We spent some time in Sapporo on a previous trip and really enjoyed it. We are excited to be back. Sapporo is a city with magnificent parks, a university, a vibrant culture with many museums and a relaxed feeling. There is much to see here, but today belongs to Nakajima Park. It is our good fortune that our hotel is located adjacent to Nakajima Park. The park is well used by the locals and of all ages and young families.
Nakajima Park is an immense, beautifully landscaped space, made for relaxing. There is a section with a beautiful traditional Japanese garden with a Tea Room, a Concert Hall with ties to Leonard Bernstein, a Puppet House for children and km of trails for wandering or cycling.
We are staying at a Daiwa Roynet hotel. As well as being well located in a quiet area by Nakajima Park, it is directly across from the headquarters for Seicomart and their flagship store. Lucky us.
Seeing this store and its headquarters across the road is a nice surprise. We will have access to fresh hot meals made onsite and fresh baking. We like this Hokkaiden konbini chain and have not visited the other Japanese konbinis as often while on Hokkaido. Once we return to Honshu, Lawson’s and Family Mart and will once again be our go-to konbinis.
The confidence and curiosity of this young fellow made us smile. He was truly fascinated by everything around him including our trikes or perhaps just our gaijin appearance.
A classic scene in a Japanese garden. We are lucky to be here in good weather. The park is full of people, but it doesn’t feel that way as there is so much space at the park.
This building in the park is one of the oldest wooden buildings in Sapporo. It also features the Sekimori Stone indicating that you should not step beyond these stones. A more subtle and decorative way ask you not to trespass.
There are so many feature that make up a Japanese Garden and water plays an important part. It has a cooling effect, it offers serenity, beauty and the gentle sounds of the waterfall.
Sapporo Concert Hall is a world class venue. One day I hope to return when the timing is right and attend a concert. Another reason to return to Sapporo one day!
We have had such a good day at Nakajima Park. The weather was ideal for exploring. It is hungry making work, so we set out to find a ramen place for dinner. For some reason we kept missing it, but we finally figured out the directions.
Barry is in his happy place whenever he gets a chance to have ramen.
Ramen shops are the most vibrant and unique place to eat. There is a tradition where the staff call out to everyone who enters or leaves. They interact with their customers and it is truly a happy place to be….plus the food is good.
Ron SeguinIf you haven’t yet tried it, one of Sapporo’s signature dishes is soup curry. Totally different from regular Japanese curry. I tried it at a small local chain called Garaku, but I’m sure there are lots of other fine choices.
Bon appétit! Reply to this comment 3 days ago
