Sheep Shearing and Clark Statue in Hitsujigaoka Sapporo (Spring)
Snow finally melt and the weather were getting nice, and my sister-in-law had three free tickets to Hitsujigaoka Observation Hill, so we decided to drive there (as well as chance for my sister-in-law and my wife to practice driving). Hitsujigaoka during spring season is also worth a visit, since it offers different kind of entertainment from winter time. Not only you can enjoy great view of Sapporo City, but also you can watch sheep-shearing activities there! If you need help arranging private tour in Sapporo, you can use our trip planner!
It was my second time visiting when there was no snow, despite going to the same place, it felt different from my last visit in winter! Some things that are different are: better view of Sapporo City and sheep. Oh and there are more foods being sold since there were more food vendors outside.
Finding parking spot was easier
Same Church as last time
Make sure to take photo here
Sheep Shearing
I think this is the barn
sheep
more sheeps, I think I almost fell asleep
Same monument as last time
Better view of Sapporo City!
You can see the city better with the telescope.
Took me a while to take this pic when nobody was around
Small bell tower near main building
Limited edition photo booth that is only available in Hitsujigaoka
Sakura
More Sakura!
Thank you for reading this short travel blog! Feel free to contact us if you need help arranging private tour in Sapporo! Make sure you enjoy your stay in Hokkaido!
2024 Golden Week Holiday Picnic in Maruyama Park Hokkaido Shrine
It was a Golden Week Holiday, one of longest holiday season in Japan that spans almost a week, and I did not have time to extend my passport so we decided to stay in Sapporo, and it was quite a pleasant experience! It was Sunday and the weather was really good, so my wife and I decided to just stroll Sapporo shopping, enjoying some limited free available commodities and of course, Hanami (花見) picnic with the lovely Taiwanese community. Here are some pictures of how to spend long holiday season in Japan as super busy family. Do not forget, If you need help arranging private tour in Sapporo, you can use our trip planner!
My wife got news about free Ferris Wheel ride in Norbesa Sapporo, my wife loves Ferris Wheel so much so we first proceed there to enjoy it while it was free. The line was really long, so it took us around half an hour to finally get our free ride!
Finally it was our turn!
On the way to the top
Finally reached the peak!
Breathtaking view
You can see basically most of buildings
Tried to find my house
Sapporo Sake Festival
After enjoying free ride we proceeded to Tanuki Koji to do some shopping, and on the way we noticed another pamphlet about Sake Festival near the Fish Market, and since I love Sake (but my wife does not), we first went there to check it.
It was the fourth day of Golden Week holiday on Sunday. After finally finishing the morning errands, my wife and I proceeded to Maruyama park by subway. Even though it was nice day for a drive, I know that I would be drinking so we decided to go by subway. Yes, I drank quite a bit.
Visit Date: 2024, May 5th
Participation Fee: FREE
Address: 〒064-0959 Hokkaido, Sapporo, Chuo Ward, Miyagaoka, ３
Keep your eyes on these crows! they sometimes steal your foods.
After picnic, we strolled a bit to Hokkaido Shrine
Hokkaido Shrine
I was a bit tipsy after drinking during picnic, everyone was in great mood and we proceeded to check Hokkaido Shrine to guide some of Taiwanese newcomers.
Visit Date: 2024, May 5th
Participation Fee: FREE
Address: 474 Miyagaoka, Chuo Ward, Sapporo, Hokkaido 064-8505
I hope you enjoy this short blog and you can get a glimpse on how Golden Week Holiday is celebrated in Japan, specially in Sapporo! Special Thanks for Sapporo Taiwanese Community for hosting the great picnic event! Thank you also for the readers for reading this short travel blog! Feel free to contact us if you need help arranging private tour in Sapporo! Make sure you enjoy your stay in Hokkaido! #saketour
I went to Sapporo snow festival in 2023 so I did not feel like visiting one held this year because I thought it would be same as previous year. But since my wife asked me to go together because it was a holiday, I decided to go there again. But it was unexpectedly great experience! This event stretched 11 blocks along Odori Park, and not only various snow sculptures, but also some merchandise shops, food stalls, and other many fun activities! Make sure to check photos from Susukino Ice Festival 2024 It was definitely different than one held the previous year! If you need help arranging private tour in Sapporo, you can use our trip planner!
Visit Date: 2024, February 11th
Entrance Fee: FREE
Address: 1 Chome Odorinishi, Chuo Ward, Sapporo, Hokkaido 060-0042 ~ 11 Chome Odorinishi, Chuo Ward, Sapporo, Hokkaido 060-0042
This festival is held outdoor, so make sure you wear enough clothes to keep yourself warm in a freezing weather! We decided to start from 1 chome, which is area near the Sapporo TV Tower. There are some food stalls and even wine tasting kiosk; you can also try curling in this area! Make sure to check art installation in 2 chome and some snow sculptures in 3 chome areas!
