basic information

Sapporo ("important river flowing through a plain" in Ainu language) is the capital of Hokkaido and Japan's fifth largest city. Sapporo is also one of the nation's youngest major cities. In 1857, the city's population stood at just seven people.

In the beginning of the Meiji Period, when the development of Hokkaido was started on a large scale, Sapporo was chosen as the island's administrative center and enlarged according to the advice of foreign specialists. Consequently, Sapporo was built based on a North American style rectangular street system.

Sapporo became world famous in 1972 when the Olympic Winter Games were held there. Today, the city is well known for its ramen, beer, and the annual snow festival held in February.

Attractions

Sightseeing Spots

Historic Village of Hokkaido (8) Open air museum about Hokkaido. Shiroi Koibito Chocolate Park (9) Chocolate factory, shop and museum. Mount Moiwa (10) Small mountain with views of Sapporo. Sapporo Beer Museum (3) Museum of the Sapporo Beer Breweries. Okurayama Ski Jump (10) Former olympic ski jump stadium. Susukino (4) Sapporo's entertainment district. Odori Park (2) Pleasant public park in the city center. Botanic Garden (6) Park with a small Ainu museum. Nijo Market (7) Fresh food market in the city center. Clock Tower (1) The symbol of Sapporo.

Events

Sapporo Snow Festival (5) Featuring large snow sculptures.

Side Trips from Sapporo

Niseko Leading snow resort with lots of powder snow. Noboribetsu Hokkaido's most famous hot spring resort. Lake Shikotsu Picturesque caldera lake near Sapporo. Lake Toya Site of Mount Usu, an active volcano. Otaru Harbor city near Sapporo with a canal. Jozankei Onsen Popular hot spring resort near Sapporo. Rusutsu Attractive ski resort near Niseko.

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Access and Orientation

Access and Orientation How to get to and around Sapporo. About transportation in Japan

Accommodation

Sponsored Listings:

Sapporo Garland Hotel Easy access from New Chitose Airport and Sapporo Station. Save with special deals starting from 3,000 yen a night. Marks Inn Sapporo A clean, quiet, convenient hotel in Sapporo city. 3 min walk to two subway stations and Susukino. FREE Small Breakfast.

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Restaurants

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travel community

Users who have been to Sapporo: 374
Most visited: Ranked 15th out of 106 destinations

Rating by users:		recommended (83/100, 196 votes)
Rating by staff:		recommended
Overall Rating:		outstanding

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