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 (6) Open air museum about Hokkaido. Okurayama Ski Jump (11) Former olympic ski jump stadium. Mount Moiwa (10) Small mountain with views of Sapporo. Shiroi Koibito Chocolate Park (8) Chocolate factory, shop and museum. Sapporo Beer Museum (3) Museum of the Sapporo Beer Breweries. Susukino (4) Sapporo's entertainment district. Odori Park (2) Pleasant public park in the city center. Nijo Market (9) Fresh food market in the city center. Clock Tower (1) The symbol of Sapporo. Botanic Garden (7) Park with a small Ainu museum.

Events

Sapporo Snow Festival (4) 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 Toya Site of Mount Usu, an active volcano. Otaru Harbor city near Sapporo with a canal.

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Orientation

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

Accommodation

Sponsored Listings:

Hotel New Budget Sapporo Budget hotel located 5 mins. walk from Odori subway station. Single rooms at 5200 yen (tax included) including free breakfast. Marks Inn Sapporo A clean, quiet, convenient hotel in Sapporo city. 3 min walk to two subway stations and Susukino. FREE Small Breakfast. Sapporo Garland Hotel Newly renovated hotel located in Sapporo's Susukino district. FREE internet access in room and laundry facilities available.

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Restaurants

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Tour Packages

Free Plan Hokkaido - 7 Days Free plan covering Furano, Asahikawa, Abashiri, Kushiro and Sapporo. Free Plan Hokkaido - 5 Days Free plan covering Sapporo, Noboribetsu, Lake Toya and Hakodate. More vacation packages Individual or guided.

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travel community

Users who have been to Sapporo: 125
Most visited: Ranked 14th out of 84 destinations

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