&Top Attractions Near Sapporo: From Aquariums to Scenic Hilltop Views
Sapporo, a large city, has many attractive spots to make you forget the hustle and bustle of the city. Based at Sapporo Station, the sightseeing spots that can be reached in a short time are filled with diverse culture and nature, including aquariums, museums, shrines, and observatories. These spots not only offer a deep sense of Hokkaido’s unique characteristics, but are also popular areas loved by locals. In this issue, we will introduce in detail the sightseeing spots in and around Sapporo that are brimming with such attractions.
The attraction of the urban “Sunpiazza Aquarium” directly connected to the station
Escape the bustle of the city and interact with water creatures. Why don’t you spend such a moment in Sapporo? The Sunpiazza Aquarium, located about 12 minutes by train from Sapporo Station, is a place that will make your wish come true. As an aquarium nestled in the city, it is visited by many tourists and locals.
Especially popular is the large aquarium tank. In this tank, visitors can enjoy the elegant swimming of colorful fish. The sight is somewhat elegant and provides great comfort to visitors. And what you should not miss here are the cute chin sea eels. You can’t help but smile when you see their faces peeking out of their tanks and moving about.
The atmosphere is so quiet and peaceful that it is hard to believe that it is in the middle of the city. Combined with its easy accessibility, it is the perfect spot to visit on a whim. It is especially recommended for those who mainly travel by train.
Hokkaido Museum
The Hokkaido Museum is a place that will tickle your appetite for knowledge. Located just a short distance from Sapporo Station, the museum offers visitors a chance to experience Hokkaido’s unique culture and nature.
The museum has two areas, the permanent exhibition and the special exhibition, each with a different theme to entertain visitors. In particular, the seasonal special exhibits allow visitors to explore Hokkaido’s history and culture in depth, and each visit offers new discoveries. When I visited, there was an exhibit on the Jomon period, and I was overwhelmed by the depth of the history of this period, with numerous national treasures on special display.
The Hokkaido Museum is known for the high quality of its exhibits, but above all, it is a highly recommended spot for visitors to experience the rich nature and culture of Hokkaido all at once while in the city of Sapporo. If you visit the museum in advance and gain knowledge about Hokkaido before touring other sightseeing spots, you will be sure to discover new perspectives and be impressed.
The historical and fantastic “Sapporo Fushimi Inari Shrine”
Sapporo Fushimi Inari Shrine is only an 18-minute drive from Sapporo Station and offers a quiet moment. The shrine was built in 1907 and visitors can feel the history of the shrine.
The distinctive landscape of the shrine is a beautiful row of torii gates, just like in Kyoto. When you visit, you will be enveloped in a fantastic atmosphere, as if you have entered a dream world. The clean air you feel in this sacred space makes you forget the busyness of daily life and quiet your mind.
However, you need to be a little careful when visiting these days: since around 2020, photography has been prohibited, and when visiting, remember the purpose of your visit. In the past, cosplayers often visited the shrine for the purpose of filming, which is said to have led to this decision. We hope that you will observe the decorum of the shrine and genuinely enjoy your visit.
“Hitsujigaoka Observation Hill” to enjoy the vast landscape
Hokkaido is known for its vast nature. You can fully enjoy its features at the famous Hitsujigaoka Observation Hill in Sapporo. It takes about 30 minutes by car from Sapporo Station to get there. The most iconic features are the nature as far as the eye can see and the famous bronze statue of Dr. Clark.
If you visit the observatory, you can enjoy a magnificent view of Hokkaido as if you were looking at the entire land. Especially on a clear day, you will be able to enjoy the magnificent nature with blue sky and green meadows.
In addition, there are souvenir shops and restaurants within the facility where you can enjoy local specialties, and a fulfilling experience awaits you that will exceed your expectations as a tourist. We encourage you to visit the Hitsujigaoka Observation Hill when you want to fully experience the natural beauty of Hokkaido. It is the perfect place to forget the hustle and bustle of everyday life and refresh your mind and body in the great outdoors.
Every tourist spot in Sapporo has its own charm and history. You will discover something new and feel something touching in each place. Try adding these spots to your travel plans and experience the charm of Sapporo in a different way.
Every scenery has so much to offer that you will want to bring its beauty back to your daily life and talk about it. Please come and visit us. Enjoy the uniqueness of each place and the entire city of Sapporo to your heart’s content.
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