Travel Tips

Hokkaido’s capital, Sapporo, is home to some of the finest foods in the whole of Japan. While seafood, dairy, and ramen are popular foods, you can also find comfort in some of Sapporo’s cafes. When you are feeling a little peckish and want to relax from the city’s hustle and bustle, cafes offer the perfect retreat.
From the chic to the unique, this curated café list includes a variety of spots to get your caffeine fix. Relax with a cup of coffee and some small treats at these four cafes in Sapporo!
1. Poool
Coffee counter and seating view from the entrance
Poool opened in August 2021 and is a trendy and stylish cafe, located next to Sapporo Station. Part of the CO&CO company, the CEO, Rieko Nishio, aims to “Make memories meeting people from around the world by creating a community”. “The looping in Poool’s logo is designed to convey the connection of people.” The ground floor is an open cafe and co-working space, while the second floor is part cafe and private working space. The mix o..

Sumo is an important part of traditional Japanese culture, boasting a history of over 1,500 years. Due to its deep roots and old traditions, there are many customs, rules, and rituals surrounding this national sport – having a basic knowledge of sumo will allow you to really be part of a match!
The History of Sumo
Mentioned in various myths and folk tales, it is said that sumo originated sometime around the year 712. Sumo was performed as an annual ritual when rice was planted, as a way to pray for a bountiful harvest. Over a long period of time, a fixed set of rules had established itself and sumo began taking on the form that we know today. As one of Japan's most famous national sports, sumo keeps on attracting not only Japanese people but visitors from all over the world.
Going to a Grand Sumo Tournament for the First Time
There are six grand sumo tournaments per year. In January, May, and September, grand sumo tournaments are held at Ryogoku Kokugikan. This place is considered..

Whether video games, manga, fashion or food, you can find it all in Japan’s second-largest metropolitan area, Osaka.
Osaka has a long history of trade and shopkeeping, the spirit of which is alive in large districts like Umeda and Tennoji as much as in smaller ones like Nakazakicho and Honmachi. Rest assured that you’re getting the inside scoop on what Osaka has to offer, as our author resides in the Osaka area.
We’ve rounded up the 8 Best Areas for Shopping in Osaka: Where to Shop & What to Buy for your consuming enjoyment!
1. Umeda – For all-in-one shopping & entertainment
Umeda area. Photo: PIXTA
Welcome to Umeda! Enter all things glitz and glamor. From skyscraper-tall shopping malls to luxuriously clad vixens and hot shots, you’re sure to find it all here.
Located in Osaka’s northern Kita Ward, Grand Front Osaka, LUCUA Osaka and Yodobashi Camera are the three shopping centers that make Umeda famous.
While Grand Front houses high-end fashion stores like Armani Exchange and Unite..

Got one week in Hokkaido? This 8-day Hokkaido itinerary has the perfect highlights for first-timers to the island. Broken down by day, this road trip starts from the vibrant city of Sapporo and winds through fantastic photo hotspots in Niseko, Shakotan, Yoichi, and Otaru.
Use this sample Hokkaido itinerary as a reference and customize it to your personal situation for the epic Hokkaido trip you've always dreamed of taking!
Hokkaido Itinerary Day 1: Sapporo to Niseko via Mount Yōtei
Start your Hokkaido itinerary for a hotspots road trip by hopping into a rental car in Sapporo and driving southwards out to National Route 230 until you reach the hot spring town of Jozankei, taking in the sights along the way. There's no need to pay an entry fee here, and there are free foot baths available for travelers to rest their feet in should they desire.
After that refreshing breather, clamber back onto the car and head farther south until you cut through Nakayama Pass. Stop by the popula..

Summer in Japan is notorious for sweltering days and humid nights. This makes any activity outside of sitting at home blasting airconditioning a sweat-soaked affair. While it seems to go on forever, it’s finally October, so we’ve officially transitioned into cooler weather.

It’s time to exchange our flip-flops for hiking boots and bid the beach farewell. Read on to learn about our top five recommendations for nature-themed autumn adventures in Kansai.

1. Hike Mount Rokko (Kobe)
Photo: iStock/ ChanwitOhmThe view from the top.
Mount Rokko looms over the entire city. Its grassy slopes and glades are home to various activities, from wine tasting to botanical gardens. However, these are second place to the hiking on offer. While a few peaks are scattered along the mountain range, the summit offers a panoramic view of Kansai, from Wakayama to Kobe.

The hike to the top takes at least five hours. When making your descent, we recommend continuing down the other side of the mountain as you’ll..

