First thing in the morning with scallops and Atka mackerel, getting a thrill from the Yaki-ben tower, and the Tonden-gaeshi Kingdom @ Sapporo City, Hokkaido

Sapporo Station

Hat Vending Machine

A hat vending machine inside Sapporo Station! It's convenient for hiding bedhead or bleeding. I wish there were vending machines like this for:
・Folding umbrellas: For sudden downpours. Raincoats and wetsuits would be nice too
・Salt: Natural salt sold by weight. To ward off bad luck on unlucky days
・Red feathers: Basically for donations

It would be nice to have vending machines that provide love and happiness, even if they aren't physical objects.

Sapporo Station-mae Underground Walkway (Chi-Ka-Ho)

An underground walkway connecting Sapporo Station and Odori Subway Station. It didn't exist when I lived there. Perhaps due to opposition from the surface-level chamber of commerce, construction was delayed. Thanks to this, you can go from Sapporo Station to the TV Tower or Susukino without being exposed to rain, wind, snow, or missiles on the surface. Now you too can be a subterranean dweller!

Underground Souvenir Shop

If you choose these instead of paying any mind to the "White Lovers" cookies, locals will praise you for having refined taste!

・Butter Candy: A metabolic hybrid candy that provides sugar and fat
・Wakasaimo: Made from beans, kelp, etc., it's a sweet that contains no actual potato despite the name. The skin has a unique flavor, and it's a treat that can get stuck in your throat
・Gokatteya Yokan: You push it out from the bottom of a dynamite-like tube and cut it with a string to eat. The flavor of the beans and sugar is direct and dynamic.

Back in the day, for some reason, my house always had butter candy in stock. I didn't particularly like it, but I'd eat it because it was there, and when it ran out, my father would buy more to restock. If you leave them for a long time, the candies stick together and turn into a butter ball. If you leave them even longer, they'd probably turn into a butter planet.

City Center

Underground Shopping Arcade

【Aurora Town】From Odori Subway Station to the TV Tower
【Pole Town】From Odori Subway Station to Susukino
There was an idiot who lived in Sapporo for years and would repeatedly try to go to Susukino but end up at the TV Tower by mistake. That idiot was me!

Geography of Sapporo City Center

・Divided into North 1-jo and South 1-jo with Odori Park as the boundary
・Divided into East 1-chome and West 1-chome with the Sosei River as the boundary
・The Sapporo TV Tower is at Odori West 1-chome. Use this as a landmark to figure out your direction.

Sapporo Station is at North 6-jo West 4-chome, Tanukikoji is from West 2-chome to West 7-chome between South 2-jo and South 3-jo, and Susukino is from South 3-jo to South 7-jo, West 2-chome to West 4-chome.

Local Broadcasting Station

It's the On-chan everyone knows! I guess it is a "No" after all. The mascot for the TV Asahi affiliate HTB Hokkaido Television. The station that produced and aired "Yo Oizumi and others' show "How do you like Wednesday?". I never thought it would become a nationwide hit.

Susukino

Gourmet

Soup curry, Miso ramen

Speaking of Sapporo, it's miso curry and soup ramen, right! Both are delicious! (I'm broken)
Ramai Sapporo Chuo Branch] [Ramen Shin (Tanukikoji Branch)]

Local yakitori chain

The Hokkaido yakitori chain "Kushidori" used to have a branch in Utsunomiya, but it closed. Hokkaido has its own unique yakitori culture, and Muroran and Bibai are quite distinct. We ate pork more often than chicken. The fluffy parmesan tsukune and beef sagari are incredibly delicious!
] [Kushidori Bangaichi Tokyu Plaza Branch]

Seafood bowl

Starbucks now

My memorable Starbucks now debut was at "Central Wholesale Market" in Nijuyonken, Nishi-ku, Sapporo, at "Kitano Ryoba Branch 2". It's a bit west of Sapporo's city center, but it's larger than the Nijo Market and recommended for seafood lovers! They also have plenty of souvenirs. It's open from early morning, so it's perfect for breakfast!
] [Kitano Ryoba Branch 2]

Local Japanese food chain

Starbucks now. Because it's Hokkaido. Please don't tell me to go to a graveyard instead of Starbucks. I think any Sapporo citizen would know exactly where I am and what I'm eating.

