Sapporo

Sapporo (札幌) is the capital and largest city of the northern island of Hokkaido, Japan.

One of Japan's newest and nicest cities, Sapporo's population has grown from seven in 1857 to nearly 2 million today. Being a new city, especially by Japanese standards, means it has little in the way of traditional architecture and the like of cities such as Kyoto. But what it lacks in "Japanese-ness" it makes up for with its lovely open, tree-filled boulevards to enjoy in summer and excellent snow (and facilities to cope with said snow) in the long winter.

Sapporo has four distinct seasons. Temperatures are generally cool and pleasant in a summer, making it a popular place to escape the heat that grips much of the rest of Japan. Winters are harsh by Japanese standards, though not as harsh as the likes of Harbin or Chicago. Snowfall is extremely frequent in the winter, and the city makes full use of it by hosting the world-renowned Sapporo Snow Festival in February every year.

• Clock Tower. This rather diminutive building has become a symbol of Sapporo, mostly by being the oldest building still standing. It was constructed in 1878 for the Sapporo Agricultural College (now the Hokkaido University) and would not look out of place in "Smalltown U.S.A." The inside has a small retrospective of its history. Visitor beware, as this is for some reason a mecca for Japanese tourists coming to Sapporo who feel that no trip to Sapporo would be complete without a photo in front of the Tokeidai, but was actually recently rated as Japan's third "most disappointing" tourist attraction! ¥200.
• Ishiya Chocolate Factory. The chocolate factory has an incredibly corny, but fun, tour building up to a view of the actual chocolate making floor, and ending with a random toy museum. Also there are two restaurants, a souvenir store, and an hourly robot show complete with annoying music. Famous for its white chocolate, which is sold under the brand "White Lovers" (白い恋人 shiroi koibito), and is only available in Hokkaido. There is also a cake buffet available at the restaurant on the top floor for "¥1,500" but reservations must be made 3 days in advance. ¥600 for a tour, free entrance to the premises.
• Ōdōri Park. Sapporo's most famous park, it is in the center of town and is considered to be a symbol of Sapporo. Although quite narrow (one might argue that it is a nice boulevard), the park is quite long, stretching over fifteen blocks across downtown Sapporo. Filled with (during the summer) numerous flowers, trees, and fountains, Ōdōri Park provides a welcome respite from the maddening crowds of the surrounding city. In winter, there's not much to see.
• Sapporo TV Tower. A tourist trap carbon copy of the Eiffel Tower with an observation deck 90 m high. ¥700.
• Sapporo Beer Museum, North 7, East 9 (Next to the Ario Shopping Center. On the Loop 88 Factory bus line from the Ōdōri Subway Station. Close to JR Naebo Station (ask the attendant there for a map)., +81 1-1731-4368. 9AM-6PM. Run by the Sapporo Brewing Company, offers free self-guided tours or "premium" guided tours (only in Japanese, ¥500) covering the history of beer in Japan and the process of brewing. The museum is not very big and while the printed descriptions on the displays are in Japanese, cards are provided offering English translations. Two short movies about the history of the brewery also have English subtitles. At the end of the tour you can taste all the different beers. Finish off the tour with more brews at the Beer Garden next door (see Eat). Beer sample ¥300-350., 3 samples ¥800.

• Hokkaido Pioneer Village. A large historical village on the outskirts of Sapporo, offers a snapshot of Japan in the newly-industrialised age. The front gate (an old railway station) opens up into a series of opens alleys and buildings of the style pre-20th century. Also a variety of different gardens and shrines. Don't expect costumed performers however — everything is self-guided. An English map is available. ¥630.
• 100th anniversary Memorial Park. This is the site of a giant (and somewhat imposing) tower which can be climbed, providing a good vantage point of Sapporo (though quite some distance from the city center) and surrounding mountains. This site is popular with school groups. As of May 2018, the tower is closed "to prevent danger" and access path is blocked. Free.
• Moiwayama. This mountain, also called Moiwa Mountain, overlooks the city and is especially worthwhile at night to observe the city lights. An entrance fee is charged for cars.

