Home » Travel » Japan » Sapporo -- Japan's northern vacation wonderland

Sapporo -- Japan's northern vacation wonderland

© Lance Lindley

Sapporo. To non-Japanese, it bring to mind only "Olympics." To some, it might be just a brand of Japanese beer. But to the Japanese, the city of Sapporo -- located on Japan's northern island of Hokkaido -- is one of their favorite tourist destinations for lots of reasons, but especially because of its mix of big city excitement and natural charm.

The city itself is relatively new, officially dating back to the late 1800s, and it has a strong Western influence. Much of the historical architecture and city planning was actually done by Americans, so the city may feel more comfortable to Westerners. Downtown Sapporo, for example, is laid out in a logical grid, with most of the streets labeled in a very pragmatic fashion. For example, a street name downtown might be "North 7 West 15."

At the center of this grid is "Odori" or "Big Street." Odori Park is really a broad boulevard which stretches across 12 blocks. It features a string of fountains and monuments and is usually populated by an interesting cast of street performers and sightseers. Other parks in the area include Maruyama Park to the southwest, which boasts a zoo; Nakajima Park to the south, which contains a lake and two famous buildings dating from 1880; Ashiyama Memorial Park, also to the southwest, which provides a nice view of the city, and the Mt. Moiwa Ropeway, again to the southwest, which offers the best panorama in town.

Once in Sapporo, most folks will want to visit the famous Sapporo Beer Garden and the Susukino nightlife district. There are several beer gardens in Sapporo, one from each of the major breweries, but the original and most famous is the old Sapporo brewery itself. While there are tours of the brewery and other such things available, most people go there for one reason: all-you-can-eat grilled lamb and veggies and bottomless mugs of beer! To partake of this particular Viking-like feast, just get yourself to Sapporo Station, hop in a cab and say "Sapporo Beer-En." The trip should not cost more than 1000 yen or so. Once at the garden, go up to the reception counter at the front and say "Jingiss Khan," and tell that to the next hostess you see and the waiter as well. You'll be rewarded with an unforgettable meal - 100 minutes of meat and beer - for 3100 yen. Don't wear your best clothes, however, as you will be grilling the meat right at your table and you will definitely leave smelling like the buffet!