Sapporo
Sapporo is a cold, cold city in the north of Japan. During the summer humidity stays relatively low compared to the rest of Japan so Japanese often go there during the summer for a break. Certainly tourist numbers into Hokkaido peak in August. However, for the visitor to Japan that is after a unique experience as the one and only time you will be setting foot on Japanese shores, Sapporo and Hokkaido in general are probably not worth the effort, outside of the week long snow festival during February. Summer in Hokkaido is mostly outdoor activities you can do anywhere else in Japan or in the world.
Surviving winter in Sapporo
During the summer the weather is very pleasant however boring so why go there? Winter is where it’s at however that also comes with freezing temperatures and lots of snow. Expect evening temperatures to be below 0℃ and the roads and walkways to be icy. Boots with studs are a plus if you are not used to walking on snow/ice, although if metal then the clunking may stand out when you go indoors.
Things to do around Sapporo
For the Sapporo Snow Festival see the separate article here. For other things to do in and around Sapporo and Hokkaido that are more specialist or out of the way, check out the official tourist information homepage. The Smelt ice fishing (although there is no English information and it is a strictly book in advance activity during the weekend) sounds really good. Spending a night in a Hot Spring resort is also highly recommended during winter (spend the money, it’s worth it). Tappunoyu combines both these activities and you can book the ice fishing as part of your room package. Although if you are looking for a more rural, authentic experience, somewhere else may be better.
Sapporo Beer Museum
The beer museum is a 20 minute walk from Sapporo station or if you are not feeling so comfortable on your feet in the snow, a 5 minute walk from Naebo station. Regardless of the season, the museum is a pleasant hour wander through beery history, with tasting at the end. The official homepage has more details.
Rope-way up Mount Moiwa
Offering great views of Sapporo at night or day, the mountain rope-way station is only a short tram ride from the center of Sapporo, which will kill two birds with one stone as riding the tram should be a box to tick on your list of things to do. There isn’t really any reason to ride it otherwise as the most distant stations can be walked in an hour (“When Japan” guesses during heavy snow the tram is still better than walking on the slippery pathways).
The view is great and can be enjoyed with a cool glass on Sapporo beer at the restaurant at the top. There is a ski slope nearby also.
Sapporo TV Tower
Every major city has to have its own tower, and Sapporo was no exception. You can read about the history here. The views during the winter are fairly magical and you can walk down the stairs on your way back which is also a pretty “chilly” experience in winter.
