Sapporo History
Sapporo is a
major cultural, educational, and economic center in Hokkaido, hosting Hokkaido
University and several research institutions that attract students and scholars
from across Japan and abroad. Sapporo has a long history of brewing, with
Sapporo Beer dating back to 1876. Sapporo food, including the city’s famous
miso ramen and other local specialties, is another highlight.
Seasonal events, such as the world-famous Sapporo Snow Festival, have contributed to making Sapporo one of the top destinations in Japan. Sapporo’s mountains, rivers, forests, and urban development are part of what makes it one of Hokkaido’s top sites (THINGS TO DO IN GALLE, SRI LANKA).
Asahi Beer Factory
With beer being one of the things Sapporo is known for, a visit to the Asahi
Beer Factory, located in Shiroishi Ward, Sapporo, approximately 6 km east of
downtown, is worth including. There are options between a guided tour or a
free-and-easy tour, which allows taking time to walk along the upper floor long
aisle leading inside. Along the whole stretch, the exhibits and displays
narrate the history of Asahi Breweries, founded in 1889.
Walking further up, on the left side, from
the glass panelling, the manufactory plant can be seen - a fully automated system
which rolls out cans of beer without pause. This beer tour takes less than half
an hour before returning to the ground floor and into the dining-like area.
It’s time for beer tasting, along with snacks.
What is interesting to note is that
everyone is required to wash their own glass and place it in the allocated
space. A good reminder that even while traveling, habits and discipline matter.
Before leaving and at the entrance,
various types of Asahi Beer are available for sale, along with merchandise and
skincare products.
Sapporo City Tour, Hokkaido, Japan
It is possible to get a quick view of Sapporo’s significant and historical
sites during a city tour. A city tour is especially recommended in winter, when
the weather is too harsh for walking. Driving around Sapporo allows travellers
to see the key landmarks, even though no stops are included during the colder
months. City tours usually cover the top sites in Sapporo.
10 Best Sites in Sapporo
Sapporo Clock Tower (Tokeidai)
One of Sapporo’s oldest buildings, built in 1878, showing the city’s early
history and Western-style architecture.
Former Hokkaido Government Office (Red
Brick Office/Akarenga)
A historic red-brick building from 1888, representing Hokkaido’s government
history and city growth.
Sapporo TV Tower
Built in 1957, this tower is a famous city symbol and offers great views of
Sapporo.
Hokkaido Shrine
A major Shinto shrine that shows local culture and traditions, built to honor
Hokkaido’s development.
Susukino District
Sapporo’s main entertainment area, known for restaurants, shops, and its lively
city life.
Sapporo Beer Museum
A historic site telling the story of Sapporo Beer and Hokkaido’s brewing
history since 1876.
JR Tower / Sapporo Station Sky View
A modern skyscraper that shows Sapporo’s growth and serves as an important
transport hub.
Mount Moiwa Ropeway
A mountain cable car giving great views of the city and surrounding mountains,
popular with visitors.
Nijo Market
A famous seafood market showcasing Hokkaido’s fresh produce and local food
culture.
Sapporo Factory
A historic red-brick building turned shopping and entertainment spot, blending
old and new.
Shopping in Sapporo
Like in any city, shopping is part of sightseeing in Sapporo. Travellers
generally shop for local products as souvenirs or keepsakes. For others, it may
not be entirely about shopping, but to get a hang of it. In Sapporo, shopping
can be in modern, trendy arcades or classic, historic ones.
There are also countless things to see and
try, especially when it comes to food. The shopping arcades offer modern cafes,
street stalls, and exclusive restaurants. Among the shopping arcades in
Sapporo, the top five are particularly worth visiting.
Top 5 Shopping Arcades in Sapporo
Tanukikoji Shopping Street (Tanukikoji
Arcade)
A covered arcade over 1 km long in central Sapporo, featuring hundreds of
shops, restaurants, and cafes. It’s ideal for shopping in any weather.
Sapporo Esta & JR Tower/Stellar
Place
Connected to Sapporo Station, this modern complex offers international brands,
local products, dining, and entertainment all in one convenient location.
Pole Town & Aurora Town
Underground arcades linking Sapporo Station, Odori, and Susukino. Perfect for
browsing shops, cafes, and restaurants while staying warm in winter.
Sapporo Factory
A historic red-brick building transformed into a shopping and entertainment
complex. It combines boutiques, restaurants, and a beer hall under one roof.
Odori & Tanukikoji Side Streets
The streets surrounding Odori Park feature smaller arcades and specialty shops,
offering a mix of souvenirs, fashion, and local treats.
Tanukikoji Shopping Arcade
Hours can be spent in Tanukikoji Shopping Arcade, a 1 km long arcade and one of
Sapporo’s oldest, dating back to the late 19th century. It stretches across
seven blocks and has more than 200 shops, ranging from traditional outlets to
modern boutiques, cafes, and eateries. Here, travellers can be seen picking up
a variety of items to take back home.
Skincare products and cosmetics are
particularly popular among women, while others buy packets of snacks. There are
benches for resting, having a drink, or after grabbing a snack. Meals can also
be had in any of the eateries, where its mostly local dishes, as well as
Japanese fusion food.
