Exploring the Enchanting Sights and Tastes of Sapporo: A Day Trip Through Hokkaido's Heart

Arrival in Sapporo: The Journey Begins

Waking up after a fulfilling day in Otaru, our adventure in Hokkaido continued with a 40-minute ride from Otarakuen to the bustling city of Sapporo. The first step in any journey, the act of checking into our hotel, felt like a breath of relief as we set our luggage aside, freeing ourselves from the weight of our belongings and readying ourselves for the day’s explorations. The hotel, situated conveniently near Hokkaido University, served as our base for the day, offering us a strategic location to begin our discoveries.

A Glimpse into History: The Seikatei Pavilion

A mere five-minute walk from our hotel led us to the Seikatei Pavilion, once part of a park known as “Kailakuen,” the first of its kind in Hokkaido. The pavilion, originally a VIP reception house within the park, welcomed Emperor Meiji during his visit to Hokkaido. Today, it stands as a free-to-enter historical site, showcasing its Japanese and Western-style rooms. The Western-style room houses a model of the Kailakuen from its heyday, offering a nostalgic glimpse into the past.

The Serenity of Seikatei Pavilion

Stepping into the Seikatei Pavilion, the lighting casts a warm glow over the Japanese-style room, imbuing the space with a serene atmosphere. The passage of time slows down within these walls, offering a tranquil respite from the hustle and bustle of the city outside. The building’s administrator, kind and hospitable, shared stories of his own travels to Taiwan and the mementos he keeps as reminders of his journey, adding a personal touch to our visit.

The Vastness of Hokkaido University

From the Seikatei Pavilion, we ventured into the expansive grounds of Hokkaido University. The campus, with its lush greenery and grand buildings, felt vast and impressive. The temperature, around 24 degrees Celsius in mid-June, provided a comfortable climate for our explorations. The university’s kitchen, now transformed into an office space, hinted at the many transformations the institution has undergone over the years.

A Taste of Hokkaido: Ice Cream Delights

Our first culinary encounter at Hokkaido University was a delightful surprise. The campus offered a variety of treats made from local agricultural products, including ice cream. The dairy used in these creations comes from the university’s very own farm, ensuring a fresh and authentic flavor. We indulged in a selection of Italian ice cream, savoring the creamy texture and the burst of flavors from Yoshi Orchard fruits and Hokkaido University fresh milk. A particular standout was the indigo fruit ice cream, with its unique and slightly tangy taste.

The Hokkaido University Museum: A Treasure Trove of Knowledge

A visit to the Hokkaido University General Museum was an enriching experience. The museum, with its well-stocked exhibitions and a souvenir shop, offered a glimpse into the university’s extensive collection of over three million specimens and academic materials. The displays, ranging from minerals found in Hokkaido to lifelike reproductions of prehistoric creatures, were both educational and captivating. The museum’s design, allowing for both study and leisure, showcased the university’s commitment to fostering knowledge and curiosity.

A Walk Through Time: Hokkaido University’s Historical Buildings

Amidst the greenery of the Sapporo campus, we encountered the “Furukawa Lecture Hall,” a tangible cultural property registered with Hokkaido University, a testament to the university’s rich history. The building’s architecture, with its grandeur and historical significance, offered a visual treat. Another architectural marvel was the building that once served as a classroom for entomology and sericulture, now transformed into a wine education and research center, showcasing the university’s evolution over time.

Savoring Local Flavors: A Meal Near Hokkaido University

Lunchtime brought us to a soup and curry shop near Hokkaido University, where we indulged in a variety of flavors. The menu, featuring three distinct soup bases—strong, gentle, and medicinal—allowed us to customize our meals. I opted for the beef tendon stew, a hearty choice with generous portions of vegetables, while my husband enjoyed the curry. The spiciness, perfectly balanced, added depth to the meal without overpowering the flavors.

A Scenic Stroll: From Hokkaido University to Susukino Station

Our post-lunch walk took us through the vibrant streets of Sapporo, leading us to Susukino Station. The journey from the serene campus to the bustling station was a contrast in atmospheres, highlighting the diverse experiences Sapporo offers. At Susukino Station, we boarded a bus, embarking on a two-stop ride back to Sapporo, where our next destination awaited.

JR Tower: A Panoramic View of Sapporo

In the heart of Sapporo, the JR Tower rose as a beacon, beckoning us to explore its observation deck. Located on the 38th floor of Stellar Place, the observation deck offered a breathtaking view of the city, especially as the sun began to set. The JR Tower, standing at 173 meters tall, provided a different perspective compared to the afternoon’s visit to the 147.2-meter-tall Sapporo TV Tower. The panoramic view, complemented by the vibrant street scene made with Lego, showcased the city’s charm from above.

A Taste of the Night: Refreshments at the Observation Deck

As night fell, we indulged in refreshments at the observation deck’s coffee shop. A glass of apple juice and cantaloupe soda, purchased for a total of 700 yen, served as a delightful way to end our day’s explorations. The evening’s ambiance, with the city lights illuminating the night sky, created a magical atmosphere, offering a serene end to our day in Sapporo.

Reflections and Goodbyes

As our day in Sapporo drew to a close, we returned to our hotel, tired yet fulfilled. The city, with its blend of history, culture, and culinary delights, offered a memorable experience. From the historical Tsinghua Pavilion to the towering JR Tower, each stop on our journey contributed to a rich tapestry of memories. As we rested, anticipating the adventures the next day would bring, we were grateful for the day spent in Sapporo, a city that had captured our hearts with its charms.

In conclusion, our day in Sapporo was a journey through time, history, and flavor. From the serene Tsinghua Pavilion to the vibrant streets of Tanukikoji and the panoramic views from the JR Tower, each moment was a discovery. Sapporo, with its rich cultural heritage and delightful culinary scene, proved to be a gem in Hokkaido, leaving us with memories to cherish and a longing to return. Until our next adventure, Sapporo, we say “sayonara,” with the promise of revisiting the stories and flavors that made our day unforgettable.