Category: Hokkaido

The wonderful and unique Hakodate is one of the oldest cities in Hokkaido and is a dazzling melting pot of western and Japanese influences that were suddenly thrown together as Japan walked along its path to modernization.

Located in the southern part of Hokkaido, Hakodate is famous for Goryokaku fort, its international townscapes, and the spectacular night views of Mount Hakodate.

The night view from Mount Hakodate as seen from the summit observation decks

With a Shinkansen station, airport, and ferry Hakodate is also easily accessible and could be considered the gateway to Hokkaido.

Hakodate offers a wide variety of original gourmet foods, including fresh seafood and Hakodate’s local restaurants.

This ultimate Hokadate guide will show you all the best things to do in Hakodate Japan so you can make the most out of your trip to this truly unique city.

A brief History Of Hakodate

In around 1454, Masamichi Kono, a vassal of the Ando Masaki clan, built the Usukishi-Kono Kan near Motomachi Park and started calling it Hakodate because the shape of the building resembled a box.

Then in 1854, the Edo shogunate decided to open the port of Hakodate along with Shimoda, and exchange with the rest of the world began to flourish.

The area around Hakodate was placed under the direct control of the shogunate and became the diplomatic and political area and important central hub of the island of Hokkaido.

Goryokaku Fort And Park

Goryokaku Koen Park

The interesting and unique Goryokaku is a star-shaped fortress built by the Edo Shogunate as the key to northern security during the uncertain time preceding the Meiji restoration.

Now it is a wonderful and expansive park and a favored recreational spot for Hakodate citizens.

Along with the tower be sure to leave time to take a stroll around the picturesque Goryokaku Park.

The Park is home to many valuable historical buildings from the Edo period, such as the fascinating and beautifully restored Hakodate’s Magistrates Office and the military supply warehouse.

The park is also one of the most famous places in all of Japan to view the cherry blossoms when in season.

Goryokaku Tower

Located at the entrance to Goryokaku Park, the all-white Goryokaku Tower dramatically rises to a height of 107 meters.

From the breathtaking sky-high observation deck, you can look down on a complete view of the star-shaped fortress of Goryokaku and it is truly one of the most amazing views you’ll see.

There is a bronze statue of Hijikata Toshizo, the second-in-command of the Shinsengumi, who was killed in the Hakodate War, and a model of the Goryokaku fort as it appeared when it was completed.

There’s also an educational panel display on the history of Hakodate and Goryokaku.

Hakodate Morning Market

Hakodate Morning Market Hakodate

Another one of the top attractions in Hakodate is the always-bustling Hakodate Morning Market, a seafood paradise just a minute’s walk from Hakodate Station.

Along with the freshest seafood, the market offers a wide variety of local produce such as vegetables and fruits, flowers, and sweet treats.

It’s also a great place to get a fresh breakfast at least once during your stay in Hakodate.

The live squid fishing pond has become a popular spot where you can catch your own meal. Squid are priced at around ¥500 to ¥1,000 per piece.

The Freshly caught squid is served on the spot and does a little squid dance when soy sauce is added.

Mount Hakodate Summit Observation Deck

The impressive Mount Hakodate overlooks the city of Hakodate and you can head up to it’s summit to enjoy the view.

At an elevation of 334 meters above sea level, the fabulous Mt Hakodate Observatory offers a dazzling view of Hakodate.

The night view from the top of the mountain is famous as one of the world’s top three nightscapes along with Hong Kong and Naples.

The night view from Mount Hakodate

You can get to the top by bus, taxi, or by hiking but the best way is to take the dedicated ropeway which takes just 3 minutes to whizz you up to the summit.

Inside the building, there is also a restaurant where you can grab a bite to eat while taking in the sparkling night view.

Kanemori Red Brick Warehouse

Just in front of Hakodate Port in the bay area is the stylish and historic Kanemori Red Brick Warehouse.

The charming red brick buildings have been used as warehouses since the early Meiji period. Today, spacious warehouses are used as restaurants and multipurpose halls, but the exterior remains the same.

The indoor facilities are also well equipped with various shops and exhibitions making it a good place for a date on a rainy day.

Hakodate Local History Museum (Former Kanemori Western Goods Store)

The fascinating Hakodate Municipal Museum and History Museum is in a wonderful old building that was once the Kanemori Western Goods Store was built in 1880 using fireproof bricks which were a rarity at the time.

When the building is seen from the outside, the first floor is Japanese style, while the second floor is Western-style making for an intriguing blend of Japanese and Western architecture.

Inside the museum, there are dioramas, panels, and exhibits that provide an easy-to-understand introduction to the store and how it would have operated during the Meiji era.

Among the exhibits is a fascinating Swiss-made music box, one of only a few in the world, that the founder brought back from his travels in Europe.

Lucky Pierrot

For many Japanese, despite all the wonderful fresh seafood in Hakodate the iconic Lucky Pierrot burger restaurant is what comes to mind when they think of eating in Hakodate.

