Sapporo of night view - photo courtesy of Sapporo City ()
Welcome to virtual vacation video series where we can explore destinations from the comfort of our homes.
Join us we take a short virtual journey to Sapporo in Japan.
Sapporo is easily accessible from Tokyo within 1.5 hours via budget airline. From Misawa, Sapporo is only a 45-minute flight away.
Located on the northern mainland of Hokkaido, Sapporo is Japan’s fifth largest city with population of 1.96 million, home to plenty of natural and cultural attractions and world-renowned snow festival with local delicacies, such as seafoods, vegetables fruits and ramen noodles. Ever since the city hosted Asia’s first Winter Olympics in 1972, its Olympic-level slopes and rinks keep drawing winter sports enthusiasts, which makes Sapporo a great getaway. Some of the must-see spots in Hakone include:
• Clock Tower and Odori Park - A clock tower of former Sapporo Agricultural School built in the city center in 1878 is considered as symbol of the city. Check out the history of Sapporo in the exhibition room. Odori Koen is a one-mile-long park, home to the city’s iconic Snow Festival. Check out the beautiful gardens filled with seasonal flowers with a reddish lattice TV tower. You can climb the 65-year-old, 150-meter-tall tower up to the observation deck to enjoy a spectacular view of the whole city.
• Hokkaido Jingu (Shinto shrine) - Situated in the abundant greenery of Maruyama Park, Hokkaido Jingu is the largest and most prestigious Shinto shrine in Hokkaido and is considered as a strong power spot. Built in 1870, just before the Russo-Japan War, the large torii gate was built toward the north-eastern direction to prevent the nation from Russian Empire.
• Otaru - A 40-minute train ride from Sapporo and facing the Ishikari Bay, Otaru is a beautiful little port town made up of traditional canal area and classical herring mansions, filled with a nostalgic feel. Head to Sakaimachi Street, as you sure will find something you want, while walking along the classical-looking street packed with brick-made cafes and souvenir shops. Drop by Kitaichi Glass Shop to check out countless glassware displayed in the gorgeous wooden hall and sample sushi or seafood dishes in Sankaku Market in the town.
While you're there, don't forget to sample Sapporo ramen, as its extremely rich miso and butter-flavored broth goes well with yellow, thick noodles to make you warm up in the city’s cold temperature. Don’t miss purchasing “Shiroi Koibito” cookie before leaving Sapporo, as it is one of the most popular souvenirs from Hokkaido.
I hope you enjoyed our virtual visit to the enchanting Sapporo and that it's inspired your next trip. Stay safe and get ready to travel with us in our next video. Thanks for watching!