• Asahiyama Park. A beautiful flower garden and natural park that overlooks the city center. Noted for being a good place for romance, and is particularly good for cherry blossoms in spring and autumn colors, and local wildlife such as squirrels and foxes (somewhat of a feral pest around Sapporo). Free..
• Hokkaido Shrine. Free.

• Jōzankei. This area is famous for both its onsen (due perhaps to proximity to Sapporo) and the very beautiful autumn colours (especially around the Hōheikyō Dam). Accessible by public bus from the JR Sapporo station with multiple departures daily for ¥830 one-way.
• JR Tower. 10AM-11PM, last entry 10:30PM. The newly redeveloped building near JR Sapporo Station marks the center of the city. It is higher than the TV tower observatory is. Affording panoramic views. As a bonus for men, the observation level has a men's room with a view! observatory: adults ¥700, middle and high school students ¥500, elementary school students ¥300.
• Hokkaido Museum of Modern Art, North 1 West 17, Chuo (From Nishi 18 Station on the Tozai Line, 5 minutes on foot, located in a small park., +81 11 644-6881. Tu-Su 10AM-5PM. A modern museum filled with collections of contemporary works and especially glass objects, Pascin of École de Paris, as well as temporary exhibits. The main hall is the center of exhibits of works owned by the museum and the special facility is reserved for "expo" of foreign and Japanese arts. Each summer the museum holds a special course for children. Adults ¥250, university students ¥150.
• Sapporo Art Park, 南区芸術の森２丁目７５ (West of Highway 453, several kilometers south of central Sapporo., +81 11 592-5111. Containing over 74 modern and contemporary sculptures, this art park makes for a great day trip.
• Moerenuma Park. A popular excursion for Japanese families, this park offers several acres of carefully manicured grass and monumental landscape installations. Highlights include a 5-story glass pyramid and a man-made mountain, from which one can see all of Sapporo. Rental of bicycles is available, from 7AM - 7PM. free.
• Hokkaido University Botanic Garden, North 3 West 8, Chuo (From JR Sapporo train station, go south 3 blocks and west 5 blocks, +81 11 221-0066. 9AM-4PM. A large botanical garden. There are two rock gardens, a rose garden, a lilac display, a greenhouse, and various other gardens. There's a small museum in the garden with artifacts from Hokkaido, some dating back to the Meiji period (no extra cost). In the winter, only the greenhouse and museum are of interest. 16 year old or older: ¥420; 7~15: ¥300; younger: free.
• Former Hokkaido Prefectural Government Building, Chuo-ku N3 W6 (Two minutes walk from Sapporo station, in between Ōdōri Park and Sapporo Station, +81 11 231-4111. This beautiful western style red brick building is a famous site of Sapporo and worth taking a quick look, as it is in the center. Free.

Clock Tower. This rather diminutive building has become a symbol of Sapporo, mostly by being the oldest building still standing. It was constructed in 1878 for the Sapporo Agricultural College (now the Hokkaido University) and would not look out of place in "Smalltown U.S.A." The inside has a small retrospective of its history. Visitor beware, as this is for some reason a mecca for Japanese tourists coming to Sapporo who feel that no trip to Sapporo would be complete without a photo in front of the Tokeidai, but was actually recently rated as Japan's third "most disappointing" tourist attraction! ¥200.

Ishiya Chocolate Factory. The chocolate factory has an incredibly corny, but fun, tour building up to a view of the actual chocolate making floor, and ending with a random toy museum. Also there are two restaurants, a souvenir store, and an hourly robot show complete with annoying music. Famous for its white chocolate, which is sold under the brand "White Lovers" (白い恋人 shiroi koibito), and is only available in Hokkaido. There is also a cake buffet available at the restaurant on the top floor for "¥1,500" but reservations must be made 3 days in advance. ¥600 for a tour, free entrance to the premises.

Ōdōri Park. Sapporo's most famous park, it is in the center of town and is considered to be a symbol of Sapporo. Although quite narrow (one might argue that it is a nice boulevard), the park is quite long, stretching over fifteen blocks across downtown Sapporo. Filled with (during the summer) numerous flowers, trees, and fountains, Ōdōri Park provides a welcome respite from the maddening crowds of the surrounding city. In winter, there's not much to see.

