Sapporo is the capital and the largest city of Hokkaido. It is most populated and famous city since Sapporo brewery was founded in Sapporo City. It is home of the annual Sapporo Snow Festival during Winter season. You will see different life-size ice sculptures and statues. It is also partnered with light and music.
Transportation
From Otaru station, you can take an hour train ride to Sapporo Station. From Tokyo, you can travel by air and will land in New Chitose airport. There are many tourists buses in Sapporo that you can avail for unlimited ride for one day.
Let's Checkout..
SHIROI KOIBITO PARK
Shiroi Koibito Park is not just an ordinary Park. It has museums, sweets factory, playgrounds and restaurants that every family members will enjoy. It is literally the beautiful Chocolate Factory of the North.
WARNING!! Too Sweet To Handle!
Shiroi Koibito Chocolate is one of the most popular sweets that you will give as a souvenir to your family and friends. You can witness the meticulous process on how to make one. From the ingredients to baking and packaging. You will see how they follow each steps and rules.
They also have Old Toys and Display Museum. Some of the toys were produced before World War II and some were from the 90s. The toys are now limited edition and cost a fortune.
- Operating Hours and Fees:
- 9:00-18:00（Last Admittance: 17:00, Shop Closing Time: 19:00）
- General: ￥600 / Groups of 20 or more: ￥500
SAPPORO CLOCK TOWER
The tower was built in 1878, and is all that remains of the drill hall of the former Sapporo Agricultural College (now Hokkaido University). The building was one of the earliest to be built in this city. The city itself was chosen as the administrative centre of Hokkaidō in 1868, which is the date currently recognised as the official birth of the city.
Currently, this is the oldest building standing in Sapporo. The clock was installed in July 1881 by E. Howard & Co. (headed by a co-founder of what would eventually become the Waltham Watch Company) of Boston, Massachusetts, USA. In 1970, Sapporo Clock Tower was designated an Important Cultural Property,[1] and certified as Mechanical Engineering Heritage of Japan in 2009.
The clock tower now houses a museum introducing the history of the Agricultural College and the development of Sapporo. It is open to visitors year round, but is closed on Sundays and over the New Year period. Admission is 200-500 yen for adults and free for children, with discounts for groups. Viewing and photographing the building is very popular among visitors to Sapporo, and visiting it forms a part of many tours of the city. It is possible for members of the public to rent the large hall upstairs for private functions, which is also occasionally used for concerts.
References: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sapporo_Clock_Tower
Foodtrip at..
SHIROI KOIBITO PARK - CHOCOLATE LOUNGE
Since you are already in a Chocolate Factory why not indulge yourself with Chocolate and did I say... more chocolate!!
Chocolate Lounge is on the fourth floor of Shiroi Koibito Park. They serve parfaits, ice creams, cakes, hot chocolate, coffee and Chocolate Fondue platter! Prices are ranging from ¥300 to ¥2500. Make sure you will visit your dentist after this trip!
So Where to Sleep?
Located in Sapporo, Backpackers Hostel Ino's Place offers free WiFi throughout the property. The property is situated a 6-minute walk from Sapporo Convention Centre. Sapporo TV Tower is 3.1 km from the guest house. The nearest airport is New Chitose Airport, 38km from the property. Solo travellers particularly like the location — they rated it 6.3 for a one-person stay.
References: https://www.booking.com/hotel/jp/inos-place.en-gb.htmlFriendly Reminders!
- If you are leaving Hokkaido, you should stay in New Chitose airport instead while waiting for your flight. There are airport terminal hotels that you can rent.
- Check some travel blogs like this to get more budget friendly and time saving tips!
- Always save emergency money during your trip. You will never know what will happen.
- Bring a handy first aid kit.