What to do and see in Sapporo, Hokkaido: The Best Things to do Good for a Rainy Day

May 22, 2021 Janean Rudisill

Probably best known for its eponymous beer, Sapporo—the capital of Hokkaido, Japan’s northernmost island—has maintained the youthful and open atmosphere of the 1972 Olympic Winter Games, drawing international visitors for its annual Snow Festival and its world-famous ramen. Those seeking out the full diversity of Japanese cuisine will want to visit: a city with a ramen-inspired theme park is one that embraces and pampers foodies.
Restaurants in Sapporo

1. Asahi Breweries Hokkaido Brewery

4 Minami-1-1 Nangodori, Shiroishi-ku, Sapporo 003-0022 Hokkaido +81 11-863-3515 http://www.asahibeer.co.jp/brewery/hokkaido/
Excellent
58%
Good
33%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 118 reviews

Asahi Breweries Hokkaido Brewery

2. Sapporo Asaichi

20-1-2 Kita 12-Jo Nishi, Chuo-Ku, Sapporo 060-0012 Hokkaido +81 11-643-4090 http://www.asaichi-maruka.jp/
Excellent
38%
Good
52%
Satisfactory
10%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 21 reviews

Sapporo Asaichi

3. Hokkaido Museum Morino Charenga

53-2 Atsubetsucho Konopporo, Atsubetsu-ku, Sapporo 004-0006 Hokkaido +81 11-898-0456 http://www.hm.pref.hokkaido.lg.jp
Excellent
34%
Good
50%
Satisfactory
14%
Poor
0%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.0 based on 106 reviews

Hokkaido Museum Morino Charenga

This comprehensive interactive museum goes all the way back to prehistoric times.

Reviewed By 619jeffry - Essendon, Australia

Hokkaido is one Japan's four main islands, but it was the last to be settled. It still has a touch of the frontier about it. The original inhabitants were the Ainu, an Aboriginal people who have a polynesian background. They are bigger and hairier than most other Japanese. They were hunted mercilessly in days gone by. Many men in Hokkaido have heavy beards, an indicatgion of Ainu inheritance. This museum is very interesting, it's a bit out of the way biut it's well worth a trip.

4. Sapporo Beer Museum

9-1-1 Kita 7-Jo Higashi, Higashi-ku, Sapporo 065-0007 Hokkaido +81 11-748-1876 [email protected] http://www.sapporobeer.jp/brewery/s_museum/
Excellent
31%
Good
48%
Satisfactory
17%
Poor
2%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.0 based on 1,239 reviews

Sapporo Beer Museum

Sapporo is Japan’s most popular beer; this interactive museum includes a tour and beer-tasting.

Reviewed By Bexy1977 - Huddersfield, United Kingdom

A definate on my Sapporo to do list, even though my wife wasn't so keen! We visited on the morning of the Eng v Tonga match in the Rugbh World Cup, so we were there for opening time at 10am. Althohgh there is a bus, we decided to walk from our hotel, which is a nice walk past the old factory also and over the railway line. The museum is really interesting don't waste your money on the full tour. There are well explained exhibitions, interesting pictures and historical items and a wonderful tasting room and a reasonably priced gift shop. I and my wife (who really enjoyed the soft drink in the tasting room) thoroughly enjoyed our couple of hours here and would highly recommend

5. Susukino

Chuo-ku, Sapporo 064-0808 Hokkaido
Excellent
30%
Good
47%
Satisfactory
21%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.0 based on 2,104 reviews

Susukino

One of Japan’s most famous entertainment districts, Susukino is teeming with noodle restaurants, clubs, shops and pachinko parlors. Pachinko is a cross between pinball and slot machines.

Reviewed By 588phis - Bangkok, Thailand

This is a very lively area at night. Lots of people moving around. The neon lights on the buildings were fascinating. You simple feel the energy of the city here.

6. AINU Cultural Center (Sapporo Pirka Kotan)

27 Koganeyu, Minami-ku, Sapporo 061-2274 Hokkaido +81 11-596-5961 http://www.city.sapporo.jp/shimin/pirka-kotan/
Excellent
16%
Good
49%
Satisfactory
32%
Poor
0%
Terrible
3%
Overall Ratings

4.0 based on 37 reviews

AINU Cultural Center (Sapporo Pirka Kotan)

History tells us that the Ainu were the only indigenous people in Japan; this center is part of an effort to preserve the lost culture.

