Sapporo is a relatively young city in Japan. Its urban history began in 1869 and the city is now home to 1.9 million people. Laid out in a grid format, it is hard to get lost when the streets are named relative to the center point of the city in a numbered fashion. However, you wouldn't want to be lost during the cold winters; snow covers the ground on average 132 days of the year, with about 600 cm per season!
The Former Hokkaido Government Office Building was built in 1888 in the neo-Baroque style. Its red bricks are quite distinct although the interiors are not particularly special.
Perhaps because it was still chilly, but the rest of Sapporo in this part of town appears empty.
The linear Odori Park is only a few blocks away and stretches across many blocks east-to-west.
Built in 1926, this historic building is the former Court of Appeal. There is still a court room inside with other exhibitions. They open until quite late - 7pm, and I was the only visitor there when I arrived close to closing.
Right above the JR train station is an observation deck with a lovely view of the city from the 38th floor.
Even the toilet has plenty of views so you don't want to leave.
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"The destructive effects of automobiles are much less a cause than a symptom of our incompetence at city building" - Jane Jacobs 1961ish
Mt. Moiwa stands 531m above the city. To get to the observation deck, take the ropeway first to the intermediate station, and then transfer to a rail-based car for the rest of the way. The observation deck was renovated in 2011 and offers a roof-top outdoor viewing area.
After a cold sunset on top of Sapporo, it is time for dinner in Ramen Alley. It was quite hard to find at first, as the alley is through a narrow, unmarked opening on one side.
There is also raw fish available at the local fish market.
The tram network is a loop on the western part of the city. It is not particularly useful for tourists except accessing the Mt. Moiwa Ropeway. Pay upon exit, although you can use the change machine at any time onboard to get the right amount.
Nice pictures! I have friends in Sapporo, so it's nice to see what it actually looks like.
What time of year were these pictures taken? I know they get a lot of snow, and I'm wondering when spring arrives.
I took these in late April and winter was starting to go away. There was still a little snow on the ground although temperatures did hit 20C but dipped below 10C at times.
Jozankei is reachable by city bus from Sapporo station. The buses don't come often, and there aren't enough seats to satisfy demand. Get there early! It's not a great ride to stand for over an hour.
Be careful when you wander around the terminus, but they installed railroad crossing-style barriers to keep you and the buses safe.
Next to this temple is a little hot spring where you can soak your feet. Yes, it's open to the public at any time!
Roll up your pants and enjoy the hot water while winter continues outside.
I took these in late April and winter was starting to go away. There was still a little snow on the ground although temperatures did hit 20C but dipped below 10C at times.
Thanks. I've been to Buffalo and Toronto in early April, and this looks like that time of year in those cities. I'm guessing then, for my sake, that Sapporo is a couple weeks behind the Great Lakes as far as spring arriving.
awesome! i will be visiting Sapporo in January
Which hotel did you stay in? was it good?
I stayed in a cheap hotel with ultra-small rooms across from the railway station. I bumped into the bathroom walls and door almost constantly but the price was great!
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