If you have sushi, tempura, and soba, you can assume it's "Tonden". The Tondenhei pioneers—there is even a place name called Tonden in Sapporo. It's a Japanese family restaurant chain based in Hokkaido, but it has also expanded into the Kanto region. When I was a child, I thought it was a high-class restaurant you could only go to on anniversaries.
] [Hokkaido-born Japanese Cuisine Tonden]

Jingisukan (Genghis Khan)

Starbucks now. This is short for 'standby OK now'.

The Jingisukan grill at this restaurant is a bit unique. Instead of a mountain shape in the middle, it's a vertical cliff. You put water and sauce in the outer moat, add vegetables there, and grill the meat on the central island. The vegetables don't burn or get tough, and the meat doesn't get soggy—it's a first-time way of eating for me. The meat has no gamey flavor and is super tender; both the lamb and mutton are delicious!
[Hokkaido-style Jingisukan Jinjin Sapporo]

Grilled Atka Mackerel

Not 'graveyard now,' but this time it's Nijo Market now. Was Atka mackerel always this huge? It's fatty and delicious! What did I come to Sapporo for again?
[Meshi to Junmai Bettei Nijo Ichiba de Mekin]

Yakisoba

The Yakisoba Tower in Sapporo that those in the know are aware of! I used to be able to go up to 'Ultra' size, but since I'm on a carb-restricted diet now, 'Jumbo' is my limit (if that's the case, don't eat it).

Located in the basement near Sapporo Station, 'Yakisoba-ya' (that's the actual name of the shop). You can freely choose the quantity and toppings, and it's served without sauce. You can create your own original yakisoba flavor using the eight types of sauces, curry sauce, and mayonnaise available on the table. You can change the flavor as much as you want, so you never get tired of it. I had the Jumbo Gomoku Vegetable Zangi. I could have eaten even more.
[Yakisoba-ya Station Front Main Store (formerly Yakisoba-ya Odori Store)]

Yakisoba Bento

・Making Chinese soup with the discarded hot water is its signature feature
・Hokkaido exclusive—many Hokkaido residents didn't know that
・It has an overwhelming market share in Hokkaido, and Peyoung can only be found at Don Quijote

In the past, it had a simple package with only text, and there was a commercial where Sanma Akashiya dressed as a cicada, climbed a tree, and chirped 'Tsukutsuku Soup.' However, it was similar to the other region-exclusive 'Yakisoba Bagoon' which came with wakame soup, and they reused the same commercial. Now there are various flavors like slightly spicy, cod roe, and green onion salt. However, it's a pity that it's hard to get Peyoung's super-large or extra-spicy versions in Hokkaido.

Zangi

・There is no clear definition, and interpretations vary from person to person
・The term 'fried chicken' (tori no karaage) was not used in Hokkaido
・It seems Zangi does not equal 'fried chicken'

What I ate in the past was chicken marinated in a large amount of soy sauce, sugar, and garlic; the batter was dark and soggy, and it was juicy to the point of being almost raw with a strong flavor. The one in the photo is also delicious, but it's too refined.

Local chain gyoza

【Miyoshi-no】A gyoza chain with locations throughout Hokkaido, centered in Sapporo. Many stores used to be open 24 hours, but hours have since been shortened. The "Miyoshi-no Set" is popular. I used to stave off hunger with their jumbo gyoza curry back in the day. Although it is technically a gyoza specialty shop, the curry was so delicious that I couldn't really tell what the gyoza tasted like.
【Miyoshi-no Tanukikoji Branch】

Shime-parfait (Late-night parfait)

Recently in the Susukino area of Sapporo, instead of ramen for a nightcap, the custom of eating parfait even in the cold winter has taken root, and parfait specialty shops are open late into the night even in the bustling downtown area. Moreover, everywhere is packed. I discovered a fresh, new shop. It's also quite bold to be in the basement of the Ramen Yokocho.
【Parfait Nemo-chan Land 3】

Royce'

Nama chocolate is famous, but their bread and cookies are also delicious. There was even bread with chocolate cream oozing out from inside. There is a cafe where you can eat inside the store. As expected, the bread was baked and not raw.
【Royce' Ainosato Park Branch】

Local convenience store

The convenience store with the #1 customer satisfaction rating, "Seicomart." I used to stave off hunger with their 100-yen yakisoba back in the day. It seems a bit more expensive now. The in-store cooked Hot Chef katsudon is tender, crispy, and delicious. They don't really stay open 24 hours, and they have a warmth similar to the "so-and-so shops" of the Showa era.

