Sapporo, Japan: More Than Just Beer, Noodles and Laughing Yakuza?

Once upon a time, I read that Sapporo, Japan`s youngest major city, was "lively".

Spacious? Yes.

Cold in winter? Yes.

Had Yakuza in a black sedan laughing at a tall white guy riding a 50cc Scooter through the city in the pouring rain?

Yep. (It`s a long story)

Quote, unquote, lively? hmmmm not really.

Or maybe that`s just me.

However, that isn`t to say that it`s boring.

The capital of Hokkaido prefecture, it is Japan`s fifth largest city with a population of almost 1.9 million. Its layout is based on a North American style grid pattern making it quite easy to get around.

This comes as good news for those looking for some famed Sapporo Beer or ramen noodles.

Sapporo`s entertainment district Susukino is the largest north of Tokyo, making it the place to go if you are looking to eat and drink the night away..... on the weekends. Through the week it tends to be fairly quiet.

One thing the city is famous for is its festivals, most notably the Sapporo Snow Festival. It also has some great festivals in summer too (Odori Park).

In any case Sapporo makes for a good jump point to other sites or activities on the island.
See Also:
Susukino
Sapporo Snow Festival
Odori Park

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