Sapporo, Japan -what to see, where to go?

I'm flying into Sapporo (from Osaka) as part of my round-the-world
trip, stay there for a few days, then fly down to Tokyo where I'll
continue my stay in Japan and travel around the country.

I've currently set up 3 full days in Sapporo, but can easily change
this with my airline office for free (as long as they have seats
available) by rebooking.


I haven't had the time to really plan my trip to Japan, and was hoping
that I could see sme of he countryside while there. But Sapporo is a
city, so I'm wondering how much effort/time is needed to see any more
than Sapporo itself while there?
Can I take daytrips, or will I need to move around and stay in
different places along the way?

I've found a nice hostel in Sapporo itself, and would probably be
easier if I wouldn't have to drag my backpack around (especially after
hearing that it's really hard to travel with big luggage in Japan).


Hallvard

Suggestions:

- Arrival (New Chitose Airport)
(http://www.new-chitose-airport.co.jp/english/)

- Sapporo (general) (http://www.global.city.sapporo.jp/)

- Hokkaido (general) (http://www.all-hokkaido.net/marugoto/english/)

- Day trip to Otaru (JR train) http://www.city.otaru.hokkaido.jp/

- Day trip or overnighter to one of either Noboribetsu (onsen area), Yubari
(countryside, famous for melons), Furano (lavender fields) or Lake Toya.
Hakodate is nice, but a bit too far for a day trip - definitely an
overnighter.

- Sapporo Beer Garden (http://www.sapporobeer.jp/english/guide/sapporo/)

- Sapporo Factory (http://www.sapporo-factory.co.jp/english/)

- Historic Buildings in Sapporo (eg: old Government House, clock tower etc)
(http://blog.aranami.net/photos/may2003/05070302_G and
http://blog.aranami.net/photos/may2003/05070303_G)

- Odori Park / TV Tower (http://www.tv-tower.co.jp/index_e.html)

- JR Tower Complex (Sapporo Station - mainly shopping)
(http://blog.aranami.net/photos/may2003/05070301_G)

- If you are looking for an electronic gadget, camera, PC, watch etc take a
peek in BIC Camera and Yodobashi Camera shops, within a few minutes walk of
JR Sapporo Station.Just ask for directions from the station.


"Hallvard Tangeraas" wrote in message
om...
I'm flying into Sapporo (from Osaka) as part of my round-the-world
trip, stay there for a few days, then fly down to Tokyo where I'll
continue my stay in Japan and travel around the country.

I've currently set up 3 full days in Sapporo, but can easily change
this with my airline office for free (as long as they have seats
available) by rebooking.


I haven't had the time to really plan my trip to Japan, and was hoping
that I could see sme of he countryside while there. But Sapporo is a
city, so I'm wondering how much effort/time is needed to see any more
than Sapporo itself while there?
Can I take daytrips, or will I need to move around and stay in
different places along the way?

I've found a nice hostel in Sapporo itself, and would probably be
easier if I wouldn't have to drag my backpack around (especially after
hearing that it's really hard to travel with big luggage in Japan).


Hallvard

If JR trains do not give you enough time to look around the countryside of
Hokkaido, keep in mind that there are commuter type flights available to
other locations within Hokkaido. From Sapporo, these flights generally do
not leave from the airport that you use to arrive in Sapporo (Chitose).
Chitose is quite a distance from Sapporo downtown anyhow. Commuter flights
leave from Okadama (OKD) airport in Sapporo City to regional airports within
Hokkaido. Might be totally out of the question with your short itinerary and
budget, but thought I would throw it in as an option. Both Hokkaido
Air-system Company (HAC, a subsidiary of the JAL group) and Air Nippon (ANK,
a subsidiary of the ANA group) fly out of Okadama.


"Hallvard Tangeraas" wrote in message
om...
I'm flying into Sapporo (from Osaka) as part of my round-the-world
trip, stay there for a few days, then fly down to Tokyo where I'll
continue my stay in Japan and travel around the country.

I've currently set up 3 full days in Sapporo, but can easily change
this with my airline office for free (as long as they have seats
available) by rebooking.


I haven't had the time to really plan my trip to Japan, and was hoping
that I could see sme of he countryside while there. But Sapporo is a
city, so I'm wondering how much effort/time is needed to see any more
than Sapporo itself while there?
Can I take daytrips, or will I need to move around and stay in
different places along the way?

I've found a nice hostel in Sapporo itself, and would probably be
easier if I wouldn't have to drag my backpack around (especially after
hearing that it's really hard to travel with big luggage in Japan).


Hallvard

"thegoons" wrote in message ...
Suggestions:

.......
Thanks for those links. I will try to check them out, but
unfortunately when travelling like this there is limited time to go on
the Internet, so it will only be a glance here and there.


- Day trip to Otaru (JR train) http://www.city.otaru.hokkaido.jp/

Sounds like a plan!


- Day trip or overnighter to one of either Noboribetsu (onsen area), Yubari
(countryside, famous for melons), Furano (lavender fields) or Lake Toya.
Hakodate is nice, but a bit too far for a day trip - definitely an
overnighter.

Sounds like there's a lot of nice places to visit in the region. I
would definitely love to talk some short and easy walks in the
countryside, so I can experience that side of Japan as well.
If I get the chance to change my itinerary for Sapporo (which I can,
as long as there are seats available on the plane) how long time would
suffice for a little stay up there, seeing a little of everything?
I currently have 3 full days before I fly out of Sapporo again. Is
that too short?

I guess I can do a lot of other "city" sort of things elsewhere, even
though I hear that Sapporo is a big city like Tokyo, but without all
the crowds, which sounds nice.


Hallvard
Hallvard

Suggest you stop into the visitor information centres at either Chitose
Airport or Sapporo Station upon arrival for advice, seeing that you have
little time to see links.


"Hallvard Tangeraas" wrote in message
om...
"thegoons" wrote in message
...
Suggestions:

......
Thanks for those links. I will try to check them out, but
unfortunately when travelling like this there is limited time to go on
the Internet, so it will only be a glance here and there.


- Day trip to Otaru (JR train) http://www.city.otaru.hokkaido.jp/

Sounds like a plan!


- Day trip or overnighter to one of either Noboribetsu (onsen area),
Yubari
(countryside, famous for melons), Furano (lavender fields) or Lake Toya.
Hakodate is nice, but a bit too far for a day trip - definitely an
overnighter.

Sounds like there's a lot of nice places to visit in the region. I
would definitely love to talk some short and easy walks in the
countryside, so I can experience that side of Japan as well.
If I get the chance to change my itinerary for Sapporo (which I can,
as long as there are seats available on the plane) how long time would
suffice for a little stay up there, seeing a little of everything?
I currently have 3 full days before I fly out of Sapporo again. Is
that too short?

I guess I can do a lot of other "city" sort of things elsewhere, even
though I hear that Sapporo is a big city like Tokyo, but without all
the crowds, which sounds nice.


Hallvard
Hallvard