Hokkaido is the perfect place to enjoy winter, even if you aren't a skier. The 2023 Sapporo Snow Festival is scheduled to run from January 31 to February 11. As one of Japan's most popular winter events, there are many activities and attractions that everyone can enjoy.
We have selected some of the best places to stay near the Sapporo Snow Festival. Located close to the Odori Park venue and Sapporo Station, these hotels will place you right near the sights.
Given the Sapporo Snow Festival's popularity, rooms tend to fill up fast. For flexibility, several of the accommodations on our list offer free cancelation, so you can lock in a good rate. Be sure to book your stay soon and enjoy an unforgettable holiday!
(Check with our partner, Booking.com, for the latest rates, terms, and guest room details.)
What is the Sapporo Snow Festival – and why do so many foreign guests rush to make hotel reservations?
The Sapporo Snow Festival is a major Japanese winter festival in Hokkai..

Hokkaido is the perfect place to enjoy winter, even if you aren't a skier. The 2023 Sapporo Snow Festival is scheduled to run from January 31 to February 11. As one of Japan's most popular winter events, there are many activities and attractions that everyone can enjoy.
We have selected some of the best places to stay near the Sapporo Snow Festival. Located close to the Odori Park venue and Sapporo Station, these hotels will place you right near the sights.
Given the Sapporo Snow Festival's popularity, rooms tend to fill up fast. For flexibility, several of the accommodations on our list offer free cancelation, so you can lock in a good rate. Be sure to book your stay soon and enjoy an unforgettable holiday!
(Check with our partner, Booking.com, for the latest rates, terms, and guest room details.)
What is the Sapporo Snow Festival – and why do so many foreign guests rush to make hotel reservations?
The Sapporo Snow Festival is a major Japanese winter festival in Hokkai..

Hiraizumi, Iwate Prefecture was founded in the 11th century, just before the emergence of Japan’s samurai society. A culture based on Pure Land Buddhism blossomed in Hiraizumi, and many of its diverse temples and gardens are still in good condition.
Chuson-ji Temple’s Golden Hall and Motsu-ji Temple’s Jodo Garden are two well-known examples. In recognition of its cultural value, Hiraizumi was designated as a World Heritage Site in 2011.
Let's explore the temples and historic sites that make up Hiraizumi’s fascinating culture.
1. Chuson-ji: The gorgeous temple known throughout Japan
Chuson-ji was built at the beginning of the 12th century by Fujiwara no Kiyohira, founder of the Oshu Fujiwara Clan. A center of Buddhist culture, the temple is home to the Konjikido, the first structure designated as a Japanese national treasure, and the Sankozo Museum, which displays thousands of historical artifacts.
Chuson-ji is situated in a hilly area about 130 meters above sea level. The path l..

Farm-to-Table is one of the current trends making waves through the culinary industry. Many restaurants are now searching for a more sustainable way to source ingredients, connect to local producers, and provide a more immersive dining experience (not to mention delicious as well)!
Sapporo is known for its beautiful produce, especially its vegetables. The cool climate and bountiful nature make the northern island the ideal growing conditions for crops and livestock that have become renowned throughout Japan and the world.
Here are two of the must-visit restaurants leading the farm-to-table movement in Sapporo!
Restaurant AGRSICAPE
Exterior of Restaurant AGRISCAPE
Tucked away in the mountains west of Sapporo, AGRISCAPE has taken farm-to-table to the next level. Opened in 2019, the restaurant has an onsite farm, where 95% of the produce is made.
Year by year, AGRISCAPE has been expanding its operations, growing around 150 different vegetables in the first year, poultry in the second y..

Aomori in autumn is home to many of the most famous fall foliage spots in Japan! In fall, red, orange, and gold leaves decorate trees, turning them into painting-like landscapes. According to the foliage forecast, autumn colors are expected in Aomori around November 11.
The leaves gain unique colors due to the difference in temperature between day and night, and the landscape of forests, valleys, and parks is spectacular.
Here we will share some of the most beautiful autumn foliage spots unique to Aomori Prefecture, blessed by lush nature, plus the best time to visit.
Surrounded by Autumn Colors! 3 Scenic Ryokan Inns in Aomori Where You Can Enjoy Beautiful Foliage
Save on transportation! Browse rail passes here
1. Tsutanuma Lake: Fiery Autumn leaves reflecting on the water
Early morning at Tsutanuma Lake with autumn leaves reflecting on the surface
Tsutanuma Lake is located in the Oirase area of Towada City. It's surrounded by virgin forest and visited every year by tourists from..