and Paseo. These malls offer a wide range of fashion brands, cosmetics, electronics, and specialty stores, making it convenient to shop regardless of the weather.

• Sapporo Stellar Place: Located near Sapporo Station, this modern shopping complex features a variety of shops, including international fashion brands, cosmetics, gourmet food, and a spacious Tokyu Hands store. The complex also houses a cinema and a rooftop garden.

• Sapporo Factory: Situated in a converted red-brick factory building, Sapporo Factory is a unique shopping and entertainment complex. It offers a blend of retail shops, including fashion, accessories, and lifestyle goods, along with cafes, restaurants, and a movie theater.

• Nijo Market: Known as Sapporo's kitchen, Nijo Market is a bustling seafood market where you can find an array of fresh seafood, local delicacies, and produce. It's a great place to shop for Hokkaido's renowned seafood products, such as crab, salmon, and sea urchin.

• Rera Chitose Outlet Mall: Located near New Chitose Airport, Rera Chitose is a large outlet mall featuring a wide selection of local and international fashion brands, accessories, household goods, and more. It's a popular spot for bargain hunters and those with layovers at the airport.

• Sapporo Times Square: This modern shopping complex, situated near Odori Park, houses numerous shops, restaurants, and entertainment facilities. It's a convenient place to shop for fashion, electronics, and gourmet food.

• Odori Bisse: Located underground along Odori Park, Odori Bisse is a shopping mall featuring a variety of fashion boutiques, beauty salons, and specialty shops. It's a hidden gem for those seeking unique and independent brands.

Entertainment & Nightlife

Sapporo offers a lively and vibrant nightlife scene with a variety of entertainment options to suit different preferences. Here are some highlights of the nightlife and entertainment in Sapporo:

• Susukino: The Susukino district is Sapporo's largest entertainment area and a hub for nightlife. It is packed with bars, clubs, karaoke rooms, and late-night entertainment venues. Explore the vibrant streets, enjoy live music, and experience the energetic atmosphere.

• Tanuki Koji: The Tanuki Koji arcade, particularly its southern end, is known for its nightlife scene. You'll find small bars, jazz clubs, and live music venues tucked away in the alleys. It's a great area to discover cozy and intimate spots for a night out.

• Live Music Venues: Sapporo has several venues that host live music performances across various genres. Venues like Penny Lane, Sound Lab mole, and KRAPS Hall showcase local and international bands, making them ideal for music enthusiasts.

• Karaoke: Sapporo has numerous karaoke establishments where you can rent private rooms and sing your heart out with friends. Karaoke is a popular pastime in Japan, and Sapporo offers a wide range of karaoke places to choose from.

• Sapporo Beer Garden: Enjoy an evening at the Sapporo Beer Garden, located near the Sapporo Brewery. The beer garden features all-you-can-eat Genghis Khan barbecue (grilled lamb) paired with refreshing Sapporo beer. It's a fun and delicious experience.

• Sapporo Factory: Sapporo Factory, a shopping complex housed in a converted factory building, offers entertainment options like movie theaters and live performances. Catch a movie or enjoy a live show during your visit.

• Nakajima Park: Nakajima Park, a beautiful green space in the city center, hosts various events and concerts throughout the year. During the summer months, it's a popular spot for open-air music performances and festivals.

• Odori Park: Odori Park, the main park in Sapporo, is not only a beautiful place to visit during the day but also hosts events and festivals in the evenings. Enjoy outdoor concerts, light displays, and seasonal events held in the park.

• Sapporo TV Tower: Visit the Sapporo TV Tower in Odori Park, where you can enjoy panoramic views of the city from its observation deck. It's particularly stunning at night when the city lights up.

• Late-Night Dining: Sapporo offers a diverse culinary scene, and many restaurants and eateries remain open late into the night. Enjoy late-night dining at izakayas (Japanese-style pubs), ramen shops, and 24-hour eateries to experience the city's food culture.

Local Cuisine

Sapporo, being the capital city of Hokkaido, is known for its rich and diverse local cuisine. Here are some highlights of the local cuisine in Sapporo:

• Genghis Khan (Jingisukan): This popular dish is a style of barbecue where thin slices of lamb or mutton are grilled on a special skillet or grill. The meat is typically seasoned with a soy-based sauce and cooked alongside vegetables. Genghis Khan is a must-try specialty in Sapporo.

• Sapporo Ramen: Sapporo is renowned for its own style of ramen. Sapporo ramen features a rich miso-based broth, chewy noodles, and various toppings like sliced pork, butter, corn, green onions, and bean sprouts. There are many ramen shops throughout the city serving this local favorite.