Sapporo TV Tower. A tourist trap carbon copy of the Eiffel Tower with an observation deck 90 m high. ¥700.

Sapporo Beer Museum, North 7, East 9 (Next to the Ario Shopping Center. On the Loop 88 Factory bus line from the Ōdōri Subway Station. Close to JR Naebo Station (ask the attendant there for a map)., +81 1-1731-4368. 9AM-6PM. Run by the Sapporo Brewing Company, offers free self-guided tours or "premium" guided tours (only in Japanese, ¥500) covering the history of beer in Japan and the process of brewing. The museum is not very big and while the printed descriptions on the displays are in Japanese, cards are provided offering English translations. Two short movies about the history of the brewery also have English subtitles. At the end of the tour you can taste all the different beers. Finish off the tour with more brews at the Beer Garden next door (see [[#Eat|Eat]]). Beer sample ¥300-350., 3 samples ¥800.

Hokkaido Pioneer Village. A large historical village on the outskirts of Sapporo, offers a snapshot of Japan in the newly-industrialised age. The front gate (an old railway station) opens up into a series of opens alleys and buildings of the style pre-20th century. Also a variety of different gardens and shrines. Don't expect costumed performers however — everything is self-guided. An English map is available. ¥630.

100th anniversary Memorial Park. This is the site of a giant (and somewhat imposing) tower which can be climbed, providing a good vantage point of Sapporo (though quite some distance from the city center) and surrounding mountains. This site is popular with school groups. As of May 2018, the tower is closed "to prevent danger" and access path is blocked. Free.

Moiwayama. This mountain, also called Moiwa Mountain, overlooks the city and is especially worthwhile at night to observe the city lights. An entrance fee is charged for cars.

Asahiyama Park. A beautiful flower garden and natural park that overlooks the city center. Noted for being a good place for romance, and is particularly good for cherry blossoms in spring and autumn colors, and local wildlife such as squirrels and foxes (somewhat of a feral pest around Sapporo). Free..

Hokkaido Shrine. Free.

Jōzankei. This area is famous for both its onsen (due perhaps to proximity to Sapporo) and the very beautiful autumn colours (especially around the Hōheikyō Dam). Accessible by public bus from the JR Sapporo station with multiple departures daily for ¥830 one-way.

JR Tower. 10AM-11PM, last entry 10:30PM. The newly redeveloped building near JR Sapporo Station marks the center of the city. It is higher than the TV tower observatory is. Affording panoramic views. As a bonus for men, the observation level has a men's room with a view! observatory: adults ¥700, middle and high school students ¥500, elementary school students ¥300.

Hokkaido Museum of Modern Art, North 1 West 17, Chuo (From Nishi 18 Station on the Tozai Line, 5 minutes on foot, located in a small park., +81 11 644-6881. Tu-Su 10AM-5PM. A modern museum filled with collections of contemporary works and especially glass objects, Pascin of École de Paris, as well as temporary exhibits. The main hall is the center of exhibits of works owned by the museum and the special facility is reserved for "expo" of foreign and Japanese arts. Each summer the museum holds a special course for children. Adults ¥250, university students ¥150.

Sapporo Art Park, 南区芸術の森２丁目７５ (West of Highway 453, several kilometers south of central Sapporo., +81 11 592-5111. Containing over 74 modern and contemporary sculptures, this art park makes for a great day trip.

Moerenuma Park. A popular excursion for Japanese families, this park offers several acres of carefully manicured grass and monumental landscape installations. Highlights include a 5-story glass pyramid and a man-made mountain, from which one can see all of Sapporo. Rental of bicycles is available, from 7AM - 7PM. free.

Hokkaido University Botanic Garden, North 3 West 8, Chuo (From JR Sapporo train station, go south 3 blocks and west 5 blocks, +81 11 221-0066. 9AM-4PM. A large botanical garden. There are two rock gardens, a rose garden, a lilac display, a greenhouse, and various other gardens. There's a small museum in the garden with artifacts from Hokkaido, some dating back to the Meiji period (no extra cost). In the winter, only the greenhouse and museum are of interest. 16 year old or older: ¥420; 7~15: ¥300; younger: free.