Local food

・Guarana
Dr. Pepper, which has a similar taste, is almost non-existent in Hokkaido. Back in the day, it came in small glass bottles like cola.
・Katsugen
Somewhere between Yakult and Calpis? It gets incredibly sticky if it gets on your hands.
・Tokibi Monaka
The corn is corn. I really want this to be sold in Kanto too.

Other

My weight dropped by 2kg after returning home!? I walked all over Sapporo, and although there was a lot of junk food, fried food, and sweets, I focused on a healthy diet of chicken, lamb, seafood, and vegetables for a Sapporo diet. Even if it's delicious, don't overeat or drink, and make sure to exercise properly.

Landmarks

Maruyama Park

Ignoring the magnificent cherry blossoms that bloom in full force during the viewing season, citizens hold grand Jingisukan (Genghis Khan) barbecues under the trees, filling the air with the smell of sauce and smoke. Why not at least use horse meat and make it a cherry blossom hot pot?
[Maruyama Park]

Hokkaido Jingu Shrine

During the New Year's visit season, a long line forms to the foot of the mountain, leaving you exposed to the winter cold and snow for a long time. The approach is icy, causing you to fall; your hands are frozen, making the purification fountain feel like adding insult to injury; you can't get your small change out properly and drop it on the ground; and your hands throb with pain when you clap them, making you want to pray, 'Can't you at least make it warmer during the New Year's visit?'
[Hokkaido Jingu Shrine]

Maruyama Stadium

It feels a bit neglected as all the attention goes to Sapporo Dome. However, it has a long history, has been used for professional baseball, and continues to live on as a municipal stadium.
[Maruyama Stadium]

Maruyama Zoo

It feels a bit neglected as all the attention goes to Asahiyama Zoo. However, you can see polar bears standing upright, and it's also nice to look at the monkey mountain and feel the sense of society. Though the ecology of the animal known as 'human' is also interesting.
[Maruyama Zoo]

Sapporo Factory

A large commercial facility located slightly east of Sapporo's city center. It consists of several connected buildings, including brick ones, and is characterized by a central atrium terrace that looks like a giant greenhouse. It's already in Christmas mode. I tried walking through the red tunnel! It felt like I had become hemoglobin flowing through a blood vessel.
[Sapporo Factory]

Chateraise Gateaux Kingdom Sapporo

Overview

I stayed at business hotels near Susukino for the first two nights, but I always choose this place for the final night. It is located at the northern tip of Sapporo City and is the ultimate resort hotel with hot springs and a pool! A bubble-era resort once called 'Sapporo Terme.' It was bought by a confectionery company, so there are plenty of delicious sweets, and it is highly recommended for families of all ages!
[Chateraise Gateaux Kingdom Sapporo]

Sweets

As expected of Chateraise. Welcome sweets, cake service plan, a patissier workshop inside the hotel, and a direct sales store. It's a castle of sweets. What's more, I was lucky that Hokkaido was distributing regional coupons, so I saved money on souvenirs!

Breakfast buffet

Asaba now (breakfast buffet). Sapporo-style soup curry and venison Genghis Khan. Freshly made omelet. Delicious sweets and ice cream bars unique to Chateraise. What diet? I'm going home fat! Even though it's not the original brand, the Azuki Bar is as hard as ever...

Omelet live station

Freshly made omelets are now a staple at hotel breakfast buffets! It's a craftsman's skill to keep the cooking consistent across so many plates. The topping is cheese! At home, you're less likely to fail if you use plenty of oil and high heat. My finger appears in the video, and someone's voice is heard. Is that what I sound like?

Elevator

Gateaux Kingdom Sapporo has a vast atrium from the 1st-floor buffet venue up to the 11th floor with glass exterior walls and elevators. A space like no other. Dining with a sense of liberation and elevators that don't make you feel cramped. This alone is enough to give you a resort feeling.

Virtual elevator

I love the elevators at Gateaux Kingdom Sapporo. First half: Time to go to the room, eat Chateraise sweets, and go to the hot spring! Second half: I'm going to eat so much it doesn't feel like a breakfast buffet! If the elevator is full, there's also the option of climbing the decorative trees (not really).

