Sapporo Addresses

Sapporo is the fifth-largest city in Japan by population and the capital of Hokkaidō Prefecture. Sapporo is best known outside Japan for hosting the 1972 Winter Olympics, the first ever held in Asia, and for the annual Yuki Matsuri in the city, internationally referred to as the Sapporo Snow Festival, which draws more than 2 million tourists from around the world.

English maps are usually accessible at every tourist office and is a must have to wander around this small city of northern Japan.


[[Hotel]]

Among the central hotels under 5,000 yen a night, some reference-able ones are:

• Hotel Gracery Sapporo
  [Rakuten] [TripAdvisor]
  Centrally located in front of the JR Train Station, the hotel is known locally by the elderly taxi drivers as the Sapporo Washington Hotel (its previous name). Rooms are small yet modern and clean. Nothing can beat the location and the hotel will give you everything you need for a short stay. The electronic check-out kiosk is a must try if you never did it before.
  
  
• Aspen Sapporo Hotel
  [Rakuten] [TripAdvisor]
  Another under the 5,000 yen a night per person hotel, centrally located but less modern than the Gracery. In case the previous hotel is full.
  
  
• Richmond Sapporo Ekimae
  [Rakuten] [TripAdvisor]
  Back-up plan if you cannot find a rooms in previous spots.
  

[[Restaurants]]
Sapporo is well known in Japan for its fresh Seafood (Hairy Crab, White Crab, Sushi, etc...), locally produced Beer and Ramen culinary expertise.

• Ebikanigassen (Ph: 011-210-0411)
  F45 Bldg.12F,S4,W5,Chuo-ku,Sapporo
  
  In this well established place which does more than 70 types of prawn and crab dishes, the view is nice overlooking the Susukino. “All-you-can-eat plan,” which is offered at reasonable prices is very popular among locals and tourists. “Ebikanigassen party course,” which is also substantial and reasonably priced is winning great popularity, even among local people.
  
  
• Kikuzushi (Ph: 011 511 9357)
  Minami 5 Nishi 3, Grand Taiyo Building, Sapporo, 064-0804 [TripAdvisor]
  
  This sushi restaurant has been in continuous operation since the Taisho period (1912-26), and it is considered to serve the some of freshest fish and seafood in the whole of Japan. The extremely reasonable priced Omakase (which will let the chef choose your meal) includes both miso soup and as much green tea as you can drink. Also renowned for its huge selection of Japanese sake, the restaurant always delivers on what is consider the best place to eat sushi in Japan.
  
  
• Sapporo Noodle Zero (Ph: 011-219-5200)
  Chuo-ku Minami 2, Nishi 1-chome, Sapporo (Tanuki Koji, 1-chome)
  5-min walking distance from South Station subway line 5
  
  
  Sapporo Noodle Zero Ramen Restaurant
  
  
  Sapporo has two main Ramen streets, the Ramen Alley and the New Ramen Alley to choose from. But a nice Ramen place called Noodle Zero lived up to its local recommendation. Before you sit, pay at the machine by push-button selecting the item you want, give the ticket to the waitress and wait a few minutes to have the bowl of hot noodle in front of you.
  

[[Drinks]]
Usually located around the Susukino district (Sapporo's version of Tokyo Ginza), bars are everywhere if you look for them. Sunday sees bars closing at midnight and only few places offer some late drinks.

• eight Ricefield cafe (Ph 011-531-4681)
  The place was one of the few that was open late at night serving food and drinks. An interesting concept at the time was the all-you-can-eat or all-you-can-drink for a limited amount of time (90 minutes usually). A great idea to load up on carbs or alcohol before going to the next step.
  

[[To Do]]
Sapporo is a walking city. Make sure you are located next to the train station for your shopping experience or at Susukino for your night life experience. If you are in one of these two spots the cab transfer between places will never go over 1,000 yen.

• Don't miss the annual, seven-day Sapporo Snow Festival that takes place in early February. Ice sculptures will be displayed around the city for your eyes' delight.
• Clock Tower, Former Hokkaido Government Building, Sapporo Dome, JR Tower and the Ski Jump are the must-stop tour guide references.
  
• But a much deserved long stop at the Sapporo Beer Museum will take you along the process of making beer from collecting flower to drinking a variety of flavors.
  
• Susukino night life.
• More information, and some more information as well.
  

[[Transfer]]

• The best way to get to/from New Chitose Airport is by train. It's cheaper, faster and always on time. The map gives you an easy point of reference for future transfers to the Sapporo Train Station.