Update-date: Oct 11 2024
Sapporo, Hokkaido’s capital city and the largest city on Japan’s northern island. In 1972, Sapporo hosted the Winter Olympic Games and became the destination for winter sports in Asia for people around the world. In this article, we’ll overview the city, some of its history and what makes Sapporo an interesting place to visit.
Discover the Beauty of Sapporo Japan
As the gateway to Hokkaido, Sapporo Japan is the islands most well-known city and one of the biggest tourist destinations in Japan. Known for its wintery attractions, Sapporo brings in 13 million tourists per year. That number is increasing every year thanks to increased exposure of the region to the world, the opening of the Hokkaido Shinkansen to the island and the onset of low-cost airline carriers flying in and out of the region.
Overview of Sapporo Japan
To get an overview of the city of Sapporo Japan, you have to learn a little about its history. Founded in 1868, it was designed as a more defensive main city for Hokkaido than Hakodate, the then capital of the island, and as a better, more centralized developmental hub for the island. The name of the city comes from the Ainu (traditional Hokkaido people) word “sat poro pet”, meaning "dry, great river" as, at the time, the city was nothing more than a man-made canal.
Since then, Sapporo has grown to be a rich, vibrant city and the heart of Hokkaido. With train lines to every section of the island, one of Japan’s most prestigious universities and some of the biggest festivals in the nation, heading to Sapporo is a must for any traveler looking to visit Japan.
Since then, Sapporo has grown to be a rich, vibrant city and the heart of Hokkaido. With train lines to every section of the island, one of Japan’s most prestigious universities and some of the biggest festivals in the nation, heading to Sapporo is a must for any traveler looking to visit Japan.
Tourist Attractions in Sapporo Japan
Winter dominates the tourist attraction landscape in Sapporo Japan. Every year since 1950, the Sapporo Snow Festival dazzles tourists and locals alike on the main street outside Sapporo Station in early February. On display are the biggest snow and ice sculptures in the world with inspiration coming from all walks of life, from anime to real life buildings and even internet memes.
If you want to spend your nights doing something more “adult”, heading over to Susukino is where you’ll want to go. Dubbed the “red-light district” of Hokkaido, the district features many bars, clubs and adult entertainment spots to keep you entertained while the children are safe in bed.
Don’t be fooled though, being over 100 years old, Sapporo also features many museums and older buildings to visit. If you want to learn about the history beer in Hokkaido then head to a free tour at the Sapporo Beer museum, which also comes with a free tasting at the end of the tour. Or, if beer isn’t your thing, on the edge of Sapporo is the Historic Village of Hokkaido, an open-air museum that recreates life in older periods of Hokkaido’s history.
If you want to spend your nights doing something more “adult”, heading over to Susukino is where you’ll want to go. Dubbed the “red-light district” of Hokkaido, the district features many bars, clubs and adult entertainment spots to keep you entertained while the children are safe in bed.
Don’t be fooled though, being over 100 years old, Sapporo also features many museums and older buildings to visit. If you want to learn about the history beer in Hokkaido then head to a free tour at the Sapporo Beer museum, which also comes with a free tasting at the end of the tour. Or, if beer isn’t your thing, on the edge of Sapporo is the Historic Village of Hokkaido, an open-air museum that recreates life in older periods of Hokkaido’s history.
For more information on Fukuoka and its top attractions, check out the article on FUN! JAPAN.
source of quotations：FUN! JAPAN
Taste Delectable Sapporo Food
Like any Japanese city, there’s some great Sapporo food on offer. Usually made with fresh Hokkaido ingredients, you’ll never go hungry with the vast amount of options in the city.
1. Sushi Niebana
Sushi Niebana masterfully balances the powerful "Goh" umami that delivers an instant impact and the gentle "Sei" umami, which gradually permeates the body over time through the dashi broth. The secret lies in the water. The "Goh" flavor is intensified by hardness tailored to the ingredients, while the "Sei" flavor is amplified by the ultra-soft, zero-hardness water's clear broth aroma. This technique allows you to savour a range of umami flavors along with seasonal ingredients.
Sushi Niebana
Open: Dinner 7:00 pm - 10:00 pm
Closed: Irregular
Average price: [Dinner] 28,000 JPY
Access: 3-minute walk from Susukino Station on Namboku Line
Address: 1F, New Keiwa Bldg., 6-9-3, Minami5jonishi, Chuo-ku, Sapporo-shi, Hokkaido Map
More Details Reservation
Closed: Irregular
Average price: [Dinner] 28,000 JPY
Access: 3-minute walk from Susukino Station on Namboku Line
Address: 1F, New Keiwa Bldg., 6-9-3, Minami5jonishi, Chuo-ku, Sapporo-shi, Hokkaido Map
More Details Reservation
2. Hokkaido Yakiniku Kitaushi
Just three minutes from Susukino Station, Kitaushi is a yakiniku restaurant serving Hokkaido Wagyu beef, requiring reservations and offering a members-only, full-service experience in private dining rooms. The chef prepares dishes right before guests, featuring Shiretoko Wagyu beef, nurtured in Hokkaido's rich environment and aged with a unique wet and dry process. The restaurant's clean, sophisticated private rooms are perfect for important business or private functions and lend themselves to a variety of occasions.
