Linda Liao's Reviews Page 92/93

My second visit to the Former Hokkaido Government Office Building, and this time I finally had enough time to explore the interior. The exterior features a Neo-Baroque design with striking red-brick walls, giving it a unique charm.

I especially liked the interior layout and corridor design. The wooden elements, vintage details, and long hallways create a strong sense of history. The exhibits are also extensive, introducing the culture and distinctive features of different parts of Hokkaido, as well as offering interactive displays that provide a deeper understanding of Ainu culture and Hokkaido's history. There are also many brightly colored paintings related to Hokkaido's pioneer era hanging on the walls at both ends of the corridors. They're well worth slowing down to appreciate!

Hokkaido Shrine is one of the most iconic shrines in Hokkaido, attracting a steady stream of local residents and tourists. Located near Maruyama Park, the shrine is surrounded by vast forests and nature. The peaceful scenery and solemn atmosphere also make it a well-known spiritual spot in Sapporo.
On the day of our visit, we happened to come across the traditional Japanese celebration of Shichi-Go-San. It was heartwarming to see children dressed in cute, elaborate traditional outfits visiting the shrine with their parents.

After your visit, don't forget to stop by the nearby Rokkatei Jingu Chaya. Not only can you buy Hokkaido souvenirs, but you can also try the Hokkaido Shrine-exclusive Hangan Mochi. Freshly made Hangan Mochi has a soft, chewy exterior filled with sweet red bean paste. Paired with the complimentary hot tea thoughtfully provided by the shop, it was very satisfying.

I came to Maruyama Park for a walk on a winter afternoon. The heavy snow from the previous few days had blanketed the entire park in a thick layer of white. The treetops, paths, and lawns were all covered in snow, creating a pure white winter landscape before my eyes.
Some people leisurely walked their pets through the snow, while others built snowmen and had snowball fights. Their laughter added a lively touch to the quiet winter day. As I wandered through the park, every scene looked like a beautiful winter postcard—so romantic.

I hope I'll have the chance to visit Maruyama Park again in different seasons to see the fresh greenery of spring, the lushness of summer, and the red maple leaves of fall, and experience for myself the different scenery each changing season brings.

Originally a beer production plant, it was established in 1987 and has since been transformed into Japan's only beer museum.
The museum has a wide variety of exhibits. Through historical materials, displays, and engaging explanations, it clearly and accessibly introduces how the Japanese government established a brewery in Sapporo, Hokkaido, and traces the history of Sapporo Beer to the present day. Even if you don't know much about beer, the story is easy to understand. If you have time, I highly recommend stopping by.

Another interesting highlight is the collection of Sapporo Beer advertising posters from over the years. From early designs to modern ones, each era has its own distinctive style and sense of the times, making it fun to examine them one by one.

If you want to make your visit more complete, there is also a paid tasting area where you can sample Sapporo Beer. The grounds also have a Jingisukan grilled mutton restaurant, and enjoying some piping-hot grilled meat after touring the museum is another great option.

I happened to learn online that the Sapporo White Illumination is held in downtown Sapporo every Christmas season. Last year marked its 45th edition, so during my winter trip, I followed the map and visited several of the main venues.
Each venue featured works with a different theme. The dazzling lights decorated Sapporo's winter nights, and together with the blanket of white snow, they added even more of a northern charm. Despite the frigid air, the sparkling lights gave the whole city a sense of warmth and romance.

People walked along the streets in twos and threes. Undeterred by the cold wind and bundled up in thick coats, they stopped with friends and family to admire the beautiful scenery before them. Some quietly took in the atmosphere of the winter night, while others picked up their cameras and kept pressing the shutter, trying to preserve this rare and beautiful sight forever. I also spent an unforgettable Christmas here.

Sapporo Nijo Fish Market is conveniently located in central Sapporo and is a great place to experience the atmosphere of a local Hokkaido market. Strolling through the retro-style shopping street, you’ll find fresh catches, all kinds of seafood, and fruit stalls, creating a lively, down-to-earth atmosphere. Unlike a typical supermarket, shopping here also lets you experience the vendors’ warm and friendly hospitality. This time, I bought a bag of Hokkaido-grown button mushrooms to try. It cost less than JPY 1,000, and after I brought it back to Taiwan and used it in chicken soup, it had a rich aroma. Highly recommended. If you visit in fall or winter, you can also see plump, bright red crabs. When you get tired from walking around, you can stop by the nearby GARAKU Soup Curry for a piping-hot bowl of soup curry and take a short break.

GARAKU is a famous soup curry restaurant that always draws large crowds during mealtimes. I recommend arriving before opening to get a numbered ticket and reduce your wait. The dishes come with colorful, fresh Hokkaido vegetables and are both vibrant and delicious. The stewed pork curry and chicken and vegetable soup curry are especially popular. