While Sapporo is known as a winter destination, it also has many lifestyle spots and offers various activities that can be enjoyed during summer.

 

Sapporo is one of the modern cultural and economic centers of Hokkaido Prefecture.  It’s best known for being a winter destination, popular for activities such as snowboarding, skiing and events like the Sapporo Snow Festival. However, the city also offers many charms during summer, with a variety of lifestyle spots and activities that will leave travelers spoiled for choice when they visit this destination during this season. Ready to explore Sapporo this summer? Make sure you don’t miss out on these. 

 

What to do in Sapporo in Summer

 

1. Take a leisurely stroll at Moerenuma Park

 

© City of Sapporo

 

• The park was formerly a water treatment plant and was converted into a leisure space that combines nature and art.
• During summer, fountains and wading pools are opened to the public to keep the place cool for the season.

 

Moerenuma Park was designed by sculptor Isamu Noguchi, who wanted to fuse nature and art through this project. Construction for the park started in 1982 and it was first opened to the public in 2005. 

 

With its green spaces and mesmerizing art installations, Moerenuma Park adds to Sapporo’s many charms, especially during summer. One of these installations is the park’s symbol, the beautiful Glass Pyramid “HIDAMARI”, an indoor facility that uses Hokkaido’s natural snow energy to power its air conditioning system. HIDAMARI is often the setting for cultural events hosted in Moerenuma Park. Restaurants, galleries, shops, and other lifestyle establishments can also be found inside this facility. 

 

The Sea Fountain (also called a “sculpture of water”) and wading pools are also open during summer to keep the site’s atmosphere cool and refreshing. The fountain bursts into life through 40-minute and 15-minute programs where visitors are treated to a spectacular water show portraying a breathtaking "sea storm".

 

A treasure trove of other attractions awaits in this park, including the Forest of Cherry Trees, Moere Beach, and Mt. Moere. While renovations are currently underway for certain areas (as of June 2023),  most of them still remain accessible to the public. 

 

Various events ranging from arts & crafts workshops to concerts are also being held in Moerenuma Park. For more information on the upcoming events, visit https://moerenumapark.jp/category/eventcat/.

 

2. Be enchanted by the mix of lights and sounds at the Hokkaido Makomanai Music Fireworks Festival

 

© City of Sapporo

 

• The Hokkaido Makomanai Music Fireworks Festival features over 22,000 fireworks ‘dancing’ along to music during the show.

 

During summer, fireworks festivals are held in various locations in Hokkaido. One not to miss is the Hokkaido Makomanai Music Fireworks Festival, held in Sapporo’s Makomanai Park. 

 

This grand summer festival features over 22,000 fireworks dancing along to lively music. Flames and bright lights add to the excitement of the show, creating a sensorial experience like no other. 

 

This year, the festival will be held on July 8. Visitors need to reserve seats prior to the event. For ticketing information, visit the event website here. 

 

 

3. Find serenity at the Hill of the Buddha

 

 

• The Hill of the Buddha is designed by famous Japanese architect, Tadao Ando.
• Tens of thousands of lavenders cover the hill in summer.

 

Nestled within the serene Makomanai Takino Cemetery, the Hill of the Buddha stands as a captivating masterpiece by Japanese architect Tadao Ando. Designed to spark curiosity and imagination, this unique structure cleverly conceals the Buddha statue, revealing only its majestic head from a distance. This invites visitors to explore and immerse themselves in the scenery before beholding the 13.5m high Buddha statue in its full glory.

 

Around July, the hill becomes adorned with a vibrant tapestry of tens of thousands of lavenders, revealing a breathtaking transformation you can only witness during this season.

 

 

Where and what to eat in Sapporo

 

1. Enjoy Hokkaido speciality ramen at Sapporo Ramen Kyowakoku

 

 

©️SAPPORO ESTA

 

• Sapporo Ramen Kyowakoku currently has eight ramen shops offering a selection of recipes from different parts of Hokkaido.

 

What’s a trip to Japan without sampling speciality ramen in the prefecture you’re visiting? In Hokkaido, a must-visit is Sapporo Ramen Kyowakoku, which has a selection of known ramen restaurants from different parts of Hokkaido. 

 

This ramen ‘theme park’ was founded in 2004 and currently features eight ramen restaurants. It also offers a unique atmosphere with its ‘indoor street’ aesthetic reminiscent of the Showa period (1926 - 1989). 

 

Make sure to add this to your Sapporo travel itinerary before the establishment officially closes on 31 August 2023.

 

 

2. Try Hokkaido’s soul food, Genghis Khan

 

© City of Sapporo

 

• Genghis Khan is Hokkaido’s take on Mongolian barbeque. 
• Restaurants have their own marinade, sauce, or seasoning for this dish, which is offered widely all over the prefecture. 

 

Next, fill yourself up with some protein by trying out Genghis Khan, Hokkaido’s take on Mongolian barbeque. 

 

Offered in many restaurants all over Hokkaido, Genghis Khan is a combination of mutton and vegetables cooked over a special grill. Depending on which establishment you choose to dine in, you can expect different types of marinades and seasonings for the meat, leaving each Genghis Khan experience unique. 

 

3. Drink refreshing Sapporo beer at the Sapporo Beer Garden

 

© City of Sapporo

 

• Sapporo beer is known for its light and malty flavor and is one of the most popular Japanese brews globally. 
• Sapporo Beer Garden is one of Japan’s oldest breweries, starting out as a sugar factory in 1890. 
• Unique draft beer flavors can be enjoyed in this establishment. 

 

Don’t forget to pair your grilled meat with a refreshing glass of Sapporo beer. This world-renowned lager became popular for its light and hoppy flavor, as well as its clean and malty aftertaste that’s quite distinct compared to other Japanese brews. 

 

A visit to the Sapporo Beer Garden will not only let you taste Sapporo beer fresh from the brewery, but it will also give you access to different Sapporo draft beers you wouldn’t be able to sample anywhere else. This site is one of Japan’s oldest breweries, starting out as a sugar factory in 1890, then used as a malting plant in 1963, before turning into the establishment it is today in 1966.  

 

They have ala carte and All-You-Can-Eat-and-Drink offerings at all of their in-house restaurants, with dishes (including Genghis Khan) made to pair well with Sapporo beers direct from the factories.

 

Prior reservations to visit the establishment are required. English support is provided. Please note that minors (below 20 years old) and designated drivers are not allowed to consume alcohol within the facility.

 

 

Visit Sapporo's official website to learn more.

 

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