Things to do in Sapporo

We can recommend 5 things to do to experience this city to the fullest: try the local crab specialties, take a tour of the Sapporo Beer Museum, go on a shopping spree, indulge your sweet tooth at the city's Chocolate Factory and visit the local art museums.

For Foodies

Due to its location near the Sea of Japan, this city is a great place to sample delicious local seafood specialties. Try either the kegani or tarabagani (or perhaps both), two different kinds of crab which can be cooked in a variety of ways, including sushi, sashimi, grilled, steamed, deep fried, on skewers, etc). Seafood buffets are the best places to get introduced to the wonderful local cuisine. If you love Japanese food but miss the bold flavours of spices, try the local curry soup. When ordering, you can specify how spicy you want it, and you can also choose the size of your rice portion and which toppings you'd like.

For Beer Lovers

If there's something Sapporo is known for, that would be its world-famous beer. The local brew has been produced here since the late 19th century, and beer lovers should not miss a visit to the Sapporo Beer Museum, which offers free guided tours around the renowned brewing facilities. The museum also offers beer tastings for an additional fee, or you can head to the beer garden next door and pair your favourite beer with a nice Japanese-style meal.

For Shopaholics

The JR Tower complex is a compulsory stop for shopaholics. Here you can shop until you drop, or refuel along the way at its many restaurants and coffee shops before you continue with your retail therapy session. The complex is packed with shops selling everything from clothing to cosmetics to souvenirs, gadget, and electronics. Tanukikoji is the city's oldest shopping area, and consists of various arcades that are home to stores selling a huge variety of items: traditional confectionery, kimonos, handicrafts, etc. For tax-free shopping and to grab a few pieces of Japanese fashion, head to Ario Ito-Yokado shopping centre.

For Chocaholics

The Ishiya Chocolate Factory (also known as Shiroi Koibito Park) will delight chocaholics and anyone with a sweet tooth. Here you can learn how the famous Sapporo white chocolate and shiroi koibito are produced (a local delicacy similar to the British Wagon Wheels but filled with white chocolate), take a biscuit-making workshop, or simply buy a few chocolate treats to take home with you.

For Art Lovers

The city's Art Park enjoys a gorgeous open-air setting near Mt. Yakiyama, and its natural environment makes for a great day out, especially during the spring or autumn. At this Art Park you will find contemporary art exhibitions, a sculpture garden, and a pottery studio. Another must-see is Hokkaido's Museum of Modern Art, which is home to nearly 5,000 pieces that include paintings, sculpture and glass artwork by renowned Japanese artists.