The Japanese city of Sapporo is an eclectic blend of urban life and skiing society. The capital of the island of Hokkaido, it’s a bustling metropolis with culture, history and nature to explore. Stay in the city and take in the skyscrapers, nightlife and eateries, or head for the mountains for hot springs and food festivals. There’s a year-round calendar of events: most notably the city comes alive with ice sculptures – from castles to igloos – in February for the Sapporo Snow Festival.
There are plenty of unique hostels in Sapporo, from a sandwich-shop-hostel to a ski lodge in the city and even one Sapporo hostel that's home to thousands of comics. Many have free Wi-Fi making it easy to keep in touch with friends and family. Some include cafés so you can eat breakfast or dinner in the comfort of your home-from-home. Other Sapporo hostels provide added luxuries like slippers and toiletries, helping you to travel light and still stay cosy.
Looking for a peaceful neighbourhood in Sapporo? Go to Nakajima-Kōen, which is famous for its serene parks and cultural events. For nights out, you can drop into the entertainment district of Susukino which is lit up by neon lights. Odori-Koen is the most central neighbourhood – ideal if you want everything on your doorstep. This is the place to be in winter for the Snow Festival and, with its renowned beer garden, in the mid-year for the Summer Festival.
From parks to museums, there’s no shortage of things to see in Sapporo. For a little calm in the city, there's Odori Park where the trickle of the fountains makes a pleasant soundtrack to your day. You can liven things up with a trip to the Sapporo Beer Museum to taste test the local brew. The Sapporo TV Tower is a miniature Eiffel Tower, giving you a viewing point over the city. To get out for the day, trek up Moiwayama Mountain – it’s well worth the hike to see the city lights in the evening.
From New Chitose Airport, you can be in Sapporo in about 30 minutes. Take the JR train to Sapporo Station – these run four times every hour. Trains from Sapporo Station also run in and out of other cities in Japan. Getting around the city is simple, thanks to the expansive subway system, and there are regular buses too.