The food is hearty and filling and could be thought of as Hakodate’s soul food. It’s also quite cheap.

With 17 restaurants scattered around Hakodate, each with its own unique theme and design, it is also fun to see what each restaurant has on its limited menu.

The Lucky Pierrot Chinese Chicken Burger is the trademark dish and has won an award in a local burger competition.

Daimon Yokocho

Daimon Yokocho Hakodate

One of Hakodate’s best places to enjoy an evening meal or drink is the ch Daimon Yokocho, a food stall village in front of Hakodate Station.

Opening up once the sun sets, this fantastic lane is crammed with tiny restaurants serving up all types of cuisine using Hakodate’s fresh local ingredients.

Many locals frequent the area and there are many regulars at the 26 different restaurants. This is the perfect place for those who want to experience a wide range of Hakodate’s food culture, including seafood, ramen, Italian food, and more.

Motomachi Area

Motomachi Hakodate

Next on our list of the best things to do in Hakodate we take you to the wonderful Motomachi area, which could be said to be the first place in Hokkaido to be baptized into a foreign culture.

Lined with distinctive churches and Western-style buildings built during the Meiji and early Showa periods, here you can almost feel as if you have entered a new country.

Along with the unique buildings and vibe, there are also stunning sloped streetscapes with a spectacular view of Hakodate Bay, cafes in renovated old private houses, and much more to see and do.

Hachimanzaka Slope

Hachiman Zaka Slope Hakodate

The gorgeous Hachiman zaka is a slope named after the Hakodate Hachiman Shrine, which once stood on top of the hill.

Hachiman Zaka Slope Hakodate

Back in the 1980s, the slope was used in a famous commercial in which a couple was filmed holding hands and skipping down the slope and it has since become famous as a filming location for movies, TV, and commercials.

Russian Orthodox Church

Russian Orthodox Church Hakodate

The gorgeous Russian Orthodox Church is designated as a National Important Cultural Property and is nicknamed “Gan Gan Temple” because of its beautiful sounding bell.

In 1859, the first Russian consul, Goshkevich, secured this site as a Russian consulate, and the following year it was built as a cathedral attached to the consulate making it the first cathedral ever built in Japan.

Nowadays, the bells ring out for about 3-5 minutes during all-night prayers and Eucharistic rites.

Trappistine Monastery

Trappistine Monastery Hakodate

Founded in 1898 by eight nuns sent from France, the magnificent Trappoistine Monastery was Japan’s first women’s contemplative convent and can still be visited today.

Perhaps because the pious nuns still live there, the atmosphere is very quiet and solemn and the nunnery itself can only be seen from the outside.

But the beautiful gardens with the majestic statues of St. Theresa, Jeanne d’Arc, and St. Michael the Archangel are open for sightseeing.

There is also a store that sells delicious handmade butter candies and sweets.

Former British Consulate in Hakodate

The historic former British Consulate was used for 75 years from 1859 and is popular today as a fascinating museum that shows what it was like during the time when the port was opened to foreign trade.

In addition to learning about the history of the port, you can take commemorative photos alongside a carpet with a large map of the world, and enjoy authentic English tea and baked goods.

It is located near Hachimanzaka and also has a beautiful rose garden in the courtyard, with 60 varieties that usually bloom from late June to early July.

Motomachi Park

Motomachi Park Hakodate

Motomachi Park is a park filled with the history of Hakodate and is also a helpful Tourist Information Center where you can pick up some additional information in English about sightseeing in the Motomachi area.

The park itself is very clean and the view is beautiful and gives you an impressive panoramic view of Hakodate Harbor

The benches and picnic tables also face the harbor, making it a good place to take a break after a long day of sightseeing. The park is also open to visitors in the evening and has a great night view.

Motomachi Roman Catholic Church

The spectacular Motomachi Roman Catholic Church is one of the unique representative architectural structures in Motomachi and you can tour the church outside of Mass times.

Once you step inside, take note of the altar, which was a gift from none other than Pope Benedict XV. Behind the cathedral, there is also the Grotto of Lourdes which is dedicated to the Virgin Mary.

The church is illuminated at night, so you can enjoy the beauty of the architecture as you take an evening stroll around the Motomachi area.

Former Hakodate Public Hall

Standing proudly on a hill overlooking Hakodate Harbor, the unmissable Hakodate public hall has a distinctive blue-gray and lemon-yellow exterior that can’t help but draw you in. It is an iconic landmark of the fascinating Motomachi district.

Inside the charming building, the furniture, staircases, windows, columns, and other details are all superbly decorated, and the splendor of the time remains intact, including the guest room where the Taisho Emperor once stayed.

There is also a large hall with a floor space of 1,300 square meters, allowing you to fully enjoy the elegant atmosphere.

It is currently used as a concert hall and the building is lit up at night, making the sight of the building floating in the night sky worth seeing.

Hakodate Park

The int Hakodate Park is a popular cherry blossom viewing spot with approximately 400 cherry trees in bloom in spring.