Former Hokkaido Prefectural Government Building, Chuo-ku N3 W6 (Two minutes walk from Sapporo station, in between Ōdōri Park and Sapporo Station, +81 11 231-4111. This beautiful western style red brick building is a famous site of Sapporo and worth taking a quick look, as it is in the center. Free.

• Sapporo Snow Festival. First week of Feb. This is Sapporo's largest event. The festival is best known for the ice sculpture competition attracting artists from around the world, competing to create the largest and most elaborate artworks from ice and snow. The festival is focused on Odori Koen, in the centre of Sapporo. It consists of a combination of large-scale replicas and artistic sculptures; children-aimed attractions; and a separate section for world-wide competitors (where you can see a wide range of smaller artistic sculptures). The festival should be enjoyed both in the day -- but particularly at night when the sculptures (especially the larger ones) are lit up. When the weather is warmer and there's a bit of melting, the smaller sculptures are literally remade every night to ensure that they are in perfect condition the next day. Book accommodation early, because Sapporo gets booked out during the festival.
• Mt. Teine. A ski mountain within easy drive from most of Sapporo. This ski mountain featured in the 1972 Winter Olympics. Offers a good mix of beginner and experienced slopes (in two distinct parks; Highlands and Olympia which have recently been connected). You can purchase a Skip (スキップ sukippu, ski + trip) ticket at any JR ticket office for roughly ¥4500 (depending on which station you start from) that includes roundtrip train tickets to JR Teine station, roundtrip bus tickets from Teine station to the ski area, and a four-hour lift ticket. At Teine Station, make sure to exit at South gate #3 to find the correct bus.
• Skiing. As befits a former Winter Olympics site, Sapporo is famous for its ski resorts, which are easily accessible by bus. Niseko, arguably Japan's top destination for powder, is two hours away by bus.
• Noboribetsu Onsen. It's valley with set of hotels that provide onsens, accessible in 70 minutes by express train from Sapporo station and then 15 minutes commute by bus, so easy to do as a day trip. It has few trails, gorgeous views and onsens to soak in.
• Hoheikyo Onsen, 〒061-2301 札幌市南区定山渓608番地2, +81 11-598-2410. Probably the most beautiful outdoor hotspring that is easily accessible from Sapporo. Separate areas for male and female guests offer an indoor bathing area and a large outdoor pool with mountain view. Massage, a beer bar and a restaurant (Indian curry or Japanese soba) are available on site. A free shuttle bus departs daily from Makomanai subway station (in front of the middle school) at 10:00 and returns from Hoheikyo to Makomanai at 15:00. Public buses (Rapid 7, Rapid 8 and Kappa Liner) also run regularly from Sapporo JR Station for ¥840. ¥1000.

Sapporo Snow Festival. First week of Feb. This is Sapporo's largest event. The festival is best known for the ice sculpture competition attracting artists from around the world, competing to create the largest and most elaborate artworks from ice and snow. The festival is focused on Odori Koen, in the centre of Sapporo. It consists of a combination of large-scale replicas and artistic sculptures; children-aimed attractions; and a separate section for world-wide competitors (where you can see a wide range of smaller artistic sculptures). The festival should be enjoyed both in the day -- but particularly at night when the sculptures (especially the larger ones) are lit up. When the weather is warmer and there's a bit of melting, the smaller sculptures are literally remade every night to ensure that they are in perfect condition the next day. Book accommodation early, because Sapporo gets booked out during the festival.

Mt. Teine. A ski mountain within easy drive from most of Sapporo. This ski mountain featured in the 1972 Winter Olympics. Offers a good mix of beginner and experienced slopes (in two distinct parks; Highlands and Olympia which have recently been connected). You can purchase a Skip (スキップ sukippu, ski + trip) ticket at any JR ticket office for roughly ¥4500 (depending on which station you start from) that includes roundtrip train tickets to JR Teine station, roundtrip bus tickets from Teine station to the ski area, and a four-hour lift ticket. At Teine Station, make sure to exit at South gate #3 to find the correct bus.

