Hokkaido is situated in the northern part of Japan and is famous for its snowy landscapes, ski resorts, milk products, ice cream etc. In summer you can view the lavender fields, while in winter the whole area is covered in a thick layer of snow, like the icing on a cake. Visiting Hokkaido has always been my dream and now it has finally come true. It has been snowing everyday in Hokkaido and that makes me so happy because it is like a winter wonderland. This is not my first time seeing snow but the scenery is just so pretty.
Sapporo TV tower |
Sapporo (札幌) is the capital city in Hokkaido and the fifth largest in Japan. At the beginning of the Meiji Period, Sapporo was chosen as the island’s administrative center and enlarged based on the advice of western powers. Subsequently, Sapporo was developped based on a North American style rectangular street system. This makes it easy to navigate around the city with its coordinate grid system. Sapporo was placed on the world map when it hosted the Winter Olympic Games in 1972. Today, the city is well known for its ramen, beer, and the annual snow festival held in February.
Get the Hokkaido rail pass (3 days, 5 days, 7 days consecutive or 4 days flexi), otherwise with your family renting a car to drive around is also convenient.
Sapporo
The following one day passes are available for Sapporo:
Subway 1-Day Card (830 yen)
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Unlimited use of Sapporo’s three subway lines on one calendar day. Note that a discounted pass is available on weekends (see below).
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Donichi Subway Ticket (520 yen)
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Unlimited use of Sapporo’s three subway lines on one calendar day. To be used on weekends and public holidays only.
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Combination One Day Pass (1000 yen)
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Unlimited use of the subways, trams and buses of JR Hokkaido Bus, Hokkaido Chuo Bus and Jotetsu Bus on one calendar day.
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Sapporo-Otaru Welcome Pass (1530 yen)
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Unlimited use of JR trains between Sapporo and Otaru and Sapporo’s three subway lines on one calendar day. Note that a round trip Sapporo-Otaru by regular tickets costs 1280 yen alone. Available to foreign tourists only at JR desks in Sapporo Station and Shin-Chitose Airport.
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Built in 1878 the Clock Tower building was originally built as a drill hall and was used by the Sapporo Agricultural College, The design of the building is reminiscent of American building design from the late 1800s and the clock that was added to the building in 1881 was purchased from Boston.
Dining and drinking out
Should you take on our recommendation to visit Chitose, then don’t miss your chance to savour some delectable traditional sweets at Morimoto Honten, a fab little local bakery and a true Chitose institution which still bakes breads, biscuits and desserts the old fashioned way. Morimoto supplies sweets to most of the Sapporo department stores, so you’re bound to come across their divine creations even before you head to Chitose. Although the very colourful sweets on offer may look totally foreign to you, do be bold with your choice! You’re guaranteed to never be disappointed. You’ll find this modest looking bakery on Chiyodacho Street, right in the centre of town.
For an authentic night of ramen savouring, head to Ramen Shingen Minami-6joten, a budget noodle house which is a big hit with locals of visitors alike. A steaming bowl of spicy ramen with garlic paste is bound to warm you up on a freezing February day. The waiting line here can seem atrocious at first, but do trust the Japanese efficiency! You’ll be seated and served in no time at all. You’ll find this place just near the Susukino red-light district, so ask your hotel for a detailed map and you should find it with ease.
visit to Sapporo beer museum |
Susukino ramen street which has so many ramen stalls to choose from. One of them has even been visited by Anthony Bourdain. |