The Sapporo TV Tower in Sapporo, Japan
THERE'S SNOW PLACE LIKE SAPPORO

Cruise to Sapporo (Muroran), Japan

The capital of Hokkaido, Sapporo is a gateway to Japan's northern island of rugged mountains, hot springs and endless winter adventures. Cruise through Odori Park, an oasis that hosts the world-famous Snow Festival in winter, a lilac festival in spring and a beer festival in summer. Learn about Hokkaido's frontier history at Former Hokkaido Government Office, an exquisite example of American neo-Baroque architecture dating back to 1888. Cruise to Sapporo to immerse yourself in Japanese culture, soak your bones in the steamy springs of Jozankei, and feast on Sapporo's famous hearty ramen noodle soup defined by salty miso, a fermented soy bean paste.
National Language Japanese
Currency Accepted Japanese Yen (JPY)

THINGS TO DO In Sapporo (Muroran)

The Hokkaido Jingu Shrine in Japan

Shrine Time

The Hokkaido Jingu Shrine in Japan

The Hokkaido Jingu Shrine in Japan

Shrine Time

Get a taste of traditional Japanese culture at Hokkaido Jingu, situated in the vast Maruyama Park. Walk through the imposing torii gates to take a look at this stately Shinto shrine, dedicated to the gods Okunitama, Onamuchi and Sukunahikona, as well as Emperor Meiji, who presided over the modernization of Japan in the 19th century. You'll be enmeshed in the traditions of the Japanese past.

View of Jozankei Onsen in Japan

Soak Your Bones

View of Jozankei Onsen in Japan

View of Jozankei Onsen in Japan

Soak Your Bones

Catch a bus for an hour's ride from Sapporo Station to the verdant Jozankei Onsen, a location blessed with 56 natural hot springs gushing out of the ground at up to 175 degrees Fahrenheit. With your Sapporo cruise, take a stroll up and down the Toyohira River, and see why this town has been soothing locals since the 1860s.

Colorful flowers in Odori Park in Sapporo, Japan
Colorful flowers in Odori Park in Sapporo, Japan

Park It Right Here

If you're searching for history, head to Odori Park, where lilac, elm and over 90 other types of trees line a corridor bookended by the Sapporo TV Tower and the Former Sapporo Court of Appeal. Be sure to catch a glimpse of the Sapporo Clock Tower or the former Hokkaido Government Office to see fascinating examples of period architecture.

A bowl of Sapporo style Ramen soup
A bowl of Sapporo style Ramen soup

Local Cuisine

Head to Nijo Market for a taste of Hokkaido's fresh and famous seafood. For a taste of the local cuisine, order ikura, a signature rice bowl topped with slices of salmon sashimi and salmon roe. Or, cruise to Sapporo to slurp up some Sapporo-style ramen soup, a delectable and indulgent bowl of thick wheat noodles with a broth flavored by salty miso paste (made from fermented soy beans) and topped with bean sprouts and onions.

A tradiitonal Hokkaido wood carving of a bear with a salmon in its mouth
A tradiitonal Hokkaido wood carving of a bear with a salmon in its mouth

Shopping

Few things say "Hokkaido" more than figurines of salmon-chomping brown bears, known as kibori no kuma. Depending on size, they can cost under 1,000 yen to 30,000 yen or more, and you can grab one at Tanukiya near Odori subway station. While you're there, be sure to grab some locally made Sapporo beer and whiskey as souvenirs.

Insider's Tips
Insider's Tips
Tipping is not customary in Japan, but look out for the blanket sales tax. You may be able to find tax-free sales promotions in some small stores.

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