I’m back to HOKKAIDO again 🇯🇵 Can you believe it!? The last time I came to Hokkaido was about 10 years ago. Hokkaido was my FIRST visited prefecture in Japan so it means a lot to me. My second winter time here and I can't wait to explore this beautiful snowy place. Although there are just 48 hours in Hokkaido (I know right) but I tried my best to utilise all the time! Check out my instastories to find out more.
Btw, I'm travelling alone here due to a business trip. So there will be not many photos of me because it’s really hard to ask the locals to take a photo for me (they are too shy). Most of the shots are landscape and took by myself.
Btw, I'm travelling alone here due to a business trip. So there will be not many photos of me because it’s really hard to ask the locals to take a photo for me (they are too shy). Most of the shots are landscape and took by myself.
SAPPORO, HOKKAIDO
Sapporo (札幌) is the capital of Hokkaido and Japan's fifth-largest city. Sapporo is also one of the nation's youngest major cities. In 1857, the city's population stood at just seven people. Sapporo became world famous in 1972 when the Olympic Winter Games were held there. Today, the city is well known for its ramen, beer, and the annual snow festival held in February.
ATTRACTIONS
Odori Park
Odori Park (大通公園) is the broad median of Odori in the centre of Sapporo, separating the city into north and south. The park stretches about a kilometre and a half over twelve city blocks and offers pleasant green space during the warmer months.
In early February, the park serves as the main site of the Sapporo Snow Festival.
I remember I was here with my family 10 years back. However, we didn't have time to stay, instead, we only passed by here. Well, I guess there's a disadvantage when you joined a tour because some of the destinations are just photobooth.
This time, I got to take time to walk around, take my opportunity to witness all the beautiful snow sculptures here. Everything is so beautiful here.
Beside of the snow sculptures, there are also many food stalls here as well! They are selling hot udon, beverages, snacks, dessert and many more! Since I just have my breakfast before I got here, so I got myself an Ichigo Daifuku (草莓大福🍓) and it tastes delicious! Fyi, Ichigo Daifuku is one of the most interesting versions of the traditional Japanese daifuku sweets. All daifuku varieties consist of a chewy mochi shell, made with pounded glutinous rice and various fillings that are hidden inside the shell.
Locatiom : 7 Chome Odorinishi, Chuo Ward, Sapporo, Hokkaido 060-0042, Japan. Access : Odori Park is just beside Odori Subway Station or a ten-minute walk south of JR Sapporo Station. All of Sapporo's three subway lines intersect at Odori Subway Station.
Sapporo TV Tower
At the eastern end of Odori Park stands the Sapporo TV Tower, which has an observation deck with nice views of the park and the surrounding city. The tower is just under 150 meters tall, and the observation deck is at an elevation of 90 meters.
During the evening the tower is illuminated, making it an attractive landmark.
Again, passed by there before with my family. It was so beautiful at night but first time seeing it during day time, it still looks spectacular. The colour scheme is something similar to the Tokyo Tower.
Business hours : Daily (9:00am - 10:00pm)
Admission fees : 720 yen
Access : Located in Odori Park
Former Hokkaido Government Office
Heading west on Kita Sanjo Dori, you’ll see the grand Former Hokkaido Government Office, known by the nickname “red brick office” standing as the street comes to a dead end. The Former Hokkaido Government Office was used for approximately 80 years until the new government office currently in use was built.
Constructed in 1888, the building is an example of American neo-baroque architecture. Architectural details such as the warped glass created in the Meiji Period and the heat-retaining double doors stored in an ornamental frame exude functional beauty.
The building and its exhibits on Hokkaido history are open to the public. We recommend asking the volunteer staff for explanations about the building to appreciate its depth.
Sapporo Clock Tower
The clock tower was built in 1878 as a theatrical hall of the Sapporo Agricultural School, present-day Hokkaido University.
