Top 5 Scenic Sites in Sapporo

A serene and unspoiled Japanese island, Hokkaido is the home of the beautiful city of Sapporo. The urban center is surrounded by dense forests, hot springs, active volcanoes and picturesque lakes nestled in calderas.

Here are some of the amazing destinations in store for you in Sapporo.

Historical Village of Hokkaido
If you're interested in traveling back in time to frontier period of Japanese history, don't miss an opportunity to explore the Historical Village of Hokkaido. Guests can enter the village through the old Sapporo Station building, which will thrust you into a village emulating country lifestyle of the Meiji and Taisho periods, which spanned from 1868 to 1926.

Be sure to also hop on the village's horse-drawn trolley to take you down the main street, allowing you to view vintage stone and wood buildings characteristic of the 19th century.

Jigokudani
Also known as Hell Valley, Jigokundani is an otherworldly area outside of Sapporo that is a must-see destination in Hokkaido. The landscape is characterized by the yellowish gray volcanic gas that seeps up from the surface of the rocks littering the ground, which gives the entire region a strong aroma of sulfur. The entire valley is a 450-meter diameter mouth of a volcano that produces an amazing 3,000 liters of hot water every minute.

Lake Toya
If you're interested in visiting beautiful volcanic sites in Japan, explore the wondrous shores of Lake Toya. Located in the Shikotsu-Toya National Park, this incredible lake measures more than 25 miles around, making it one of the largest in Japan. The body of water was created when a lava flow from the nearby active volcano Mount Usu diverted a nearby stream. In fact, the volcano is one of the most active in the region, with its last eruption occurring in 2000.

Noboribetsu Date Jidaimura
You'll enjoy history blended with thrilling live performances when you visit Noboribetsu Date Jidaimura, Sapporo's historical theme park. Guests can experience traditional Japanese games, activities, outdoor and indoor theaters and street performances at every turn as they explore the park grounds. Noboribetsu Date Jidaimura details the Edo period of Japan's history, which is one of the most exciting and popular times among history buffs.

Noboribetsu Onsen If you're in need of a soothing day of rest and relaxation, don't miss out on visiting Noboribetsu Onsen. Situated in the heart of the Shikotsu-Toya National Park, these famous mineral-rich hot springs are sure to put you in a good mood. There are nine different types of water for you to choose from, with minerals ranging from hydrogen sulfide to salt and iron.

Begin planning your Asian cruise that calls in Sapporo to experience the cultural and natural wonders of Japan. View Asia cruises.