The park is located in the direction of the streetcar line that travels to Hakodate Gokoku-jinja Shrine and it’s recommended that you visit both of these attractions together.

Hakodate Park was built in 1879 and also has a fountain plaza, a museum, and a cute if somewhat dated amusement park for kids.

Hakodate Park

Located on a slightly elevated hill, from the top of the park you can enjoy a panoramic view of Hakodate Park plaza and the sea.

Onuma National Park

Onuma National Park Hakodate

The magnificent Onuma National Park, in the center of the Watashima Peninsula, is an expansive vast natural park covering an area of about 9,000 hectares.

When visiting Hakodate a trip to Onuma can be a great place to experience Hokkaido’s famed nature up close.

The dramatic Komagatake, an active volcano, and the Onuma and Konuma Lakes, with over 100 small islands, are popular spots to enjoy barbecues, canoeing, and even snowmobiles in the winter while experiencing the rich nature that the area has on offer.

The Onuma National Park Hakodate

In winter, you can try your hand at wakasagi (smelt) fishing where the lake is covered with ice more than 20 cm thick. The fish you catch can be fried and eaten on the spot.

Ofuna Jomon Ruins

The fascinating Jomon-era settlement site that can be freely visited at any time is in the Minamikayabe district on the east coast of the Watashima Peninsula.

The Ofuna Ruins site is a large-scale settlement site from the middle Jomon Period and is characterized by intriguing large dwelling sites, some of which are over 2 meters deep and 10 meters in diameter.

Both the Kakinoshima site and this Ofuna site have been registered as UNESCO World Cultural Heritage.

You are free to tour the site throughout the year, so take you can take your time and enjoy the experience and think about the lives of people long ago.

In addition to the Jomon no Niwa, a restored pit building and embankment remains, there is also an administration building with exhibits such as the Jomon no Mori, which aims to recreate the environment of the time through tree-planting activities.

Yunokawa Onsen Hot Springs

Yunokawa hot spring Hakodate

The wonderful Yunokawa Onsen is a hot spring resort town near Hakodate Airport and is famous for its bathing monkeys.

It’s one of the three major hot spring villages in Hokkaido and the spring water is has a great balance or sodium and calcium chloride, which has excellent heat retention properties.

For a break from strolling around town, we recommend the footbath spot called Yumoributai right in front of the Yunokawa Onsen Electric Railway Station.

From December to early May, monkeys bathing in the hot springs can be seen in the so-called Monkey Mountain Hot Springs at the Hakodate Tropical Botanical Garden.

The Hakodate City Tram runs along the northern side of the hot spring resort, and it is also easily accessible from Hakodate Airport in about 5 minutes by car.

Cape Tachimachi

This picturesque cape juts out from the south side of Mount Hakodate and is a popular viewing spot where on a clear day, the Tsugaru and Shimokita Peninsulas can be seen from the top of the precipitous cliff.

On summer nights, you can see the fishing fires of squid fishing boats. It is located about a 10-minute drive from Hakodate Station or 15 minutes on foot from Yajigashira Streetcar Station.

Hakodate Jiyu Ichiba Market

This is a full-scale market where professional chefs and people from Hakodate’s restaurant industry come to buy the freshest seafood and ingredients. However, it’s also a food exhibition space that welcomes many tourists from Japan and abroad.

The fabulous market is always bustling with activity and is home to about 40 stores selling mainly fresh fish, dried fish, produce, and local treats.

If it is winter, try the delicious sea urchin. You can ask the shopkeepers how to eat it.

Hakodate Museum of Art

The small but worthwhile Hakodate Museum of Art exhibits paintings by Tanabe Mie Matsu, Yokoyama Shozaburo, Iwafune Shuzo, and others, along with a collection of modern sculptures by the likes of Rodin and Bourdelle.

There is also an excellent contemporary art collection related to literary symbols by Maeda Moriichi and others focusing on works by artists associated with Donan.

More Things To Do In Hakodate

Here are a few more of the best things to do in Hakodate and the nearby areas of southern Hokkaido

• See the Hakodate Port Festival held each year at the start of August
• Shop for souvenirs at the JR Hakodate Train Station
• Check out the shops in the city center near Hakodate City Office
• Eat some delicious Hakodate Shio Ramen

Sapporo is the economic and cultural capital of Hokkaido, Japan’s northernmost island and the fifth most populous city in Japan.

The city is a treasure trove of gourmet food and things to do in the heart of Hokkaido and a popular tourist destination that is dotted with historic buildings and spots such as the Sapporo Clock Tower and Hokkaido University.

Nakajima Park Sapporo

Sapporo is also famous for its events and festivals held throughout the four seasons. The Sapporo Lilac Festival in spring, the Yasikoi Soran dance parade and Festival in summer, and the Sapporo Snow Festival in winter are especially popular events that attract many visitors to the city.

