If you love beer (and who doesn’t occasionally on a rugby tour?), exploring and history then Sapporo will offer something for everyone during Rugby World Cup 2019.
There is plenty to see and do, it’s fantastic for foodie loving fans on an adventure and small enough to explore easily.
Our events team has recently returned from Sapporo and have put together their top 10 things to see and do. You won’t be disappointed.
Moerenuma Park
Moerenuma Park is filled with impressive man-made features that give visitors a unique experience as they explore. The grounds are covered in attractive green space and there are massive, dramatic features that make the park a unique place. Instead of picturing yourself in a park, you should probably think of yourself as being inside a huge sculpture piece.
The park owes its bold design to the renowned Japanese American sculptor Isamu Noguchi. Noguchi passed away shortly after his plans were completed, but his designs were carried out and the park was opened to the public in 2005.
Number 9 - Hokkaido Shrine
Hokkaido’s most important shrine is in Sapporo. It was built in the mid-19th century, so it’s not that old, but it was built to enshrine the guardian deity watching over the cultivation of Hokkaido, so it has a great history. Usually plum blossoms and cherry blossoms bloom separately, with about a month or longer between the two, but here they bloom at the same time. It’s 15 minutes from Maruyama Koen Station, and only a minute from the closest bus stop so it’s well worth a visit on your Rugby World Cup 2019 adventure.
Number 8 - Odori Park
Odori Park separates Sapporo into north and south. Lined with trees, the park has a large, fragrant rose garden on the west side, fountains throughout the middle and interesting statues scattered around. If all that walking works up an appetite, don't miss the small stalls that sell two of Hokkaido's specialties – grilled corn on the cob and hot, buttery potatoes.
Number 7 - Historical Village of Hokkaido
This is a facility where you can experience the lifestyle and culture of Hokkaido pioneers 150 years ago. It’s a village completely recreated as it was during the pioneer era, including the buildings and the roads meant for horse-drawn carriages, so you’ll feel as though you’ve leapt back in time.
The restaurants even offer food from the time period.
Number 6 - Jozankei
Jozankei is a legendary place for kappa, a mythological river creature, and is one of the most popular hot spring areas in Hokkaido. You can enjoy activities like canoeing and rafting as well as the beautiful autumn foliage, which means this is a great excursion opportunity.
There are plenty of lodging facilities complete with hot spring baths that you can enjoy on a day-trip. It’s about an hour away from the centre of Sapporo, but you can go without a car, so why not check it out.
Number 5 - Sapporo Crab Market
Hokkaido is known for seafood, and you can enjoy delicious seafood in Sapporo – so this is a great chance to soak up a great culture. There are plenty of restaurants in this market where you can enjoy Hokkaido specialties, starting with meals like sushi, kaisendon (a bowl of rice topped with plenty of seafood), and ramen.
Number 4 - Sapporo TV Tower
Gaze out upon Sapporo from the Sapporo TV Tower. The 147.2m tall Sapporo TV Tower looks like a miniature Tokyo Tower. The observation deck, at 90m, has a great view of Sapporo - it faces the straight view of Odori Park and the city with a backdrop of the mountains and, if you’re lucky, you can see the ocean as well. The recommended time to go is from sundown to the evening. You can enjoy the sun sinking beneath the horizon and the night scenery at the same time.
Number 3 - Sapporo Beer Museum
The Sapporo Beer Museum is a great place to get an introduction on Japanese beer and how it’s created. Emma, one of our Event Co-ordinators, said “we went on the Premier Tour of the Sapporo Beer Museum. Not only was it interesting and informative, you also get the chance to sample two glasses of draft beer – what’s not to like. It’s going to be a real hit with rugby lovers, that’s for sure.”
Number 2 - Okurayama Ski Jump
If you’re after the best views of the city imaginable, then find yourself at the Okurayama Ski Jump Observatory. The Ski Jump was used for the 1972 Sapporo Winter Olympics (Asia’s first ever Winter Olympics) and is still used for Ski Jumping events today. After a short chairlift up to the top of the jump, the viewing lounge offers picturesque views of the city below, a perfect opportunity to take a snap!
If you want to take it to the next level and really feel like an Olympic athlete, then why not stop off at the Sapporo Olympic Museum. Not only does it give you an in depth insight into the history of the Winter Olympics in Japan, but it has amazing simulation games for sports such as Ice Hockey and the Ski Jump itself!
Number 1 - Mount Moiwa
Stuart from our Operations Team would recommend Mount Moiwa
“The night view from Mount Moiwa is an ideal spot for viewing the mountain’s stunning forest and the Sapporo city scape. It really is a stunning view and at night it’s so beautiful that its as if time stands still. It’s simple to access too as you can hop on the ropeway and Mo-risu car (like a mini cable car).
You are on holiday after all, so why not!