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Hokkaido Travel & Sapporo Attractions: Ramen, Zoos, and the Sapporo Snow Festival

Sightseeing

Odori Park, with views of the TV Tower, hosts seasonal festivals with lots of food stalls. Among them, the Sapporo Snow Festival in February is world-famous. Nearby, you'll find the Clock Tower, a popular photo spot and historical landmark. It's a 50-minute drive from BIG EAST (Kuriyama, Hokkaido), but finding parking in Sapporo can be tricky, so using the subway to get around the city is recommended.

Outdoor Activities & Experiences

Shiroi Koibito Park, a theme park where you can experience making sweets and learn about the history of chocolate, is run by Ishiya, the maker of Sapporo's iconic confectionery, 'Shiroi Koibito.' It's a place where families and friends can enjoy a fun and educational outing.Another popular spot is Maruyama Zoo, which offers the opportunity to interact with animals unique to northern climates. Conveniently located near central Sapporo, it's about a 5-minute bus ride from Maruyama Koen Station on the Tozai Subway Line. The zoo hosts various events and exhibitions throughout the year, and in winter, you can enjoy seeing the animals in a snowy setting.

Food & Shopping

Ganso Sapporo Ramen Yokocho, known as the birthplace of miso ramen, offers a variety of ramen to enjoy. Located just a few minutes' walk from Susukino Station on the Sapporo Municipal Subway, it’s a convenient spot to visit between sightseeing activities.Nijo Market is another must-visit destination where you can enjoy fresh seafood and delicious ramen. Situated in the heart of Sapporo, it boasts excellent accessibility and is a great place to experience the local flavors of Hokkaido.

Hokkaido Travel & Otaru Attractions: Ramen, Kimono Rentals, and LeTAO Cheesecake

Sightseeing

The Otaru Canal, lined with stone warehouses and retro buildings, offers stunning views of snowy landscapes and beautiful illuminations in winter. Canal cruises are also popular, allowing you to admire the surrounding historic architecture from the water. This iconic spot is a must-visit destination to experience the culture and history of the region when traveling to Hokkaido. The Otaru Canal is about a 1 hour and 10-minute drive from BIG EAST (Kuriyama, Hokkaido), and convenient JR train access is available from Sapporo.

Outdoor Activities & Experiences

In Otaru, you can enjoy a variety of activities such as glass crafting, music box making, and candle making. Renting a kimono or yukata to stroll through the streets of Otaru is also a popular experience, allowing you to take memorable photos with the historic townscape as a backdrop.

Food & Shopping

Ankake Yakisoba is considered Otaru's soul food, known for its rich and savory sauce. Other popular dishes include fresh seafood bowls and 'Pan Roll,' a perfect snack. In addition to savory foods, Otaru is home to many sweets shops. One highlight is LeTAO's 'Nama Double Fromage,' a delicacy you can only enjoy locally.

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