In addition, Hokkaido boasts abundant natural features. Sapporo is also a logistics center and a treasure trove of freshly picked vegetables and fresh seafood from all over Hokkaido, making it a great place to enjoy gourmet food.

Sapporo

Here’s our pick for the best things to do in Sapporo for your trip to this fantastic city.

Odori Park

Odori Park Sapporo

Odori park is sometimes described as the heart of Sapporo. It’s a long central park a full block wide that runs right through central Sapporo.

The park offers vibrant nature and lively events throughout the year, delighting citizens and tourists alike.

Sapporo Odori Park Koen

The park is composed of five themes and zones, such as “Flowers” and “Oasis,” and each zone features different fountains and statues.

The park has many faces, including an event zone and a cultural zone, offering a rich variety of ways to enjoy the park.

The western end has a rose garden, while the eastern end is marked by the iconic Sapporo TV Tower.

Odori Park Sapporo

The park is home to many events such as the Yosakoi dancing festival and the Sapporo Beer Garden in summer, Autumn Fest in September, and the world-famous Snow festival in the winter.

Sapporo TV Tower

Sapporo TV Tower

The Sapporo TV Tower is a popular tourist spot for its panoramic view of central Sapporo.

Located in Sapporo’s Odori Park, the Sapporo TV Tower is a radio tower completed in 1957.

The observation deck, reached by an elevator from the third floor, is 90.38 meters high and offers a panoramic view of Odori Park below as well as the entire city of Sapporo.

View of Odori Koen from the Sapporo TV Tower.

In summer, the outdoor multipurpose space on the first floor becomes a beer garden for Sapporo Beer, Hokkaido’s representative brand. Let’s toast the short summer in Hokkaido with beer.

Sapporo Clock Tower

Sapporo Clock Tower

A historical structure standing in the city of Sapporo, the clock tower with its impressive red roof and white walls is a popular tourist attraction and photo spot.

In 1970, it was designated as a National Important Cultural Property of Japan as “one of the most representative Western-style wooden buildings of the Meiji era in Hokkaid.

Inside the building is an exhibition room where visitors can learn about the history of the clock tower.

Moerenuma Park

Moerenuma Park Sapporo

Located in the northeastern part of Sapporo, this comprehensive park was designed by the world-renowned sculptor Isamu Noguchi.

Based on the concept of turning the entire park into a sculpture, the park was developed on land reclaimed from 2.7 million tons of waste and opened in 2005.

Moerenuma Park Sapporo

The vast site, features geometric mountains, fountains, and playground equipment, creating a fusion of nature and art.

The park’s charm lies in its ability to be enjoyed in each of the four seasons: cherry blossoms in spring, water sports in summer, autumn leaves in fall and cross-country skiing in winter.

Nijo Fish Market

Nijo Fish Market In Central Sapporo

Nijo Market can be reached on foot from all major sightseeing stations, including Sapporo Station, Odori Station, and Susukino Station.

Nijo Market has been here since the Meiji Era and is full of lively atmosphere. You can buy souvenirs, but if you want to taste the freshest seafood, there is no better place.

Nijo Fish Market In Central Sapporo

We recommend the Kaisen-don, a bowl of rice topped with fresh seafood.

It is filled to the brim with Hokkaido’s seafood, including salmon roe and salmon roe.

Cable Car To Mount Moiwa

Mount Moiwa

Mount Moiwa is a 531-meter-high mountain located 5 kilometers southwest of central Sapporo and is considered among the best night views in Japan.

Mount Moiwa night view

The cable car has a large glass wall and offers a panoramic view of the primeval forests, the changing seasons, the city of Sapporo, and even Ishikari Bay in the distance.

Once you get off the ropeway at the halfway station, you can transfer to the Moris Car and reach the summit in about 1 minute and 40 seconds.

Mount Moiwa’s Miris Car

There are also hiking trails up the mountain for those looking to work off all that ramen and soup curry you’ve been eating

Hokkaido University

A visit to Hokkaido University, which has the largest campus in Japan, is another recommended thing to do in Sapporo. The campus is very open and is right over the road from Sapporo Station on the north side.

There are many attractions such as the green Elm Forest, the Central Lawn, the Clark Statue, and the university’s unique museum.

Just walking around the campus is an inspiring experience. The University grounds offer an experience that you can’t find at any other university.

Hokkaido University’s Ginko Street

The university is also famous for its Gikko trees that turn bright yellow in late October bringing many people to witness the site.

Ramen Yokocho

Ramen Yokocho Alley in chuo ward sapporo

Sapporo ramen is one of the most loved in Japan, and there could be no more authentic place to sample it that in the tiny allay known as Ganso Yokocho.

There are currently 17 stores at the top of Ramen Yokocho in Susukino, Sapporo.

Perhaps because Ganso Yokocho is located in Susukino, one of Japan’s largest entertainment districts, most stores are open from 11:00 a.m. until dawn the next day.

Ramen Yokocho Alley in Susukino

In that sense, it may be said that this Ramen alley itself has become a sacred place for the night owls and boozed-up salarymen of Sapporo after more than 60 years of history.