Hokkaido Yakiniku Kitaushi
Open: Dinner 6:00 pm - 11:00 pm (L.O. 10:30 pm)
Closed: Irregular
Average price: [Dinner] 22,000 JPY
Access: 3-minute walk from Sususkino Station
Address: 4-5-7, Minami Rokujo Nishi, Chuo-ku, Sapporo-shi, Hokkaido Map
More Details Reservation
Closed: Irregular
Average price: [Dinner] 22,000 JPY
Access: 3-minute walk from Sususkino Station
Address: 4-5-7, Minami Rokujo Nishi, Chuo-ku, Sapporo-shi, Hokkaido Map
More Details Reservation
3. Sushi Kappo Kakihachi
Located in a residential area of Sapporo, Sushi Kappo Kakihachi offers a warm atmosphere and specializes in hand-formed sushi using marinated wild fish. They combine traditional and innovative techniques to enhance natural flavors without additives. Their course meals include appetizer, grilled dish, simmered dish, and sushi, all complemented with sake. Takeout, including popular Inari Sushi, is also available. The restaurant features counter seats, tables, and tatami rooms (reservation required) making it ideal for special occasions.
Sushi Kappo Kakihachi
Open: [Tuesday - Sunday, National Holidays, Day before National Holidays] Dinner 5:30 pm - 11:00 pm (L.O. 10:00 pm)
Closed: Monday
Average price: [Dinner] 20,000 JPY
Access: 10-minute walk from [Soen Station] on JR Hakodate Main Line / JR Sassho Line
Address: 13-1, Kita 5-jo Nishi, Chuo-ku, Sapporo-shi, Hokkaido Map
More Details Reservation
Closed: Monday
Average price: [Dinner] 20,000 JPY
Access: 10-minute walk from [Soen Station] on JR Hakodate Main Line / JR Sassho Line
Address: 13-1, Kita 5-jo Nishi, Chuo-ku, Sapporo-shi, Hokkaido Map
More Details Reservation
4. French Restaurant Mikuni Sapporo
The restaurant's spring amuse-bouche, a medley of crustacean gelee, lobster consommé, and white asparagus Bavarian cream, underlines the exquisite flavor of asparagus. Seasonal ingredients, including unique Western vegetables, are sourced from Hokkaido's abundant farmlands. The focus is on simple, exquisite tastes, ensuring every flavor is savored. The spacious dining room accommodates 80 guests, making it ideal for large events or weddings. Patrons can enjoy Mikuni-style French cuisine, especially on sunny days. They are encouraged to contact the restaurant for food options.
French Restaurant Mikuni Sapporo
Open: [Monday, Wednesday - Sunday, Holidays, Day Before Holidays] Lunch 11:30 - 14:00 / Dinner 17:30 - 22:00 (last order 20:30)
Closed: Tuesday
Average price: [Dinner] 13,000 JPY / [Lunch] 5,000 JPY
Access: Go straight from Sapporo Station on the JR Chitose and Sassho Lines / 1 minute on foot from Sapporo Station on the Sapporo Subway Namboku and Toho Lines
Address: 9F Sapporo STELLAR PLACE , 2-5 Kita 5-jo Nishi, Chuo-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido Map
More Details Reservation
Closed: Tuesday
Average price: [Dinner] 13,000 JPY / [Lunch] 5,000 JPY
Access: Go straight from Sapporo Station on the JR Chitose and Sassho Lines / 1 minute on foot from Sapporo Station on the Sapporo Subway Namboku and Toho Lines
Address: 9F Sapporo STELLAR PLACE , 2-5 Kita 5-jo Nishi, Chuo-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido Map
More Details Reservation
5. Jingisukan Juttetsu
Juttetsu, known since 2005 for its quality grilled mutton or Jingisukan, uses only the finest cuts of aged fresh lamb. Specialties include "Fresh Lamb Genghis Khan" and "Thick-Cut Special Salt and Pepper Lamb," grilled medium-rare on charcoal for a unique flavor and aroma. The secret seafood-based sauce enhances the meat's sweetness and umami. The restaurant, which echoes the lively ambiance of Edo-period dining establishments, is often busy with families and friends, so reservations are recommended.
Jingisukan Juttetsu
Open: [Monday - Saturday, Day Before National Holidays] Dinner 5:00 pm - 12:00 am (L.O. 11:30 pm) / [Sunday, National Holidays] Dinner 5:00 pm - 11:00 pm (L.O. 10:30 pm)
Closed: Irregular
Average price: [Dinner] 5,000 JPY
Access: 5 minutes walk from Susukino Station on the Sapporo Municipal Subway Namboku Line / 5 minutes walk from Nakajima-Koen Station on the Sapporo Municipal Subway Namboku Line
Address: 5-1-8, Minami-Nanajyo-Nishi, Chuo-ku, Sapporo-shi, Hokkaido Map
More Details Reservation
Closed: Irregular
Average price: [Dinner] 5,000 JPY
Access: 5 minutes walk from Susukino Station on the Sapporo Municipal Subway Namboku Line / 5 minutes walk from Nakajima-Koen Station on the Sapporo Municipal Subway Namboku Line
Address: 5-1-8, Minami-Nanajyo-Nishi, Chuo-ku, Sapporo-shi, Hokkaido Map
More Details Reservation
Disclaimer: All information is accurate at time of publication.
