Embark on a Memorable Hokkaido Vacation
The Sapporo Grand Hotel is conveniently located near the JR Sapporo Station and subway. A seven-minute walk from JR Sapporo Station and a five-minute walk from Odori Station on the subway line, the ideal Hokkaido vacation starts and ends at our luxury hotel. Thirty-six minutes by the 'AIRPORT' rapid train on the JR Line to JR Sapporo Station or 70 minutes from Chitose Airport to our hotel by Airport bus.
Luxe Top 10 Things to do in Sapporo
Sapporo Clock Tower
The development of Sapporo as the capital of Hokkaido began in 1869, with the help of many foreign experts, engineers and educators. "The Clock Tower" was built in 1878 and is therefore regarded as both a historical and cultural symbol of Sapporo. The Clock Tower was originally called "Embujo" - meaning a 'military drill hall' - and served as a drill hall for the Sapporo Agricultural College (currently Hokkaido University), which was the first institution for Agricultural Studies in Japan. Dr. William S. Clark, President of Massachusetts Agricultural College (MAC), was invited as the first vice-president of the Sapporo Agricultural College. During his tenure, he designed the curriculum with military training, similar to that of MAC. Professor William Wheeler took over after Dr. Clark and planned to build a military drill hall, which was later called the Clock Tower. It is said that Governor Kiyotaka Kuroda of the Hokkaido Development Commission proposed renovating the tower by installing a large clock, which was manufactured and purchased from the E. Howard Watch & Clock Co. of Boston, Massachusetts. The construction of this new addition was completed in 1881. The simple and practical features of the Clock Tower's wooden structure are typical of American houses found in the Midwest and West during its expansion. Rooms on the first floor were used as laboratories, lecture rooms, and exhibition space for zoological, botanical, and mineralogical specimens. The second floor was used for physical education training as well as a ceremony hall. The Clock Tower was designated as a National Important Cultural Property in 1970 and is now a museum that is also used for various cultural activities. The Clock Tower continues to serve as a historical landmark, telling stories of early days in Sapporo.
Sapporo Beer Garden
Built in 1890, Akarenga Red Brickserves as the predecessor and symbol of the Sapporo Beer garden.Remodeled and opened as a restaurant in 1996, the Sapporo Beer Garden has a history that streches back approximately one hundred years, spanning the Meiji to Tisho, Showa and Heisei Eras.Pople have always loved the Sapporo Beer Garden - transcending time, generations and national boundaries.
Sapporo Odori Park and Sapporo TV Tower
Odori Park, originally laid out as the fire-break, divides the city center into the north-south, stretching about 1.5 km, covering 12 blocks. The observatory of "Sapporo Television Tower, " built at the entrance of the beautiful Odori Park, is an outstanding tourist facility for seasonal events like the Sapporo snow festival, white illuminations, a lilac festival and Solon festival, flower bed contest and fireworks display.
Mt. Okura and Winter Sports Meseum
From the modern ski jump facility the view stretches away to the distant horizon where you can see the merging of sky and land. Over both winter and summer, top international ski jumpers compete here in world - class events. To commemorate the Sapporo Winter Olympics, the Sapporo Winter Sports museum was established. There you can experience the thrill of winter sports through various simulations. The museum has become known as a place to combine the enjoyment of sightseeing and sports.
Asahiyama Zoo
To provide an environment where each species can use their abilities and a space where each animal can relax.
Jozankei Hot Spring
It is only an hour drive from Sapporo Station. MIIZUMI JYOZAN discovered a spa in the JYOZANKEI area in 1866.After settling down, he went on to develop the area and spa turning it into a "health resort" with special attention made on preserving its natural beauty and splendor.Due to the wondrous healing effects of the water, the area became famous and today attracts visitors from all parts of Japan. JYOZANKEI is blessed with picturesque views of the nearby ravine and mountains. With many festivals held throughout the year, two festivals which have proved popular with tourists are the "KAPPA FESTVAL," held during the beginning of August and the "MOMIJI CHAKAI FESTVAL," held during the biginning of October.
Sapporo Nijo Fish Market
Located near the center of Sapporo. Made up of over 50 shops and luncheonettes dealing in fresh seafood, meat, vegetables, fruits, dried or preserved food and stuff for souvenirs. For enjoying meals, there are good places for sushi, or domburi, a bowl of rice with different kinds of seafood on as its topping. Many come here to get crabs, tuna, salmon or food of the season. The sellers are kind enough to give you some for tasting.
Otaru
Otaru is worth visiting for its beauty, good food and a lot of attractive places in every season. From olden days, when they sailed trading boats from Honshu-mainland to Hokkaido, this city played important roles as the center of trade or commerce, not to mention fishery in Hokkaido. If you try walking on the main streets, you find the city different from other places, with many historic forms of architecture, both charming and nostalgic.You also feel satisfied at the good quality of seafood, fresh from the Sea of Japan. Sushi might be the most popular food for tourists , besides, in other places ,they serve you various kinds of good food such as noodles, western or Chinese dishes and sweets. As this city was thriving from fishing for centuries, the most famous landmark here is Otaru Canal where they used to carry the fish from the ocean to the land by sailing the tugboats.You also find the old remnant of the major industry of Otaru, many glass-ware shops. As they used to make a lot of glass buoys and lamps for fishing, they had many glass-ware factories where theyve come to make various kinds of products to attract the visitors as days went by.You can also enjoy looking at the beautiful glass-ware from Italy in Venetian Glass Ware Museum.
Furano
Furano, located in central Hokkaido, Japan, is blessed with four amazing seasons, breathtakingly beautiful nature and the best powder snow in Japan. For 3 seasons of the year, the vibrant colors of Furanos flowers, along with the rivers and the mountains, create a magical atmosphere which must be experienced to be believed. In winter, Furano enjoys 8 meters of the lightest and dryest powder in Hokkaido. Cultural and entertainment activities, great sightseeing, delicious restaurants, fun bars and the warmest people you are ever likely to come across. Furano is a fantastic small town with a great world class ski area; it is not a ski resort with a small town. The mountains and the snow, the flowers and the rivers, the volcano and the adventure, the agricultural products which go to make the amazing food and wine and the culture and art make this one of the most popular tourism destinations for Japanese and international guests alike. A little effort can go a long way in Furano with magical experiences just around the corner, a new friend on a lift, a great bar tucked behind a rice paper door, an unexpected afternoon sitting and chatting away to a new friend at a melon stand beside the road. Furano is a magical little town.
Ski,Snow Board
There are a number of ski resorts suitable for a day trip from Sapporo. Rusutsu Resort, Kokusai Ski Resert, Kiroro Resort, etc.