Almost all of them are counter-style restaurants with information about the type of ramen served on display. A must-visit after a night out in downtown Sapporo.

http://ganso-yokocho.com/

Maruyama Park

This park stretches to the north of Maruyama. The park is lushly green with preserved primeval forests.

Hokkaido Shrine, one of the most famous cherry blossom viewing spots in Hokkaido, heralds the late spring in the northern part of the country.

Cherry blossoms bloom around May.

Hokkaido Jingu Shrine

Hokkaido Jungu Shrine Sapporo Japan

The Hokkaido Jingu is the main shrine of Hokkaido and was founded in 1869. The grounds of the shrine, which cover an expansive area and are famous for its cherry blossoms and entrance gate.

This shrine was seen as an important part of the development of Hokkaido as an emerging city, and although it may have a relatively short history compared to shrines in other parts of Japan, it is a powerful and serene place.

Hokkaido Shrine Sapporo

It is also attached to Maruyama Park, so those who visit the shrine and those who stroll around can enjoy themselves.

In June, the Hokkaido Jingu Festival (Sapporo Festival) is held, where portable shrines and floats parade through the city to the accompaniment of musical accompaniment.

Sapporo Maruyama Zoo

Maruyama Zoo Sapporo

The Polar Bear Pavilion has the longest underwater tunnel in Japan at about 18 meters, where visitors can observe polar bears swimming.

The sight of polar bears jumping into the water and swimming with their fur fluttering in the water is very powerful!

Maruyama Zoo Sapporo

There is also an Asia Zone, an Africa Zone, and an Ape Pavilion, where you can meet many animals.

Sapporo Okurayama Observation Deck And Ski Jump

This is an observation deck where you can enjoy the view of Sapporo from the same vantage point as the jumpers.

This observatory is well known as the site of the jumping stadium for the 1972 Winter Olympics held in Sapporo. Even today, many international competitions are held here.

Okurayama Viewing Point Sapporo

The observation lounge at the top of the mountain offers a panoramic view of the city of Sapporo, the Ishikari Plain, and Bay, as well as the Miyanomori Ski Jump Stadium itself, where the 70-meter class jumps are held.

Visitors can see the start line of the jump platform right in front of them and experience the view from a jumper’s point of view.

The adjacent Sapporo Olympic Museum is a facility where visitors can learn about the history of the Olympic and Paralympic Games with equipment used by athletes and other exhibits.

Sapporo Winter Sports Museum

There is also a corner where visitors can experience ski jumping, cross-country skiing, bobsledding, and other sports.

Former Hokkaido Government Office

The Former Hokkaido Government is an American-style red brick building constructed in 1888.

The strained glass and other elements from the Meiji era still remain, giving visitors the feeling of stepping back in time.

The charm of the “Former Main Building of Hokkaido Government” is its beautiful garden. The garden has a different appearance each season, making it a spot you will want to visit again and again.

Nakajima Park

Nakajima Park Sapporo

Nakajima Park is recognized as one of the 100 best city parks in Japan.

Although Nakajima Park is located in the center of Sapporo City, it is a popular place for recreation and relaxation with water and greenery against the backdrop of Mt Moiwa

Mount Moiwa behind Nakajima Park in Sapporo Hokkaido

The park is dotted with the Iris Pond, a Japanese garden, a tea house as well as an impressive concert hall.

From the park entrance, a beautiful row of ginkgo trees runs alongside the path leading to the large pond.

Nakajima Park Sapporo

The bright yellow carpet created by the falling leaves is one of the most beautiful sights to see during autumn sightseeing.

To the west of the park are weeping willow trees along the Kamo River, where you can see the green branches and leaves hanging down over the clear water.

Sapporo Beer Museum

Beer Museum and Garden

The birthplace of Sapporo Beer is now a museum you can tour and locate next to a large shopping center.

Visitors to the Sapporo beer museum can learn about the history of Beer in Sapporo and Japan through exhibits and displays.

• The first beer brewery ever built in Japan
• Constructed in 1890 as a factory of the Sapporo Sugar Refining Company
• There are some popular jengis kan lamb BBQ restaurants in the building
• The tours are self-guided and take about twenty-five minutes

One interesting part of the building is the Brick Hall which was used as a beer factory. Today, a small beer brewery is located next to it, operating as the Sapporo Kaitakushi Beer Brewery.

One of the highlights of the beer museum is a huge boiling kettle known as a wort pan.

A giant wort kettle.

This kettle, which is many times taller than an adult, is used to boil the wort during the beer brewing process, which gives beer its distinctive bitterness and aroma.

After the tour, it’s time for the long-awaited beer tasting. There are three kinds of beer: Black Label, the main product of Sapporo Beer today, Classic, sold only in Hokkaido, and Kaitakushi Beer, which recreates the taste of the beer when it was first brewed many years ago.

