1. Arrival in Sapporo & Checking into “Yuen”
Start Your Journey Here:
After a short flight from Tokyo (about 1.5 hours), I touched down at New Chitose Airport, the gateway to Hokkaido. From there, the “Rapid Airport” train whisked me away to Sapporo Station in just under 40 minutes.
Walking through the station, I was immediately impressed. It’s not just a transit hub; it’s a massive, beautiful complex packed with restaurants, cafes, and endless shopping options for clothing and cosmetics. You could spend a whole day just exploring the station!
Where to Stay: ONSEN RYOKAN Yuen Sapporo
For accommodation, I chose ONSEN RYOKAN Yuen Sapporo. While it is technically within walking distance from the station, I decided to take a taxi to save energy (and my back) from hauling my heavy suitcase. It was a quick and easy 5-minute ride.
“Yuen” is a special place. It offers the best of both worlds: the modern comfort of a city hotel and the traditional aesthetics of a Ryokan.
But the real highlight here is the bath. Even though we are in the middle of the city, the hotel transports real thermal water directly from Noboribetsu Karuruls Onsen. Noboribetsu is one of Japan’s most famous hot spring resorts, known for its healing properties. So, you get to soak in authentic volcanic hot spring water without even leaving the city center. It was the perfect way to reset after the flight.
For accommodations in Sapporo, I highly recommend ONSEN RYOKAN Yuen.
Check rates and availability:
- Expedia (Best for flight bundles)
2. Dinner: The King of Crabs at “Oga”
Dinner was at Oga, a premier seafood izakaya. The highlight was undoubtedly the Hairy Crab (Kegani). It was served perfectly peeled—a testament to Japanese hospitality. The meat was incredibly sweet and delicate. We also had a giant grilled Atka Mackerel (Hokke), so juicy it practically melted in my mouth. Don’t forget to order Sake (Nihon-Shu).
- Top-tier seafood Izakaya in Sapporo.
- Famous for Live Hairy Crab (Kegani) prepared fresh.
- Features private rooms (Horigotatsu style) perfect for a relaxing dinner.
- Reservation is a must
[Restaurant Information]
Name: Local Cuisine Oga / Kitsutsuki Ryouri Oga)
Address: 8F Sansuri Building, 3-1 Minami 3-jo Nishi, Chuo-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido
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