The idea behind the tower came from Dr. Clark who was the school’s first vice-principal. It was used as a facility where Agricultural School students conducted their military training and physical education, and as the main hall where commencement and other ceremonies were held.
Its main characteristic is the balloon-type wooden architecture, popular in the mid and western regions of America during the frontier era. It is well known for its red roof and white walls, but during the time that it was used as the public library the colour of its walls is said to have been green.
Visitors can learn about the history of the Clock Tower, including the incident of the big fire, in the exhibition room on the first floor.
Location : 2 Chome Kita 1 Jonishi, Chuo Ward, Sapporo, Hokkaido 060-0001, Japan.
Business hours : Daily (8:45am - 5:10pm)
Admission fees : 200 yen (Adults)
Access :
Mt.Moiwa Ropeway
Mount Moiwa (藻岩山, Moiwa-yama) is one of several small, forested mountains southwest of central Sapporo. The mountain is a popular sightseeing spot that is known for the spectacular view out over the city from an observation deck at its summit. The view is especially beautiful after sunset.
If you're my reader, then you should know I blogged about it before. Check out the blog post HERE.
Daimaru
Daimaru is a Japanese department store chain. Love its location because it is just located beside the JR Sapporo Station.
Stellar Place
Stellar Place is a mall in JR Tower with hundreds of shops, plus a food court, restaurants & cinema.
Stellar places do have good places to eat. However, I wouldn't say it's the best place for gifts, nor is it a “must-see”. Sapporo Station is inside of Stellar Place. I was having lunch here.
Location : 2 Chome Kita 5 Jonishi, Chuo Ward, Sapporo, Hokkaido 060-0005, Japan.
When there are tax-free and extra 5% discount in the house, of course, we need to shop! Since I was alone and I can't carry much shopping hauls, so I just bought about 10 items. I even visited the Pokemon Center to buy some cute stuff too.
Odori Park (大通公園) is the broad median of Odori in the centre of Sapporo, separating the city into north and south. The park stretches about a kilometre and a half over twelve city blocks and offers pleasant green space during the warmer months.
In early February, the park serves as the main site of the Sapporo Snow Festival.
I remember I was here with my family 10 years back. However, we didn't have time to stay, instead, we only passed by here. Well, I guess there's a disadvantage when you joined a tour because some of the destinations are just photobooth.
This time, I got to take time to walk around, take my opportunity to witness all the beautiful snow sculptures here. Everything is so beautiful here.
Beside of the snow sculptures, there are also many food stalls here as well! They are selling hot udon, beverages, snacks, dessert and many more! Since I just have my breakfast before I got here, so I got myself an Ichigo Daifuku (草莓大福🍓) and it tastes delicious! Fyi, Ichigo Daifuku is one of the most interesting versions of the traditional Japanese daifuku sweets. All daifuku varieties consist of a chewy mochi shell, made with pounded glutinous rice and various fillings that are hidden inside the shell.
Locatiom : 7 Chome Odorinishi, Chuo Ward, Sapporo, Hokkaido 060-0042, Japan. Access : Odori Park is just beside Odori Subway Station or a ten-minute walk south of JR Sapporo Station. All of Sapporo's three subway lines intersect at Odori Subway Station.
Sapporo TV Tower
At the eastern end of Odori Park stands the Sapporo TV Tower, which has an observation deck with nice views of the park and the surrounding city. The tower is just under 150 meters tall, and the observation deck is at an elevation of 90 meters.
During the evening the tower is illuminated, making it an attractive landmark.
Again, passed by there before with my family. It was so beautiful at night but first time seeing it during day time, it still looks spectacular. The colour scheme is something similar to the Tokyo Tower.
Business hours : Daily (9:00am - 10:00pm)
Admission fees : 720 yen
Access : Located in Odori Park
Former Hokkaido Government Office
Constructed in 1888, the building is an example of American neo-baroque architecture. Architectural details such as the warped glass created in the Meiji Period and the heat-retaining double doors stored in an ornamental frame exude functional beauty.