Sapporo Beer Museum and Garden

Each beer has a different color, flavor, and bitterness, and you can truly enjoy comparing the beers. The tour is free of charge, but there is a fee to compare the beers.

Hokkaido University Botanical Garden

A 10-minute walk from JR Sapporo Station. Located near the Hokkaido Government Office, the Botanical Garden is lined with giant haru elm trees and a wide variety of plants on its 13.3 hectares of land.

The garden is planted with approximately 4,000 plant species collected for research purposes, and is extremely beautiful in spring with plum and Ezo-yamazakura cherry trees, in summer with Japanese apricot and hydrangea, and in fall with the color of giant maple trees.

It takes about 45 minutes to 1 hour and 30 minutes to walk around the botanical garden of Hokkaido University, so it is recommended to wear comfortable shoes such as sneakers.

Sapporo Snow Festival

Night view of the Snow Festival from Sapporo TV tower

The Sapporo Snow Festival, held every year in early February, began in 1950 when six snow statues were created by local junior and senior high school students.

Now, one of the world’s most famous winter festivals, the Sapporo Yuki Matsuri is held at three venues: Odori Park in the city center, which has been the main venue since the beginning; Susukino, where ice statues line the streets; and Tsu Dome, where a giant snow slide and other facilities line the streets.

Giant Snow Festival display In Odori Koen

At the Odori site, in addition to large snow sculptures, there will be large ice sculptures with amazing sound and light shows.

The ice statues shine in pale blue and white during the day, and at night, they are brightly colored

Snow sculpture at night in Odori chuo ward sapporo

There’s also an international snow sculptures competition where competitors from many countries compete to make the best sculpture.

The Susukino venue is lined with ice statues only. It is recommended to visit both of them and compare them with each other.

Sapporo Snow Festival ice sculpture in Susukino

This is a great winter festival

Pro Tip: If you are heading to the Sapporo snow festival make sure to book your hotel early as rooms fill up fast.

Shiroi Koibito Park

Shiroi Koibito Park is a chocolate theme park where you can observe the production process of a popular chocolate-making company.

The facility sometimes called the Ishiya Chocolate Factory offers a tour of the factory, as well as a toy museum, robot show and chocolate and cookie-making experience that is easy and enjoyable.

There is also an English Garden courtyard where you can see about 200 kinds of roses and other beautiful seasonal flowers in summer and enjoy illumination in winter, so a leisurely stroll is recommended.

In particular, the Chocolate Lounge near the factory is famous for its Shiroi Koibito Parfait, a must for fans of Ishiya Seika, the manufacturer of Shiroi Koibito.

The illumination from December to February is especially recommended.

Shiroi Koibito Park Kids Town is also located within the park, where children can play.

This place is a must for anyone with a sweet tooth!

Historic Village Of Hokkaido

Historical Village of Hokkaido

It is an open-air museum where visitors can learn about the history of Hokkaido’s pioneering period through the relocated and reconstructed buildings on display and the scenes of the pioneer days.

The Village of Hokkaido Kaitakunomura is a place where children can enjoy horse-drawn wagon trains and horse-drawn sleighs running through the grounds, as well as indoor and outdoor areas where visitors can try their hand at traditional games.

Hokkaido Kaitakunomura is located next to the Hokkaido Museum.

Hokkaido Museum

The museum researches and studies the relationship between the natural environment and people, the culture of the Ainu people, and the lives of immigrants who came over from the mainland.

It aims to collect and preserves materials that are precious treasures of the people of Hokkaido and hold exhibitions and educational events.

Sapporo Art Park

The park is dotted with outdoor art museums, art halls, outdoor stages, and hands-on workshops.

Visitors can enjoy art experiences that are in harmony with the surrounding nature and environment, such as outdoor sculptures that you can actually touch and enjoy.

Access: Sapporo Art Park is located in Minami Ward, Sapporo.

Enjoy Soup Curry

Sapporo Soup Curry

Soup curry is a local delicacy that originated in Sapporo and is popular nationwide. The curry is as light as soup and features large, well-presented ingredients such as chicken, potatoes, and green peppers.

Many restaurants offer a choice of soup and spiciness, making it fun to customize and savor.

There are many specialty stores in the city, so it is recommended to compare different types of food.

Go Skiing

Sapporo Moiwayama Ski Ground

There’s a large number of Ski areas where you can enjoy winter sports with easy access to the Sapporo site and some larger Ski Resorts a little further away.

Sapporo Ski Areas

• Sapporo Teine ski resort
• Sapporo Bankei ski area
• Mount Moiwa ski resort

Other ski resorts within a few hour’s travel of Sapporo are:

• Niseko
• Hiroro Ski resort
• Furano Ski resort

More Things To Do In Sapporo

More things to do in Sapporo

• Take an onsen in the nearby hot springs town on Jozankei
• Go ice fishing in winter in the frozen Barato River
• Take a day trip to the wonderful old port City of Otaru
• Relax at the Asahiyama Memorial Park (Near Hokkaido Museum)
• Visit the Hokkaido Museum Of Modern Art

 

Otaru, the city of canals, is only a 30-minute train ride from Sapporo and can be visited on a day trip. It is especially recommended for those who want to enjoy the townscape with its many old-fashioned retro buildings.