Crowded place!
Want to try curling?
Wanna taste wine?
Labyrinth?
Great weather
Art installation
I think I have seen this somewhere
Cool castle, literally
Another mascot sculpture
4 chome: Free Beer samples and Golden Kamuy
Arriving in 4 chome area, there was a long line for free Asahi Beer samples! We got plenty of time so we decided to line up, the line moved quickly so in 10 minutes we got our free beers! You know, the best kind of beers is one that is cold and free!
Golden Kamuy Anime Sculpture
Free beer anyone
Long line
Got our beers!
Tamagotchi, anyone remember?
Designated Smoking place
5 chome: JRA Horse Race
5 chome area has a big JRA horse racing sculpture as well as various other fun activities. Make sure to check this area as well!
Want to play piano
Do you want to build a snowman?
JRA giant sculpture
6 chome
This area has some kiosks in which you can participate in answering survey questions to get some free merchandises like Korean herbal tea. Make sure to check every kiosk available!
Korean Herbal Tea
Blue Eyes White Dragon
Some other sculptures
7 chome – 10 chome
Along these areas, there are some more snow sculptures, either sculpted by some big companies for some promotions, or by some citizens. Make sure to check each of them! Here are pictures of some of them that caught my attention!
Made by a citizen
Super Mario! Citizen-made
Citizen-made sculptures
Nipponham (promotional)
Logisteed (promotional)
Nissin Cup Noodles (promotional)
Gundam! (Professional)
German Castle (Professional)
Old Sapporo Station (professional)
Projection Mapping
Projection Mapping
Projection Mapping
11 chome: World Competition:
11 chome is the last block in Sapporo Snow Festival 2024. In this area, there were competition being held among 8 countries (Other than Japan). Participating countries were: South Korea, USA (Portland and Hawaii), Indonesia, Lithuania, Mongolia, Poland, Singapore, and Thailand. Congratulations for Mongolia for winning 1st place!
Made by a citizen
1st place: Mongolia
2nd place: Thailand
3rd place: South Korea
4th place: Indonesia
5th place: Lithuania
Susukino Ice Festival 2024
After walking around Odori Park watching amazing snow sculptures, we proceeded to another festival held in Susukino Area, it was dark already so the ice sculptures looked more mesmerizing with all the lighting! Check some of the pictures here!
Thank you for reading this short travel blog! Feel free to contact us if you need help arranging private tour in Sapporo! Make sure you enjoy your stay in Hokkaido!
Hakodate day trip experience in Hokkaido travel blog. Nestled on the southern tip of Hokkaido, Japan, Hakodate boasts a rich tapestry of cultural heritage, scenic landscapes, and culinary delights. In this blog post, we delve into the highlights of our Hakodate day trip, uncovering must-visit attractions, hidden gems, and local flavors that define this charming city. From the iconic Goryokaku Fortress to the mesmerizing night views from Mount Hakodate, our exploration captures the essence of Hakodate’s allure. Join us on this virtual journey as we share insights, travel tips, and the sheer joy of a day well spent in Hakodate. Whether you’re planning your own day trip or simply seeking travel inspiration, this blog is your gateway to unlocking the wonders of Hakodate. Join me on this cultural odyssey as we explore the artistry and symbolism that make this hill an extraordinary gem within Sapporo’s vibrant tapestry. If you need help arranging private tour in Sapporo, you can use our trip planner!
Hakodate Day Trip: Experience
Hakodate Asaichi Morning Market
If you spend a day in Hakodate, it is better to start your morning by visiting Hakodate Asaichi Morning Market. Whether or not you want to get a seafood breakfast or shopping for souvenirs to bring back to your country, this place is highly recommended!
After strolling in the Morning Market and enjoying great breakfast (and shopping), we proceeded to Goryokaku Park to see the famous star-shaped Fort. We were still a bit full from eating breakfast in the morning market, but I remembered my friend told me to try Lucky Pierro Hamburger if I visited Hakodate. There is one restaurant right across the park area so we decided to take a quick bite before entering the park
After lunch and strolling the Goryokaku Park area, it was almost dark since we visited during winter time. We headed back to the Harbor area to do some shopping and strolling in Kanemori Red Brickhouse Warehouse area, as well as watching the christmas tree light up.
Thank you for reading this short travel blog! Feel free to contact us if you need help arranging private tour in Sapporo! Make sure you enjoy your stay in Hokkaido!