Skiing. As befits a former Winter Olympics site, Sapporo is famous for its ski resorts, which are easily accessible by bus. [[Niseko]], arguably Japan's top destination for powder, is two hours away by bus.

Noboribetsu Onsen. It's valley with set of hotels that provide onsens, accessible in 70 minutes by express train from Sapporo station and then 15 minutes commute by bus, so easy to do as a day trip. It has few trails, gorgeous views and onsens to soak in.

Hoheikyo Onsen, 〒061-2301 札幌市南区定山渓608番地2, +81 11-598-2410. Probably the most beautiful outdoor hotspring that is easily accessible from Sapporo. Separate areas for male and female guests offer an indoor bathing area and a large outdoor pool with mountain view. Massage, a beer bar and a restaurant (Indian curry or Japanese soba) are available on site. A free shuttle bus departs daily from Makomanai subway station (in front of the middle school) at 10:00 and returns from Hoheikyo to Makomanai at 15:00. Public buses (Rapid 7, Rapid 8 and Kappa Liner) also run regularly from Sapporo JR Station for ¥840. ¥1000.

For those living in Japan who have an omiyage (souvenir) obligation to fill in your Japanese office when you return from your Hokkaido holiday, the best omiyage to buy in Sapporo is the ubiquitous Shiroi Koibito (白い恋人, "White Lovers"). It is a chocolate slice sandwiched in two wafers of sweet biscuit, individually wrapped and available boxed in a range of different quantities — tasty enough, but rather bland, and few Westerners would associate the taste with Japan. The original flavour is white chocolate sandwiched in plain sweet biscuit, but there is also a dark chocolate version. It's available in every souvenir store in the city (try the Sapporo JR area or Tanuki Koji Shopping Arcade when shopping for souvenirs), and also most souvenir stores around the island.

Being a wintery kind of place for a good part of each year, Sapporo also has many stores selling all manner of snow goods. At the beginning and end of each season, many good deals on the previous year's gear can be found, often at discounts of up to 60% off, sometimes more! Also, there are several sports recycle stores in the city and suburbs where good deals on barely-used gear can be found, thanks to the Japanese fondness for having new gear every season. Ask Tourist Information to help you locate sports recycle and snow-goods stores.

Sapporo is famous for hairy crab (毛蟹 kegani), an expensive treat available at any seafood restaurant, and miso ramen (味噌ラーメン), a more affordable local variation of the ubiquitous noodle dish with miso paste added to the stock. The ramen in particular will warm you up nicely on a chilly winter day. Sapporo soup curry (just what it sounds like) is also increasingly famous.

As elsewhere in Hokkaido, you can also enjoy dairy products (milk, cheese, butter, chocolate and ice cream), seafood (especially as sushi), fruits (honeydew melon, strawberries) and meat (sausages, ham, bacon and beef).

Kuwanomi (桑の実) is a popular mulberry. It is red or black in color and sweet. Preserved kuwanomi can be made into jam, which is a traditional food. In elementary schools, students make kuwanomi jam every year.

