No matter what season it is we choose for our travels, let’s admit, we are all afraid that a rainy spell would ruin our long-awaited holiday. But even if it happens, there is no need to worry! Sapporo is full of interesting tourist spots that many visitors enjoy throughout the year, in all sorts of weather conditions.
We have five recommendations to save a rainy day – handpicked for you to enjoy in any weather, and any season.
More Than Five Thousand Items – Hokkaido Museum of Modern Art
The Hokkaido Museum of Modern Art is located in the heart of Sapporo city and boasts a grand collection of over five thousand works of art on display. You will surely find something you like among the collection. The building itself was erected in 1977, designed in a similarly modern vein as its exhibits.
The glass collection of the museum is worth mentioning as well, as it has pieces from all over the world, including the École de Paris. Another collection worth taking a look at is the exhibition centring on the works of mostly Hokkaido-based sculptors. There are also temporary exhibitions held in the museum. Rainy day or not, you will surely find a lot to discover!
The Best Souvenirs from Sapporo – White Lovers’ Park Factory Trip
If you ask the locals, mostly everyone will tell you that their to-go souvenir from Sapporo is the so-called White Lover. White Lovers are Sapporo-made sweets, and the manufacture is open to the public as a museum and an experience hall. The manufacture and museum have free and paid areas, depending on the experiences and exhibitions you would like to visit.
Charming from the inside out, you will feel like you entered a whole different world just by entering the manufacture grounds. If you like innovative and unique architecture, you definitely pay a visit for the ambience!
It is also recommended to try the White Lovers soft cream at the venue’s Soft Cream House, where it is also possible to experience making some sweets by yourself. For those who do not want to try their hands at such but are still interested in the know-how, candy-making performances by the staff are also held from 10AM every morning, where you can learn more about the art of making sweets.
※ Some areas of the factory are closed for renovation until 11 July 2019
Sapporo Olympic Museum – Learn About the Winter Olympics
This winter sports-themed museum is located near the ski jumping slope on Ogura Mountain. It aims to teach more about the 1972 Winter Olympics held in Sapporo.
The most popular parts of the museum include the winter sports simulation where you can try several winter sports such as ice skating, and ski jumping.
Winter or not, you can always hop onto a simulation machine to feel like a pro athlete and immerse yourself in new experiences that you might not be able to try out elsewhere.
Famous Ramen Shop in Sapporo – Sapporo Republic of Ramen
This is a ramen theme park, recalling the style and atmosphere of the Shōwa period. You can learn more about the ramen-culture of Hokkaido at this place. If you have time, we really recommend coming back and trying all eight of the restaurants lined up here – as all of them show a different facet of Sapporo ramen, worthy of trying.
Since it is very close to Sapporo Station, access is easy as well. Immerse yourself in the Shōwa era of Japan while discovering authentic Sapporo ramen!
Imperial Flavours – Yukiin Sapporo Branch
Try the famous and beloved Yukiin ice cream at this coffee shop! The “Snow Royal” flavoured ice cream of this shop was made for the Shōwa Emperor and Empress, so make sure to give a taste to this imperial ice cream!
Even better, they also sell the “Snow Royal Special” in this shop, which provides a rich experience with its 16% butterfat content. In the Sapporo main shop, there is a restaurant with a resting place set up, so it’s a perfect place to drop in during a long day of sightseeing in order to rest your legs a little while enjoying some imperial flavours.
The shop also offers a special “Dream Jumbo Parfait” to eat in a group.
A Trip to Remember
We hope you found something to inspire you when it comes to enjoying a rainy day in Sapporo. Our staff is always happy to help you with finding the best tourist spots, so if you ever want some tips after checking in, drop in the lobby and don’t be shy to ask questions!
Please note that the pictures displayed are for illustrative purposes only and that the details in this article are subject to change.
