Relax in the heart of Sapporo at one of the city’s international upper-scale hotels, the ANA Crowne Plaza Sapporo. Access is key as it is situated just a seven-minute walk from JR Sapporo Station’s south exit and easily walkable to the city’s famous attractions including Odori Park, Sapporo Clock Tower and the red-bricked Old Hokkaido Government Building. During poor weather, guests can use the underground subway passageway from the station to the hotel. Travelers coming in through New Chitose Airport can ask for shuttle bus pick up direct from the airport.
In addition to 412 comfortable rooms overlooking the city, the hotel also features 18 banquet halls, a 24-hour fitness center, a duty-free shop and six dining options including Sky Lounge Sapporo View. Sip on local whiskey and seasonal cocktails while listening to live music at this relaxing cocktail bar on the 26th floor.
During the winter, warm up with seasonal Hokkaido hot pot dishes like the traditional ishikari nabe, Hokkaido beef shabu shabu and king crab seafood hot pot. Courses start at ¥5,000 per person.
Fresh seasonal flavors from Hokkaido are served at Unkai, where you can also enjoy select sake, shochu, umeshu (plum wine) and beer.
You can’t leave Hokkaido without loading up on the north island’s famous seafood. Sit at the counter to watch chefs prepare the best the season has to offer and sample local sake.
Guests with a sweet tooth will be delighted to try Cafe Minamo’s holiday sweets buffet which features seasonal strawberries. Available January to May.
ANA Crowne Plaza Sapporo
7-minute walk from JR Sapporo Station South Exit
Kita 3-Jo 1-2-9 Nishi, Chuo-ku, Sapporo-shi, Hokkaido 060-0003
(0112) 221-4411
What to do in Sapporo
2020 Sapporo Snow Festival
Sapporo’s beloved festival is one of the most impressive ice sculpture festivals in the world. Enjoy the impressive sculptures featuring everything from famous monuments to Darth Vader.
When: Jan. 31 – Feb. 11
Where: Odori-koen, Sapporo, Hokkaido
Sapporo, which hosted the 1972 Sapporo Olympic Winter Games, has long been Hokkaido’s international hub. At the Okurayama Ski Jump Stadium, take the chair lift to the top of the hill for views of Sapporo and peer down the 90-meter ski jump. Feel like an Olympic athlete at the museum with their ski jump simulation games.
Mt. Moiwa is one of Sapporo area’s small, forested mountains. With easy access from Susukino—Sapporo’s night-life area—it makes for a great half-day trip. You can even view the city lights as the ropeway and cable car operate until 11 p.m.
Early birds can check out Hokkaido’s fresh fish and seafood at Sapporo’s version of Tsukiji Market—the lively Nijo Ichiba. Nearby are several sushi restaurants where you’ll find quality seafood for good value.
