In this episode, we explore Sapporo, the capital of Hokkaido and one of the most undervisited major cities in Japan. A destination that offers something fundamentally different from Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka: more space, more nature, more breathing room, and a food culture that rivals anything else in the country.
We cover everything you need to know before planning a visit, including:
What makes Sapporo immediately feel different from the rest of Japan, from its open grid-based layout to its spacious atmosphere and its deep connection to the seasons
The neighborhoods worth knowing: Odori Park as the city’s seasonal heart, Susukino and the legendary Ramen Alley for evening food and nightlife, the underrated Nakajima Park, and the Hokkaido University campus with its spectacular autumn tree-lined avenues
The food culture that defines the city: miso ramen born from Hokkaido winters, exceptional seafood including sea urchin, snow crab, and scallops, Hokkaido dairy and soft-serve ice cream, and a fresh seafood breakfast at Nijo Market
The Sapporo Beer Museum and what it reveals about Hokkaido’s fascinating development history
The Snow Festival in early February: one of the largest winter events in Asia, what to expect, and why accommodation must be booked months in advance
Hokkaido as one of the world’s great ski destinations, with Niseko, Furano, and Rusutsu all accessible from Sapporo as a base
Why summer in Sapporo is one of the most underappreciated travel decisions in Japan, with mild temperatures while the rest of the country swelters
Day trips from Sapporo to Otaru’s canal district, Noboribetsu’s onsen resort, and Furano’s lavender fields
How to get from Tokyo to Sapporo and how Hokkaido fits naturally into a broader Japan itinerary
Whether you are planning your first trip to Japan or looking to go beyond the standard circuit, this episode makes the case for why Hokkaido deserves a place in your itinerary.
Resources mentioned in this episode
Full article: Sapporo travel guide: what to know, where to eat, and how to experience Japan’s northern capital Available on the ÆRIA Voyages Blog.
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