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Indulge in the artistic ambiance of Japan's northern city if you're an art enthusiast.
Weekend Getaway: Discovering the Art Scene in Sapporo, Japan
Sapporo, once the host of the 1972 Winter Olympics, is renowned for its vibrant winter festivals. Known as the 'Snow Capital,' this Hokkaido prefectural capital boasts a global beer brand and a blend of traditional and modern architecture. Surprisingly, it's also home to numerous parks and art galleries. Spend a weekend here to delve deeper into this intriguing destination with the itinerary below.
Strolling Through Life Park at 3 PM
Life Park resembles a meticulously sculpted masterpiece. Designed by Japanese American sculptor and landscape architect Isamu Noguchi, it opened in 2005 on what was once a landfill on the city outskirts. Featuring various installations, including a glass pyramid akin to the Louvre and a fountain plaza amidst lush lawns and towering mountains, the best way to appreciate its artworks is by renting a bicycle for around 100 yen per hour.
Savoring Chicken Delights at 7 PM
Q, an underground restaurant established in 2014, serves delectable grilled chicken and duck dishes for dinner. Beyond its imposing entrance, the expansive industrial walls house a serene space with a tranquil Zen garden. Once seated, indulge in skewers of grilled chicken, roasted duck leg, smoked duck breast, or salt-grilled options...
Beer Bash at 10 PM
Wrapping up the day with craft beers in Sapporo is a must. Head to Beer Bar North Island for a pint of stout or visit Taiyo Brewing, a new establishment with eye-catching wooden interiors, to witness the busy staff continuously pouring from over 10 beer taps. Pair your beer with specially crafted bites from the kitchen. Alternatively, you can opt for Provo, a three-story restaurant adorned with captivating graffiti art. Here, you can enjoy beer and live music until late into the night.
Saturday Itinerary
Outdoor Art Appreciation at 10 AM
Start your day at Sapporo Art Park, an entertainment hub for art enthusiasts. Here, you'll find specialized studios, sports facilities, exhibition spaces, seasonal festivals, and even a museum. The highlight is the outdoor Sculpture Garden, featuring over 70 artworks along its pathways. From Lee Ufan's minimalist metal sculptures to Gustav Vigeland's Nordic figures and Shigeo Fukuda's whimsical shadow puppets...
12:30 PM: Ramen Lunch
Menya Saimi Ramen Restaurant is the perfect spot for lunch. Expect to queue, but the delicious miso ramen bowls straight from the birthplace of ramen make it worthwhile. Nothing beats the perfect bowl of ramen with fragrant broth and fresh toppings like bamboo shoots, green vegetables, grilled pork...
2:30 PM: Strolling at the Port Area
If you're truly passionate about art, don't miss an afternoon stroll in the vicinity of Nijo Fish Market. Here, a three-story wooden house from the Taisho era has been transformed into a retail complex and modern library since 2014. The ground floor houses the Sapporo-famous Esther handwoven tapestries, special Hokkaido deer leather bags, or leggings with unique patterns... Then, head upstairs to Clark Gallery & Shift, a pristine white space showcasing contemporary art from local artists featured in a collaborative project with Shift online magazine.
4:00 PM: Light Snack
Visit Saturdays Chocolate Factory Café, where a quaint cafe and small boutique sit atop the building. Witness the chocolate-making process, purchase beautifully patterned bars, or simply indulge in their specialty frozen chocolates or a refreshing fruit juice.
5:30 PM: Explore Underground Art Galleries
Underneath Sapporo Odori subway station lies a 500-meter-long art exhibition space, occupying one-third of the corridor, protected by glass. Here, you'll find contemporary paintings and sculptures by young Japanese artists. Nearby, there's another exhibition space called CAI02, located next to a large dining area. Despite its small size, the gallery boasts unique works by sound artist Junichi Oguro.
7:00 PM: Seafood Dinner
Hokkaido is a seafood paradise, exemplified by Tempura Kobashi. Opt for one of the 9 seats at the L-shaped bar counter, an ideal spot in the restaurant. An Omakase-style meal (chef's choice) includes various grilled dishes, crispy fried shrimp heads, kisu fish fillets, and seasonal Hokkaido vegetables. A bowl of Sapporo's specialty, crab tempura rice, serves as the main course. Conclude your meal with vanilla ice cream and sweet potatoes for dessert.
9:00 PM: Embrace the Nightlife
Perhaps one of the must-visit spots to experience Sapporo's nightlife is Mount Moiwa, a small mountain southwest of the city. To reach here, visitors are taken to the station by gondola boats, then complete the journey by cable car. During the day, at the outdoor observation deck, you'll admire the majestic mountain ranges, while at dusk and when the city lights up, you'll witness sparkling lights stretching for kilometers, connecting all the way to the sea.
Sunday Itinerary
10:00 AM: Breakfast
Late breakfast at DxM, a spacious cafe on the second floor, east of Sapporo. A quality coffee from Morihiko Morihiko paired with sakura-flavored donuts make the perfect combination.
2:00 PM: Sports Time
What do you get at a golf and croquet field? Park golf, a sport born in Hokkaido in the 1980s and now widely popular, especially among retirees in Sapporo. If the weather doesn't cooperate, head to the Sapporo Winter Sports Museum, where you can fulfill your Olympic dreams with activities like real athletes. Entrance fee is 600 yen.
By Linh Charlie/Star
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Reference: Mytour Travel Guide
MytourAugust 18, 2017
