Sapporo Travel Guide

Excellent ski slopes, beautiful parks, festivals and beer gardens make this bustling city on the Japanese island of Hokkaido a year-round destination.

The lively metropolis of Sapporo is one of Japan’s major cities and is a popular tourist destination. The city was the host of the 1972 Winter Olympic Games and is renowned for its winter sports. In summer, explore the city’s parks, bars and beer gardens.

Unwind in Odori Park. This large and lush common, which encompasses 12 city blocks in central Sapporo, is full of fountains, benches and gardens. On the eastern side of the park is the Sapporo TV Tower, which stands 90 metres (295 feet) above street level. Visit the tower’s viewing platform for spectacular views of the city. During the month of February, the park hosts the weeklong Sapporo Snow Festival, which has snow rides, ice sculptures and concerts.

In the winter, visit the ski resorts that dot the mountains around Sapporo. Go cross-country skiing around the lake in Nakajima Park or take a peaceful night ski at Sapporo Bankei Ski Area. Children will love sledding and inner-tubing down the gentle slopes of Mount Moiwa Ski Resort. Non-skiers can also partake in the mountain fun with computer-simulated ski activities in the Winter Sports Museum, which is situated at the base of the Okurayama Ski Jump.

Sapporo is also famous for its beer. In the summertime, there are many beer gardens in parks and on rooftops throughout the city. Relax in one of these idyllic settings as you sip on the city’s renowned brews. To learn more about the history of beer in Sapporo, go to the Sapporo Beer Museum.

Take part in Sapporo’s nightlife. Wander through the city’s large entertainment district, Susukino, which is made up of nightclubs, bars and restaurants. Dine on fresh sushi in one of the Sushi-ya restaurants. Visit Ramen Yokocho, a narrow street lined with numerous ramen eateries, for a steaming bowl of noodles.

To get to Sapporo, fly into New Chitose Airport, which is located 48.3 kilometres (30 miles) southeast of the city. Once in Sapporo, navigate the city using public transportation, or a rented bicycle or car.