You don't need a car! 10 Spots In Sapporo, Hokkaido's Biggest City

1. Hokkaido Shrine

Hokkaido's most important shrine is in Sapporo. It was built in the mid-19th century, so it's not that old, but it was built to enshrine the guardian deity watching over the cultivation of Hokkaido, so it has a great history. Usually plum blossoms and cherry blossoms bloom separately, with about a month or longer between the two, but here they bloom at the same time. It's 15 minutes from Maruyama Koen Station, and only 1 minute from the closest bus stop.

HP: www.hokkaidojingu.or.jp (Japanese Only)

Address: 474 Miyagaoka, Chuo-ku, Sapporo-shi, Hokkaido (Google Map)

2. Kaitaku no Mura

This is a facility where you can experience the lifestyle and culture of Hokkaido pioneers 150 years ago. It's a village completely recreated as it was during the pioneer era, including the buildings and the roads meant for horse-drawn carriages, so you'll feel as though you've leapt back in time. The restaurants even offer food from the time period. It's about a 15 minute bus ride away from Sapporo.

HP: www.kaitaku.or.jp/info/info.htm

HP: www.kaitaku.or.jp (Japanese)

Address: Hokkaido Kaitaku no Mura, 50-1 Konopporo, Atsubetsucho, Atsubetsu-ku, Sapporo-shi, Hokkaido  (Google Map)

3. Sapporo Beer Museum

This is a museum that can be reached without a car, since you can taste freshly-made beer starting at 200 yen. Sapporo is a famous Japanese beer company, and you can enjoy not just a beer tasting but also learn about the history of beer at this, one of Japan's leading museums. It's about a 10 minute walk from Higashi Kuyakushomae Station. 

HP: www.sapporobeer.jp/brewery/s_museum/index.html (Japanese Only)

Address: 9-2-10, Kita 7 Johigashi, Higashi-ku, Sapporo-shi, Hokkaido (Google Map)

4. Snow Brand Parlor

Snow Brand is a famous Japanese dairy corporation. Snow Brand Parlor, where you can try their products, is near famous sightseeing areas like Odori Park and the clock tower. It's just a 3 minute walk away from Sapporo Station, meaning it's in a fantastic location. There are various sweets available for you to enjoy, from the standard ice cream to colorful, huge parfaits. Stop by for a break if you're tired from sightseeing.

HP: www.snowbrand-p.co.jp (Japanese Only)

Address: 3-1, Kita 3-Jonishi, Chuo-ku, Sapporo-shi, Hokkaido (Google Map)

5. Sapporo Snow Festiva

The Snow Festival in February is when the most tourists come to Sapporo. During that period, a number of huge snow sculptures appear in the city. The sculptures, built like buildings or characters, are dynamic and elaborate, and most of them will make you stare at them for a while. It's during the coldest part of the year, so please make sure to keep warm. There are two venues, Odori Park and Susukino, and both are close to stations.

HP: www.snowfes.com/english/index.html

HP: www.snowfes.com/t/index.html (中文)

HP: www.snowfes.com (Japanese)

6. Sapporo Jyogai Market

Hokkaido is known for seafood, and you can enjoy delicious seafood in Sapporo. There are plenty of restaurants in this market where you can enjoy Hokkaido specialties, starting with meals like kaisendon (bowl of rice topped with plenty of seafood), ramen, and soup curry. There are plenty of products available for around 1,000 yen, enough that you're not going to be able to choose what to eat. It's about 7 minutes away from Nijuyon-Ken Station.

HP: www.jyogaiichiba.com/sapporo-central-wholesale-market-crab-market

HP: www.jyogaiichiba.com/札幌场外市场是什么地方？ (中文)

HP: www.jyogaiichiba.com/ (Japanese)

Address: 21-2-3, Kita 11-Jonishi, Chuo-ku, Sapporo-shi, Hokkaido (Google Map)

7. Jozankei

Jozankei is a legendary place for kappa, a mythological river creature. You can enjoy activities like canoeing and rafting as well as the beautiful autumn foliage. There are also plenty of lodging facilities complete with hot spring baths that you can enjoy on a day-trip. It's about an hour away from the center of Sapporo, but you can go without a car, so why not check it out?

HP: jozankei.jp/en/

HP: jozankei.jp/zh-hant/ (中文)

HP: jozankei.jp (Japanese)

8. Sapporo Hitsujigaoka Observation Hill 

William Smith Clark is probably the most famous American in Hokkaido. He was a professor, and is called the father of Hokkaido's development. On the observation hill of Hitsujigaoka is a statue of Clark, and it's a famous spot for photos. In the summer, the lavender blooms, and the entire park is filled with a sweet scent. It's about a 10 minute bus ride from Fukuzumi Station.

HP: www.hitsujigaoka.jp/en/

HP: www.hitsujigaoka.jp/han/ (中文)

HP: www.hitsujigaoka.jp (Japanese)

Address: 1 Hitsujigaoka, Toyohira-ku, Sapporo-shi, Hokkaido (Google Map)

9. Sapporo TV Tower

Gaze out upon Sapporo from a tall place. The 147.2m tall Sapporo TV Tower looks like a miniature Tokyo Tower. The observation deck, at 90m, has a great view of Sapporo - it faces the straight view of Odori Park and the city with a backdrop of the mountains and, if you're lucky, you can see the ocean as well. The recommended time to go is from sundown to the evening. You can enjoy the sun sinking beneath the horizon and the night scenery at the same time.

HP: www.tv-tower.co.jp/en/

HP: www.tv-tower.co.jp/tw/ (中文)

HP: www.tv-tower.co.jp (Japanese Only)

Address: 1-Chome Odori-Nishi, Chuo-ku, Sapporo-shi, Hokkaido (Google Map)

10. Shiroi Koibito Park Chocolate Factory 

Shiroi Koibito is a chat de langue cookie that's one of the standard Hokkaido souvenirs. It's made of two cookies that sandwich white chocolate, chosen to remind people of Hokkaido's white snow. At this facility, you can see how they make Shiroi Koibito as well as decorate your own original version. If you try it once, you'll grow addicted. Please try it. It's about a 20 minute bus ride from Sapporo Station.

HP: www.shiroikoibitopark.jp (Japanese Only)

Address: 2-2-11-36 Miyanozawa, Nishi-ku, Sapporo-shi, Hokkaido  (Google Map)