Perched atop the picturesque Makomanai Takino Cemetary in Sapporo, the Sapporo Hill of Buddha and Moai Statues emerges as a unique fusion of cultural diversity and artistic expression. As you ascend the gentle slopes of the park, a sense of tranquility envelops you, preparing the senses for the breathtaking sight that awaits. The Hill of Buddha, adorned with the serenity of a massive Buddha sculpture, serves as a spiritual centerpiece, offering a place for contemplation and reflection amid the lush greenery. Nearby, the enigmatic Moai statues, reminiscent of Easter Island, add an unexpected touch of Polynesian mystique to the Hokkaido landscape. This harmonious convergence of Eastern spirituality and Pacific island allure creates a captivating atmosphere, making the Sapporo Hill of Buddha and Moai Statues a must-visit destination for those seeking a blend of cultural intrigue and natural beauty. Join me on this cultural odyssey as we explore the artistry and symbolism that make this hill an extraordinary gem within Sapporo’s vibrant tapestry. If you need help arranging private tour in Sapporo, you can use our trip planner!
It was a lazy Sunday during a big snowstorm in Sapporo, as I was sipping a hot coffee in the morning, I was invited to visit The Hill of the Buddha and Moai Statues located in Makomanai Takino Cemetary. Since I had never visited that place, and I was always sitting down doing coding works the entire week, I decided to go. The trip was better than I expected since visiting the place during winter gave me different kind of serene experience! Makomanai Takino Cemetary is located on the south outskirt of Sapporo. Since it is located quite far away from the downtown area, if you are planning to go visit during the weekdays, be prepared to prepare around 1420 yen for transportation (580 yen for roundtrip subway fare from Sapporo Station, and 840 yen for roundtrip bus fare from Makomanai Station).
Make sure you take the right bus!
Make sure you wait in the right spot!
Finally arrived!
Succulent Shop in the bus station
It was so freezing during blizzard, so when we arrived, we immediately seeked shelter inside a flower shop near the bus stop! The flower shop is called “Takino Flower Marche” and it sells a lot of plants, mainly succulents, and it was so warm inside the shop so we ended up resting there for a while.
Inside the flower shop
Cute little flower shop
We ended up buying one of these!
Moai Statues
Moai Statues are located a bit away from the bus station, you need to walk around 5 minutes to the site. These Moai Statues are actually directly visible when you enter the front gate of the cemetery.
Look small from far away
Up close
They are actually really big!
Buddha Statues
While everyone was busy taking pictures around Moai Statues, I decided to go first to the Giant Buddha Statue. This 13.5m (44ft) tall statue was sculpted by Tadao Ando, and the statue is encircled by artificial hill planted with 150,000 Lavender plants! There are also some smaller buddha statues around the giant statue, make sure to walk around the giant statue to find them!
sapporo hill of buddha
sapporo hill of buddha
sapporo hill of buddha
sapporo hill of buddha
Headless Buddha statues from China
Wants to donate? Scan the QR code!
Thank you for reading this short travel blog! Feel free to contact us if you need help arranging private tour in Sapporo! Make sure you enjoy your stay in Hokkaido!
Sapporo Maruyama Zoo stands as a captivating haven for wildlife enthusiasts and curious wanderers alike. This immersive zoological wonderland is more than just a collection of enclosures; it’s a living testament to Japan’s commitment to conservation and animal welfare. As you meander through the lush pathways of Maruyama Zoo, the symphony of animal sounds and the rustling of leaves create a harmonious atmosphere, transporting you to diverse habitats from around the globe. From the majestic polar bears to the playful red pandas, every resident of Maruyama Zoo contributes to a tapestry of biodiversity, making it a compelling destination for those yearning to connect with the natural world. Join me on an exploration of this remarkable sanctuary, where education, conservation, and the sheer joy of encountering fascinating creatures seamlessly blend into an unforgettable experience. If you need help arranging private tour in Sapporo, you can use our trip planner!
Maruyama Zoo area is a huge area containing various different animals, not only animals that can only be discovered in Japan, but also from all over the world! Animals exhibit are separated mostly based on their habitat and types. Primates (chimps, baboons, orangutans, gorillas and etc) exhibit located close to each other. There were also wolves and hyenas exhibit located inside the zoo!
Baboon in primate exhibit
Chimps have their own names!
Wolf exhibit
If you want to see bears, you can check out the bear exhibits. Brown and Polar bears are located separately. You can watch Polar Bears swimming around inside an aquarium! You can also check a giant bird cages, in which the temperature is maintained to mimic tropical habitat of the birds!
