The city is renowned for its exceptional ramen, beer, and Japan's highly celebrated annual snow festival. Known as the Sapporo Snow Festival (Sapporo Yuki Matsuri), this event takes place over a week every February in the capital of Hokkaido, Japan's northernmost island. The main site is Odori Site in Odori Park, where prominent snow sculptures — some over 25 meters wide and 15 meters high — are displayed. Get a panoramic view from the Sapporo TV Tower at the park.

Sapporo is well known for its miso ramen. Sapporo ramen is known for its crinkle noodles, miso broth, bean sprouts, and onions. Explore diverse broths, including soy sauce, salt, and crab-infused options. Soup curry, an iconic Sapporo soul food, melds a light broth with lively spices. Its distinct taste blends natural veggie sweetness with robust flavors, often highlighting tender chicken, braised pork, or seafood. Do not miss jingisukan (lamb BBQ). This treat involves grilling mutton and veggies on a raised-mound grill. Local residents enjoy it indoors or outdoors while camping or admiring cherry blossoms. Try Hokkaido milk and its related products like cheese tarts and milk pudding. KINOTOYA BAKE Pole Town is one of the local dessert stores in the city.

The popular winter resort city is a metropolis enveloped by stunning nature. Take a stroll in Odori Park, a central green space adorned with fountains and sculptures. Experience panoramic views from Sapporo TV Tower's observation deck or hike Mount Moiwa for city vistas. Explore Moerenuma Park for art installations and walking trails. Unwind in Jozankei Onsen, indulging in healing hot spring waters. Visit the Historical Village of Hokkaido (Kaitaku-no Mura), which is an open-air museum. Explore Shiroi Koibito Park, which offers a factory tour, gardens, and a museum centered around the famous cookie! Essential for ramen lovers, Sapporo Ramen Yokocho houses 17 renowned miso ramen spots. Catch special events and half-price ramen deals in this lively alley. Discover Sapporo's history and savor tastings at the Sapporo Beer Museum. Dive into Susukino, an entertainment district buzzing with restaurants, bars, and nightlife options.

Sapporo has a North American-style rectangular street layout. You can efficiently move around using its compass-direction and numbered block system. This layout greatly facilitates Sapporo's efficient public transportation methods, including JR Buses, which your JR Pass covers. Additionally, three local subway lines and a tram line seamlessly connect to JR Sapporo Station.

Keep an eye out for Seicomart, Hokkaido's own convenience store chain. Discover Hokkaido-exclusive items like Sapporo Classic beer, Soft Katsugen lactobacillus drink, sake-toba salmon jerky, and Guarana, a cola-like chilled beverage. A 30-minute train ride away from JR Sapporo Station is Otaru, a city of music boxes. Aficionados flock to Otaru from all over Japan and the world. If you want to bring home some local snacks and gifts, Don Quijote is the place to go.