Spots To Check: Sapporo
‘Dude, I’ve been to Japan like 5 times now’
‘Oh epic, where have you been?’
‘Just Tokyo, Osaka and Kyoto!’
Far too often, people come over and visit Japan – only to see the same three cities as everyone else. And we get it, Tokyo, Osaka and Kyoto are all pretty amazing cities that are well worth visiting. But Japan is much more than just three cities. In fact, it’s actually a collection of over 14,000 islands – one of which is Hokkaido.
But where do you even start when ‘checking out a city’? It can be overwhelming, so we made this handy list of all the top things we recommend doing when you hit up the ‘Sap this spring.
Odori Park/Sapporo TV Tower
No matter the season, Odori Park is a pretty mesmerising spot to perch up, grab some lunch and enjoy the beauty of nature right in the smack bang of the CBD. Over winter, Odori Park is transformed into 2-storey high snow structures for the Sapporo Snow Festival, over spring and summer, lush green as far as the eye can see, and Autumn? You can only imagine.
Not only that but Odori Park is also home to the famous Sapporo TV Tower, so if you want to soak up some nature and also take a quick trip up to the best views the city has to offer (without a doubt) we’d recommend stopping by and checking out Odori Park.
Pro Tip: Spanning multiple blocks and running perfectly parallel to the main CBD district of Susukino only 2-3 blocks away, Odori Park is also a pretty epic wayfinder, so if you’re looking into hotels in Sapporo, any that mention Odori Park will be in a prime location and be easy to access.
Soup Curry
Hokkaido is famous for a whole lot of different things, but when it comes to food and drink, Soup Curry stands up as one of the prefectures most iconic dishes. A traditional soul food originating from Hokkaido, Soup Curry is a delicious must-try for anyone coming over to Japan.
And the best part? There’s heaps of Soup Curry spots around! If you’re looking for the traditional low-key feel, head just outside the city centre to find some epic soup curry spots. If you don’t have a car, check out Garaku – it’s one of the most famous soup curry chains for a reason…
Tanukikoji Shopping Strip
After two weeks in a mountain town eyeing up expensive splitboards, an entire arcade of endless shops will have you wanting to shop til you drop.
Tanukikoji has it all. Name brands, restaurants, gatchapon, bars, outlet stores, boutique Japanese designers, a wide collection of record and vintage clothes stores, it literally has everything you’ve been Googling, in one undercover street.
Round-One
When you think of Japan, do you think of arcade machines, loud noises and sensory overload? Round One is the spot for you. Similar to Timezone (Aus/NZ) and Dave & Buster’s (US), Round One is a multi-level arcade offering every kind of gaming entertainment you could ever want.
Pinball machines, claw machines, shooters, bowling, mini golf, karaoke – you could almost spend a whole week at Round One and still not tick everything off.
Mega Don
Go to Osaka to spend multiple hours searching through the Mega Don Quixote, just to spend even longer lining up to pay? Of course! Every man and his dog wants to check out the Osaka Don. The Sapporo version, on the other hand, equally as stocked, is significantly less busy.
McDonalds
We know that after a couple of weeks pounding ramen and sushi in Niseko or Furano, there will be a whole lot of you fiending for a Big Mac… Sapporo’s got you covered.
Pro Tip: Trust us on this one, if you want the best photo of the famous Susunkino crossing and that iconic Nikka Whiskey neon light, the second storey of Maccie Dee’s is genuinely your best bet – guaranteed.
Miso Ramen
Little known fact (but one that you’ll be busting out heaps going forward): Miso Ramen was invented in Sapporo.
Yep, the staple ramen, the ramen that almost everyone orders, all originated in Sapporo.
If you’re looking for an epic spot, hit up Ganso Sapporo Ramen Yokocho in Susukino, a famous 42-metre long street featuring 17 cosy, traditional shops all specialising in Miso Ramen.
Sapporo Beer Factory
Learn the history and taste your way through the Sapporo’s of the year’s. It’s kind of like Willy Wonka’s Chocolate Factory for fully grown adults.
Nikka Whiskey Distillery
More of a spirits kind of person? You can check out THE Nikka Whisky distillery, Sapporo’s most famous Whisky brand.
Susukino
If you think of neon-lights, and that cosy late-night energy when you think of Japan, Susukino is the place for you. Essentially a mini-Tokyo, Susukino is an epic spot to head for all those cosy things that you immediately associate with Japan: neon signs, tiny ramen joints, manga and game stores, clothes, the list is endless.
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The Tokyo experience for a fraction of the cost, what’s not to love?
Keen to check out Niseko while you're in Sapporo? We are currently running 20% off all lesson, guiding and touring products this March!
Additional Photo Credits
Susukino Image Courtesy of Sapporo Travel
Mega Don Image Courtesy of Asia.Nikkei
Round One Image Courtesy of Hokkaido Guide
McDonalds Image Courtesy of Tripadvisor