There are many attractive sightseeing spots around the Otaru Canal, famous for its beautiful scenery. Kitaichi Glass (famous for its glass), Sakaicho Street (for shopping), and Triangle Market can all be visited within a 10-15 minute walk.

You can enjoy Otaru even without a car because of easy access from Otaru Station and Minami-Otaru Station.

Otaru Canal

Otaru Port developed as the gateway to the development of Hokkaido. The Otaru Canal was built in 1923 to allow barges to transport goods directly to warehouses.

After the development of the port, the canal’s role came to an end, and after a dispute over its reclamation, it was reborn in its present form in 1986.

The walking path is illuminated by 63 gas lamps, and the atmosphere when lit up at dusk is romantic and different from that of the daytime.

The stone warehouses that still exist in their original form have been reused as restaurants.

The Otaru Canal Cruise is a popular sightseeing tour in Otaru. The cruise starts and ends at the Chuo Bridge, which is convenient for sightseeing in Otaru, and you can enjoy a 40-minute cruise guided by a unique captain.

Otaru Canal Cruise

For those who want to enjoy the sights of Otaru and its magical canal from a different angle, we recommend the Otaru Canal Cruise. You can enjoy a 40-minute cruise on a stylish small boat that blends in with the elegant townscape.

There are two types of cruises: the Day Cruise, which departs during the daylight hours, and the “Night Cruise,” which departs after sunset. These guided tours by captains who know the canals inside and out are popular.

If seats are available, reservations can be made on the day of the cruise, but advance reservations are recommended. You will surely discover something on the canal that you cannot see just by walking.

Otaru City Museum

The Otaru City Museum is a museum where visitors can learn about Otaru’s railroads and science.

50 railcars are preserved and on display, and there is also a planetarium and a science exhibition room. In summer, a steam locomotive is displayed outdoors.

Catch The Ropeway To Tenguyama For Breathtaking Views

The next interesting thing to do in Otaru is Mt. Tengu. Tengu is known as one of the three most beautiful night views in Hokkaido, following Mount Hakodate (Hakodate City) and Mount Moiwa (Sapporo City), and is also a popular spot for skiing in winter.

The view of the city of Otaru and the beautiful Sea of Japan can be seen right after the Tengu ropeway

The spectacular view overlooking the city of Otaru is a must-see during your visit to Otaru! Not only the night view with the shining lights but also the change of scenery after sunset when the sky turns into a beautiful gradation is a must-see.

The best place to enjoy the view is the observation deck at the top of Mt. Tengu ropeway station, but there are also many other places to enjoy the view, such as the observation restaurant

A ropeway runs to the top of the 532-meter-high Mt. Tengu, which also has a ski museum, a tengu museum, and a chipmunk park. There are five observation decks at the summit, and the night view is popular. During the summer, the summit can be reached by car.

Access: It’s around 20 minutes by bus from Otaru Station. Catch the Tenguyama Ropeway Line bus and jump off at the final stop last stop where you’ll see the ropeway to your left.

Sakaimachi-dori

The best part of a trip to Otaru is the gourmet food and shopping. Sakaimachi Dori is located one street inland from the Rinko Line, which runs parallel to the Otaru Canal.

The 900-meter-long one-way street runs from the North Wall Street area, where the former Otaru Branch of the Bank of Japan is located, to the Mercure Crossing. The street  is lined with a variety of stores in old merchant houses.

The street is lined with stores of Otaru’s representative glass crafts, such as Kitaichi Glass and Taisho Glass Museum. There are also many other general merchandise stores such as “Otaru Music Box Store” where you can take your time to browse through the goods and look for souvenirs.

There are also many famous sushi restaurants and seafood restaurants, making it a great place to find a restaurant for lunch. Famous confectionery stores such as Rokkatei, Hokkarou, and Lutao are also gathered here, so it is a good place to go on a sweet-tasting tour.

Most of the stores close in the evening, so it is recommended to visit while it is still light.

Access: 12 min. walk from JR Otaru Station.

Mercure Crossing

Sakaimach Otaru

Sakai-machi Intersection, a five-way intersection that has become a tourist attraction, is located about 1 km from the southern end of the Otaru Canal toward Sapporo.

This intersection, commonly called the “fairy tale intersection,” is always crowded with many tourists and is a popular spot in Otaru.

The Otaru Music Box Hall is located here, and in front of it is a plaza surrounded by Western-style retro buildings, steam clocks, and stone everlasting lights are among its specialties.

Glass studios, popular sweets stores, and souvenir stores that make use of historical buildings line the street, and the mixture of old and new makes the street a romantic road.

After the sunset, the lights were turned on and the atmosphere was different from the daytime, just like a European townscape.

