More about hotels in Sapporo
A Brief Overview of Sapporo
Sapporo is the capital of Hokkaido Prefecture and the fourth largest city in Japan after Yokohama, Osaka, and Nagoya. It is located in the southwestern part of the Ishikari Plain and the Toyohira River alluvial fan. Surrounding Sapporo are mountains, including Mount Maruyama and Mount Teine, and long stretches of rivers.
The city is located in Ishikari Subprefecture and is internationally famous for hosting the 1972 Winter Olympics, the first Winter Olympics in Asia. The history of Sapporo dates back to the end of the Edo period (1866). A canal was built and a number of local residents built Sapporo Village. Two years later, in 1868, Sapporo City was established. Today, Sapporo is one of the few cities in Japan that still has active streetcars.
Also known as the city of parks, Sapporo has large and beautiful green parks, including Odori Park and Moerenuma Park, which are the pride of the residents. Various seasonal festivals are held in these parks on a large scale. Sapporo's attractions are diverse and present throughout the year, making the city attractive to foreign tourists.
What Does Best Known For Sapporo
Sapporo is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Japan. The city is best known for its many lively and spectacular festivals throughout the year. The Snow Festival or Yuki Matsuri is one of the best in Japan and is held every early February at Odori Park, Susukino, and Sapporo Satoland. The Sapporo Snow Festival showcases giant ice and snow carvings, including miniature landmarks.
Other festivals include the White Illumination Festival with its German Christmas market, the Sapporo Lilac Festival and the YOSAKOI Soran Festival, which takes place in late spring and early summer. There is also the month-long Sapporo Summer Festival, with its Hokkai Bon Odori event and spectacular fireworks display. Other festivals include the Fall Festival, Hokkaido Shrine Festival, Susukino Festival, and Kamokamo River Nostalgia.
Sapporo's charm is not just about its festivals. You can enjoy the beautiful and flowering parks scattered throughout Sapporo. It's no wonder that the city is known as the garden city. In addition to Odori Park, don't miss Moerenuma Park, one of the largest in Sapporo.
As a large city, Sapporo is also advanced in terms of education with the presence of famous universities, including Hokkaido University, Hokkaido University of Education, and Sapporo Medical University.
When it comes to food, Sapporo has some tantalizing local cuisine, including miso-flavored Sapporo ramen and Sapporo beer brands. You can find them at Tanukikoji Shopping Street and many other restaurants.
How to Get to Sapporo from Australia
The long distance makes traveling to Sapporo from Australia only possible by flight. Fortunately, Japan has completely removed entry restrictions on foreign arrivals for less than 90 days. So, Australians can vacation in Sapporo without a visa, using only a valid passport.
Flights from Australia to Sapporo take around 10 to 15 hours, depending on which airport you depart from and the length of transit time. You can depart from Australian airports with international flights to Sapporo Airport (CTS), also known as New Chitose Airport.
Upon arrival, go through customs and immigration procedures if required. Make sure your travel documents are prepared and completed any required arrival.
Weather in Sapporo
The weather in Sapporo City mostly follows the weather conditions in Hokkaido. However, the temperature in Sapporo is relatively warm compared to some places in inland Hokkaido. Sapporo has a Koppen or humid continental climate, so the temperature difference between summer and winter is significant.
Here are the details of weather in Nagoya:
- Summer: June to August, with an average temperature of 20°C to 25°C.
- Fall: September to November, with an average temperature of 10°C to 20°C
- Winter: December to February, with average temperatures of -10°C to 0°C
- Spring: March to May, with an average temperature of 10°C to 15°C
Sapporo is great to visit all year round. You can enjoy various festivals in each season. However, if you want sunny weather, the best time to visit Sapporo is mid-July to late August.
Transportation in Sapporo
As one of the largest cities in Japan, Sapporo has excellent transportation connections that make it very easy for residents and tourists to travel to other areas.
Here are several transportation options available in Sapporo:
- Road transport: buses, velotaxi, taxis, bicycles and car rental,
- Rail transport: JR train, subway, tram,
- Air travel: domestic and international flights.
Accommodation in Sapporo
1. JR Inn Sapporo
JR Inn Sapporo is a convenient hotel close to Sapporo TV Tower, Shiroi Koibito Park, and Clock Tower. You are just a short walk to the bus terminal and subway station. The room is very clean and tidy, and the breakfast is very good and tasty.
