The Capital of Hokkaido
Sapporo (札幌）is the capital of Hokkaido and Japan’s fifth largest city.
Sapporo is also one of the nation’s youngest major cities. In 1857, the city’s population stood at just seven people.
Sapporo became world famous in 1972 when the Olympic Winter Games were held there. Today, the city is well known for its ramen, beer, and the annual snow festival held in February
Hokkaido Shrine is a Shinto shrine located about 5 km west of central Sapporo. It is a deeply spiritual place of inner beauty and refined elegance. It is said that one of the best places to view cherry blossoms in northern Japan is at Hokkaido Shrine. This shrine is also the resting place of four deities, Ōkunitama, Okuninushi, and Sukunahikona, and also the soul of the Meiji Emporer. The shrine is well worth a look in all seasons, especially Spring.
Sapporo Tanukikoji Shoten is one of the oldest shopping streets in Hokkaido and celebrated its 145th anniversary in 2018 (Meiji 6). In addition, it is one of the largest shopping districts, with a total length of 900m for seven blocks and a full-covered arcade with about 200 stores.
The current arcade from 1-chome to 6-chome is the second generation (completed in 1982), and it is a long arcade that covers the intersecting roads except for the national highway.
Odori Park (大通公園, Ōdōri Kōen) is the broad median of Odori (“large street”) in the center of Sapporo, separating the city into north and south.
At the eastern end of Odori Park stands the Sapporo TV Tower, which has an observation deck with nice views of the park and the surrounding city.
The Clock Tower (時計台, Tokeidai) is a symbol of Sapporo. The building was constructed during the early period of Sapporo’s development in 1878 as a drill hall of the Sapporo Agricultural College. In 1881 a clock purchased from Boston was installed.
Susukino is Sapporo’s main entertainment area! There is a huge variety of Sapporo’s best restaurants, bars, cafes, clubs, cinemas, karaoke parlors, and hotels. There is so much to do and it is the perfect place for you to explore.
The Former Hokkaido Government Office is a unique place to discover. It translates into “red brick” and was used as a government office for 80 years until the new one was built.
