Sapporo, Japan: Year-Round Destination in Hokkaido
Regarded as the gateway to Hokkaido Prefecture and a coveted winter destination, Sapporo City opens up plenty of avenues to explore the beauty of northern Japan. In the absence of snow, the natural beauty of Hokkaido’s capital is revealed and proves it to be a year-round destination. Sapporo is a place of idyllic respite, home to numerous parks and natural attractions.
A beer-loving and ramen-yielding city, it is also the site of vibrant and gastronomic festivals throughout the year. This laidback metropolis can attract both people who love the city life and those trying to escape from it. It brims with energy at night and sways along to the rising sun, as gentle as a lamb, and anyone can find the kind of adventure—or relief—they are looking for without even leaving the city.
Major festivals to watch out for:
WINTER
Sapporo Snow Festival
Early-February
SPRING
Sapporo Lilac Festival
Mid-May to late-May
SUMMER
Sapporo Summer Festival and Odori Beer Garden
Mid-July to mid-August
AUTUMN
Sapporo Autumn Fest
September
Getting to Sapporo
• By air:
Recommended airline: Japan Airlines (JAL)
Manila (MNL) — 4 hrs. ➜ Tokyo Haneda (HND) or Narita (NRT) — 95 mins. ➜ Sapporo (CTS)
JAL Sakura Lounge
JAL Sakura Lounge, Tokyo Narita Airport
Beat airport boredom at JAL Sakura Lounge, available both in Manila and Tokyo airports, equipped with state-of-the-art amenities for privacy and comfort, such as free Wi-Fi, power outlets, USB ports, and buffet dining. Tokyo Haneda and Narita airports have more amenities like a sleeping area, kids room, and business center. The Haneda lounge, however, is under renovation and will re-open in April 2020.
Eligibility: JMB Diamond, JMB Sapphire, JGC Premier, and JAL Global Club member (+1 companion); First Class, Business Class, Premium Economy Class, and Economy Class (Flex Y Fare) passengers
Website: www.jal.co.jp/en/inter/service/lounge/
Also read: JAL Sakura Lounge at Manila NAIA Terminal 1
• By train:
Covered by JR East-South Hokkaido Rail Pass and Japan Rail Pass
Tokyo Station (Tohoku Shinkansen) — Approx. 3 hrs. ➜ Shin-Aomori (Hokkaido Shinkansen) — Approx. 1 hr. ➜ Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto (Hokuto Limited Express) — 3.5 hrs. ➜ Sapporo Station
Getting around Sapporo
Navigating Sapporo is easy thanks to its efficient public transport network. The easiest and most common mode of transport is the subway. The Sapporo streetcar or tram is also a nice way to tour the southwestern area of downtown Sapporo.
For spots in the city outskirts, buses are a reasonable option though taxis are also readily available. Car rental kiosks can also be found around Sapporo Station and Odori Station.
Read on below for the best places you should not miss when in Sapporo City!
By Rei Leaño
