The Sapporo Clock tower was built in 1878 as a demonstration hall for the Sapporo Agricultural School, the predecessor of Hokkaido University. The tower had no clock at that time, but one was added three years later to mark the beginning and the end of classes. This is a good spot to visit and with good access.

Directly opposite the Sapporo Clock Tower, you will see the bule signboard of “Yukijirushi Parlor Honten.” In addition to their traditional ice cream made following an original recipe, you can enjoy seasonal parfaits and cakes. You can also find many souvenirs in the shop.

It takes about 5 minutes on foot from Yukijirushi Parlor Honten to reach the “Former Hokkaido Government Building.” The building was nicknamed “Red Brick Building,” and it was functional for 80 years since 1888 until a new Government Building was erected.

It’s one of the touristic spots that, like the Clock Tower, represents Sapporo. The building is surrounded by beautiful flowers that bloom in every season, and there is a pond that creates a perfect urban oasis.

Take the subway Tozai Line from Odori Station and get off at Miyanosawa Station, the last stop. About 8 minutes on foot from there, you will find the “Shiroi Koibito Park” (The white lover park).

Here you can take a tour in the production line of the classic Hokkaido souvenir “Shiroi Koibito,” a popular chocolate snack, and learn the history of this chocolate while experiencing its production. In the garden, decorated by colorful flowers, you can see a “Karakuri doll Show,” held every hour, with representations of animals from the northern part of the country.

Finally, have lunch at “Café Restaurant Antwerp,” in the park. This eatery is famous for its original curry.

Take the Tozai Line from Odori Subway Station and get off at Maruyama Koen Station. Go through the torii gate, and head to “Hokkaido Jingu.” Immerse yourself in the mystic and mysterious atmosphere of this temple. Hokkaido Shrine is believed to be the place to go to wish for happy marriages, business prosperity, travel safety, and more, and many people go to visit and worship the shrine every year.

Take a break at Rokkatei Jingu Chaya by the shrine and try the “Hangan-sama” (The Judge), sold only in this store. It’s a delicious confection made by wrapping red bean paste with buckwheat flour mochi.

Take the bus from Maruyama Park Bus Terminal and reach Okurayama Observation Deck in about 20 minutes. This facility was the jumping platform of the 1972 Sapporo Winter Olympics, and it’s still used for a variety of international competitions.

You can use the elevator to reach the observation deck, from which you can overlook the city of Sapporo, and the Ishikari Valley and Bay from an altitude of 307 meters. From the end of July to the end of September, the escalator is open at night as well.

The Sapporo Olympic Museum is located on the premises. In addition to exhibiting the history of winter sports and valuable items, it allows you to experience first-hand various thrilling Olympic disciplines through a simulator.

Return to Sapporo Clock tower from Okurayama for dinner at “Kerapirika,” a restaurant with an Ainu name, meaning “delicious.” Aki Imahiro, of Ainu descent, told us that he “wants many people to enjoy Ainu home cooking.”

Ainu people were farmers and used salmon and deer meat they would procure from fishing and hunting, along with wild plants picked in the mountains. At Kerapirika, they use these very ingredients, and the restaurant also offers occasional live shows tied to Ainu culture.

Enjoying a parfait after having some drinks is the way of the Imadoki. “Parfaiteria Pal” is a bar where you can drink and have parfait. A perfect way to end your day.

The east side of Odori Park crossed by Sosei River is called “Soseigawa East,” where Nijo Market is. The market is open from early morning and it sells a variety of fresh produce from fish to fruit and vegetables. Make sure you have breakfast Japanese style with a luxurious seafood bowl.

Take the Tozai Line from Odori Station, get off at Shin-Sapporo Station (About 20 minutes), then change to the JR bus to reach the “Hokkaido Historical Village” (Hokkaido Kaita Kunomura), 20 minutes later.

The village relocated or re-created 52 buildings from around Hokkaido, built from the Meiji era to the early Showa era on a site of approximately 54 hectares. You can also participate in games and learn traditional skills from those days.

In the immediate vicinity, you will find the Hokkaido Museum, which displays valuable items from the pioneering era and of the Ainu culture. The exhibits change periodically, allowing you to have a unique experience every time you visit.

Return to Shin Sapporo Station for lunch. Soy Sauce Honten (Syouyuya Honten), located in the commercial complex Sanpiaza, next to the station, offers ramen that preserved the flavor of that created in the coal mining towns of Hokkaido in the 1950s.

The shop prepares a custom soup made with vegetables, chicken, and pork stocks. Everyone in Japan can’t help but feel nostalgic when savoring this traditional flavor.

Take the train from JR Shin-Sapporo Station, and get off at Naeho Station after a 10-minute ride. From there take the bus that will take you to Moerenuma Park in about 25 minutes.

The park was designed by sculptor Isamu Noguchi, who attempted to make it like a single sculpture. The park makes extensive use of geometric forms and mounds, playgrounds, fountains, creating a beautiful mix of art and nature.

Return to Naeho Station and walk to the Sapporo Beer Museum. In 1876, the old government erected a beer brewery in Sapporo, Hokkaido. This is where the history of Sapporo Beer begins. Later on, the production was shifted to the Hokkaido Factory (Eniwa City), and this site became a commercial facility.

Here, there are displays of the company's history, as well as of the beer production. You can sample limited beer selections by joining a tour (500 yen). Enjoy a fresh beer, and dinner in the beer garden.

From Naeho Station to Sapporo Station, transfer to the Airport Express and head to New Chitose Airport. The view from the car windows will be a great conclusion for your 2-day experience.

Sapporo is a city where metropolis and nature live in harmony. Many people come multiple times because of the beauty of the city. Come and visit Sapporo in different seasons to rediscover the city in every trip. Check out the video below for ideas on what else you can see in Sapporo!

Text by: Minna no Kotobasha