Sapporo: 10 Little-Known Fun Places to Visit in Hokkaido’s Capital City
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After you've visited the major landmarks in central Sapporo, how about exploring some of the city's lesser-known charms? We introduce 10 places that you really shouldn't miss out on, including Sapporo Beer Garden and Sapporo Art Park.
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Tokyo, Japan
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This article has been reposted with permission from GATE TO HOKKAIDO
Sapporo's Hidden Gems
Sapporo Beer Garden at night
For most with even a passing knowledge of Japan, Sapporo is one of the nation's most attention-commanding cities.
The northern metropolis is lauded for its excellent cuisine (Sapporo Ramen Alley and Nijo Seafood Market top the list), easy access to world-class snowfields like Niseko, a fascinating local culture, and a bustling but still, laid-back energy that enchants visitors time and time again. There's even a chocolate factory amusement park here–Shiroi Koibito Park–a must-visit destination!
What makes the city extra special, though, are its more hidden, unique delights. Go beyond the typical tourist routes, and you'll find attractions that greatly reward those more adventurous types. From stunning sculpture gardens and beer gardens to unusual activities and sprawling city skylines, this city is rewarding at any time of the year!
We introduce some less-known but equally fun things to do in Sapporo.
1. Historical Village of Hokkaido
Step back in time and stroll through the history of Japan with a visit to the Historic Village of Hokkaido (Japanese), located in Nopporo Forest Park outside of central Sapporo. This fascinating open-air museum boasts a collection of 52 meticulously preserved buildings from across Hokkaido.
While history buffs will love this spot, the immersive aspect of the museum makes it fun for those with just a fleeting interest in Japanese history, and its natural surroundings are a haven for lovers of the outdoors.
The housing displays, which include homes, stores, small businesses (like barbers), and even a police station, are located within four different thematic areas: townscape, a farm village, fishing village, and mountain village. Each village is landscaped and designed to showcase the lifestyles, industries, and culture of the people of that time.
Most of the buildings you'll find here were built between 1868 to the 1920s. This was a time when Hokkaido's development was in hyperspeed, and architectural styles changed rapidly with technological innovation. It's best to put aside a minimum of three hours to get an in-depth view of what's on offer, or even better pack a lunch and make a day of it.
2. Mt. Moiwa
Photograph by Kasumi Sudo
You haven't seen Sapporo until you've seen it at night from atop Mt Moiwa. Surrounded by the Ezo spruce trees and sitting southwest of central Sapporo, the 531-meter high Mt. Moiwa offers visitors a great chance to see the city as it transitions from a bustling business hub by day to a magical glittering playground at night.
If you head there in the early evening, before the sunset, you can see it all: Ishikari Bay of the Sea of Japan, Mt. Take, and the cityscape of Sapporo. For those who want to make an afternoon of it, you can also climb Mt. Moiwa, as there are five mountain trails (shortest course 2.4 km, longest course 4.5 km).
Alternatively, there's always the ropeway and cable car route. If you want to take in the views a little more slowly, there's also Jewel restaurant at the summit of Mt Moiwa, serving up delicious cuisine and even more delicious views.
3. Sapporo Beer Garden
Sapporo is a city with a history and still vibrant culture dedicated to the fine culinary coupling that is beer and barbecue. While Sapporo’s style may not be the style of barbecue most travelers are familiar with, it's a deep part of the region's legacy and cultural evolution, and the best way to explore it is through your stomachs and at Sapporo Beer Garden.
The name 'Sapporo Beer Garden' refers to the cluster of restaurants that occupy the centrally-located facility, including the atmospheric European beer halls and more refined Garden Grill restaurant.' It's known internationally as one of the key places to try Sapporo's iconic dish jingisukan–tender, fresh lamb meat and delicious seasonal vegetables cooked on a special metal dome-skillet.
If you want to sample some of the region's finest beers, there's no better place to do it than here. The garden offers a selection of 'only in Hokkadio' beer varieties. Considering that they've been producing beer in Sapporo since 1877, you can trust they've mastered the art of the perfect brew.
4. Sapporo Art Park
It's a mystery as to why this one isn't on every 'must-do' Sapporo list, but it should be! Known by the locals as 'Geijutsu no Mori,' Sapporo Art Park is one of the city's most underrated and impressive destinations. Perhaps it speaks for the sheer volume and diversity of attractions in Sapporo that this isn't already on every 'must do.'
Situated just outside the city center, it's a short bus ride from Makomanai Station; it spans a total of forty hectares and is home to multiple facilities, including the Art Park Centre, Craft Studio, SapporoArt Museum, Craft Hall, Restaurant, outdoor stage and the centerpiece of the facility, the Sapporo Sculpture Garden.
The garden is an outdoor museum that features seasonal foliage and is populated by 74 impressive sculptures by 64 artists from across the globe. Highlights include Kakusareta Niwa he no Michi (Path to the Hidden Garden) by Israeli Dani Karavan, which incorporates seven works together, including a seven-meter cone-shaped sundial.
Another hard-to-miss option is the bright yellow Isu ni Natte Yasumou (Let's Become a Chair and Rest) by Fukuda Shigeo, an homage to playfulness and teamwork. But do note it's worth spending a minimum of two hours discovering the hidden delights of this garden, as the selection of pieces is nothing short of staggering, from classic baroque style pieces to more avant-garde designs, there's something for all tastes.
See more information on exciting places to visit in Hokkaido!
