Sapporo

Hokkaido's capital, known for the Snow Festival in Odori Park, night views from Mt. Moiwa and miso ramen, with Jozankei Onsen on the city's southern outskirts.

Sapporo is the capital of Hokkaido and Japan's fifth-largest city, with a population of about 1.95 million. It lies in the southwest of the Ishikari Plain and was laid out in a grid in the early Meiji era on an American-style plan. Odori Park divides the city into north and south, and the Sosei River runs as the east–west axis, so it is very easy to find your way around. The city has four distinct seasons: the Sapporo Snow Festival in February draws visitors from around the world; cherry and lilac blossoms arrive in May; June–August is cool with no rainy season, making it the time for escaping the heat and for beer gardens; ginkgo and autumn foliage peak in late October; and snow blankets the city from December. The main sightseeing area is concentrated along the Sapporo Station–Odori–Susukino line, where the Clock Tower, TV Tower, the Red Brick Former Hokkaido Government Office, Tanukikoji Shopping Street and Nijo Market can all be linked on foot. To the west, Maruyama has Hokkaido Shrine and the zoo; to the south, Mt. Moiwa offers night views. On the outskirts are Shiroi Koibito Park, Moerenuma Park, the Historical Village of Hokkaido and the Hill of the Buddha. Jozankei Onsen, in a mountain valley south of the city, is a good place to stay for a night. Food is one of Sapporo's big draws: miso ramen, soup curry, Genghis Khan grilled lamb, seafood rice bowls and Sapporo beer. Getting there: from New Chitose Airport, the JR Rapid Airport train takes about 37 minutes to Sapporo Station. In the city, three subway lines and the streetcar are the main options, and sights on the outskirts require a bus transfer. We suggest 2–3 days, and Sapporo makes a good base for trips to Otaru, Lake Toya and Furano. In winter the roads are icy, so be sure to wear non-slip shoes.

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