Sapporo: The Heartbeat of Hokkaido

• Helloこんにちは
  [kon-ni-chi-wa]
• Goodbyeさようなら
  [sa-yo-u-na-ra]
• Yesはい
  [ha-i]
• Noいいえ
  [i-i-e]
• Please/You're welcomeどうぞ
  [do-u-zo]
• Thank youありがとうございます
  [a-ri-ga-to-u-go-za-i-ma-su]
• Excuse me/Sorryすみません
  [su-mi-ma-se-n]
• How are you?お元気ですか？
  [o-ge-n-ki-de-su-ka]
• Fine. And you?元気です。あなたは？
  [ge-n-ki-de-su.a-na-ta-wa]
• Do you speak English?英語を話せますか？
  [e-i-go-o-ha-na-se-ma-su-ka]
• I don't understandわかりません
  [wa-ka-ri-ma-se-n]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseメニューを見せてください
  [me-n-yuu-o-mi-se-te-ku-da-sa-i]
• I don't eat meat肉を食べません
  [ni-ku-o-ta-be-ma-se-n]
• Cheers!乾杯!
  [ka-n-pa-i]
• I would like to pay, pleaseお会計をお願いします
  [o-ka-i-ke-i-o-o-ne-ga-i-shi-ma-su]

• Help!助けて!
  [ta-su-ke-te]
• Go away!行って!
  [i-t-te]
• Call the Police!警察を呼んで!
  [ke-i-sa-tsu-o-yo-n-de]
• Call a doctor!医者を呼んで!
  [i-shi-o-yo-n-de]
• I'm lost道に迷いました
  [mi-chi-ni-ma-ya-i-ma-shi-ta]
• I'm ill具合が悪い
  [gu-a-i-ga-wa-ru-i]

• I'd like to buy...買いたいです
  [ka-i-ta-i-de-su]
• I'm just looking見てるだけです
  [mi-te-ru-da-ke-de-su]
• How much is it?いくらですか？
  [i-ku-ra-de-su-ka]
• That's too expensiveそれは高すぎます
  [so-re-wa-ta-ka-su-gi-ma-su]
• Can you lower the price?値段を下げてもらえますか？
  [ne-da-n-o-sa-ge-te-mo-ra-e-ma-su-ka]

• What time is it?今何時ですか？
  [i-ma-na-n-ji-de-su-ka]
• It's one o'clock一時です
  [i-chi-ji-de-su]
• Half past (10)10時半
  [ju-u-ji-ha-n]
• Morning朝
  [a-sa]
• Afternoon午後
  [go-go]
• Evening夕方
  [yu-u-ga-ta]
• Yesterday昨日
  [ki-n-o-u]
• Today今日
  [kyo-u]
• Tomorrow明日
  [a-shi-ta]
• 1一
  [i-chi]
• 2二
  [ni]
• 3三
  [san]
• 4四
  [shi]
• 5五
  [go]
• 6六
  [roku]
• 7七
  [shichi]
• 8八
  [hachi]
• 9九
  [kyu-u]
• 10十
  [ju-u]

• Where's a/the...?どこですか？
  [do-ko-de-su-ka]
• What's the address?住所は何ですか？
  [ju-u-sho-wa-na-n-de-su-ka]
• Can you show me (on the map)?地図で見せていただけますか？
  [chi-zu-de-mi-se-te-i-ta-da-ke-ma-su-ka]
• When's the next (bus)?次のバスはいつですか？
  [tsu-gi-no-ba-su-wa-i-tsu-de-su-ka]
• A ticket (to ....)チケット (....へ)
  [chi-ke-t-to]

Sapporo's history as a modern city began in 1868 when it was established as the administrative center of Hokkaido under the Meiji government's colonization policy. The government aimed to develop the northern territories and protect them from potential Russian expansion.

Hokkaido University, originally named Sapporo Agricultural College, was established in 1876. It was the first higher education institution in Japan to adopt a Western-style curriculum, and it played a crucial role in the agricultural and economic development of Hokkaido.

The Kaitakushi Brewery, established in 1876, is the birthplace of the famous Sapporo Beer. The brewery was part of the broader efforts by the Kaitakushi, the Hokkaido Development Commission, to modernize the region and introduce Western technology and industries.

