Whenever I tell someone I visited Sapporo, they would ask, “Which ski resort did you go to?” I only had bad news for them: I don’t go to Sapporo for extreme sports. Yes, from mountain observatory to relaxing onsen to delish seafood, there’s more to Hokkaido than skiing.
If you’re like me, an unathletic traveller who’s more keen on slow paced activities while overseas, here’s what I did in Sapporo which might interest you.
Seafood Buffet Nanda (also known as Seafood Buffet Nando)
Here’s something that was confirmed on my itinerary the moment I reserved my flight tickets: a visit to Seafood Buffet Nanda. Back in 2014, Nanda swept me off my feet with the fresh and sweet tasting seafood I had ever eaten. For someone who grew up in Singapore with no shortage of seafood, Nanda really taught me there’s always a greener pasture out there.
Never in my life was I able to extract the meat from the crab’s pincer without it crumbling to pieces. It was my first time popping such a gigantic piece of crab meat into my mouth like a lollipop. With the BBQ pit at the table, you could also grill your seafood if you don’t fancy them raw. And on top of the wide variety of crabs and shellfish, they also provided sushi and fried food to even out the taste.
When I revisited Seafood Buffet Nanda, it cost 9,000 yen for the dinner buffet. One could choose the cheaper 5,900 yen package, but it was only for 60 minutes. I thought the 100 minute time frame was more suited for a more leisurely eating experience, and allowed me to savour the seafood to the max.
Unfortunately, we overlooked the fact that the place only accepted cash, so we had to return to our hotel to pick up some cash.
The restaurant obviously hosted more tour groups. Therefore, I had to time my visit to the food counters in between the waves of tourists who tend to choke up the serving counters. Alternatively, I noticed they started coming from around 7pm, so it might also be good to start your meal at 6pm when the restaurant opens.
Seafood Buffet NANDA
Japan, 〒060-0004 Hokkaido, Sapporo, Chuo Ward, Minami 5 Jonishi, 2 Chome−2 サイバーシティビル B2F
https://g-nanda.com/
+81115327887
Mt Moiwa Observation Deck
With a full day in Sapporo, we could afford to go on longer trips to the city’s fringe. And since we were there in winter, we didn’t want to miss the opportunity to admire the snowscape from above.
Sapporo is nestled amongst the mountains, so there were 2 excellent mountain observatories. One was south of the city, and we went to the nearer one at the southwest – Mount Moiwa.
To get to Mount Moiwa, we first took the tram that ran in a loop around the city. 8 stops and 14 minutes later, we dropped off at an unassuming stop, where we took an 8 minute stroll to the base of the Mount Moiwa Ropeway. As this short walk was up slope, and coupled with the slippery surface in winter, we were left panting when we reached the base station.
However, all the effort was worth it. A ropeway ride and a 2 storey climb later, we stepped onto the open air observatory platform that offered a panoramic view of Sapporo. The entire landscape was covered in a white coating that was straight out of a magical movie scene. We were also blessed with good weather, which added a touch of bright positivity that was in contrast to when we first touched down in Sapporo.
The entire observatory was also nestled in a thick blanket of snow. Driven by the desire to get closer to the fluffy snow, we took the challenge to venture down a flight of slippery steps. There were already paths trodden down by those before us, but even then, my shoes still sank ankle deep with each step. That was how thick the snow was!
The greatest part about this little winter wonderland was that it was… little. There was no need to walk far to get to the snow. Neither was there a need to tread through a long distance to return to the warmth in the building – like the observatory cafe.
Though the cafe in the observatory was full, there were ample seats in the public area for those who just wanted to rest and warm up after being out in the cold. This is one thing good about Japanese tourist spots – they aren’t going all out to monetize every single bit of their property, which makes for a budget friendly spot in Sapporo.
Tip: Remember to bring a pair of waterproof gloves to play with the snow! Also, bring food (and hot drinks) to snack to maximize your stay at Mt Moiwa observatory.
Mount Moiwa Observation Deck
Moiwa Sancho Station, 1 Moiwayama, Minami Ward, Sapporo, Hokkaido 005-0041, Japan
https://mt-moiwa.jp/
+81115618177
Sapporo Fushimi Inari Shrine
Just a stone’s throw away from Mt Moiwa Ropeway base station is the Sapporo Fushimi Inari Shrine. Yes, “Fushimi Inari” shrines aren’t unique to Osaka.
Unlike in Osaka, the Sapporo Fushimi Inari Shrine is smaller, and sat atop a shorter hill. It had the essence of the Osaka’s shrine, compacted, so that one can enjoy it with much less effort.For example, the entrance is right off the main road. Imagine snapping insta-worthy photos with the rising row if Tori gates behind you, without climbing a single step!
Admittedly, the shrine at the top of the slope isn’t as expansive or grand as Osaka’s. However, after climbing the steps – slippery from the snow, though – you would be transported to a state of tranquility. There was just something about the serenity that drove all the fatigue away!
The Sapporo Fushimi Inari Shrine is a 20 minute stroll from Mt Moiwa Ropeway. As the bus frequency is around 30 minutes, be sure to check Google Maps and keep a close watch on the time.
