Places to Visit in Sapporo, Japan
Sapporo is the fourth largest city in Japan located in the northern part of Hokkaido which hosted the 1972 Winter Olympics covering a total area of 1121.12 sq kms. Sapporo is famous for its culture, entertainment, shopping, arts, cuisines, sports and reputed universities. Sapporo coordinates with 43.4’ degree North Latitude and 141.21’ degree East Longitude.
Sapporo History:
Initially Sapporo was inhabited by Ainu settlements and gradually in the year 1866 it became a part of Edo Period. During the Meiji Restoration in 1868, many developments took place like opening of door to trade and commerce with China and South East Asian countries which flourished during this point of time. In the year 1880, a major railroad between Sapparo and Temiya was opened which opened the doors to transport and commucnication. The year 1907 saw the opening of Tohuku University and Sapporo Agricultural College that provided a major boost towards education and learning. During the Second World War that took place in the year 1945, Sapporo became a target for US bombers as the city came under heavy shelling by Airforce.
Points of Interest in Sapporo:
Sapporo has many historical monuments, structures, shopping malls, gardens and parks that attract many tourists every year. Some of the attractions include:
- Hokkaido University Sapporo Campus
- Mount Okura
- Moerenuma Park
- Mount Moiwa
- Kitara known for conducting stage shows, concerts and ballots.
- Sapporo JR Tower Observatory Tower
- Odori Park
- Asahiyama Kinen Koen Park
- Sapporo Art Museum
- Takino Suzuran Hillside National Park
- Sapporo Science Center
- Sapporo International Ski Place
- Sapporo Dome
- Sapporo Winter Sports Museum
- The Hokkaido University Museum
- Nakajima Park
- Maruyama Zoo
- Hokkaido Museum of Modern Art
- Sapporo Botanical Gardens
- Lake Jozan Hohei Dam
Culture, Entertainment and Cuisine in Sapporo:
Sapporo is rich in culture and heritage as many important festivals, sporting activities and events are hosted in this city every year. Sapporo is famous for ramen dish noodles which are a local delicacy along with lamb barbeque which is another popular local menu in this part of the world. Sapporo is also renowned for serving fresh sea foods like salmon, tuna, sushi, sea urchins, crabs and octopus dumplings. Sapporo also conducts many Japanese stage shows, dances, ballots and orchestra performances by leading musicians which attract huge gatherings of visitors including foreign nationals.
Events and Sports in Sapporo:
Sappaoro is also well known for Sapporo Snow Festival held every year in the month of February. Sapporo is also famous for lilac festival where locals enjoy the festival with flowers, wine along with listening to live concerts. Other important festivals and events in Sapporo include Yosakai Soran festival, Sapporo Summer Festival, Sapporo Autumn Fest and Sapporo White Illumination. Sapporo is also renowned for conducting many sporting activities like basketball, ice skating, skiing, baseball, karate and teakwendo.
Connectivity to Sapporo in Japan:
Sapporo is well connected by road, rail and air transportation. The city has good means of mass rapid transport system like metros and trams that cover the length and breadth of the city network. Many express and underground trains also originate from Sapporo Railway Station to many destinations in Hokkaido. Airport shuttles, taxis, cabs and charter bus services are available in plenty to ferry passengers to different destinations. Sapporo is also linked by two major airports namely Okadama Airport and New Chitose Airport where the former handles domestic flights while the latter handles international flights.
Hotels in Sapporo:
Tourists visiting Sapporo can enjoy all the modern luxury comforts and amenities offered by some of the world class hotels that are located in this city. Apart from providing best in class accommodations, they also serve authentic and exotic local Japanese cuisines and dishes. List of hotels located in Sapporo is as follows:
- JR Tower Hotel Nikko Sapporo
- Best Western Hotel Sapporo Nakajima Park
- Cross Hotel Sapporo
- Richmond Hotel
- Mercure Hotel Sapporo
- Jozankei Tsuruga Resort And Spa
- Sapporo Aspen Hotel
- Hotel Dormy Inn
- Hotel Okura
- Hotel Keihan Sapporo
- Hotel Monterey Edelhof Sapporo