The building and its exhibits on Hokkaido history are open to the public. We recommend asking the volunteer staff for explanations about the building to appreciate its depth.
Location : 6 Chome Kita 3 Jonishi, Chuo Ward, Sapporo, Hokkaido 060-8588, Japan.
Business hours : Daily (8:45am - 6:00pm)
Access :Business hours : Daily (8:45am - 6:00pm)
- 8-minute walk from Sapporo Station on the JR Line and Subway Namboku and Toho Lines
- 9-minute walk from Odori Station on the Subway Namboku and Tozai Lines
The clock tower was built in 1878 as a theatrical hall of the Sapporo Agricultural School, present-day Hokkaido University.
The idea behind the tower came from Dr. Clark who was the school’s first vice-principal. It was used as a facility where Agricultural School students conducted their military training and physical education, and as the main hall where commencement and other ceremonies were held.
Its main characteristic is the balloon-type wooden architecture, popular in the mid and western regions of America during the frontier era. It is well known for its red roof and white walls, but during the time that it was used as the public library the colour of its walls is said to have been green.
Visitors can learn about the history of the Clock Tower, including the incident of the big fire, in the exhibition room on the first floor.
Business hours : Daily (8:45am - 5:10pm)
Admission fees : 200 yen (Adults)
Access :
- 10-minute walk from Sapporo Station on the JR Line and Subway Namboku and Toho Lines
- 5-minute walk from Odori Station on the Subway Namboku and Tozai Lines
Mt.Moiwa Ropeway
Mount Moiwa (藻岩山, Moiwa-yama) is one of several small, forested mountains southwest of central Sapporo. The mountain is a popular sightseeing spot that is known for the spectacular view out over the city from an observation deck at its summit. The view is especially beautiful after sunset.
If you're my reader, then you should know I blogged about it before. Check out the blog post HERE.
Daimaru
Daimaru is a Japanese department store chain. Love its location because it is just located beside the JR Sapporo Station.
I love there are many luxury brands here so I can shop till drop! And guess what, they are having 5% sale for all the retail shops in the mall. Lucky me!
Location : Japan, 〒060-0005 Hokkaido, Sapporo, Chuo Ward, Kita 5 Jonishi, 4 Chome−.
Stellar Place
Stellar Place is a mall in JR Tower with hundreds of shops, plus a food court, restaurants & cinema.
Stellar places do have good places to eat. However, I wouldn't say it's the best place for gifts, nor is it a “must-see”. Sapporo Station is inside of Stellar Place. I was having lunch here.
Location : 2 Chome Kita 5 Jonishi, Chuo Ward, Sapporo, Hokkaido 060-0005, Japan.
When there are tax-free and extra 5% discount in the house, of course, we need to shop! Since I was alone and I can't carry much shopping hauls, so I just bought about 10 items. I even visited the Pokemon Center to buy some cute stuff too.
Although there are only 48 hours here I enjoy my life here! Travel alone is always awesome and I'm so happy that this is the third country (or times) that I'm travelling alone. Looking forward to seeing which country is next! Don't forget to check out my Winter Wonderland in Hokkaido travel vlog below.
WINTER WONDERLAND IN HOKKAIDO ON IGTV
Nice spot, became my wish list, thanks for share
ReplyDeleteAmazing, nice place and documentation
ReplyDeleteThank you. :)
DeleteLive Hokkaido, love Japan, nice place, thanks for share
ReplyDeleteMe too! You're most welcome. :D
DeleteNice architecture, nice season, instagramable place, thanks for share
ReplyDeleteThank you! Winter season is the best for visiting Hokkaido.
DeleteYou're most welcome. :)
Hope some day will visiting this place, nice review thanks
ReplyDeleteDefinitely you will!
DeleteThanks for the compliment. :)
Nice spot, best reviewer point of view, thanks for share
ReplyDeleteThank you for the compliment.
DeleteYou're most welcome. :)