Sapporo
Sapporo is the capital of Japan’s northern island, Hokkaido. From autumn to spring the city and its surroundings are under snow. Around the world, it’s perhaps best known for its silver-canned beer and the Snow Festival in February.
I had a brief visit to Sapporo before heading back to Tokyo for the journey home. The amazing views over the city on the way up to the Moiwa Sancho Station and the bright and spacious underground shopping centres left the biggest impressions. As things freeze up in Sapporo in the winter, the underground pedestrian city must be a godsend.
The glimpse of Hokkaido visiting Hakodate, Otaru and Sapporo have left me inspired to want to return to explore further. The views from those cities and the train journeys between them – over countryside, up mountains and across lakes – show a pristine island with much to offer. And then there’s the added bonus of a cool and comfortable summer climate!
