Sapporo Japan,Sapporo Travel Guide

Sapporo Japan : The most remarkable thing about the northern Japanese island of Hokkaido, and its capital city Sapporo, is the contrast in temperatures between winter and summer. Sapporo, site of the 1972 Winter Olympics, is a favourite ski destination with temperatures plummeting well below freezing in December and January - the lowest ever recorded was in January 1945, when the mercury dropped to -11?F (-24?C). Summer time, however, sees daytime highs of above 86?F (30?C), although evenings and mornings remain cool and pleasant.
Because of its thick snows that turn the city into a winter wonderland Sapporo is favoured more as a winter sports destination than a spring or summer resort. There are ski-slopes within the city limits and residents often enjoy a quick run after work. Sapporo is one of Japan's newest cities, having been constructed almost from scratch as the capital of Hokkaido in 1871. Japan imported foreign technicians (including 46 Americans) to aid in the development of the city, formerly a small settlement of the native Ainu people, which has now grown to accommodate 1.8 million inhabitants. Despite a large population, Sapporo is not as crowded or densely packed as other Japanese cities. A national survey ranked it as one of the country's most desirable places to live, which is not surprising because its natural setting allows for easy access to mineral spas, mountain hikes, campsites, and superb ski runs.

Sapporo Japan : Beer Museum
If you are here for the beer, which is possible because Sapporo beer is known throughout the world, then a visit to the beer museum in the historic Sapporo Brewery building is a must, together with a tour of the brewery itself, which, of course, ends with a tasting. The red brick brewery building has been home to the Sapporo Beer Company, third-largest beer producer in Japan, since 1876. One-hour tours are conducted at 15-minute intervals every day throughout the year; however these are in Japanese only. It is possible to book in advance and request an English interpreter.

Sapporo Japan : Old Hokkaido Government Building
This grand old dame provides a picturesque setting to your photos. Especially in winter, the red bricked building looks very pretty in the snow. I did not have chance to visit the interior of the buillding as it was closed that day. This place is a about a 10min walk away from the main Sapporo JR line train station. If you just want to have pictures taken, the compund takes about 10-15 mins to walk through p.s. : see my other tips on Otaru, Hokkaido (30 mins train ride from Sapporo)

Sapporo Japan : Sapporo Clock Tower
Read any travel guides and you will find this place listed as a landmark. It is probably always part of the itinerary in any tour package to Sapporo. This quaint old building is nestled amongst tall office building. The clock tower building is small, so dont get too excited. There are some exhibits in it, (about 2 to 3 levels of it), mostly in Japanese and some English. Not very interesting inside, but the exterior is good for a holiday shot to bring home p.s. : see my other tips on Otaru, Hokkaido (30 mins train ride from Sapporo

Sapporo Japan : Sapporo Brewery
A must, as Sapporo Beer is famous in every nation. Even if you're a non-alcoholic person, this visit will certainly be an educational experience. Pictured here: the Brewery. Getting there: 10 mins bus ride, or if you have time, 45 mins slow walk north east from Sapporo Station's north exit. Simply put, the Brewery is located on "North 7, East 9". The Sapporo Station's north exit is "North 6, West 4". This will help you understand the free city map which is only available in Japanese.

Sapporo Japan : Downtown Area The splendid
Downtown Area The splendid Odori Park stretches between West 1 and West 12 Streets. Festive beer gardens and Bon-Odori dancing in summer and the world-famous Sapporo Snow Festival in winter are found here, and each block has its own special feature. Eastward, the TV Tower rises 147.2 meters and offers a panoramic view. To the north is the Clock Tower, a National Important Property. The American-style building, constructed as a drill house for Sapporo Agricultural College in 1878, is one of Sapporo's most famous landmarks. The Clock Tower is currently being repaired, a restoration to be completed by September 1998. The nearby Old Hokkaido Government Building, affectionately known by its nickname 'Aka Renga' (Red Bricks), was built in 1888, and its octagonal dome architecturally reflects the Massachusetts State House.

Sapporo Japan : Sapporo Snow Festival Since its humble beginnings in 1950, when local students built six snow statues in Odori Park, the Snow Festival has grown into an international event and is the biggest and most spectacular festival in Japan, and a major tourist attraction. Every winter local and international teams compete in the Snow Statue Contest in which sculptors create fantastic art out of snow and ice. Hundreds of beautiful and elaborate snow statues and ice sculptures dot the area, some the size of multi-story buildings, and it is these massive sculptures in particular that have made the festival famous.

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