Drink corner

A variety of serving methods, from showing the contents to providing freshly ground coffee. Touch-panel drink servers, which are becoming common in karaoke parlors and family restaurants, are becoming popular for home use; it would be convenient if they could also dispense dashi, miso soup, and grated yam.

Outdoor water slide

I didn't use the pool this time. I'm not sure if it's open in winter. It used to be open even in heavy snow, and the snow-viewing heated pool is quite pleasant. However, the heating and maintenance costs are enormous. I like the water slide because it makes me feel like I'm flowing through intestines and being excreted.

Baumkuchen workshop

It wasn't operating, but the Baumkuchen workshop was clearly visible through the glass. They wrap the batter around a core rod while baking it. The equipment and operation are quite large-scale. It makes me imagine a whole roasted pig. I'm glad I wasn't roasted while I was sleeping.

New Chitose Airport

The ultimate final boss of Hokkaido is New Chitose Airport. It's so formidable that I don't know where to start. With gourmet food, souvenirs, a movie theater, amusement facilities, and a hot spring open until morning, you can spend a whole day here, so make sure to set aside plenty of time.

Food Court

Matsuo-san at the food court! A casual Jingisukan steak bowl! The lamb is tender and elegant, just like roast beef. You can't eat this at home. I want to eat Obihiro's pork bowl too. [
Matsuo Jingisukan New Chitose Airport Food Court Branch]

Royce' Chocolate World

The raw chocolate shogun of Hokkaido, "Royce." There is a chocolate factory inside New Chitose Airport, and they generously show the manufacturing process through glass. What mechanical entertainment! Assuming the rent inside the airport and the installation and maintenance costs for the machinery, just how much are they selling? Their raw chocolate is no pushover! [
Royce' Chocolate World]

Doraemon Waku Waku Sky Park & Cafe

There are so many Doraemons. One of them must be the real thing! Doraemon~! I want a Memory Bread and a Translation Konjac! My forgetfulness has been severe lately, and my workplace is full of foreign employees and customers! (Seriously) And while you're at it, make things taste a little better. [
Doraemon Waku Waku Sky Park & Cafe]

Hokkaido Ramen Dojo

The line for "Ebisoba Ichigen" is a sight you will always see. Other places like Hakodate's "Ajisai" and "Teshikaga Ramen" are also delicious. The photo on the far right is the shrimp ramen from Ichigen I ate about 10 years ago. By the way, my brother ate this and discovered he had a crustacean allergy. It's delicious, but poor guy. [
Hokkaido Ramen Dojo]

Bento Shop Bishoku Chitose

I thought they were selling empty bento boxes, but it's "Sora-ben" (sky bento). It doesn't seem to be a lawyer telling tall tales either. My Vietnamese employee said that character bentos are an amazing part of Japanese culture. [
Bento Shop Bishoku Chitose Center Plaza]

Polar Bear

A cola that looks delicious, chilled to the bone. Coca-Cola's distribution network is amazing! Have they expanded even to the Arctic Circle? If it were a polar bear, it might eat seals, but with cola, I'm worried about blood sugar levels. That red scarf is stylish.

New Chitose Airport Restaurant by Royal Host

Royal Host might seem like it's everywhere, but this one is different! It has a menu specialized for Hokkaido. Everything has large ingredients and generous portions, leaving me speechless! When testing a web server, you type 'localhost' into the browser URL, but you won't get curry or steak here.
[New Chitose Airport Restaurant by Royal Host]

Umidokoro Matsuba

This is where I stop by every time to buy souvenirs! Since many Hokkaido seafood items are fresh and don't last long, individually packaged delicacies are easy to store and you don't have to worry about finishing them all at once after opening. They are popular with alcohol lovers, and when I take them to the office, they disappear in an instant. By the way, I haven't eaten them myself yet.
[Umidokoro Matsuba]

Hokkaido Shokudo

After passing through the security gate, New Chitose Airport shows no mercy in trying to lure you in with food and take your money (that's one way to put it). Moreover, they have a relatively light lineup, timed perfectly for when you've already eaten heavy things like pork bowls or Genghis Khan. I was tempted, but I had to shake off the temptation because my boarding time was passing. Besides, I can't eat anymore.

Parting with the land

No, no, no, no, no! I don't want to go home! I want to eat more delicious food! (tears) But it's okay, I will live happily anytime, anywhere, with anyone. Thank you for giving birth to me, raising me, and entertaining me, Hokkaido. I'll be back.