Sightseeing in Sapporo - what to see. Complete travel guide

Quite young, but already a well-developed city, Sapporo is the capital of Hokkaido. Clear geometrically correct and well-marked structure of the city is built in accordance with the lines of the old part of Kyoto. In this city are well developed such branched of economy as agriculture, brewing and dairy industries. Sapporo is also the location of one of the most prestigious universities in Japan.

Every year thousands of tourists try to visit Sapporo, because this place is distinguished by a large territory, wonderful climatic conditions, marvelous nature and well-developed sphere of supply and services. The city attracts visitors all year round; Sapporo always has something interesting to entertain its visitors. Late fall is the time for Festival of White Illumination. Winters are snowy here, so it’s a perfect time for snow sculpture festival. The spring brings in Festival of lilac, and in summer you can visit monuments and museums of the city, or enjoy active or passive recreation. The city’s suburbs are the location of its suburban lounge zone named Maruyama. This is a very popular resort with its distinct picturesque nature, hot mineral springs and beautiful Siraito waterfall.

The main Boulevard of Sapporo is named Odori. It runs through the whole central part of the city, dividing it into two parts. The main sights of the city include two major operating museums – University Museum, which offers the exhibition of the natural-scientific orientation, and the Ainu Museum, which exhibits numerous artifacts related to the history of the Ainu and other northern peoples. Don’t forget to visit the leafy Odori Park famous for numerous apple and cherry trees, Sapporo TV Tower, which height estimates 147m, the clock tower, and many other sights. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

Nakajima Park is a perfect place to get acquainted with national culture and traditions. It houses some interesting cultural and entertainment institutions. You can combine admiring the scenery and a visit a national puppet-show. A beautiful Japanese Garden where they hold tea ceremonies is also located there. Literary Museum operates in the park, yet the opening of the Concert Hall took place not long ago. It is quite easy to find a suitable place in the park for secluded rest.

A stroll through Sapporo Art Park may turn into a fascinating excursion. This park is situated in Minami-ku district. The formation of Sapporo Art Park started in 1986 and is still in progress. It covers an area of more than 40 hectares and is actually an open-air museum. It presents more than 73 sculptures created by Japanese craftsmen and foreign ones. The collection of the park is constantly increasing. Concerts and master classes devoted to various contemporary art forms are often held on its territory.

Those with a sweet tooth will be interested in taking a tour to the old Ishiya chocolate factory. Having dressed in a special suit, visitors can stroll through all the shops of the factory and watch how they make brand chocolate. The factory is known for its special Shiroi Koibito white chocolate. No other factory in the country produces this variety of chocolate.

Frothy beverage drinkers should definitely come by a specialized Beer Museum which is the only one of its kind in Japan. The museum occupies the building of an old brewery, which is still operating. On the top floor, you can watch the brewing process. Old industrial equipment, storage tanks, and vintage advertising posters that could be seen in city stores at the turn of the 19th and 20 century are among its exhibits. On the first floor, is a tasting room and a shop where one can purchase all sorts of beer produced at the plant. Next to the museum, is a beautiful Sapporo Beer Garden. Open-air cafes run there. Here, you can also try all the popular varieties of local beer and other delicious specialties.