Historical Village
Situated in a corner of the Hokkaido Nopporo Forest
Park in Sapporo, this impressive and entertaining outdoor museum
village depicts Hokkaido life in days of old. The site features
restored or recreated buildings from the Meiji and Taisho periods,
and includes edifices like the old Sapporo railway station, old
Otaru newspaper company buildings, fishermen's cottages, and
mountain villas. Horse-drawn trolleys run through the village and
in winter horse-drawn sleighs carry visitors around the site. The
historical village should entertain the whole family for a few
hours. Those particularly curious about the local culture and
history of the area should not miss the Hokkaido Ainu Centre, which
is a free attraction a little further out of Sapporo. The Ainu
people, with their unique culture, have lived on the island of
Hokkaido for hundreds of generations. The Ainu Centre details the
history and culture of the island's indigenous people using
interesting exhibits and demonstrations and makes the perfect
companion attraction for the historical village.
Address: Konopporo 50-1, Atsubetsu-chyo
Hokkaido, Sapporo
Kzaral
Sapporo Beer Museum
For beer lovers, a visit to the beer museum in the historic
Sapporo Brewery building is a must, together with a tour of the
brewery itself, which, of course, ends with a tasting. The red
brick brewery building was opened first as a sugar factory in 1876,
and has been the home of Japan's famous beer since 1887. One-hour
tours are conducted at 15-minute intervals every day throughout the
year; however, these are in Japanese only. It is possible to book
in advance and request an English interpreter and the people at the
front desk will happily provide an English leaflet detailing a
brief history of Sapporo beer. Despite the fact that the exhibits
are almost totally in Japanese it is still interesting to see the
old photographs, memorabilia, and visual evolution of the brand.
There are lockers at the entrance so you don't have to carry stuff
around and there is a little gift shop for souvenirs.
Address: 9-1-1 Kita 7-Jo Higashi, Higashi-ku, Sapporo 065-0007,
Hokkaido
Vintage Beer Display
Toby Oxborrow
Mount Moiwa
Fondly known as Sapporo's 'backyard ski resort', Mt Moiwa offers
10 different courses for all grades of skiers from beginners to
advanced. There are fun family slopes and a children's play area as
well as some more challenging options; advanced skiers may find it
a bit too friendly but all levels are ultimately catered for. It is
possible to rent all the equipment you might need. Most of the
slopes are well lit to enable visitors and locals alike to enjoy
the fun of night skiing, taking in the breathtaking view of the
city as they fly down the sparkling slopes under the stars. There
is an observatory on the mountain which can be reached by cable
car, and even if you have no intention of skiing it is worth a trip
up to this platform to enjoy the incredible views. There is also a
restaurant, a souvenir shop and some tributes to lovers including a
bunch of love locks (padlocks bearing the initials of couples and
locked to signal eternal love). The best time to go up the ropeway
is in the evening so that you can enjoy the daytime views of the
slopes and city, and stay as darkness descends to see the city
light up beneath you. The cableway may stop running in bad weather
but is usually operational.
Mount Moiwa
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Noboribetsu
The famous hot-spring resort of Noboribetsu Onsen is situated
inside the Shikotsu-Toya National Park. The spa complex is one of
many found in Hokkaido, but being closest to Sapporo is very
popular. Hot mineral springs gush out about 10,000 tons of water a
day, and it is said to have healing properties for a range of
disorders. There are more than 30 hotels and bath houses grouped
together along a narrow street along with shops, souvenir stores,
and whatever else visitors may need. The area is also known for its
cherry trees, which make a stunning sight in spring, and there are
some worthwhile hiking trails in the park. If you're after luxury,
you can find high-end accommodation and spa treatments that are
seen as some of the best in the country but there are also cheaper
options for those travelling on a budget. It is possible at some
spots to bathe in the natural springs outdoors, which is the most
atmospheric option. The springs are a popular excursion from
Sapporo and the trip can easily be made in a day, which is all you
need to enjoy the relaxing hot water.
Noboribetsu Onsen
Kentaro Ohno
Sapporo has a humid continental climate with precipitation
throughout the year. Summers are warm and last from the middle of
June to late September; average high temperatures usually don't
exceed 79°F (26°C) and lows generally stay above 54°F (12°C).
Winter lasts from the beginning of December to late March, with
highs that are frequently below 32°F (0°C) and minimum temperatures
that can be as low as 19°F (-7°C) at the peak of winter. Light rain
is a common occurrence in summer, while winters are known for their
heavy snow. Sapporo is one of the few cities in the world with more
than 1 million residents that regularly receives annual snowfalls
in excess of 16 feet (5m). Sapporo receives the most tourists in
summer and winter, for its snow-related activities and
festivals.
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Sapporo's streets follow a grid plan, making it fairly easy to
navigate. The city has a comprehensive public transport system
consisting of buses, a streetcar, trains, and several subway lines.
The JR Hokkaido Bus Company operates local and intercity bus lines,
connecting downtown Sapporo with popular attractions and
neighbouring cities. Tickets can be bought from a dispenser at the
front of the bus upon boarding. Multiple-use tickets can be bought
at larger stations, such as the Sapporo Station Bus Terminal.
The Hokkaido Chuo Bus Company runs a sightseeing route that
travels to several areas in Hokkaido. Reservations can be made
telephonically or on the company's website. The city's streetcar
line, known locally as the shiden, runs along the south of the
city, close to Mount Moiwa.
The Sapporo Station also functions as a hub for JR Hokkaido's
railway network, which travels to the city's suburbs, neighbouring
towns and cities on the island, and connects to the national
network. Tickets can be reserved telephonically, purchased at
station vending machines, or at the JR Reservation ticket counters
in the station.
The Sapporo Municipal Subway system operates out of central
terminals at Sapporo Station and Odori Station. The system consists
of three extensive lines and is easily accessible in most parts of
the city. Tickets and multiple-ride passes can be purchased at
station vending machines. Taxis are widely available but drivers
are unlikely to speak English and travellers are advised to have
their destination written down in Japanese.
Sapporo is a clean, well-organised, and attractive city with
plenty of parks and gardens, wide tree-lined streets, a number of
good museums, and galleries. On top of this, there are enough
shops, restaurants, and bars to keep everybody entertained.
The main attraction of the city is Mount Moiwa and the
mountain's ski slopes, which caters to all ski-enthusiasts with its
11 different courses right on the city's doorstep. Sapporo is a
great holiday destination for families who are keen to enjoy a
skiing holiday in Japan.
For some insight into the fascinating Ainu culture and the
region's history visit the outdoor museum in the Hokkaido Nopporo
Forest Park, and the Hokkaido Ainu Centre a little way out of the
city. For aprés ski relaxation and pampering take an excursion to
the famous hot springs of Noboribetsu. Beer lovers should be sure
to sample the delicious local brew, and enjoy the free tours
offered by the Sapporo Beer Museum.
The city offers many an opportunity for a scenic stroll and
those looking for exercise and fresh air should explore Moerenuma
Park, Odori Park, or even the pretty Hokkaido University Sapporo
Campus. Getting around in the city is easy thanks to modern and
extensive public transport systems.
Hokkaido, Sapporo
Kzaral
Vintage Beer Display
Toby Oxborrow
Mount Moiwa
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Noboribetsu Onsen
Kentaro Ohno
