Sapporo, Sense and Sensibility
Feast your senses on
one of Japan’s most striking cities
Over the
past few years Japan has definitely boomed as a tourist destination for many Filipinos.
The country offers something for all types of travelers, from the city rat with
its chic metropolitan hotspots, to those who want to take a trip back in time
with its well-preserved cultural destinations.
In
addition to its beautiful locations, however, one of the charms of the Land of
the Rising Sun is its people. The Japanese hold their culture and history to a
high degree and they are known to be reverent of their social manners and
etiquette.
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One of the charms of the Sapporo city is
its people. The Japanese hold their culture and history to a high degree and
they are known to be reverent of their social manners and etiquette.
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As the old
adage goes, the best way to travel is to act, think, and behave like a local.
Japanese etiquette is vast, but there are specific manners that apply to
certain locations too. Sapporo—the capital of Hokkaido and one of Japan’s most
promising hotspots—for example, has its own set of rules that every traveler
should familiarize with.
Arm
yourself with basic Sapporo knowledge and etiquette to make the most of
everything the city has to offer.
Taste
Treat your
palate to the many flavors of the city, which boasts of fresh ingredients and
rich, distinct flavors. Try its popular Genghis Khan mutton or soup curry and
finish it by taking a sip of its famous Sapporo beer after a filling meal.
Be a
delightful guest by knowing basic restaurant etiquette. For self-service
restaurants, make sure to throw away your used paper cups, plates, and food
wrappers into the right garbage bin. If you booked a restaurant reservation,
make sure to call in advance in the event of a cancellation of if you are
running late for your schedule. Food establishments take careful consideration
when booking guests and giving a heads-up shows respect for your hosts.
When
paying bills, bring your receipt to the cashier or ask for a copy of it if it
hasn’t been provided beforehand. Tips are also not a custom in Japan so
expressing your gratitude to the staff after an exceptional service is a good
option.
Feel
The city
next door to nature, Sapporo is the perfect place for travelers who want some
downtime and peace. The place is always bursting with the colors of the season,
with its deep green forests during the summer and striking red and yellow
greenery during fall season. Try mountain climbing at Maruyama, a designated
National Natural Monument, which is mostly untouched virgin forest. You can
choose from routes based on your stamina, and reach it by car, bus, or subway.
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| FEEL the seasons in Sapporo City through flower beds, trees and events |
If you’re
going to drive, familiarize yourself with road signs for the city’s wildlife.
Gas stations in Hokkaido can either be full-service or self-service, some of
which can close as early as 6PM especially if you are in rural areas.
Experience
Get your
fill of adrenaline pumping activities or find your inner balance again by
trying a variety of Sapporo’s sports and recreational activities. The city has
a number of ski resorts that are a delight to visit during winter, with its
powder white snow, and yoga studios where you can clock in if you just want to
kick back and relax.
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Sapporo
is a feast for senses even in winter -- it feels home for everyone, whether you
are a local, or a local at heart.
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Learn
Take your
Sapporo beer experience to the next level by visiting its birthplace, the
Sapporo Factory, which now houses various events. Your itinerary will not be
complete, of course, without visiting a shrine which merges art, culture, and
history all at the same time. The Hokkaido Shrine in Maruyama is where you can
learn more about Japanese culture and traditions. You can also drop by some of
the city’s museums and libraries like the Watanabe Junichi Museum of Literature
and The Archives of Hokkaido.
It is
important to be mindful of basic manners when going around the city. For example,
leaving cigarette butts and packs are strictly prohibited and may incur a fine.
Walking while smoking in public places is also prohibited. Meanwhile, visiting
a shrine requires strict etiquette like purifying the hands and mouth at the temizuya, the water ablution pavilion,
before entering the sacred place.
Indeed,
Sapporo is a feast for all the senses with its striking but beautiful contrasts
and themes that leave their distinct mark on the mind’s eye. Its variety is a
welcoming trait, so much that it feels home for everyone, whether you are a
local, or a local at heart.
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