Sapporo
Recommended Tours

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While Sapporo does not have the depth of ancient monuments or temples that some Japanese cities do, it has an almost unrivaled wealth of natural beauty, much of which is within an hour or two of the city center. You could just about cover all the most important historical and cultural sites within the city in one day, but don't forget to save time for more adventurous tours in the surrounding countryside.

Tour One: Historic Landmarks

You could, for example, start at the centrally-located Odori Park in the morning. From here you can take in the Tokei-dai, a Sapporo landmark that has been chiming the hour for well over a century now. Stop into the museum at the ground level after snapping some pictures. Then you could move along to Sapporo TV Tower, which at almost 300 feet gives you a perfect panoramic view of the city, the surrounding countryside and shoreline.

Next, head to the Old Hokkaido Government Building (Akarengo), which was constructed in 1888. Be sure to stroll through the lovely gardens that are open to the public. From here it is only a short trip to Hokkaido University, where you will find a bust of Dr. William S. Clark, an American who pioneered Western education methodologies in Japan.

For the next stop on your tour, check out Hitsujigaoka Observation Hill, with its fabulous views over the city. Then, stop by the Historical Village of Hokkaido, an outdoor museum that features reconstructed, authentic buildings from the Meji Restoration in the late 19th century. They have various year-round events, so be sure to check out what's happening before you go.

Tour Two: Noboribetsu Onsen

After you have seen all there is in the city, why not combine a trip to an onsen, or hot spa, with an anthropological experience? This tour will require an overnight stay in a ryokan, a traditional Japanese inn.

You can take the Chuo bus from Sapporo Station to Noboribetsu Onsen. Here you can enjoy the atmosphere of Jigokudani, which means "Hell Valley," although this place is much nicer than the name suggests! The spa is part of an old crater that still emits smoke and steam from fissures in the rock surface. The minerals that can be found in the natural hot springs here are supposed to have beneficial health properties, and they can be found in many hotels and bathhouses in the area.

The next day, before you head back to Sapporo, you can take the bus to the Museum of Ainu Culture. Here you will see how the original inhabitants of Hokkaido lived before the island was colonized by the Japanese. It's a great educational outing for families with small children.

Tour Three: Outdoor Exploration

Another interesting option would be a day trip to Otaru. It is just a 50-minute train ride from Sapporo. This lovely little port city played a major role in the development of Hokkaido in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Experience the romance of a stroll along the historic Otaru Canal, and have lunch or dinner in one of the excellent seafood restaurants along its banks.

If your time is limited but you would still like to experience some of Sapporo’s wonderful natural beauty, a trip to Shikotsu-Toya National Park would suit you perfectly. It is one hour from the city so you can do it as a day trip or an overnight stay. There is so much to do here including hiking, fishing, sailing, canoing and bathing.

Sports buffs have a whole range of tours to choose from. In the winter season, there are countless skiing options, while in the summer, golf, trekking, canoing and climbing tours are popular. Most of these can be arranged through local travel agents or tour operators.