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Introduction
Within Japan, Hokkaido is well-known for its dramatic and unspoiled
scenery that includes active volcanoes, large lakes and vast virgin
forests. Within Hokkaido, the capital city of Sapporo is known
for its unique history, striking natural beauty, and relaxed character.
Many attractions unique to Sapporo contribute to the popularity
of this well-planned city.
In a little over a century, Sapporo has grown into a lively modern
city and is one of the main pillars of the nation's economic prominence.
With a population of 1.8 million, Sapporo is Japan's fifth largest
city.
Sapporo has long been known for its many cultural exchanges with
foreign countries. The buildings of Sapporo's Western-influenced
architecture are unique in Japan. The city gratefully and proudly
acknowledges the considerable contributions of foreign technical
advisors at the early stages of its development. Experts from
North America, England, Russia,Germany, Holland were among those
who guided the progress of this frontier town into the modern
city of Sapporo.
Visitors to Sapporo will delight in the area's extraordinary natural
surroundings within easy proximity to the city center. Spring
is a time of blossoms and rich greenery; fair weather from May
through June leads into a comfortable summer climate that attracts
visitors both from within Japan and abroad. Sapporo is often compared
to the premier skiing spots in Switzerland and the world's other
"Winter Wonderlands." With excellent conditions and
facilities, ski enthusiasts visiting Sapporo head straight for
the city's nearby slopes.
An international airport and convenient public transportaion system
make Sapporo's many attractions accessible. You are invited to
visit Sapporo to see and experience for yourself why this city
is consistently cited by Japanese as one of the most desirable
places to visit in Japan.
Attraction
Guide
The Old Hokkaido Government Building, known as Red Bricks
This solemn brick building was built in 1888. The architecture,
representing the city of Sapporo, is well known as Red Bricks,
and has been officially designated as an important cultural asset.
You can observe the state of the frontier age from the various
materials and photographs displayed within the building (free
of charge). At night the building is illuminated to generate a
different atmosphere.
Open 9 a.m. - 5 p.m., closed on Saturdays, Sundays, and National
Holidays / 011-231-4111
* 10 min. walk from JR Sapporo Station
Mt. Moiwa-yama,
the night view looks as if the city is mounted with jewels
Located 531 meters above sea level, in the south-west part of
the city, Mt. Moiwa-yama is the right spot to see all of Sapporo.
Going up to the top by ropeway and chair lift, you can look over
not only the city of Sapporo, but also the Ishikari Plain and
Ishikari Bay, and sometimes even Mt. Daisetsu-zan on a sunny day.
Also the night view with lights which look like a panorama mounted
with jewels is really breathtaking.
General ticket 1,300 yen (round tickets for ropeway and lift included)
/ Moiwa-yama Ropeway : 011-561-8177
* From city train Ropeway Entrance Station, walk for 8 min. to
Ropeway Sanroku Station
Ishiyama Greenbelt, an interesting
place which has a stone age feel
This is a park built in the site of the Sapporo Soft Stone Quarry
in October 1996. The area is divided into north and south. In
the North Block, there are observatory terraces and tennis courts.
In the South Block, there are dynamic outdoor sculptures with
the earth as a subject, as well as an amphitheater which makes
you feel as if you went back to the ancient Roman era. Standing
in this unique place, you may feel like you are in another time.
Admission free / For more information, call Sapporo-shi, Landscape
Gardening Sec. at 011-211-2525
* 10 min. bus ride from subway Makomanai Station, get off at Ishiyama
Rikkyo, then walk for 2 min.
The Clock Tower, records the passing moments of Sapporo, but it
is currently under repair
The Clock Tower, symbol of Sapporo, built in 1878, is the oldest
among the existing clock towers, and has been designated as a
national cultural property. It is scheduled to reopen to the public
in October 1998.
011-231-0838
* 3 min. walk from subway Odori Station
Chizaki Rose
Garden, filled with 4,000 roses in bloom
Chizaki Rose Garden, located 93 meters above sea level, commands
a view of the whole city. It is gorgeous to see 4,000 roses of
400 different kinds in full bloom in an area of about 18,000 square
meters near Mt. Moiwa-yama. Although the best season is at the
beginning of July, some flowers bloom at the beginning of September.
Admission 500 yen / Open 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. between May 1 and the
third Sunday of October / 011-551-1430
* 7 min. drive from City train Ropeway Entrance Station
Sapporo Factory, the great complex facility including spa and
art museum
This complex facility was built at the site of the Sapporo Beer
Company's main factory. Utilizing the red brick building in the
original form, the atrium (the biggest in Japan) was built at
the center of the spot. Other facilities include a shopping mall,
restaurants, hotel, sport club, and spa. It is drawing attention
as a place where one can enjoy a whole day.
011-207-5000
* 5 min. walk from subway Tozai line Bus Center Mae Station
Hitsuji-ga-oka Observatory, a statue of Dr. Clark standing
on the grassy plain
You will be amazed to have the real feeling of Hokkaido, which
is typically associated with a plain and large landscape, in such
close proximity to the town. You can see an avenue lined with
poplar trees, sheep relaxing on the grassy plain, and the statue
of Dr. Clark which was erected in 1976 as a memorial of the 100th
anniversary of Hokkaido University as well as the 200th anniversary
of the foundation of the USA. The hill commands a view all the
way to Ishikari Bay. The landscape has earned a favorable reputation
especially at night.
