Things to do in  Sapporo

Sapporo is known for its wintery attractions. Since 1950 the city has hosted the annual Sapporo Snow Festival, in which international teams create hundreds of snow statues and ice sculptures. Sapporo is an Olympic city, having hosted the Winter Games in 1972, and a gateway to the ski slopes of Hokkaido.

Sapporo’s main attractions can be covered in a single day, but giving yourself at least two days provides a more relaxed experience and the chance to discover places by simply wandering around. You should certainly leave enough time to see more of Hokkaido.

Sapporo’s main attractions include the Sapporo Beer Museum, home of one of Japan’s oldest beers, and Moerenuma Park on the city’s outskirts designed by the renowned sculptor Isamu Noguchi. Visit the Susukino entertainment district at night to bathe in flashing neon and check out the fresh-off-the-boat seafood at Nijo Market.

The name Sapporo comes from the Ainu language—the Ainu are the Indigenous people of Hokkaido. The name was created from the Ainu phrase “Satsu-Poro-Petsu,” which translates roughly to "important river flowing through a plain," in reference to the Toyohira River, which supplies water to the city.

When temperatures drop, there is much to do in Japan’s favorite winter city. The Sapporo Snow Festival brings giant snow statues and ice sculptures to parks in January. Hit the slopes at Sapporo Teine Ski Resort; go ice fishing on Barato River; and warm up in the steamy Jozankei Onsen.

Yes. Sapporo is worth a visit if you are traveling to Hokkaido. However, you should plan your Hokkaido trip to include just a couple of days in Sapporo and leave plenty of time to explore more of the island, which is full of spectacular landscapes.