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Cover Takinami Donburi (Photo: Chuan.dak/Instagram)

The largest city in Hokkaido has a plethora of things to do from hiking trails and ski slopes to huge shopping malls and delectable food

Take a trip to the northernmost part of Japan and find Sapporo, the capital of Hokkaido famed for its ski slopes, snow festival and beer. Alongside its culture, art and ski slopes, find its vibrant food scene, with mouth-watering offerings ranging from casual eats to speciality restaurants.

From hiking trails and ski slopes to huge shopping malls and museums, there is always something to do here—regardless of the season. So, head out and explore. Then, when you get hungry, walk along the streets of Sapporo and dig into some of the city’s most indulgent offerings.

Whether you enjoy fresh seafood, a piping hot bowl of ramen or a hearty rice bowl, there is something for every palate. Here are some of the city’s best eats.

In case you missed it: A food lover’s guide to Hakuba, Japan

1. Start your day with a meal at Daiichi Kaisenmaru in Nijo Market

There’s no better way to start the day than by savouring some of Sapporo’s freshest produce at Nijo Market. There are plenty of restaurants to pick from, each offering fresh fish and seafood. Daiichi Kaisenmaru is known for its kaisendon (seafood bowl). Each bowl comes topped with fresh ingredients brought straight from the fishing port. Try the unidon, a rice bowl topped with creamy sea urchins.  

2. Visit the Sapporo Beer Museum

Learn more about the history of the oldest and most popular beer brand in Japan at the Sapporo Beer Museum. Walk through the various exhibitions showing its history, beer-making processes, and old-school Japanese beer ads. End the trip off with a beer tasting, where you will get to sip on multiple versions of the Sapporo beer.  

3. Take a break from shopping and dine at Tokachi Butadon Ippin

Located close to Sports Depo is Tokachi Butadon Ippin, a butadon (pork bowl) restaurant from Obihiro, Hokkaido. Each bowl comes brimming with thick and juicy slices of pork caramelised in soy sauce and grilled over charcoal until smoky and fragrant. Personalise your bowl by choosing the pork’s leanness, its size, and the amount of sauce. Bowls are also accompanied by pickles and miso soup.

Read more: Editors’ Picks: The best ramen joints in Singapore

4. Try Sapporo soup curry at Soup Curry Garaku

An iconic soul food in Sapporo, soup curry is a hearty dish comprising smooth and soup-like curry packed with aromatic spices, vegetables and meat. At Garaku, choose from a selection of soup curries such as chicken, pork, vegetable and mushroom. The softly braised pork belly soup curry is a must-try, comprising fork-tender pork belly and vegetables bathed in a rich and aromatic stew-like curry. Each bowl is also accompanied by a bowl of Japanese butter rice.

5. Take a day trip to Otaru and savour fresh seafood at Takinami Donburi Restaurant

Head northwest of Sapporo and find Otaru, a port city known for its glassworks, music boxes and fresh seafood. Walk by the Otaru canal and learn more about the city’s historical buildings. When you feel peckish, visit the Otaru triangle market for a meal. While an array of restaurants are available for you to choose from, Takinami Donburi Restaurant stands out for its Wagamama bowl. The customisable bowl sees a bed of fluffy Japanese rice generously topped with fresh seafood of your choice.

6. Visit Mount Moiwa and dine with a view at The Jewels Restaurant

Hike up Mount Moiwa and be rewarded with spectacular views of the city and a delectable meal. Located right on top of the mountain, The Jewels Restaurant offers casual French fare. Visit in the evening and indulge in the Jewels set menu, featuring dishes such as the pot-roasted lobster and seabream glazed in a bouillabaisse sauce. While dining, don’t forget to take in the breathtaking view of the city.

If you’re not one for hiking, ropeway services up the mountain are also available. Check out their website before visiting, to ensure that it is operating on that day.

7. Visit the Ramen Alley and have a bowl of noodles at Sapporo Ramen Haruka

Ramen fans will revel at Ganso Sapporo Ramen Yokocho. Better known as Ramen Alley, this famous street is home to a plethora of ramen joints that open late into the night. If you’re overwhelmed by the options, try Sapporo Ramen Haruka, a humble joint located at the start of the alley. The miso cheese ramen is a popular choice, featuring a mix of cheeses with earthy miso.  

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