• Nijō Ichiba, South 2-3, East 1-2 (5 min from Odori Stn. 7AM-6PM. Sapporo's equivalent to Tokyo's famed Tsukiji Fish Market, this is where the best of Hokkaido's catch is traded — and like its Tokyo counterpart, there are many restaurants here offering top-quality, cut-price sushi and sashimi. Popular with locals and tourists alike.
• Aji No Tokeidai. The best-known ramen noodle chain in Sapporo, now franchised around the country. Many famous people have eaten here including former Japanese prime minister, Tomiichi Murayama. Miso ramen is the most popular dish, but if you want something special, order the bata-kon ramen, a Hokkaido specialty made with a hearty broth of corn and butter. ¥600-1000.
• Ramen Yokochō. Also known as Ramen Gai, this alley is chock full of ramen shops of all varieties. Get butter corn ramen, crab ramen, and even scallop ramen. It's touristy but fun, and locals come here as well.
• Sapporo Beer Garden. At the same location as the Beer Museum is the Beer Garden, an incredibly popular Genghis Khan (mutton barbeque) restaurant. Even though the dining rooms span three large buildings, come early and expect to wait. The restaurant offers a 100-minute all you can eat and drink plan, as well as à la carte. Bibs are provided, because the food can get rather messy.
• Romantei. One of the most popular sweets shops. Famous for its Chocolate Mont Blanc, a delicious concoction of sponge cake, whipped cream and ganache. Other delectables include cream puffs, apple pie, and strawberry bavarian. Located at Moiwa Mountain. There is also a takeaway shop at Tokyu Department Store, right outside Sapporo Station. A second dine-in shop is located at Sumikawa Station.
• Hiraku. Specializes in Hokkaido oysters served both Japanese and Western style, although there are other options on the menu as well. Reasonable prices, friendly atmosphere, popular.
• Goemon, Miyanomori 4-7-2-32, Chuo-ku. A famous and popular udon restaurant with a long history.
• Cafe Phyton, South 2 East 1 (Just north of Nijō Ichiba. In fact on the other side of the street that bounds the northern edge. M-F 8AM-midnight, Sa-Su 8AM-8PM. This small coffee shop has freshly made specialty coffees and a few Belgian beers by the bottle.
• Nijō Shokuhin, South 3 East 2 (On the NE corner of Nijō Ichiba., +81 11 231-2358. This small shop is a seafood grocer in front and a restaurant in back. The menu consists of fresh seafood. Lunch specials ¥900-1500.
• Rotary sushi Hokkaido Shikisai Autei, 2 Chome-1 Kita 5 Jōnishi, Chūō-ku (Esta mall (east side of JR Sapporo station) 10F, +81 11-271-6720. 11:00-22:00. Typical conveyor belt sushi restaurant with different colored plates ranging from ¥120-540 each. Drinks and orders from the menu also available. Can be very crowded at dinner time, so you can enter your name on a waiting list. ~1500¥.

Nijō Ichiba, South 2-3, East 1-2 (5 min from Odori Stn. 7AM-6PM. Sapporo's equivalent to Tokyo's famed Tsukiji Fish Market, this is where the best of Hokkaido's catch is traded — and like its Tokyo counterpart, there are many restaurants here offering top-quality, cut-price sushi and sashimi. Popular with locals and tourists alike.

Aji No Tokeidai. The best-known ramen noodle chain in Sapporo, now franchised around the country. Many famous people have eaten here including former Japanese prime minister, Tomiichi Murayama. Miso ramen is the most popular dish, but if you want something special, order the bata-kon ramen, a Hokkaido specialty made with a hearty broth of corn and butter. ¥600-1000.

Ramen Yokochō. Also known as Ramen Gai, this alley is chock full of ramen shops of all varieties. Get butter corn ramen, crab ramen, and even scallop ramen. It's touristy but fun, and locals come here as well.

Sapporo Beer Garden. At the same location as the Beer Museum is the Beer Garden, an incredibly popular Genghis Khan (mutton barbeque) restaurant. Even though the dining rooms span three large buildings, come early and expect to wait. The restaurant offers a 100-minute all you can eat and drink plan, as well as à la carte. Bibs are provided, because the food can get rather messy.

Romantei. One of the most popular sweets shops. Famous for its Chocolate Mont Blanc, a delicious concoction of sponge cake, whipped cream and ganache. Other delectables include cream puffs, apple pie, and strawberry bavarian. Located at Moiwa Mountain. There is also a takeaway shop at Tokyu Department Store, right outside Sapporo Station. A second dine-in shop is located at Sumikawa Station.

Hiraku. Specializes in Hokkaido oysters served both Japanese and Western style, although there are other options on the menu as well. Reasonable prices, friendly atmosphere, popular.

Goemon, Miyanomori 4-7-2-32, Chuo-ku. A famous and popular udon restaurant with a long history.

Cafe Phyton, South 2 East 1 (Just north of Nijō Ichiba. In fact on the other side of the street that bounds the northern edge. M-F 8AM-midnight, Sa-Su 8AM-8PM. This small coffee shop has freshly made specialty coffees and a few Belgian beers by the bottle.

