Sapporo-shi is the principal city on the northernmost of Japan’s four islands, Hokkaido. It’s very near the Ishikari Bay in the Sea of Japan. Sapporo-shi is famous for its snowy winters, celebrated during the annual Sapporo Snow Festival. It’s also a particularly modern city, even by Japanese standards. Visitors booking hotels in Sapporo-shi enjoy its local delicacies sold at the famous Nijō Ichiba market and its many restaurants.
What sets Sapporo-shi apart from Japan’s other cities?
Sapporo-shi is a very new city, having been developed into an organised settlement in the mid-19th century. This makes it unique for a major Japanese town, and also means that it contains a vast wealth of modern sights. These include its TV Tower, which could be mistaken for the Eiffel Tower, and its magnificently-designed Concert Hall. Hotels in Sapporo-shi's downtown core are flanked by beautiful tree-lined avenues and the city's main businesses.
Where are the business hubs in town?
The Sapporo Convention Centre is located next to the Higashisapporo Park, and is the city’s main venue for business forums, with many Sappor-shi hotels nearby. It’s a large complex with several halls and meeting rooms. It’s also specially equipped with interpreter booths for international conferences. The city’s coastal location makes it an important trading port for the island’s manufacturing output. In particular, heavy industry, including metals and paper as well as food processing, are key sectors in the city’s economy. Hokkaido seafood is widely regarded as among the best in Asia, and is often sought after in many types of high-end cuisine.
What else should I look out for when booking a hotel in Sapporo-shi?
A hotel in Sapporo-shi is great at any time of year. In warmer months, its many parks and tree-lined streets are a delight. In winter, it’s blanketed in snow and hosts several famous festivals. As well as admiring the scenery, you can head to nearby Mt Teine, a fantastic ski resort. Being a modern city, Sapporo-shi has been built with ease of transport in mind, and is great seen by bicycle. Companies including Porocle offer cycling tours, so head on out from your hotel to Sapporo-shi’s main attractions. When dining after work, be sure to try the local speciality, hairy crab. This prized dish is served in traditional restaurants including Kani Honke, very near the Hokkaido government office downtown.