HERITAGE, ARTS & CULTURE OF HOKKAIDO

✤ MOERENUMA PARK

Moerenuma Park was converted from a waste treatment plant, and an air conditioning system using snow atmosphere, solar energy was installed in the Glass Pyramid, an indoor facility, that uses the natural, region-specific energy of snow. It is a comprehensive park in Sapporo that combines the green spaces of the city within a loop. The fountain and hills form many geometric shapes on the expansive grounds and play equipment is arranged in an orderly manner. The landscape is an amalgamation of nature and art with Cherry blossom trees, the fountain and wading pool facilities in summer. In autumn, the landscape transforms into a riot of stunning colours and in winter, visitors can enjoy cross-country skiing and sledding across the snow-covered landscape. The park has attractions for all seasons.

✤ ATAMA DAIBUTSU (THE HILL OF THE BUDDHA)

Peeking its head over fields of the lavender fields of Sapporo in Mokomanai Takino Cemetery, the Hill of the Buddha is a monument that was completed in 2016 as a way to commemorate the cemetery’s 30th anniversary. It was designed by Tadao Ando, an architect famous for working on many creative buildings both within and outside of Japan. The statue was named Atama Daibutsu because only the statue's head peeks out from the dome-shaped roof. People come to this cemetery not only to visit the graves of their loved ones but tourists also go there to see Moai statues and a replica of the Stonehenge.

✤ UPOPOY NATIONAL AINU MUSEUM AND PARK

Upopoy serves as the national centre for the revival and development of Ainu culture which is an invaluable culture that is on the verge of extinction. The mission of The National Ainu Museum is to promote a proper understanding and awareness of the history and culture. The National Ainu Park is an open-air museum where visitors can experience various elements of Ainu culture. Visitors can watch traditional dance performances and participate in wide-ranging hands-on programs. The park is also a place where visitors can relax and appreciate Ainu culture amidst natural scenic splendour.

Where To Stay

✤ ONSEN RYOKAN YUEN SAPPORO

Ideally located in the centre of Sapporo, Onsen Ryokan Yuen Sapporo features a restaurant, a sauna and a hot spring bath. The property is situated close to Sapporo Station. The rooms have a flat-screen TV and include a kettle, while some have a balcony and boast city views. English and Japanese speaking staff at the 24-hour front desk are always at hand to help. The Onsen Ryokan Yuen Sapporo has redefined the concept of Japanese traditional inns where guests can experience a new way of staying and can pamper themselves with the seasonal delicacies from all over Hokkaido. uds-hotels.com

✤ CROSS HOTEL SAPPORO

A short walk from JR Sapporo Station and Susukino entertainment district, the luxurious Cross Hotel Sapporo features large public baths with spectacular city skyline views, concierge services and comfortable rooms with free wifi. Spacious airconditioned rooms come with elegant and modern interiors and a stylish bathroom with luxurious amenities. An LCD TV, a fridge, tea and coffee are provided. Segregated public outdoor and indoor baths are available for relaxation. The hotel has a 24-hour front desk and offers dry cleaning and luggage storage. Rental computers are available upon request. The in-house restaurant Hache, offers French cuisine integrated with local food culture and ingredients. crosshotel.com

✤ HILTON NISEKO VILLAGE

The award-winning ski resort is at the foot of Mount Annupuri and only a 10-minute gondola ride to the top. Guests can unwind in the natural hot spring baths with a breathtaking view of Mt. Yōtei. Niseko Village Golf Course is next door, with summertime access to hot air balloons and horseback riding activities. The hotel offers ski-in and ski-out as well as golf-in and golf-out access plus a hanging fireplace. All rooms are luxurious and tastefully designed for optimum comfort. The restaurants offer a plethora of unique cuisines which cover traditional teppanyaki-style cuisine, authentic Japanese, casual grill food, and scenic cafés. hilton.com

✤ HOSHINO RESORTS TOMAMU

Hoshino Resorts TOMAMU is most famous for its sprawling hotel property, range of snow activities, and its inland location that creates the ideal conditions for dry powder snow. The trails, which are well-balanced for beginners, intermediates and advanced skiers and snowboarders, are served by one gondola and five lifts. Familyfriendly features include facilities for children, an Ice Village and the magnificent scenery of the Terrace of Frost Tree. Even if one does not ski, there is plenty to do for snow travellers. snowtomamu.jp