By HowToTrip Editorial Team
After enduring harsh cold and snow-covered landscapes, although the mountains remain snowy, the fresh greens of spring are already eagerly emerging on urban tree branches. Unlike the cities of Honshu, the development history of this northern land is relatively young and brief, so from the very beginning, cities were planned. The roads are wide and straight, and buildings from the Taisho and Meiji eras have been weathered into even more charming forms. The urban charm of the north awaits your discovery.
Spring trip to Hokkaido to enjoy the beautiful scenery of the northern land. (Image provided by HowToTrip Editorial Team)
Day 1 Sapporo – JR Tower → Sapporo Ramen Republic
JR Tower, integrated with JR Sapporo Station, is the tallest and most bustling building in Sapporo. In addition to shopping and dining, you can also enjoy a beautiful night view of Sapporo city from the T38 observatory.
The JR Tower, which took 25 years to complete, offers a 360-degree panoramic view of Sapporo city. (Image provided by HowToTrip Editorial Team)
Sapporo Ramen Republic can be called a museum of Hokkaido ramen, gathering eight of the most popular ramen shops from across Hokkaido. Whether it’s Sapporo miso flavor, Hakodate shio (salt) ramen, or Asahikawa soy sauce flavor, you can try them all in one go.
[Transportation]
New Chitose Airport → JR Sapporo Station: Take the JR Rapid Airport train from New Chitose Airport to JR Sapporo Station.
JR Sapporo Station → JR Tower: JR Tower is located inside the station.
JR Tower → Sapporo Ramen Republic: Sapporo Ramen Republic is located on the 10th floor of the ESTA department store next to the station.
[Accommodation]
Sapporo
The Sapporo Ramen Republic, located on the 10th floor of the ESTA department store next to JR Sapporo Station, has been crowded with visitors since its opening. (Image provided by HowToTrip Editorial Team)
Day 2 – Former Hokkaido Government Office Building → Hokkaido University Botanical Gardens → Odori Park → Sapporo Clock Tower
The Former Hokkaido Government Office Building, with its red-brick architecture, exudes a historical charm and is an important national cultural property. Inside, it houses many precious artifacts from the pioneering era, fully showcasing Hokkaido’s modern history.
The Former Hokkaido Government Building (Former Hokkaido Government Office Building), with its Neo-Baroque architectural style, is said to have been modeled after the Massachusetts State House in the United States at that time.
The Hokkaido University Botanical Gardens in downtown Sapporo still retain the appearance of the pioneering era with their towering trees. The vast grounds are home to over 4,000 plant species, including primeval forests, alpine plants, and a northern animal specimen room.
Odori Park, with its television tower, is Sapporo citizens’ main recreational space. The park features fountains, colorful flower beds, and artistic statues. The boiled corn sold by nearby stalls is also a popular favorite.
Odori Park is a greenbelt-style park, perfect for leisurely strolls, lounging on the grass, or sitting on benches to enjoy the fountains. (Image provided by HowToTrip Editorial Team)