If I was recommending Sapporo to a friend, I would tell them to do….

Sapporo TV Tower – Going up to the top of the iconic TV tower, is a great way to start your trip. Located right in the center of town, you can see the whole layout of Sapporo right below you.

Walking in the city – Right next to bustling modern Japanese city thoroughfares, Sapporo is a filled with lots of retro streets and interesting nooks and crannies, perhaps even more than Tokyo or Osaka. I recommend walking around and exploring this interesting fusion of modern and kitsch.

Sapporo Beer Garden – For those of you that love your beer, the Sapporo Beer Garden is a must. Nothing beats going into one of the beer halls, drinking a pint, and eating delicious Genghis Khan, a famous local lamb dish, in this great buzzing, smoky and smelly atmosphere.

Mt Moiwa – If you take the ropeway to the top of the mountain, you can see the whole layout of the city on one side, and just rows and rows of mountains out towards Niseko on the other side. I would recommend it in any season, and both in the daytime and nighttime. Nighttime is especially beautiful, with the city lit up below. If you are feeling adventurous, you can hike up the mountain instead of taking the ropeway, and from there head off into the hills if you have the right gear.