Sapporo is the glorious capital of Hokkaido, Japan’s plentiful land of nature and abundance in the north. 

Sapporo doesn’t get as much shine as the more popular second cities like Kyoto or Osaka. But after a quick taste of northern air, you’ll soon realize that Sapporo is one of the most underrated destinations in Japan; one which you won’t mind going back to time and time again.

For a fun, unforgettable trip to Hokkaido, here are our seven favorite must-do’s in fabulous Sapporo!

 

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Did you know that almost all the top-tier seafood that are delivered and served throughout all of Japan comes from Hokkaido? Thus, you can only imagine the amazing quality of the fish at Sapporo’s very own Nijo Fish Market. While it’s relatively compact and low-key, the market sells products that are anything but. When you walk among the vendors at Nijo Fish Market, you’ll see gargantuan sizes of the freshest seafood of all types.

Ramen Yokocho, aka Ramen Alley, is one of Sapporo’s top destinations, for obvious reasons. This quaint indoor street houses 17 different ramen shops. Each is cozy and no bigger than a counter with a row of seats lined up alongside it. Every ramen-ya (shop) has its own unique style of broth, toppings, preparation and textures. So, you’ve got a lot of noodles to slurp when you’re here.

Sapporo is known as the birthplace of miso ramen so there are many varieties of rich miso broth at Ramen Yokocho. In Hokkaido, it’s typical to consume creamy butter in the ramen as well. We tucked into an ultra-comforting bowl of rich miso ramen at Yondaime Toraya Shokudo, and then ended up loving their flavorful curry ramen broth even more. Plus, their lace skirt dumplings were juicy and delicious (and cheap!)

Tokuichi Tomiya is one of the best-known shops in the alley, as it’s been churning out bowls of ramen for close to five decades. Its mackerel-infused Asahikawa-style ramen has multiple titles and awards, hence it remains as one of the must-tries for foodies from around the world. Haruka is another popular spot, known for its rock-n-roll vibe and creative ramen bowls (as well as the constant line out the door.) At Haruka you can indulge in ramen with fun twists like miso cheese ramen and garlic basil ramen. Plus, it even features a vegan option with deep flavor in the broth that’s not just an afterthought.

On the edges of the town sits one of Sapporo’s most enchanting and unique attractions: Shiroi Koibito Park. Shiroi Koibito was a chocolate factory which opened in Sapporo in the 1990’s. The brand is famous for churning out the most delicious wafer-thin cookies with white chocolate in the middle. In the present day, Shiroi Koibito has become more of a mini theme park where children and adults of all ages can be transported to the most charming European and Japanese-style confectionary.

The main attraction is the factory building itself where guests can pay to take a whirlwind tour all about chocolate. There are Disneyland-like visual projections, adorable animatronics, beautifully decorated dessert-themed rooms and you’ll even catch a glimpse into the actual chocolate factory which still produces the iconic name-brand cookies. Shiroi Koibito also consist of a café with sprawling city views, rose garden, chocolate-making classes, miniature town for kids, a mini railway and, of course, a mega-candy store where you can buy all the chocolate, cookies and candies you wish to take home.

Shiroi Koibito Park is the most unique and charming attraction in Sapporo that’s worth checking out if you want to immerse yourself in a sweet and magical Japanese-style European aesthetic.

Susukino is perhaps the best nightlife destination that Japan has to offer. Sapporo can seriously hold its own against Tokyo, considering how much more packed and convenient Susukino is compared to going out in the sprawling capital. Susukino is a glorious grid spanning multiple city blocks, in which every block is stacked to the sky with neon lights that beckon to all with an amazing time. Susukino is vertically stacked with every sort of entertainment you’ll ever need: bars, izakayas, restaurants, convenience stores, karaoke bars, arcades, pachinko parlors, the sizes of which run from hole-in-the-wall to multiplexes. There’s fun to be had in every corner at all hours of the day in Susukino.

Some of our favorite stops in Susukino included Bar Em, no doubt one of Sapporo’s top-notch cocktail bars. This dark, intimate yet buzzing space has an upbeat bartender who’ll whip up a flawless craft cocktail for you with a flourish. Letasu is a shabu shabu spot perfect for groups. The large restaurant has an amazing selection of tasty broths to dunk all the bountiful items from the killer all-you-can-eat menus.

After that, Susukino is your oyster. There’s no end to the number of karaoke rooms, hole-in-the-wall izakayas, every size and type of bar, arcades and game rooms. Exploring Susukino alone is worth making the journey out to Sapporo, so get ready to hit the town every night while you’re there.

Not only does Hokkaido provide the best fish in Japan. But this prefecture also produces the country’s best dairy products, and Hokkaido milk is the most famous among them for its unmatched flavor and quality. Hokkaido’s cool climate keeps its cows relaxed and happy, and this is apparently what gives Hokkaido milk its rich, creamy vanilla flavor. The best way to taste Hokkaido milk is in the form of delicious, ultra-creamy soft serve ice cream.

There are tons of little ice cream shops around Sapporo where you can pop in for a Hokkaido soft serve cone. The Soft Cream House in Pole Town hits the spot, as it serves premium ice cream by Cremia. Original, chocolate or swirl flavors are rich and creamy, it almost delivers a cheesy aftertaste. The best part: it comes in a heavenly Japanese wafer cone. Maruyamajerato No. 24 HACO Ten, aka Maruyama Gelato, is an artisanal shop which takes Hokkaido ice cream to the next level, with homemade flavors like mugwort, charcoal sesame and lychee grapefruit.

Not only is Sapporo great for nightlife, but it’s amazing for shopping too; specifically vintage shopping. The city is scattered with excellent vintage shops where you’ll find secondhand gems for truly bargain prices that you won’t believe.

One of the most popular stops is 2nd Street, located in the busy Tanukikoji shopping area. Unlike many vintage shops you’ve come to know, with clothes scattered in heaps of disorganization; Second Street is highly orderly and neatly categorized by items and even brands. You can come up on a Prada bag, Gucci suit or Moncler puffer coat at less than half of retail price. Second Street is the spot for streetwear heads and brand junkies to look for sweet luxury vintage finds and deals.

The Rag & Square down the street is another well-organized vintage shop with two floors of men and womenswear sold at highly affordable prices. You can also find lots of secondhand shops inside the PARCO shopping center nearby. If you come to Sapporo, definitely leave some space in your suitcase for all the shopping you’re about to do in the city’s affordable vintage boutiques!

Why yes, the legendary Sapporo beer is brewed in Sapporo. In fact, Hokkaido was the very first place where beer was brewed in Japan. You can learn all about Sapporo beer and the history of beer-making in Japan at Sapporo Beer Museum. The museum itself is housed in a gorgeous, old-world brick building converted from a sugar factory, to beer brewery, to the current beer museum. Inside, the interior is rather hipster and industrial-chic while you can stroll through the museum at your own pace. There are also opportunities to try exclusive brews like the original beer recipe from the brand’s beginnings in 1877.

For many visitors, the most exciting part is the beer garden located right next door. Housed in the same warm industrial interior with high beams and wood, the garden gives the look and vibe of a real German beer hall. There are multiple restaurants inside, many of which offer all-you-can-drink beer specials, and the must-try food item like: jingisukan, or mutton BBQ (which is some of the finest meat that Hokkaido has to offer.)