| |
 |
 |
|
 |
 |
Sapporo
Information
Introduction
Within Japan, Hokkaido is well-known for its dramatic
and unspoiled scenery that includes active volcanoes,
large lakes and vast virgin forests. Within Hokkaido,
the capital city of Sapporo is known for its unique history,
striking natural beauty, and relaxed character. Many attractions
unique to Sapporo contribute to the popularity of this
well-planned city.
In a little over a century, Sapporo has grown into a lively
modern city and is one of the main pillars of the nation's
economic prominence. With a population of 1.8 million,
Sapporo is Japan's fifth largest city.
Sapporo has long been known for its many cultural exchanges
with foreign countries. The buildings of Sapporo's Western-influenced
architecture are unique in Japan. The city gratefully
and proudly acknowledges the considerable contributions
of foreign technical advisors at the early stages of its
development. Experts from North America, England, Russia,Germany,
Holland were among those who guided the progress of this
frontier town into the modern city of Sapporo.
Visitors to Sapporo will delight in the area's extraordinary
natural surroundings within easy proximity to the city
center. Spring is a time of blossoms and rich greenery;
fair weather from May through June leads into a comfortable
summer climate that attracts visitors both from within
Japan and abroad. Sapporo is often compared to the premier
skiing spots in Switzerland and the world's other "Winter
Wonderlands." With excellent conditions and facilities,
ski enthusiasts visiting Sapporo head straight for the
city's nearby slopes.
An international airport and convenient public transportaion
system make Sapporo's many attractions accessible. You
are invited to visit Sapporo to see and experience for
yourself why this city is consistently cited by Japanese
as one of the most desirable places to visit in Japan.
Attraction
Guide
The Old Hokkaido Government Building, known as Red Bricks
This solemn brick building was built in 1888. The architecture,
representing the city of Sapporo, is well known as Red
Bricks, and has been officially designated as an important
cultural asset. You can observe the state of the frontier
age from the various materials and photographs displayed
within the building (free of charge). At night the building
is illuminated to generate a different atmosphere.
Open 9 a.m. - 5 p.m., closed on Saturdays, Sundays, and
National Holidays / 011-231-4111
* 10 min. walk from JR Sapporo Station
Mt.
Moiwa-yama, the night view looks as if the city is mounted
with jewels
Located 531 meters above sea level, in the south-west
part of the city, Mt. Moiwa-yama is the right spot to
see all of Sapporo. Going up to the top by ropeway and
chair lift, you can look over not only the city of Sapporo,
but also the Ishikari Plain and Ishikari Bay, and sometimes
even Mt. Daisetsu-zan on a sunny day. Also the night view
with lights which look like a panorama mounted with jewels
is really breathtaking.
General ticket 1,300 yen (round tickets for ropeway and
lift included) / Moiwa-yama Ropeway : 011-561-8177
* From city train Ropeway Entrance Station, walk for 8
min. to Ropeway Sanroku Station
Ishiyama Greenbelt,
an interesting place which has a stone age feel
This is a park built in the site of the Sapporo Soft Stone
Quarry in October 1996. The area is divided into north
and south. In the North Block, there are observatory terraces
and tennis courts. In the South Block, there are dynamic
outdoor sculptures with the earth as a subject, as well
as an amphitheater which makes you feel as if you went
back to the ancient Roman era. Standing in this unique
place, you may feel like you are in another time.
Admission free / For more information, call Sapporo-shi,
Landscape Gardening Sec. at 011-211-2525
* 10 min. bus ride from subway Makomanai Station, get
off at Ishiyama Rikkyo, then walk for 2 min.
The Clock Tower, records the passing moments of Sapporo,
but it is currently under repair
The Clock Tower, symbol of Sapporo, built in 1878, is
the oldest among the existing clock towers, and has been
designated as a national cultural property. It is scheduled
to reopen to the public in October 1998.
011-231-0838
* 3 min. walk from subway Odori Station
Chizaki
Rose Garden, filled with 4,000 roses in bloom
Chizaki Rose Garden, located 93 meters above sea level,
commands a view of the whole city. It is gorgeous to see
4,000 roses of 400 different kinds in full bloom in an
area of about 18,000 square meters near Mt. Moiwa-yama.
Although the best season is at the beginning of July,
some flowers bloom at the beginning of September.
Admission 500 yen / Open 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. between May 1
and the third Sunday of October / 011-551-1430
* 7 min. drive from City train Ropeway Entrance Station
Sapporo Factory, the great complex facility including
spa and art museum
This complex facility was built at the site of the Sapporo
Beer Company's main factory. Utilizing the red brick building
in the original form, the atrium (the biggest in Japan)
was built at the center of the spot. Other facilities
include a shopping mall, restaurants, hotel, sport club,
and spa. It is drawing attention as a place where one
can enjoy a whole day.
011-207-5000
* 5 min. walk from subway Tozai line Bus Center Mae Station
Hitsuji-ga-oka Observatory, a statue of Dr. Clark
standing on the grassy plain
You will be amazed to have the real feeling of Hokkaido,
which is typically associated with a plain and large landscape,
in such close proximity to the town. You can see an avenue
lined with poplar trees, sheep relaxing on the grassy
plain, and the statue of Dr. Clark which was erected in
1976 as a memorial of the 100th anniversary of Hokkaido
University as well as the 200th anniversary of the foundation
of the USA. The hill commands a view all the way to Ishikari
Bay. The landscape has earned a favorable reputation especially
at night.
Admission 300 yen / Open everyday 9 a.m. - 9 p.m. (9 a.m.