Admission 300 yen / Open everyday 9 a.m. - 9 p.m. (9 a.m. - 5
p.m. between November and April) / 011-851-3080
* Take a Chuo Bus, get off at Hitsuji-ga-oka Tenbodai, walk for
1 min.
Local Food
The Sapporo Beer Garden
Genghis Khan, grilled on a hot plate in the shape of Hokkaido
and draft beer is the best! Their special sauce is made from more
than twenty different spices and fruits. The most popular item
on the menu is all-you-can-eat-and-drink for 100 minutes for 3,400
yen including lamb Genghis Khan, vegetables, and beverages (draft
beer, juice, and oolong tea).
Open everyday 11:30 a.m. - 9 p.m.
Higashi-9-chome, Kita-Nana-jo, Higashi-ku, Sapporo-shi / 011-742-1531
Cafe Rose
The cafe in the Chizaki Rose Garden is a secret location for seeing
the night view. You can relax in the leisurely atmosphere and
enjoy the illumination. The original item, Rose ice cream (600
yen / 300 yen during a day), has a subtle flavor of rose, and
is well liked by many people.
Open 9 a.m. - 5 p.m., 6 p.m. - 10 p.m. (need 500 yen admission
fee for entering the park)
Fushimi-3-chome, Chuo-ku, Sapporo-shi / 011-551-1430
Snow Brand Parlor
This shop is under the direct management of Snow Brand where you
can eat fresh ice cream only available in Hokkaido. The choice
ice cream with 16% butterfat, "Royal Special" (620 yen),
is patronized by the Imperial Household Agency. Also "Excellence"
is popular with a moderately sweet taste. If you are in a group
of four or five, how about trying the giant parfait, "I am
a NO.1 "(3,880 yen)?
1 and 2 floor Fukoku Seimei Building, Nishi-3-chome, Kita-Ni-jo,
Chuo-ku, Sapporo-shi / 011-251-3181
Cafe Ranban
This cozy cafe is located not far away from the center of Susukino.
The big glass windows are open on sunny days, which lets a nice
breeze blow into the shop. Drink are served with tasteful Japanese
cups and saucers, and they also sell some cups made by artists.
Just stop by to have a fresh coffee (380 yen) in the morning.
Nishi-5-chome, Minami-San-jo, Chuo-ku, Sapporo-shi / 011-221-5028
Guest House Barley
This is the dining bar where Mr. Nukita (look at a Local Celebrity)
works as a chief chef. His original dishes using only selected
ingredients makes you feel like coming back again soon. The entire
menu is excellent. Lunch course 1,000 yen and up, Dinner course
3,500 yen and up.
Hotel Clubby Sapporo, Higashi-3-chome, Kita-Ni-jo, Chuo-ku, Sapporo-shi
/ 011-242-1111.
Getting Around
By Plane
From Tokyo
Tokyo (Haneda) - Sapporo (Shin-Chitose): 1 hr. 30 min.
From Osaka
Osaka (Kansai) - Sapporo (Shin-Chitose): 1 hr. 55 min.
From Fukuoka
Fukuoka - Sapporo (Shin-Chitose): 2 hrs. 25 min.
*Local transportation from Shin-Chitose Airport to inner city:
Train / JR Kaisoku Airport-go (40 min.) It runs every 15 min.
Bus / Hokkaido Chuo Bus (011-231-0500) or Hokuto Kotsu (011-377-3855):
1 hr - 1 hr. 30 min.
By Train
From Tokyo
Ueno - Sapporo (by sleeping express "Hokutosei"): 16
hrs.
Tokyo - Morioka (by super express Tohoku Shinkansen "Yamabiko"),
Morioka - Hakodate (by express "Hatsukari"), Hakodate
- Sapporo (by express "Hokuto"): 10 hrs. 40 min.
From Osaka
Osaka - Sapporo (by sleeping express "Twilight Express"
via Hokuriku honsen): 21 hrs. 5 min.
By Ferry
From Tokyo
Tokyo - Tomakomai (by Blue Highway Line /03-3578-1127): 30 hrs.
From Nagoya
Nagoya - Tomakomai (by Taiheiyo Ferry / 052-203-0227): 38 hrs.
45 min.
*From Tomakomai to Sapporo, take JR express "Suzuran"
or "Hokuto" (45 min.) or take a Chuo Bus or Donan Bus
(1 hr. 20 min.)
Local Transportation
Almost everywhere in the central city is accessible by three subway
lines; Tozai-sen, Nanpoku-sen, and Toho-sen. It is convenient
to take a city train to go to Mt. Moiwa-yama. The ticket costs
170 yen to cover all sections. There are also bus lines; Shiei
Bus (city bus), Hokkaido Chuo Bus, and Jotetsu Bus. It is recommended
to buy a one-day pass for 1,000 yen which is valid for subway,
city bus, and city train.(Sapporo-shi Transportation Bureau /
011-896-2708)
Sapporo Lincle Bus
This city shuttle tour bus started its service in April 1996.
The 2-hour leisure car runs every 30 min., stopping at 17 famous
sightseeing spots. A one-day pass costing 1,500 yen is valid between
9 a.m. and 5 p.m.
Runs April 27 - November 3 (Hokkaido Chuo Bus / 011-231-0500)
Leisurely excursion by tour wagon
There is a course to visit the old prefectural office building,
and another going round Odori Park, both of which take 40 min.
You can catch a bus at Odori Nishi-4-chome. How about taking a
tour and indulge in the mood of pioneering age? It runs everyday
between the end of April and November 3.
10:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. / 011-512-9377 |
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