2. Monterey Edelhof Sapporo
A city view hotel in the city center, Monterey Edelhof Sapporo is easily accessible from bus terminals and subway stations. The interiors are contemporary with full features, and laundry, spa, and massage services are available. From Monterey Edelhof Sapporo Hotel, you can take a short walk to Clock Tower, Odori Park, and Hokkaido Government Office.
3. Sapporo Park Hotel
Featuring warm and homey mid-century interiors, Sapporo Park Hotel is a 5-star hotel that offers mountain or park views. You can order breakfast service or go downstairs to the restaurant to dine. Car and bicycle rental services are available, as well as currency exchange. Some of the landmarks around Sapporo Park Hotel include Tanukikoji Shopping Street, Nakajima Park, and Yahiko Shrine.
4. Vessel Hotel Campana Susukino
This is a modern hotel in a great location right next to Susukino. Vessel Hotel Campana Susukino offers comfortable minimalist rooms with 4-star facilities. You can also rent a bicycle. Popular destinations within a short walk include Tanukikoji Shopping Street, Odori Park and Sapporo TV Tower. Enjoy a massage or spa package after a day of sightseeing in Susukino.
5. KEIO PRELIA HOTEL SAPPORO
Looking for a convenient place to stay in Sapporo? KEIO PRELIA HOTEL SAPPORO may be the best choice. Many walkable places can be accessed in less than 10 minutes. This 4-star hotel has a wide selection of clean rooms with a city view in every room. Amenities are complete, including a refrigerator, toiletries, and a bathtub.
Tourist Destinations in Sapporo
1. Sapporo Odori Park
A 1.5 km long park located in the heart of Sapporo City. Sapporo Odori Park has a fresh and calm atmosphere with beautiful flower gardens and attractive fountains. It is home to many important festivals, including the Sapporo Snow Festival.
2. Okurayama Viewing Point
Okurayama Viewing Point offers a spectacular view of Sapporo City and the surrounding mountains from high above. There is a gondola or monorail to the top of Okurayama that you can take for a more memorable experience.
3. Sapporo Maruyama Zoo
Take the kids to have fun at Sapporo Maruyama Zoo. Get to know animals from around the world, including polar bears, lions and tigers.
4. Tanukikoji Shopping Street
Tanukikoji Shopping Street is the most popular shopping street in Sapporo City. It is lined with clothing and souvenir shops, restaurants, boutiques and cafes. You can go on a culinary tour and sample a variety of local Sapporo dishes here.
Food Specialties in Sapporo
1. Jingisukan Barbeque
Also called Genghis Khan, jingisukan barbeque is a dish of grilled lamb, beef, or pork that is thinly sliced and served with various vegetables. All the ingredients are then cooked over hot coals.
2. Sapporo Ramen
Miso-flavored Sapporo ramen made with savory broth, thick and chewy noodles, and toppings of cut roast meat, vegetables, corn kernels, and boiled egg.
3. Butadon
For pork lovers, don't miss out on this local cuisine. Butadon consists of a bowl of rice filled with sliced pork roasted in a sweet and savory caramel sauce.
4. Curry Soup
Sapporo's signature Curry Soup consists of a clear, slightly spicy soup, sliced meat and vegetables, served with warm rice. However, you can customize the ingredients from vegetarian, meat, seafood, or chicken.
Travel Tips in Sapporo
For a comfortable and memorable vacation in Sapporo, it is recommended that you make an overall vacation itinerary. An itinerary will help you get a clearer idea of your travel destinations and estimated budget. In general, Sapporo is a safe destination for tourists. However, you should take care of your belongings when traveling in Sapporo.
Also, make sure you bring the right clothes for the season and weather in Sapporo. When traveling, check the weather forecast to anticipate sudden changes in weather. Although most places in Sapporo are cashless, there is nothing wrong with exchanging money into Yen as an alternative payment method.
Japan is a country with many unwritten rules so it's easy to commit a cultural faux pas without even realizing it. So, it would be best to learn some basic Japanese etiquette before visiting Sapporo.
The excitement in Sapporo can always be surprising and you should visit it at least once in your lifetime. Traveling to Sapporo is even more fun by booking accommodations at Traveloka. Enjoy the easy and attractive promos here.