Otaru Music Box Museum

This is a beautiful vintage music box museum located near the steam clock at the so-called “fairy tale intersection”. The impressive building is made of brick, which is rare among the stone buildings in Otaru.

Inside the Otaru Music Box Museum, there are more than 3,000 types of music boxes with many interesting music boxes lined up with varying designs. There is even an unusual one in the shape of sushi, which is unique to Otaru, a city famous for its seafood.

The merry-go-round type music box is also wonderful. At the “Otaru Music Box Museum No. 2 Antique Museum” located just a short walk from the main building, concerts using pipe organs and antique music boxes are held. Listen to the special tones that can only be heard here.

Bank Of Japan Otaru Museum

Inside this Museum you can learn about the financial history of Otaru, that once referred to as the “Wall Street of the North”.

Inside the museum, there are easy-to-understand explanations about money and finance such as “History of the Bank of Japan” and “Explanation of the Former Otaru Branch” in addition to a reproduction of “Wall Street in the North.

You can also visit the actual vault, which will make you feel like a banker.

The building, with its massive masonry and finely decorated exterior, was designed by Kingo Tatsuno, who is known for the iconic Tokyo Station building.

LeTao main store

The beautiful building with a tower that stands at the fairy tale intersection is Otaru’s representative confectionery store, Rutao Honten.

The name of the store, LeTAO, is an unusual combination of the first letter of “La Tour Amitie Otaru,” which means “Dear Otaru’s Tower” in French, and “Lutao,” which means Otaru from the opposite side.

If you ask any cake lover what they want to eat in Otaru, they will no doubt say Lutao’s cheesecake “Deubre Fromage”.

Even though it is now sold at other branches in Otaru, at airports in Hokkaido, and by mail order, it is always crowded with people who want to try it freshly made at the café in it’s original store.

The “Deubre Fromage” consists of two layers of cheesecake: a soft, melt-in-your-mouth rare cheesecake and a moist, rich baked cheesecake.

The rare cheese portion is made with fresh cream made from Hokkaido milk and Italian mascarpone cheese, while the baked portion is made with richly flavored Australian cream cheese. You could say that it is well and truly an international cake, literally.

Kitaichi Glass Building

Otaru Glass Craft

This store has established the image of Otaru as a glass town. Each floor has a variety of glass products with a mind-boggling variety of themes.

Tableware and animal figurines with motifs of Hokkaido’s nature seem to be popular, and if you have ever wanted glass sushi, here’s your big chance to finally acquire it.

Otaru Aquarium

Otaru Aquarium is an aquarium where visitors can observe the ecology of more than 250 species of animals and fish up close at any given time.

A variety of shows are very popular, including powerful performances by dolphins and Steller’s sea lions, and “Penguin Excursion to the Sea,” in which penguins walk from the breeding space to the sea.

Otaru Aquarium

A Hokkaido Chuo Bus runs from JR Otaru Station to the aquarium.

Tanaka Sake Brewery

Kamegokura is the production facility of the Tanaka Sake Brewery, Otaru’s representative Otaru sake brewer, which produces Otaru’s local sake, “Seishu (refined sake) Baogawa.

Tanaka Sake Brewery was founded in 1899 and has a long history of Otaru sake brewing that continues to this day. The distinctive turtle-shaped Brewery building offers free tours and tastings which is one of the best things to do in Otaru, especially if you are a sake lover.

The Tanaka Sake Brewery’s main storehouse, which is separate from the Kekko-gura, was built in 1927 and is designated as a historical building by Otaru City.

The historic main store also offers sake tasting, which is recommended for those who love sake.

Access: 10-minute walk from Minami-Otaru Station

Otaru Beer

This is a fantastic German beer store that fits perfectly with the atmosphere of Otaru. Since the beer is brewed in the brewery, you can take a tour of the brewery or just visit the German pub-like atmosphere.

It is a restaurant where you can drink authentic local beer located in the old brick warehouse district.

The restaurant has a high ceiling, giving it a spacious feel, and the seating is well-spaced. The brewing and storage tanks can be seen up close, so you can get a sense of anticipation even before you start drinking.

Many of the dishes are matched with beer, but the sausages and sauerkraut went well with them. A very nice atmosphere is typical of Otaru Canal.

There are several types of beer available and the staff, who can speak some English are friendly and can help you choose if you tell them your preference.

Otaru Art Village

Otaru Art Village is the collective name for three museums that utilize historical buildings to exhibit and showcase outstanding art and craft works from Japan and abroad.

Stained Glass Museum

The Stained Glass Museum exhibits church stained glass made in England about 100 years ago. Enjoy the beautiful space of light.

Nitori Art Museum

Nitori Art Museum is the main facility of Otaru Art Village. Visitors can enjoy a diverse collection of Japanese and foreign paintings, sculptures, stained glass, glass crafts, etc. all at once.

Otaru City Art Museum

The Otaru City Art Museum has a small collection of both Japanese and Internation works.