- 5 p.m. between November and April) / 011-851-3080
* Take a Chuo Bus, get off at Hitsuji-ga-oka Tenbodai,
walk for 1 min.
Local
Food
The Sapporo Beer Garden
Genghis Khan, grilled on a hot plate in the shape of Hokkaido
and draft beer is the best! Their special sauce is made
from more than twenty different spices and fruits. The
most popular item on the menu is all-you-can-eat-and-drink
for 100 minutes for 3,400 yen including lamb Genghis Khan,
vegetables, and beverages (draft beer, juice, and oolong
tea).
Open everyday 11:30 a.m. - 9 p.m.
Higashi-9-chome, Kita-Nana-jo, Higashi-ku, Sapporo-shi
/ 011-742-1531
Cafe Rose
The cafe in the Chizaki Rose Garden is a secret location
for seeing the night view. You can relax in the leisurely
atmosphere and enjoy the illumination. The original item,
Rose ice cream (600 yen / 300 yen during a day), has a
subtle flavor of rose, and is well liked by many people.
Open 9 a.m. - 5 p.m., 6 p.m. - 10 p.m. (need 500 yen admission
fee for entering the park)
Fushimi-3-chome, Chuo-ku, Sapporo-shi / 011-551-1430
Snow Brand Parlor
This shop is under the direct management of Snow Brand
where you can eat fresh ice cream only available in Hokkaido.
The choice ice cream with 16% butterfat, "Royal Special"
(620 yen), is patronized by the Imperial Household Agency.
Also "Excellence" is popular with a moderately
sweet taste. If you are in a group of four or five, how
about trying the giant parfait, "I am a NO.1 "(3,880
yen)?
1 and 2 floor Fukoku Seimei Building, Nishi-3-chome, Kita-Ni-jo,
Chuo-ku, Sapporo-shi / 011-251-3181
Cafe Ranban
This cozy cafe is located not far away from the center
of Susukino. The big glass windows are open on sunny days,
which lets a nice breeze blow into the shop. Drink are
served with tasteful Japanese cups and saucers, and they
also sell some cups made by artists. Just stop by to have
a fresh coffee (380 yen) in the morning.
Nishi-5-chome, Minami-San-jo, Chuo-ku, Sapporo-shi / 011-221-5028
Guest House Barley
This is the dining bar where Mr. Nukita (look at a Local
Celebrity) works as a chief chef. His original dishes
using only selected ingredients makes you feel like coming
back again soon. The entire menu is excellent. Lunch course
1,000 yen and up, Dinner course 3,500 yen and up.
Hotel Clubby Sapporo, Higashi-3-chome, Kita-Ni-jo, Chuo-ku,
Sapporo-shi / 011-242-1111.
Getting
Around
By Plane
From Tokyo
Tokyo (Haneda) - Sapporo (Shin-Chitose): 1 hr. 30 min.
From Osaka
Osaka (Kansai) - Sapporo (Shin-Chitose): 1 hr. 55 min.
From Fukuoka
Fukuoka - Sapporo (Shin-Chitose): 2 hrs. 25 min.
*Local transportation from Shin-Chitose Airport to inner
city:
Train / JR Kaisoku Airport-go (40 min.) It runs every
15 min.
Bus / Hokkaido Chuo Bus (011-231-0500) or Hokuto Kotsu
(011-377-3855): 1 hr - 1 hr. 30 min.
By Train
From Tokyo
Ueno - Sapporo (by sleeping express "Hokutosei"):
16 hrs.
Tokyo - Morioka (by super express Tohoku Shinkansen "Yamabiko"),
Morioka - Hakodate (by express "Hatsukari"),
Hakodate - Sapporo (by express "Hokuto"): 10
hrs. 40 min.
From Osaka
Osaka - Sapporo (by sleeping express "Twilight Express"
via Hokuriku honsen): 21 hrs. 5 min.
By Ferry
From Tokyo
Tokyo - Tomakomai (by Blue Highway Line /03-3578-1127):
30 hrs.
From Nagoya
Nagoya - Tomakomai (by Taiheiyo Ferry / 052-203-0227):
38 hrs. 45 min.
*From Tomakomai to Sapporo, take JR express "Suzuran"
or "Hokuto" (45 min.) or take a Chuo Bus or
Donan Bus (1 hr. 20 min.)
Local
Transportation
Almost everywhere in the central city is accessible by
three subway lines; Tozai-sen, Nanpoku-sen, and Toho-sen.
It is convenient to take a city train to go to Mt. Moiwa-yama.
The ticket costs 170 yen to cover all sections. There
are also bus lines; Shiei Bus (city bus), Hokkaido Chuo
Bus, and Jotetsu Bus. It is recommended to buy a one-day
pass for 1,000 yen which is valid for subway, city bus,
and city train.(Sapporo-shi Transportation Bureau / 011-896-2708)
Sapporo Lincle Bus
This city shuttle tour bus started its service in April
1996. The 2-hour leisure car runs every 30 min., stopping
at 17 famous sightseeing spots. A one-day pass costing
1,500 yen is valid between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.
Runs April 27 - November 3 (Hokkaido Chuo Bus / 011-231-0500)
Leisurely excursion by tour wagon
There is a course to visit the old prefectural office
building, and another going round Odori Park, both of
which take 40 min. You can catch a bus at Odori Nishi-4-chome.
How about taking a tour and indulge in the mood of pioneering
age? It runs everyday between the end of April and November
3.
10:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. / 011-512-9377 |
|
 |
 |
|
 |
|
