Its role as host city of the 1972 Winter Olympics thrust Sapporo, Japan, into worldwide consciousness. As the city preps its bid to host the 2030 Olympic Winter Games, its ski slopes continue to attract travelers from around the globe. With approximately 1.9 million residents, Sapporo boasts several superlatives: capital of Hokkaido, Northern Japan; the largest city north of Tokyo; and the fifth-largest city in Japan. The yearly Sapporo Snow Festival attracts 2 million tourists.
GETTING THERE & AROUND
Numerous direct flights arrive at New Chitose Airport, the main international airport serving Sapporo. The JR Train departs the airport around every 15 minutes for the 40- minute ride into Sapporo. Buses take one hour or longer to travel from the airport to city center. Sapporo’s streets run in a grid pattern, making navigation simple, and visitors find it easy to traverse Central Sapporo on foot. Use a variety of smart cards to pay for Sapporo’s various modes of public transit: the three lines of Sapporo Municipal Subway; Sapporo Streetcar, covering a loop southwest of the down- town core; and three bus services, including Hokkaido Chuo, JR Hokkaido and Jotetsu. Find taxi stands throughout the city or rent a bicycle from Porocle. Velotaxis, eco-friendly three-wheeled taxis, mainly operate in central Sapporo.
LODGING
Century Royal Hotel
Conveniently connected to Sapporo Subway Station via an underground passage, Century Royal Hotel also boasts superb city views from its 23rd-floor, revolving Sky Restaurant RONDO, serving fine French cuisine.
Chuo-Ward, Kita 5-jo, Nishi 5-chome, Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan
tel 81 11 221 2121
cr-hotel.com
Hotel Monterey Edelhof Sapporo
Designed to evoke 19th-century Vienna and housed in the former Hokkaido Regional Forestry Office, guests can also relax in the hot spring bath located on the 14th floor.
Chuo Ward, Kita 2-jo, Nishi 1-1, Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan
tel 81 11 242 7111
hotelmonterey.co.jp
Sapporo Grand Hotel
Stay in ultimate comfort at this 4-star, Western-style hotel with a long history of excellent service. Located not far from Tanukikoji Shopping Street, the hotel features four superb dining venues, bars and lounges, a bakery and 24 banquet rooms.
Chuo Ward, 4 Chome Kita 1-jo, Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan
tel 81 11 261 3311
grand1934.com
DINING
Kanihonke
With several locations throughout the city, Kanihonke is all about crab, with food served in the kaiseki ryōri tradition. The décor is inspired by Japanese gardens.
Multiple locations
kani-honke.co.jp
Northern Terrace Diner
Northern Terrace, located in Sapporo Grand Hotel, serves traditional Western food and Hokkaido delicacies. Menus include buffets at breakfast, lunch and dinner, plus a wine list featuring Japanese and international wines.
Sapporo Grand Hotel, Chuo Ward, 4 Chome Kita 1-jo, Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan
tel 81 11 261 3376
grand1934.com
Sapporo Beer Garden
Located in Genghis Khan Hall in a beautiful government building constructed in the Meiji Period, the beer garden invites guests to enjoy all-you-can-eat barbecue paired with an ice-cold, namesake Sapporo beer.
Higashi Ward, 9 Chome-2-10 Kita 7-jo, Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan
tel 81 120 150 550
sapporo-bier-garten.jp
ATTRACTIONS
Ōkurayama Ski Jump Stadium
Visit one of the former competition venues from the 1972 Winter Olympics, including Ōkurayama Observation Lounge, at more than 1,000 feet high and boasting panoramic views of Sapporo. Also on site: Sapporo Olympic Museum with simulated winter sports experiences.
Chuo Ward, 1274 Miyanomori, Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan
tel 81 11 641 8585
okurayama-jump.jp
Sapporo Beer Museum
At the same spot as Sapporo Beer Garden, Sapporo Beer Museum is Japan’s only museum dedicated to beer. The long history of Sapporo beer dates to 1876. Free or premium tours available.
Higashi Ward, 9 Chome-2-10 Kita 7-jo, Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan
tel 81 11 748 1876
sapporobeer.jp
Sapporo Snow Festival
Sapporo Snow Festival, in central Sapporo’s Odori Park, boasts nearly a mile of snow sculptures, a skating rink and more. Dates for the 2024 event: Feb. 4–11.
snowfes.com
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