While you are exploring the beautiful island of Hokkaido, your visit to the capital city of Sapporo is a must. This part of the island is considered to be one of the most gorgeous sights of the island and also permits you to perform a number of activities. This is the place where you can enjoy both modern as well as the traditional side of Japanese life and culture. The capital city of Sapporo is majorly known for its winter theme attractions as well as beautiful ski resorts. There are a number of other activities that you can try and things that you can explore on this beautiful island. The following are the top 12 things that you must do in Sapporo.
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Ishiya Chocolate Factory
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If you are a connoisseur of chocolates and are looking forward to enjoying something sweet on your trip to Sapporo, then you must not miss exploring the amazing Ishiya chocolate factory. You can make the most of this visit by taking a tour of the facility to find out how these chocolates are prepared here. Do not forget to try their signature chocolate shiroi koibito which happens to be the specialty of the place.
Sapporo Snow Festival
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Sapporo Snow Festival is considered as the main social event in the city which is majorly famous for its beautiful ice sculpture competition. This festival takes place each year at Odori Koen where it starts in the beginning of February. You can come across a number of things while having fun at this snow festival. There are major attractions which are designed by the sculptors from around the world. You must attend this festival for sure.
Asahiyama Park
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Asahiyama Park in the capital city is considered as one of the most gorgeous parks of its kind and the same is flanked by a beautiful flower garden that happens to be a riot of colors throughout the year. This park is very popular with a number of young couples. The best time to explore this wonderful park is the springtime where you can also catch the beautiful fall and gardens of cherry blossom. This park is a real beauty of Sapporo
Sapporo Dome
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Sapporo Dome was the host of the FIFA World Cup which took place in the year 2002 and today it serves as the home ground to a range of baseball teams which also include Hokkaido Ham Fighters. There are amazing traditional snacks that you can enjoy savoring while you are catching the game at this Dome. You can also enjoy watching a variety of games here throughout the season. Thus, this place serves the best visit for all sports lovers.
Clock Tower
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The Clock Tower serves as one of the most important and iconic buildings of the capital city. This tower dates back from 188 when it was constructed in the honor of Hokkaido University. As you begin to explore this tower, you also get to attain all the information about the existence and the history behind the construction of this tower. This tower is considered to be one of the major attractions of the city and a number of people keep on visiting here every now and then.
Odori Park
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Another major attraction of Sapporo which is worth your visit during exploring the city is Odori Park. This place is considered to be the most famous green space in the city which also happens to be one of the most loved sports here. There are over 15 blocks in the park, all of which make an excellent place to visit and enjoy a good after a stroll. This park is flanked by some beautiful flowers, trees as well as fine mountains.
Hokkaido Shrine
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Hokkaido Shrine was constructed in the year 1871 and the same happens to be one of the most important as well as visited religious sites of Shinto. This place is adjacent to another famous park, Maruyama Park. This shrine attracted a lot of popularity after it was dedicated to the soul of Emperor Meiji in the year 1964. This site is very massive in nature and apart from holding a huge temple building, it also consists of a large garden which is full of beautiful cherry blossoms. Your visit here should be a must.
Mount Moiwa and the Aerial Ropeway
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The Mount Moiwa towers high above Sapporo and the same is considered to be 531-meter Tall Mountain which is considered to be one of the most visited places of the capital city. The best thing about this place is that it could be reached easily, hence it is considered to be very popular among the tourists of all rounds. This place is considered to be a famous destination for all the walkers. You can reach here by taking an option of the aerial tramway and can gather an altogether different experience of commute. This place becomes a beauty during the winter season.
Jozankei Onsen Hot Spring
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This hot spring is located less than an hour’s drive from Sapporo and the same is considered to be one of the most sought after places for all the people as well as tourists who look forward to rejuvenate themselves in the hot spring. The beautiful hot spring is tucked away in an exotic valley of mountains which adds a great view to the scenery. There are mineral waters which serve as a boon for your skin and muscles as they give you a sense of overall rejuvenation. You must visit this amazing hot spring to refresh yourself during your trip to Sapporo.
Sapporo TV Tower
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Sapporo TV tower is considered to be one of the most famous as well as recognizable buildings the fame of which is restricted not only to Sapporo but to the whole of Japan. This tower is modeled on the Eiffel Tower in Paris. You can make your way up to the observation deck which is situated at a height of 90 meters in order to take a beautiful view of the cities. This place attracts a number of tourists for obvious reasons.
Beer Museum
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The Sapporo Beer Museum serves as one of the main attractions of the city that showcases the most famous beverage of the city. This museum is owned by the wider Sapporo Brewing Company and you can avail a guided tour in order to learn how beer is made and how the process starts. There are beautiful galleries that fill you with all the information as well as the history of beer. You can end with sampling a variety of different blends.
Hokkaido University of Botanical Garden
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This place is considered to be one of the most beautiful gardens of its own kind within the city. If you have a penchant for gardening and flowers, you are surely going to love this place. There are a number of amazing attractions here. There are beautifully built scenic rock gardens and a lilac garden where you can spend a great time amidst blooming flowers. This botanical garden is a must visit for any nature lover.
Just So You Know:
- Sapporo is considered the easiest-to-navigate city of Japan. The city blocks here are named and numbered as per the point of the compass.
- The city has an organized transportation system consisting of subway, tram and bus companies.
- There are a number of museums, parks, and shopping complexes located within the city for the recreation of tourists.
- Make your visit unforgettable by staying at the best hotels in Sapporo.
Get Some Culture:
- Make a visit to the 100th Anniversary Memorial Park and try out the large tower in order to climb to the top and get to look over the rest of the city.
- Tour the amazing Hokkaido Ainu Center where you get to learn about the indigenous ethnic group of the city and get to explore the cultural aesthetics.
Grab A Bite:
- Dine on the scrumptious Japanese meal in the color-coded plates of this restaurant called Hanamaru. The quality of the food served here is excellent.
- If you are wishing to hog on the best traditional local cuisine of the city, do not forget to visit Mikuni.