The Sapporo Snow Festival began in 1950 when local high school students built six snow statues in Odori Park. The festival has since grown into an internationally renowned event, attracting millions of visitors each year to enjoy the incredible snow and ice sculptures.

Sapporo gained international recognition when it hosted the 1972 Winter Olympics, the first Winter Games to be held in Asia. The event showcased Sapporo's winter sports facilities and contributed to its reputation as a premier winter destination.

Odori Park, a 1.5-kilometer-long park in the heart of Sapporo, has played a significant role in the city's cultural life. Originally a firebreak, it was transformed into a public space and has hosted numerous events, including the Sapporo Snow Festival and the Sapporo Lilac Festival.

The indigenous Ainu people have a rich cultural heritage that predates Japanese settlement in Hokkaido. The Ainu influence is evident in various aspects of Sapporo's culture, including place names, traditional crafts, and the city's annual Ainu cultural events.

Built in 1878 as part of the Sapporo Agricultural College, the Sapporo Clock Tower is one of the oldest buildings in the city and serves as a symbol of Sapporo's history and development. The clock tower continues to chime every hour, a reminder of the city's past.

Moerenuma Park, designed by the renowned sculptor Isamu Noguchi, opened in 2005. The park represents a fusion of art and nature, with its innovative landscape design and large-scale sculptures, highlighting Sapporo's commitment to modern urban development and cultural expression.

The Hokkaido Shrine, established in 1869, is dedicated to the deities of Hokkaido's pioneering era. The annual Hokkaido Shrine Festival, held every June, features traditional Shinto ceremonies, parades, and festivities, celebrating the cultural heritage of the region.

Sapporo is located on the northern island of Hokkaido in Japan. The nearest international airport is New Chitose Airport (CTS), which is approximately 45 kilometers from the city center. From the airport, you can take the JR Rapid Airport train to Sapporo Station, a journey that takes around 40 minutes. Alternatively, there are buses and taxis available. Domestic flights from major Japanese cities like Tokyo, Osaka, and Nagoya also connect to New Chitose Airport.

Sapporo boasts an efficient public transportation system, including buses, subways, and trams. The Sapporo Subway has three lines (Namboku, Tozai, and Toho) that cover most tourist attractions. The streetcar network is a convenient way to explore central Sapporo. Buses are also widely available for destinations not covered by the subway or streetcar. Taxis are plentiful but more expensive. For those who prefer cycling, rental bikes are available, and Sapporo is a bike-friendly city.

The official currency in Japan is the Japanese Yen (JPY). Credit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and larger shops, but cash is still commonly used, especially in smaller establishments and rural areas. ATMs are available throughout the city, and many convenience stores have 24-hour ATMs that accept international cards. It is advisable to carry some cash for small purchases and transportation.

Sapporo is generally a very safe city for tourists. However, as with any urban area, it is wise to stay vigilant and take standard precautions. Avoid secluded areas at night and keep an eye on your belongings in crowded places. There are no specific neighborhoods in Sapporo known for high crime rates targeting tourists. Always ensure your accommodations are secure and avoid displaying large amounts of cash or valuables.

In case of emergency, dial 110 for police assistance and 119 for fire and medical emergencies. Sapporo has several hospitals and clinics that offer medical services. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For minor health issues, pharmacies are abundant and often have English-speaking staff. Keep a list of emergency contacts, including your country's embassy or consulate.

Fashion: Do dress neatly and modestly. Avoid overly casual attire like flip-flops and tank tops in the city center. Religion: Do respect religious customs and remove your shoes when entering temples or shrines. Public Transport: Do be quiet and respectful on public transport. Don’t talk loudly on phones or eat/drink. Greetings: Do bow slightly as a sign of respect when greeting. Handshakes are less common. Eating & Drinking: Do try local dishes and eat quietly. Don’t tip, as it is not customary in Japan.

To experience Sapporo like a local, visit the Sapporo Nijo Market for fresh seafood and local delicacies. Take a stroll in Odori Park, especially during seasonal festivals like the Sapporo Snow Festival. Join locals in relaxing at one of the many onsen (hot spring) facilities in and around the city. Engage with residents at local izakayas (pubs) to learn about Sapporo's culture and history. Don't miss the chance to explore the scenic areas around Sapporo, such as Mount Moiwa for panoramic views and Jozankei Onsen for a soothing hot spring experience.