Sapporo 札幌
The ‘big smoke’ & capital
Japan’s 5th largest city and the capital of Hokkaidō, Sapporo was only developed from the Meiji period (from 1868) and, unlike most Japanese cities, was based on foreign city designs with a rectangular street system.
The city hit world headlines when it hosted the 1972 Winter Olympic Games – and is renown throughout Japan for its ramen, beer and Yuki Matsuri (Snow Festival) held annually in February.
Pulsating Susukino, the city’s entertainment district is a must - don’t miss Ramen Yokochō, a famous alleyway crammed with ramen shops.
If you’ve got this far, chances are you’ve downed a Sapporo beer or two. Check out the Sapporo Beer Museum & Beer Garden.