Sapporo Fushimi Inari Shrine
2 Chome-2-番１７ Fushimi, Chuo Ward, Sapporo, Hokkaido 064-0942, Japan
https://fushimiinari.or.jp/
+81115621753
Onsen with a View
Although onsen is a feature of Japanese culture, it was difficult to find a public onsen in Sapporo. Most onsens are managed by hotels and only open to their guests. However, Hotel Nikko, just off Sapporo station, offered a great onsen with a view to boast.
Perched on the 22nd floor of Hotel Nikko, sky resort spa “Pulau Bulan” offered a panoramic view of the northern Japanese city. Within the onsen were gender segregated baths, a cafe and a “relaxing corner” (the last 2 were common areas).
The men’s onsen contained 2 hot pools, a dry sauna, a misting sauna and bathing facilities. It felt weird walking around the onsen naked with its full length window opened to the city skyline. But since the other guys were very much at ease there, with even one pulling a chair to sit in front of the window, I soon got used to that out-of-comfort-zone feels.
What I totally enjoyed was the relaxation area. It was a simple, open space decked out with rows of lounge chairs facing the expansive windows. Grabbing a cup of water and reclining at the seat, I soaked in Sapporo’s nightscape in the comfort of the onsen.
I must say the onsen’s name Pulau Bulan was just for namesake. The interior was far from looking like a Balinese resort. That being said, its clean lines and minimalistic furnishing offered much respite from the city bustle below.
Granted, the onsen’s facilities were limited, but it was sufficient for recharging after a day out exploring Sapporo. I mean, the most important part of the onsen experience was soaking in the hot bath. Pulau Bulan at Hotel Nikko had a clean and spacious onsen for just that.
Sky Resort Spa Pulau Bulan
(22nd Floor of JR Tower Hotel Nikko Sapporo)
Japan, 〒060-0005 Hokkaido, Sapporo, Chuo Ward, Kita 5 Jonishi, 2 Chome−5番地 JRタワーホテル日航札幌 22F
https://www.jrhotels.co.jp/tower/
+81112516366
Sapporo Factory
Don’t let the name fool you. Sapporo Factory is not a factory. Or sort of. Refurbished from an old factory, the (aptly named) Sapporo Factory spans across a few buildings, with the main building sporting a cavernous atrium housing a number of restaurants. On a good day, you could seat outside of the restaurants and bathe in warm sunlight while enjoying a meal.
A few blocks from Sapporo Station (JR Tower and Oden Park), the Sapporo Factory offers the same conveniences without the crazy crowd. Since it was repurposed from an old factory, the developers kept the chimney of the old brewery, making it an ideal photo spot.
For me, I planned to stop by Sapporo Factory for a late lunch (after my visit to Mt Moiwa and Sapporo Fushimi Inari Shrine). Okuhararyu Kura was located at the main atrium serving tsukemen with rich gravy and tangy noodles. I was afraid that the Japanese serving portion would be too little for me, so I also added more meat and an egg. Turned out, it was too much for me!
Therefore, a note to those big eaters out there. Check out your neighbour’s food before upsizing your meal!
Sapporo Factory
4 Chome-1-2 Kita 2 Johigashi, Chuo Ward, Sapporo, Hokkaido 060-0032, Japan
https://sapporofactory.jp/
+81112075000
Hokkaido Ramen Okuhararyu Kura Sapporo Factory Shop
Japan, 〒060-0032 Hokkaido, Sapporo, Chuo Ward, Kita 2 Johigashi, 4 Chome, ３条館
http://www.ramen-kura.jp/access_all.html
+81112808830
Sapporo TV Tower
Sapporo TV Tower may sound very touristy, but it still offered a great view of Sapporo from its vantage point at the observation deck. We chose to scale the tower at 4pm, coinciding with the winter sunset timing. This allowed me to enjoy the cityscape in daylight and under the stars.
Located in the city centre, the city’s main streets expanded out in all directions from Sapporo TV Tower. However, its most iconic view has to be the Odori Park out west. Come sunset, the park would light up. The glittering runway extended out to the city outskirts into the silhouette of the Mt Moiwa mountain range against the night sky, making it a scene to behold.
On a good day, one can also look out east where the vast expanse of Hokkaido extends into the horizon. It felt surreal knowing that I had been out there exploring interior Hokkaido barely 10 years before.
Sapporo TV Tower
1 Chome Odorinishi, Chuo Ward, Sapporo, Hokkaido 060-0042, Japan
https://www.tv-tower.co.jp/
+81112411131
Parting Words
Sapporo, Hokkaido may be known for a ski destination, but it was more than just that. There were tourist spots for taking the insta-worthy shots. And then there were places where the locals also hung out for relaxation. From great seafood buffet at Nanda, observation decks in Mt Moiwa or on top of Sapporo TV Tower, to relaxation at Hotel Nikko’s onsen or dining at Sapporo Factory, Sapporo is still great for the leisure traveller.
If you liked this post, do check out my review on ANA Holiday Inn Sapporo Susukino. With its clean rooms and convenient location, I thought it was great accommodation for exploring Sapporo, Hokkaido.
For those of you staying for a longer time at Hokkaido, follow my adventure to the northernmost point of Japan – Cape Soya. The day trip up north will be worthwhile!
Till then, stay wanderlust!
All photos and videos were taken using Google Pixel 4a, and edited with Google Photos.