Sapporo - (Hokkaido): Discovering More of What Awaits

What an unexpected surprise! On the fourth day of our Hokkaido and Sapporo tour, the winter weather had finally mellowed. Oh boy, I was all grins as I could finally spend more time outdoors, unlike the previous day when we were constantly running for indoor shelter in Noboribetsu. 

Breakfast at Hotel Maharoba (NOBORIBETSU WINTER TIME) was a revelation. While my tour buddies raved about the dinner, I found the buffet breakfast to be an absolute delight. Those Japanese-style dishes, especially the ones featuring tofu, seaweed, fresh seafood, and a variety of vegetables, were simply amazing. And when I saw congee and bacon- my all-time favorite - my excitement soared. 

The varieties of egg dishes were equally impressive, cooked in the soft and fluffy Japanese style. And let's not forget the Japanese desserts, which were an absolute treat - soft, melt-in-your-mouth perfection that added a sweet start to my day.

By 9.00am, we departed from the hotel for a leisurely city tour, passing by Odori Park, Tokei-Dai Clock Tower and other significant landmarks before arriving at the Asahi Beer Factory. The Asahi Beer Factory in Sapporo offers a fascinating insight into how Japan's famous beer is made. 

Located in the heart of Sapporo, Hokkaido, the factory welcomes tourists with guided tours that take you through the entire beer-making process, from brewing and fermenting to packaging. Our tour, however, was free and easy - we were left alone to explore but still stuck with our tour group.

I love history, especially about world-renowned brands. As I walked, I paused to read about the history of Asahi Breweries, founded in 1889, from the interactive exhibits. From a higher floor overlooking the production line through glass windows, I saw the modern brewing techniques in action. 

It was fascinating to see the speed of the manufacturing, with beer bottles and cans rolling out from the production line in seconds or minutes. Talk about innovation and quality in Japanese manufacturing plants like Asahi Beer.

Back to the ground floor, we headed to the dining area for beer tasting. Did I partake? I did. Not to get drunk, but just a few gulps while nibbling on tidbits. Beer in small glasses. At the end of it all, we were gently reminded to wash our own glasses. Isn't it great? Learning discipline while traveling is an absolute bonus.

Before stepping out of the Asahi Beer Factory, we browsed through the items in the shop. There were skincare products and, of course, Asahi beer in various packaging options. None of these caught my interest, though. What truly brought me joy was playing in the snow outside. It felt like we had all reverted to our childhood, reveling in the simple pleasure of the snow.

Lunch followed, featuring a "DIY" tempura and steamboat experience. We dipped seafood and vegetables into the batter and fried them ourselves, then enjoyed the steaming steamboat. It was a delightful and interactive meal, seated in small groups, chatting, and ensuring everything was properly cooked. The camaraderie and the unique dining experience made it truly memorable.

We had an hour for lunch, followed by a day dedicated to shopping at the approximately 1 km long Tanukikoji Roofed Arcade. This bustling arcade, one of Sapporo's oldest, stretches across seven blocks in the heart of the city. Dating back to the late 19th century, it remains a favorite among locals and tourists alike.

Under its distinctive roof, you'll find a lively mix of over 200 shops, ranging from traditional Japanese stores and trendy boutiques to cozy cafes and diverse eateries. The atmosphere is always buzzing, offering a chance to find unique souvenirs, sample local delicacies, or simply enjoy some window shopping.

I wandered from one store to another, primarily drawn to the beauty shops. After purchasing a couple of sheet masks (pro tip: don’t bother asking the staff for recommendations unless you speak Japanese - they’ll just stare at you). I also couldn’t resist trying out the beautifull presented ice-cream.

Then, we stumbled upon Jyoti Indian Restaurant. Indian food in Sapporo? Bingo! We had to try it. Up to the first floor we went, and we couldn't resist chatting with the owner. We were the only two Indian customers among a sea of Japanese patrons enjoying their Indian meals, which made the experience even more delightful. Savoring Masala Chai with a side of Crispy Masala Papadam - did they hit the spot? Absolutely! A delightful treat after three adventurous days in Hokkaido.

With an hour to spare, instead of wandering aimlessly, we opted to relax on a bench. Once our tour buddies gathered, we headed to Genghis Khan Restaurant for a barbecue feast. Cooking our own food was surprisingly fun - I especially enjoyed grilling tender lamb and fresh veggies. Such a wonderful thing, alongside all the tour buddies, like one happy family. 

Finally, we settled into Keio Plaza Hotel, a haven with all the comforts you could ask for. Too tired to do anything else, I showered and crashed into bed.