Nijō Shokuhin, South 3 East 2 (On the NE corner of Nijō Ichiba., +81 11 231-2358. This small shop is a seafood grocer in front and a restaurant in back. The menu consists of fresh seafood. Lunch specials ¥900-1500.

Rotary sushi Hokkaido Shikisai Autei, 2 Chome-1 Kita 5 Jōnishi, Chūō-ku (Esta mall (east side of JR Sapporo station) 10F, +81 11-271-6720. 11:00-22:00. Typical conveyor belt sushi restaurant with different colored plates ranging from ¥120-540 each. Drinks and orders from the menu also available. Can be very crowded at dinner time, so you can enter your name on a waiting list. ~1500¥.

The drink of choice when in Sapporo is obviously Sapporo Beer, and a good option for this is the Beer Museum (see See). Susukino (すすきの), to the south of the center, is one of Japan's largest nightlife (and red-light) districts, originally created to keep labourers in Hokkaido. It has a somewhat unsavory reputation due to heavy yakuza involvement in the business, but is generally safe for travelers not actively looking for trouble. Get there on the subway Namboku line, Susukino station.

• O'Neills Irish Pub. An escape from Japan while you wait for your train: here you can watch baseball on the big screen, listen to U2 and eat fish and chips from photocopied newspaper.
• Leibspeise - Otaru Beer, Chuo-ku South 2 West 3, Chome Parade Building 3F (Behind the PARCO Department Store., +81 11 252-5807. M-F 5PM-midnight, Sa Su noon-midnight. A local Brewery serving German style beers. Rotisserie grill and other food is also served. Free WiFi on request. 2 hour all you can drink ¥1800.
• TK6 Bar and Grill, 6-5-3 Minami 2 Jonishi Chuo Ward, +81 11 272-6665. 4PM-2AM. Since opening in 2006 it has become the most popular pub among foreigners living in Sapporo, Australian and Japanese bilingual staff will welcome anybody. Worldwide beers are available at cheap prices. Food choices include Tex-Mex, fish & chips, and beautiful beef burgers. Free WiFi. Open from midday on weekends. Cheap.
• Paul's Cafe, North 5 West 5 (Next to the railway station, in Century Royal Hotel Building.. 11AM-10PM. Belgium beer and rotisserie grill chicken. While you wait for your train, Paul will delight you with his wonderful beer selection.
• Wine Bar Giulio Vierci, Chuo-ku South 3 West 4 (Silver Bldg 2F, +81 11 271-5923. M-Sa noon-2:30PM, 5PM-midnight. One of the only places to get authentic Italian wine and food in Sapporo. Stop by for real Italian snacks or multi-course meals. Giulio has many well-known Italian wines, both high and low end.

O'Neills Irish Pub. An escape from Japan while you wait for your train: here you can watch baseball on the big screen, listen to U2 and eat fish and chips from photocopied newspaper.

Leibspeise - Otaru Beer, Chuo-ku South 2 West 3, Chome Parade Building 3F (Behind the PARCO Department Store., +81 11 252-5807. M-F 5PM-midnight, Sa Su noon-midnight. A local Brewery serving German style beers. Rotisserie grill and other food is also served. Free WiFi on request. 2 hour all you can drink ¥1800.

TK6 Bar and Grill, 6-5-3 Minami 2 Jonishi Chuo Ward, +81 11 272-6665. 4PM-2AM. Since opening in 2006 it has become the most popular pub among foreigners living in Sapporo, Australian and Japanese bilingual staff will welcome anybody. Worldwide beers are available at cheap prices. Food choices include Tex-Mex, fish & chips, and beautiful beef burgers. Free WiFi. Open from midday on weekends. Cheap.

Paul's Cafe, North 5 West 5 (Next to the railway station, in Century Royal Hotel Building.. 11AM-10PM. Belgium beer and rotisserie grill chicken. While you wait for your train, Paul will delight you with his wonderful beer selection.

Wine Bar Giulio Vierci, Chuo-ku South 3 West 4 (Silver Bldg 2F, +81 11 271-5923. M-Sa noon-2:30PM, 5PM-midnight. One of the only places to get authentic Italian wine and food in Sapporo. Stop by for real Italian snacks or multi-course meals. Giulio has many well-known Italian wines, both high and low end.

