Sapporo is the gateway to the island of Hokkaido, and as it was one of the last areas of Japan that was developed, you can see much influence by the West. From Sapporo, you can easily take days trips to Otaru and also Hakodate City. Famous for fresh seafood particularly Crab and Sea orchin. Also well known for it’s Ramen noodles. Sapporo is also easy access to the Ski fields of Niseko which offers some of the best possible snow you can get.

Japan’s fifth-largest city, and the prefectural capital of Hokkaido, Sapporo is a surprisingly dynamic and cosmopolitan urban center that pulses with energy. Designed by European and American architects in the late 19th century, Sapporo is shaped by its wide grid of tree-lined streets and ample public parks, which contribute to the city’s surprising level of liveability. After a day of exploring the city you can get your energy back over a hot meal, a great proposition given Sapporo’s wholly deserved gastronomic reputation.
As the island’s main access point and transport hub, Sapporo serves as an excellent base for striking out into the wilds. But make sure you leave enough time to see Sapporo itself. Sapporo is a major tourist destination in itself, especially for those partial to the delicious liquid gold that is Sapporo beer. If you’re planning long periods of time hiking in isolation, you might want to first indulge in a bit of the raucous nightlife of the Susukino district. And, of course, if you come in February, don’t miss out on the Sapporo Snow Festival (Yuki Matsuri), a winter carnival highlighted by frozen sculptures of everything from brown bears and tanuki (racoon dogs) to Godzilla and Doraemon.