Sapporo 5 Nights 6 Days Trip Day 2: City Exploration and Culinary Delights
Sapporo Sapporo Sapporo Sapporo Sapporo On the second day of our trip, after finishing our journey in Noboribetsu, we officially began exploring the city of Sapporo. This day was filled with diverse experiences, including settling into our comfortable accommodation near Sapporo Station, exploring local eateries loved by residents, strolling through parks, and visiting a special zoo. In the evening, we savored the local specialty, lamb, in Sapporo and had a fun time at an arcade.
Moving from Noboribetsu to Sapporo
Sapporo Sapporo Early in the morning, we waited for the Donan bus to Sapporo at the Noboribetsu bus stop. Thanks to our advance booking in Korea, we were able to board the bus comfortably. The charming waiting room at the bus stop and the scenery outside the window felt like a scene from a youth drama. After about an hour and a half to two hours of travel, we arrived at Sapporo Station.
Hotel Check-in Near Sapporo Station and Lunch
We arrived at Richmond Hotel Sapporo Ekimae, located near Exit 22 of Sapporo Station. Since it was before check-in time, we only left our luggage. For lunch, we headed to Suage4 Miredo, a famous soup curry restaurant located in the Miredo shopping center. Even though we arrived at the 11 AM opening time, many people were already queuing. The soup curry we tasted after waiting for about 30 minutes exceeded our expectations. The combination of the green curry with level 6 spiciness and the cheese rice was an unforgettable flavor.
Outing to Odori Park and Maruyama Zoo
Hokkaido Japan After a delicious lunch, we grabbed a takeaway coffee from the Starbucks next door and headed to Odori Park. After about a 10-minute walk, we arrived at Odori Park with its iconic clock tower. In the park, we tasted specialty corn from Hokkaido, which was as sweet and delicious as sweet corn. Afterward, we took the Tozai Line subway to Maruyama Koen Station and visited Maruyama Zoo. Although the weather was a cool 20.9 degrees Celsius, the sun was strong, making hats and sunglasses essential. At the zoo, we met adorable Japan monkeys, seals, and small, cute red pandas.
Hotel Check-in and Dinner
After visiting the zoo, we returned to our accommodation, Richmond Hotel Sapporo Ekimae, and checked in. Unlike in Noboribetsu, it was a prepaid system. After being assigned a room and receiving our key cards, we proceeded to pay at the kiosk. After a short rest, we headed to Ramu, a famous yakiniku restaurant specializing in lamb in Sapporo. Ramu, located in Susukino, is popular not only with Koreans but also with locals, so we had to wait about 40 minutes before being seated. Despite a one-hour dining limit, we enjoyed various cuts of lamb, including lamb shoulder loin, lamb, lamb chops, and mutton, along with side dishes. The lamb chops were particularly delicious.
Entertainment at Round1 and Return
After dinner, to aid digestion, we headed to Round1, an arcade famous for its claw machines. The spacious, four-story arcade offered a variety of games and claw machines. Luckily, we won a Kirby plush toy in just two tries and also enjoyed a round of Super Mario Kart. After leaving the arcade, we strolled through the Susukino street, admired the Nikasang Sculpture, and walked back to our hotel. The snacks we bought at the Lawson convenience store on the way were also delicious. Day 2 of our Sapporo trip was a day filled with delicious food and enjoyable experiences.