Brown Bears exhibit
Up close and personal with Polar Bear
Peacock (birds exhibit)
You can also check the reptilian/ amphibian exhibits, in which you can watch different types of reptilian/ amphibians, ranging from giant tortoise, poisonous frogs, and even crocodiles! There are many shops inside the zoo, ranging from merchandise shop as well as restaurants you can dine in (a bit expensive inside so it is better to bring your own foods). It took me around 3 hours to fully explore the zoo, and this spot is one of recommended spot to visit in Sapporo, Hokkaido! Of course the photos shown in this blog does not represent all the animals inside the zoo! You should explore the zoo yourself!
monitor lizard in reptilian exhibit
Tortoise in reptilian exhibit
Bonus photo from elephant exhibit
Thank you for reading this short travel blog! Feel free to contact us if you need help arranging private tour in Sapporo! Make sure you enjoy your stay in Hokkaido!
Nestled in the enchanting city of Sapporo, Japan, Shiroi Koibito Park beckons travelers into a whimsical world where confectionery craftsmanship and cultural charm converge. This delightful destination is not just a feast for the taste buds but also a visual treat for those seeking a unique blend of artistry and sweetness. As you step into the park, the tantalizing aroma of freshly baked white chocolate cookies wafts through the air, setting the stage for an immersive experience that combines the rich history of Hokkaido’s famous white chocolate treats with the magic of a meticulously designed theme park. Join me on a journey through the delectable landscapes of the Park, where every corner unfolds a sweet story waiting to be savored. If you need help arranging private tour in Sapporo, you can use our trip planner!
To be honest, Shiroi Koibito Park is smaller than I thought. but still, is not size that matters, but the inside! When you get inside the gate, you will be welcomed with beautiful European-style building and parks. You can take pictures outside the park for your SNS, since there are many great photoshoot spots outside!
shiroi koibito park outside
Shiroi Koibito Park Landscape
Yes, this bus is only decoration
Inside the Park
After strolling and taking enough pictures outside the park, you can enter one of the free area building (there was a paid-tour area in which you can watch the process of making chocolate!). Inside the free area building, there were various stores selling the famous Shiroi Koibito Chocolate cookies. I tried some of their white chocolate cookies, and yes, it worths every penny!
Gate outside the free area building
shiroi koibito park inside
Shop like a royalty here!
Shopping Area
The free area building is also connected to the paid-tour area. There are many shops inside the free-area building, ranging from cookies shop as well as restaurants you can dine in! You can explore the whole park area within 1 – 2 hours, and this spot is one of recommended spot to visit in Sapporo, Hokkaido!
Stairs leading to the 2nd floor
Don’t forget to take pics!
Can you find this spot inside?
Thank you for reading this short travel blog! Feel free to contact us if you need help arranging private tour in Sapporo! Make sure you enjoy your stay in Hokkaido!
It has been almost three years since the last Sapporo Snow Festival was held in 2020. There was no Snow Festival held the past three years due to covid-19 pandemic. Finally I got to visit the first Snow Festival after covid-19 pandemic! It was packed with people, as many as before the covid pandemic! If you need help arranging private tour in Sapporo, you can use our trip planner!
Date: 2023, February 4th ~ February 11th
Entrance Fee: FREE
Address: 2 Chome Odorinishi, Chuo Ward, Sapporo, Hokkaido 060-0042
This festival is held outdoor, so make sure you wear enough clothes to keep yourself warm in a freezing weather! From 10 chome to 7 chome, there are a few roofed heated rest area in which you can take a break from the freezing weather! There are a fixed path in which you need to follow; so please do not walk against the designated walking path! If you like Hatsune Miku, make sure to check some of the small merchandise shops along the path!
sapporo snow festival
Spy Family snow sculpture
Hatsune Miku Merchandise Shop
6 chome: JSDF
In this section you can enjoy some light projection show. The light simulation show is held twice every 10-minutes, make sure you line up to get a nice view on the show! Houhei Palace in the pictures below are built by Japanese Self-Defence Force (JSDF) themselves! There is also rest area belonged to JSDF in which you can keep yourself warm and watch video on how they built this amazing sculpture!
sapporo snow festival
First aid station
Inside rest area
5 chome: Horse Race
If you like horse racing, make sure to also watch light projection show on horse-racing sculpture built by Japan Racing Association (JRA). The light projection show is also held twice every 10-minutes!
Horse Race sculpture
Light up begins!
More holographic projection
4 chome: Dinosaurs!
If you like dinosaurs, make sure to see another giant dinosaur sculpture in this section. Also, if you are Hokkaido University Student, make sure to also check Hokkaido University shop/rest area!
sapporo snow festival dinosaur
Someone played piano inside!
Hokkaido University Stand
3 chome – 1 chome: Sapporo TV Tower!
This area is close to Sapporo TV Tower area, and if you are lucky, you can try curling and ice-skating around this area!
How did they make this?
If you like, thumbs up please!
Looks nice!
Thank you for reading this short travel blog! Feel free to contact us if you need help arranging private tour in Sapporo! Make sure you enjoy your stay in Hokkaido!
