As stated, got here by a flight from Tokyo. Stayed in a hostel called "Social Hostel 365" - was a pretty chill place with big bunk beds and a bar at the 1st floor. About 10 minutes walk to the main parts of the city where all the restaurants, bars, etc are located.
Sapporo is a very much "the Tokyo" of Japan's northern island, Hokkaido.
Meaning? It's big and populated, a lot of places to eat, a lot of neon lights and a lot to see and expereince.
One big difference though, at least from my experience, was the population itself. Tokyo residents see hundreds of tourists on a daily basis but in Sapporo it seemed like they are less customed to outside visitors and I was lucky enough to meet friendly locals who were interested in me.
Main things I did and seen in the city:
- Hang around in the central areas, with the obvious first day of walking around the city and getting its vibes. (One of those areas is the Susukino district)
- Beer museum
- Ramen Yokocho alleyway
- Maryuama Park
- Mt. Moiwa hike (iirc about 30-50 minute hike to the top, can see the entire city at the top with a beautiful view)
- Odori Park ,a long park that's inside the city. Has many activities and nice vibes.
- JR Observatory, a very nice place that offers a view from the 38th floor of the tower. Has a cafe inside. I recommend aiming for the sunset in here, was lovely to see.
During my 3 day stay I went for a day trip to Otaru which is a nice town west of Sapporo.
At the end of my stay I took a nightbus to Shari, a small town located in the Shiretoko Peninsula (Eastern side of the island). This is the part of the Hokkaido trip where the Japan is somewhat "transformed" from its busy, developed, urban areas into those which are rural, beautiful, distant, wild and more natural.
Fascinating and helpful reading about these towns and destinations in Japan, places I would not have known about reading where to go.