• No smoking. Downtown Sapporo is a smoke-free area. Smoking on public streets and in public buildings will get you fined, should the police be inclined, so please use smoking areas in cafes. Relatedly, cigarette vending machines require a special ID card.

No smoking. Downtown Sapporo is a smoke-free area. Smoking on public streets and in public buildings will get you fined, should the police be inclined, so please use smoking areas in cafes. Relatedly, cigarette vending machines require a special ID card.

There are quite a few internet cafes in the city, ask at the International Plaza (in Sapporo JR or near the Clock Tower) for current information and directions.

Traveler SIM cards can be bought in BIC Camera stores, eg. in the ground floor of Esta Mall in the east wing of Sapporo JR Station. The cheapest choice is a 30day/1GB data-only SIM card for 2460¥. Bring your passport when purchasing the card!

• i-cafe, North 5 West 5 (Just west of Sapporo Station, south of Kinokuniya Books., +81 11-221-3440. 24h. A large internet cafe with relax chairs, pair booths, drink bar, manga, food, and shower.
• Biz Cafe. M-F 10AM-8PM. Open tables with fast LAN and wireless. Unlimited internet, tea, coffee and soft drinks. ¥500.
• YahooBB Park. This place has permanently closed, though many guidebooks still list it as open.
• Tully's Coffee. Free WiFi and a great view.

i-cafe, North 5 West 5 (Just west of Sapporo Station, south of Kinokuniya Books., +81 11-221-3440. 24h. A large internet cafe with relax chairs, pair booths, drink bar, manga, food, and shower.

Biz Cafe. M-F 10AM-8PM. Open tables with fast LAN and wireless. Unlimited internet, tea, coffee and soft drinks. ¥500.

YahooBB Park. This place has permanently closed, though many guidebooks still list it as open.

Tully's Coffee. Free WiFi and a great view.

• Australia Australia, 17th Floor, Sapporo Centre Building, North 5, West 6-2, Chuo-ku, +81 11-242-4381.
• China China, 5-1. South 13, West 23, Chuo-ku, +81 11-563-5563.
• South Korea Republic of Korea, 1-4. North 2, West 12, Chuo-ku, +81 11-218-0288.
• Russia Russian Federation, 2-5, South 14, West 12, Chuo-ku, +81 11-561-3171.
• United States United States, North 1 West 28,Chuo-ku, +81 11 641-1115.

Australia Australia, 17th Floor, Sapporo Centre Building, North 5, West 6-2, Chuo-ku, +81 11-242-4381.

China China, 5-1. South 13, West 23, Chuo-ku, +81 11-563-5563.

South Korea Republic of Korea, 1-4. North 2, West 12, Chuo-ku, +81 11-218-0288.

Russia Russian Federation, 2-5, South 14, West 12, Chuo-ku, +81 11-561-3171.

United States United States, North 1 West 28,Chuo-ku, +81 11 641-1115.

• Otaru, approximately 60 minutes by car (shorter by expressway). A very pleasant small town located on the coast, and famous (within Japan) for its attractive canal which is very European in design. Also famous for its seafood, music box museum (with associated tourist shop) and glass works. Also famous for being the setting of the movie Love Letter.
• Niseko, arguably Japan's top destination for powder skiing and snowboarding, is two hours away by bus.
• The hot springs and mossy canyons of Shikotsu-Toya National Park are within easy striking distance of Sapporo.
• Asahikawa's Asahiyama Zoo is the most famous and most visited zoo in Japan, even though it's in the middle of nowhere (at least a two-hour trip from Sapporo). Its most famous exhibits are the penguins which walk around the park twice a day (THE must see for all the Japanese who find this immensely cute), and the seals that you can see swim vertically through a large transparent pipe. It also features polar bears, wolves, Japanese deers, big cats, different kinds of monkeys and more. It's most impressive in winter when it's covered in snow (have you ever seen a giraffe walking in snow?!) but a few of the exhibits are also closed during this season.