Holiday in Sapporo

What makes Sapporo special as a destination?

Sapporo, the capital of the northern island of Hokkaido, is a modern, spacious city that fundamentally differs from the rest of Japan. Founded in 1869 as a planned city modeled after American designs, Sapporo surprises with wide boulevards, a clear street grid, and a relaxed atmosphere that resembles Scandinavian cities more than the cramped, hectic Honshu. The Sapporo Snow Festival (Yuki Matsuri) in February is one of the largest winter festivals in the world: monumental ice sculptures are erected in Odori Park and the Susukino district, some over 15 meters tall, artfully illuminated and admired by millions of visitors. In summer, the same park transforms into a green oasis with beer gardens where the local Sapporo beer flows — the oldest beer brand in Japan. Culinary-wise, Sapporo is a paradise: Miso ramen, a regional specialty with rich, buttery miso broth, is among the best noodle soups in the country. The Ramen Yokocho (Ramen Alley) offers a plethora of choices among dozens of specialty restaurants. Jingisukan (Genghis Khan), grilled lamb on a helmet-shaped grill, is another Sapporo original. The ski resorts of Niseko and Furano are reachable in one to two hours and offer legendary powder snow that attracts skiers from all over the world. In summer, lavender fields in Furano, hikes in Daisetsuzan National Park, and the wild coast of Shakotan beckon. Sapporo combines urban comfort with immediate proximity to Hokkaido's spectacular nature.