• Soup Curry: A unique dish originating from Sapporo, soup curry is a flavorful curry-based soup with a variety of vegetables, meat, and spices. It offers a lighter and more soup-like consistency compared to traditional Japanese curry.

• Sushi and Seafood: Hokkaido is famous for its fresh seafood, and Sapporo is no exception. Sample a wide variety of sushi and sashimi made from Hokkaido's seasonal seafood, including salmon, sea urchin, crab, and scallops.

• Ishikari Nabe: Ishikari Nabe is a traditional hot pot dish that originated in the Ishikari region near Sapporo. It features a hearty miso-based broth cooked with salmon, vegetables, tofu, and sometimes other seafood. It's a comforting and flavorsome dish, particularly enjoyed during the colder months.

• Zangi: Zangi is a popular local dish in Sapporo, consisting of deep-fried chicken pieces. It's often served with a tangy sauce and accompanied by shredded cabbage. Zangi makes for a tasty snack or a side dish to complement your meal.

Accommodations

When choosing an area to stay in Sapporo, consider factors such as proximity to attractions, transportation convenience, and the atmosphere you prefer. Here are some recommended areas to stay in Sapporo:

• Susukino: As Sapporo's largest entertainment district, Susukino is a vibrant and bustling area with a wide range of entertainment options, including bars, clubs, and restaurants. It's a popular choice for those seeking a lively nightlife and easy access to shopping and dining.

• Odori Park: Located in the heart of Sapporo, Odori Park offers a central and convenient location. Staying near Odori Park puts you within walking distance of major attractions like Sapporo TV Tower, shopping areas, and the beautiful park itself.

• Sapporo Station: The area around Sapporo Station is a great choice for convenience and accessibility. It's a major transportation hub with numerous train and subway lines, making it easy to explore both Sapporo and other areas of Hokkaido.

• Nakajima Park: This area provides a more tranquil atmosphere while still being within reach of central Sapporo. Nakajima Park is a beautiful green space where you can enjoy nature, stroll around the lake, and attend events or concerts held in the park.

• Toyohira River/Moji Park: The area along Toyohira River and Moji Park offers a relaxing environment with riverside walking paths and scenic views. It's a quieter neighborhood, perfect for those who prefer a more peaceful stay while still being close to the city center.

• Minami (Southern Sapporo): The Minami area, south of Sapporo Station, is a bustling district with shopping streets, department stores, and various dining options. It's a good choice for those who want easy access to shopping and entertainment.

• Kita (Northern Sapporo): The Kita area, especially near Hokkaido University, offers a mix of residential areas, green spaces, and cultural attractions. It's a quieter neighborhood with a laid-back atmosphere, suitable for those seeking a more residential experience.

Take a Day Trip while in Sapporo

Sapporo serves as a great base for exploring the surrounding areas of Hokkaido. Here are some recommended day trips you can take from Sapporo:

• Otaru: Located less than an hour away from Sapporo, Otaru is a charming coastal town known for its canal district, preserved historical buildings, glassware shops, and delicious seafood. Stroll along the canal, visit the Otaru Music Box Museum, and sample fresh sushi and seafood.

• Noboribetsu: About a 90-minute drive from Sapporo, Noboribetsu is famous for its hot springs and scenic natural beauty. Explore the Jigokudani (Hell Valley) with its sulfurous steam vents and visit the Noboribetsu Bear Park to see Hokkaido's native brown bears.

• Furano and Biei: These picturesque towns are famous for their stunning flower fields, lavender farms, and rolling hills. During the summer months, visit the Furano Flower Fields and the Patchwork Road in Biei for beautiful landscapes. In winter, Furano offers excellent skiing and snowboarding opportunities.

• Lake Toya: Enjoy the scenic beauty of Lake Toya, a volcanic caldera lake located about 90 kilometers southwest of Sapporo. Take a boat cruise on the lake, visit the Usuzan Ropeway for panoramic views, and relax in the hot springs of Lake Toya Onsen.

• Asahikawa: Known for its Asahiyama Zoo, one of the most popular zoos in Japan, Asahikawa is a city located about two hours north of Sapporo. Explore the zoo to see a wide range of animals, including the famous penguins, and stroll around the Asahiyama Park.

• Shiraoi Ainu Village: Visit the Shiraoi Ainu Village to learn about the indigenous Ainu culture of Hokkaido. Experience traditional Ainu performances, explore the museum, and gain insights into the rich heritage of the Ainu people.

• Shikotsu-Toya National Park: This national park is home to two stunning caldera lakes, Lake Shikotsu and Lake Toya. Enjoy hiking trails, hot springs, and scenic views of the volcanic landscapes. Lake Shikotsu is known for its crystal-clear waters and is a popular spot for water activities.