5. Horomitouge Lavender Field
Summer in Hokkaido is synonymous with lush, bright purple lavender fields that paint the region's landscape with their wide swathes of color. From Tomita Farm to the wider Furano area, streams of travelers domestic and international make their way to Hokkaido to enjoy their milder temperatures and these incredible floral displays.
For those who can't make it to Furano or want to explore something a little closer to the city, there's always Sapporo's Horomitouge Lavender Garden(Japanese), which is typically open from late July to late August. The lavender field is located a short taxi or bus ride from Maruyama Koen Station. Situated on an elevated platform and with a display of over 5,000 flowers, all backdropped by the city skyline of Sapporo, it's a spectacular sight to behold.
6. Takino Suzuran Hillside Park
Photo by Pixta
Given Sapporo's ideal location and excellent transport options – both on rail and by air – it's become a hotspot for those looking to base themselves amid Japan's best snow culture. Niseko, one of the world's best-known snow resorts, is easily reachable.
However, if you're looking for a more single-day-focused adventure, something close to the city and ideal for skiing beginners or families with children, then Takino Suzuran Hill Park (Japanese) is a great choice.
Ashiribetsu Waterfall in autumn. Photograph by Kasumi Sudo
Visit Takino Suzuran Hill Park in spring, summer, or fall, and you’ll be welcomed by thousands of beautiful flowers and plants of all colors, including tulips, cosmos flowers, and Kochia shrubs.
In winter, 'Takino Snow World' is a wonderland of snow activities. The 400-hectare park is stunning year-round, home to a seasonal flower garden, large playground, three waterfalls, and strolling forest. It's perfect for those first-timers and families wanting to dip their toes into the city's snow scene with sledding, tubing, and snowshoeing activities available.
7. Yurigahara Park
Photo by Pixta
It's fair to say Sapporo is Japan's unofficial 'park city.' The city punches well above its weight in terms of wide-open spaces, sprawling green landscapes, all very accessible from the city center. Yurigahara Park is one such park to add to your Sapporo park exploration adventure.
Photo by Pixta
Situated just 10 minutes from Yurigahara Station on the JR Gakuentoshi Line, the 25.4-hectare park boasts a 6,400-large variety of flowers – including an incredible selection of lilies – that transform the landscape with the passing seasons.
Photo by Pixta
Yurigahara Park has 14 gardens to house all these flowers, and to see them all, hop aboard the park's very own "Lily Train" when you're ready for lunch, stop by Restaurant Yurigahara to sample the restaurant's unique lily bulb cuisine.
8. Makomanai Takino Cemetery and The Hill of the Buddha
Photo by Pixta
To experience a striking combination of architectural innovation, spiritual significance, and unparalleled natural beauty, visit the Makomanai Takino Cemetery and The Hill of the Buddha(Japanese).
This memorial park, located a 20-minute drive from Makomanai Station, was designed by Japan's award-winning and globally admired architect Tadao Ando, best known for his groundbreaking concrete-centric designs.
Photo by Pixta
The site was built in 2015, and its most iconic feature is its 13.5 meter-tall statue of the Buddha housed inside an artificial hill rotunda covered in lavender, which is spectacular in summer. You can only see the top of the Buddha's head peeking out through the distance, so you have to get up close to really take in the power of this impressive piece of work.
The Makomanai Takino Museum's surrounding area also boasts a unique collection of Moai Statues and a replica of Stonehenge, making it a novel photo spot for visitors.
9. Sapporo Fushimi Inari Shrine
Photo by Pixta
For a little taste of traditional Japan in Sapporo, head on over to the city's secretive and elusive Sapporo Fushimi Inari Shrine. Home to seemingly endless rows of Japan's iconic vermilion torii gates, the shrine is one of about 30,000 inari shrine branches in Japan, with the Fushimi Inari Taisha Kyoto the head of all the shrines.
Photo by Pixta
Unlike Kyoto, however, Sapporo Fushimi Inari Shrine offers visitors the chance to admire the spectacular scenery of the torii gates partially submerged in pure white snow. Its ideal location near Moiwayama Ropeway and Asahiyama Memorial Park makes it a great stop-off between these other fascinating locations.
10. Hokkaido Modern Art Museum
The Hokkaido Modern Art Museum visit makes for the most peaceful and immersive rainy (or snowed out) day Sapporo escape.
This comprehensive museum has a collection of around 5,400 pieces, both local and contemporary, offering a well-rounded view of the art scene and culture both in Sapporo and beyond.
The museum has five overarching themes: Jules Pascin and the École de Paris, art associated with Hokkaido, glassware representing periods from Art Nouveau to contemporary works, modern Japanese art, and contemporary Japanese art.
However, there are also special exhibitions that change seasonally (about four times yearly) and regular workshops and presentations held by the art gallery.
The second-floor museum restaurant serves up a healthy menu of light dishes made using Hokkaido-grown vegetables. Sometimes they also serve special menus offered during exhibition periods, so be prepared to be surprised and delighted.
Whether you’re stopping off in the region’s capital en-route to exploring the wider delights of Hokkaido, or you’ve dedicated a set amount of time to go deeper into city’s enthralling culture, you’ll never run short of things to see, to eat and fall in love with in Sapporo.
See more information on exciting places to visit in Hokkaido!
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Main image by Pixta
Written by Lucy Dayman
Sponsored by Hokkaido Airports Co., Ltd.
MATCHA's promotional account for corporate and local government advertising. We aim to provide useful information to our readers in an enjoyable manner.
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