The bright lights of Sapporo (Allsport).

Overview:

Sapporo is best known for its Snow Festival and is the capital of Hokkaido, the northernmost of the four main islands of Japan.

Hokkaido was a frontier of Japan 130 years ago when the country began to modernize and Sapporo was created as the base for developing the area. Since then it has grown into a modern metropolis, one of Japan's largest with a population of 1.8 million.

The city has a myriad of statues, greenery and a unique atmosphere. The gateway city has bounties of nature – fresh food everywhere, hot springs and ski areas in the suburbs. It has the complete facilities for any traveller.

Places To Visit:

Odori Park: Situated in central Sapporo this park is the venue for the Snow Festival and has the Sapporo TV tower soaring at the eastern end of its circumference. A place to be to relax away from life's hassles with plants and flowers serving as an oasis for residents and tourists alike.

Clock Tower Bulding: Built in 1878 as a military exercise hall, this is a symbol of Sapporo and evokes memories of times gone by. Former Main Office of Hokkaido Prefectural Government: A beautiful red-brick building and another monument to the early times of the city. It houses the prefectural archives with a collection of historical materials and documents.

Hokkaido University Botanical Gardens: Despite being located in the centre of the city, the spacious gardens retain some virgin forest seen before Hoakkaido was cultivated. Two museums, one decidated to the Ainu, their lifestyle and culture, and the other a collection of zoological and archelogical materials peculiar to Hokkaido, are found here.

Hokkaido University: An extensive campus is dotted with historic structures and its poplar and ginkgo-lined avenues are one of the scenic highlights of the city.

Nijo Market: Some 60 shops, each full of fresh seafood, are clustered into the liveliest market in the city which attracts local residents and tourists.

Accommodation:

A wide range of hotels/lodgings are available in downtown Sapporo, from the very affordable to the luxurious. In the Susinkino district there are hotels with their own hot spring baths. Jozankei in the suburbs is recommended for those interested in staying at a hot spring resort.

Where To Eat:

Susukino: The district is famous nationwide as the centre of Sapporo's nightlife, the largest of its kind north of Tokyo.

Tanuki-koji: Located to the south of Odori Park in the hart of Sapporo, Tanuki-koji is an all-weather arcade popular for dining and shopping.

Local delicacies: Ramen noodles, Genghis Khan barbecue (lamb, vegetables), sushu, crab dishes, Ishikari-nabe, one-pot stew (salmon, vegetables, tofu), Sampei-jiru one-pot stew (herring, cod, vegetables), dairy products, corn.

How To Get There

By Air: 1hr 30 min from Haneda Airport (Tokyo) to Shin-Chitose Airport (over 40 flights daily). From the airport to downtown Sapporo, Japan Railways (JR) rapid train service (36 mins) or airport shuttle service (1hr 15mins) is available. From the airport to the World Cup stadium, approx 40 min by shuttle bus to the Fukuzumi subway station and then 10min on foot.

By Rail: JR's express sleeper trains are operated on the Tokyo (Ueno Sta.) – Sapporo sectors.

From Sapporo Station: to the World Cup stadium approximately 11min by subway on the Toho Line to Fukuzumi Stn. Then a 10min walk. Or approx 30min by taxi from Sapporo Station.