7. Sapporo Dome

1 Hitsujigaoka, Toyohira-Ku, Sapporo 062-0045 Hokkaido +81 11-850-1000 http://www.sapporo-dome.co.jp/
Excellent
28%
Good
48%
Satisfactory
20%
Poor
2%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.0 based on 722 reviews

Sapporo Dome

This colossal sports center is a year-round arena that seats forty thousand; concerts and exhibitions are also held here.

Reviewed By 619jeffry - Essendon, Australia

The Sappora Dome was built in 2001. It has a capacity of around 40,000 people. Following Dr Clarke, who said "Boys, be ambitious," is it is a major sporting facility that can function even when it is cold outside. It is home ground for two major sporting teams, the Nippon Ham Fighters (baseball) and Hokkaido Consadole Sapporo (Association football- -- soccer). It is a planned venue for soccer in the 2021 Olympics.

8. Hokkaido Museum of Modern Art

Kita 1 Nishi 17, Chuo-ku, Sapporo 060-0001 Hokkaido +81 11-644-6881 http://www.dokyoi.pref.hokkaido.lg.jp/hk/knb/index.htm
Excellent
22%
Good
57%
Satisfactory
20%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.0 based on 116 reviews

Hokkaido Museum of Modern Art

Ancient and contemporary collections from Japan and the world over fill this famous art museum.

Reviewed By 619jeffry - Essendon, Australia

Modern Japan has adapted many Western influences, so it not surprising that the art on show is connected to European artkstic movvements such as Impressionism. The art is very good, and serves as a good introduction to Modernism in Japan. Unfortunately, the captions are almost entirely lacking in English. Some of the works are quite beautiful. If you like art, you are likely to enjoy the works on show, despite the lack of translations.

9. Sapporo TV Tower

Odori W1, Chuo-ku, Sapporo 060-0042 Hokkaido +81 11-241-1131 [email protected] http://www.tv-tower.co.jp/
Excellent
21%
Good
44%
Satisfactory
32%
Poor
2%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.0 based on 1,839 reviews

Sapporo TV Tower

It is 60 seconds by elevator from the third floor to the observation deck, 90.38 metres above ground. The entirety of Sapporo city unfolds beneath your eyes, set to a background of the magnificent Ishikari countryside, the far afield Japan Sea, and Odori Park, where flowers bloom in the four seasons. Command a panoramic view of the YOSAKOI Soran Festival, Sapporo Snow Festival, and White Illumination.

Reviewed By Sewaddict18

Sapporo TV Tower is accessible by underpass to avoid the cold. Huge and beautiful structure, contrasts with the snowy white surroundings in the day time! Great for photo takings from the outside and inside. Some souvenir shops and a small cafe that sells hot drinks and icecream at the ground floor. We had corn soup and soft icecream at the cafe. The entrance fee is 720 yen per person. You can either take the lift or walk up to the upper floor to purchase the entrance ticket then take another lift to reach the observatory floor which has 360 degree of beautiful views including Odori park. There is a tiny souvenir shop and vending machines for coffee and drinks. There is also a selfie booth that we had some fun taking selfies. Overall it was a fun trip enjoying beautiful sceneries from the top. There is a park next to the tower which you can explore too. Nijo market and Tanukikoji are also within walking distance from the tower.

10. Former Hokkaido Government Office Building

6 Kita 3-jo Nishi, Chuo-ku, Sapporo 060-0003 Hokkaido +81 11-204-5019 http://www.pref.hokkaido.lg.jp/sm/sum/sk/akarenga.htm
Excellent
26%
Good
53%
Satisfactory
20%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.0 based on 2,131 reviews

Former Hokkaido Government Office Building

Reviewed By PeterthePauper - Ulsan, South Korea

Whereas in other seasons the building may be framed by a sea of different hues, visiting in January, the colourful building stands out against a monochromatic background of a grey sky and a blanket of fresh snow. The Former Hokkaido Government Office Building is nicknamed "Akarenga", which literally means "Red Brick", for obvious reasons. Although there is currently no entry to the building itself, whilst it undergoes a long-term restoration, you are free to wander the grounds at will. Look out for the informative signboard near the entrance to the grounds which summarises the history of the Old Red Brick building over the following time periods:- 1869 : Launch of the Hokkaido Development Commission, 1888 : Completion of Red Brick Government Building, 1909 : A Domeless Red Brick Government Building, and 1968 : The Red Brick Building in the Modern Era. The same informative signboard contains a couple of factoids in addition regarding the Red Star ("Goryosei" - five pointed star) on the roof, and the 2.5 million red bricks used in its' construction. I was quite fascinated by the level of protection given to trees and shrubs to prevent them from being damaged by the weight of snow. Worthwhile and fascinating visit in this winter landscape!

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