There are several things to do when you go to Sapporo, Japan with Cathay Pacific flights. If you are planning a trip there, there are a few must-see attractions that you will want to check out. The city is famous for its beer, skiing, and annual snow festival.
Shiroi Koibito Park
If you’re looking for a fun and sweet day out, you should consider Shiroi Koibito Park in Sapporo. This confectionary theme park offers many activities and is located in the Sapporo City West Ward. You can get there by subway, car or bus.
It is also the home of the famous Shiroi Koibito cookie. Visitors can take a factory tour to learn how the cookies are made. They can even try making their own. Then, they can enjoy the various souvenir shops, a candy store, and a bakery. Moreover, there is a soccer field for the local soccer team.
In addition, the courtyard at Shiroi Koibito Park is illuminated with thousands of decorative lights during winter. In spring, the garden transforms into a multicolored rose garden.
Shiroi Koibito Park is free to enter. However, the ticket fee to ride the mini-locomotive ride and visit the Chocolate Lounge is 300 yen. For children, the entrance fee is 200 yen. Also, there is a discount of 100 yen if you use coupons from travel magazines.
Besides the factory tour, visitors can try making their own chocolate and try tasting them. There is also an opportunity to decorate their own cookies. At the Chocolate Lounge, there are beautiful parfaits.
Shiroi Koibito’s logo is also found on the uniforms of Japanese National Football League teams. Moreover, there is a 10-m tall digital tree in the center of the garden, which is a popular photo spot. During summer, there is a rose garden with 120 different varieties.
If you’re interested in the history of chocolate, you can go to the Factory Walk. There, you can see a diorama of the 19th century chocolate factory. Another exhibit features a collection of old package labels.
If you’re an avid fan of Shiroi Koibito, you can also attend one of the Shiroi Koibito cookie making classes. Those who want to take the class can sign up online for a half-day tour for 2600 yen.
Shiroi Koibito’s most popular souvenir is the Shiroi Koibito cookie, which is white chocolate sandwiched between biscuits. It is sold in Hokkaido.
Jozankei Onsen hot springs
Jozankei Onsen is an ideal location for nature lovers. It is one of the most popular hot springs destinations in Hokkaido. With 56 sources of thermal spring water, it is a great place to relax and rejuvenate. Aside from the soothing hot springs, you can also enjoy the stunning natural scenery.
The town of Jozankei is surrounded by massive gorges. The valley is a major hot springs destination in Hokkaido, which is why more than 2.4 million visitors come to this area every year. There are many accommodations and tourist attractions to keep you busy in the area.
Jozankei is a hot spring destination that is located near Sapporo. The area is home to several hotels, resorts, and spas. Many of the hotel facilities include indoor and outdoor baths, saunas, and swimming pools.
The city has numerous guided bus tours that take visitors to the most scenic spots. You can choose a short excursion or a day-long tour. Alternatively, you can book a private van. This is the best option for a group trip.
If you want to spend the night, there are a variety of traditional Japanese inns to stay at. There are also modern hotels, ryokans, and condos available in the area. During the autumn season, the trees of the Jozankei mountain range turn to a beautiful red and orange color.
In the center of the town is a public footbath onsen. Visitors can soak in the warm water for free. There are also private hot springs available.
Toyohira River runs through the spa. Its cliffs are part of the Shikotsu-Toya National Park. These cliffs contain sodium chloride, a mild amount of salt. When you bathe in the springs, the natural salts will coat your skin and warm you from the inside. The salts will also soothe your skin.
Jozankei Onsen is known for its kappa statues, which are scattered around the area. There is also a park with fairy tale Kappa statues. King Kappa Park is particularly beautiful in the fall.
Jozankei Onsen features 56 sources of thermal spring water. Bathing in these springs is therapeutic, and they are beneficial for cuts, burns, and fatigue.
Hokkaido Shrine
The Hokkaido Shrine is one of the most popular places of worship in the area. It is a great spot for both Japanese and foreign visitors. There is a wide range of leisure activities and events that take place here.
Many people visit the Hokkaido Shrine for the festival of the parting of the seasons, which is held on February 3. The shrine also hosts a festival to pray for the fertility of crops, which is held on February 17. Other festivals are held in May, September, and November.
During the cherry blossom season, the shrine attracts a large number of visitors. It is located in Maruyama Park, which is a pocket mountain and contains cherry blossom trees. This is one of the best places to view cherry blossoms in northern Japan.
Another popular event at the Hokkaido Shrine is the Hokkaido Matsuri Festival, which is held in June. The main festival draws over 1 million visitors. The festival features traditional music and dance performances. Among the highlights are the Setsubun celebrations.
Visitors can also enjoy a walk around the shrine and the surrounding park. The omikuji fortune slips are available in English, Chinese, and Japanese. You can write a wish on the ema boards. Several types of ema are available, including Hamaya arrows, Kumade rakes, and Dorei clay bells.
The Hoheikan, a Western-inspired structure, is also located near the Hokkaido Shrine. This building is considered a cultural property and is an example of Western-style architecture. Inside, it is decorated with period furniture.
The Hokkaido Shrine is a small but very popular temple. A statue of Hangansama is located in front of the shrine. After visiting the shrine, you may take a stroll around the park and make a wish.
The Hokkaido Shrine also has a tea house. Visitors can purchase a limited zodiac bell. If you are a vegetarian, you may want to avoid the food.
The shrine is also one of the most popular places of worship in Sapporo. It is open from dawn until dusk. Located in the Maruyama District of Sapporo City, it is easy to access.
Shopping in Sapporo
Shopping in Sapporo is a great way to explore the city and find unique local products. It offers a range of goods, from clothing to cosmetics to food. Many of the items are available at discount prices. There are also plenty of places to eat and drink.
The Sapporo Factory is a large shopping complex which includes more than 160 shops. Most of the stores are located in the building’s main shopping zone. Other areas include souvenir shops, restaurants, and a cinema. A museum is also located here.
The Sapporo Factory is considered the best place to shop in Hokkaido. Shoppers can find a wide variety of products, including fashion, toys, and jewelry. In addition, many of the stores have tax free status for foreign visitors.
Another famous shopping area is Tanukikoji, which is a historic shopping street in Sapporo. This arcade is one kilometer long and contains more than 200 shops. You can buy shoes, kimonos, and traditional Japanese dolls here.
There are plenty of other shopping options in Sapporo, including several underground shopping malls. Aurora Town is a popular one with more than 100 shops. Additionally, the JR Tower is a high-rise complex which has a number of shops and restaurants.
If you are looking for a more alternative shopping experience, you can visit the space1-15 shops. These are shops that were built in a former apartment. Visitors can browse through the store’s unique items and chat with the artisans who created them.
The Sapporo Station is another shopping area. This is a major transportation hub in Sapporo, and has plenty of restaurants, hotels, and shops.
Another popular shopping location is the Arc City Mall. This is an upmarket commercial facility that houses a cinema. You can also visit Parco, which has over 19 locations across Japan. Those looking for a different shopping experience can head to the Sapporo Stellar Place, which has a large selection of shops.
Lastly, you can enjoy a trip to the Mitsui Outlet Park. Located in the town of Kitahiroshima, this outlet sells a wide range of goods. It has a food court and is the perfect place for lunch.
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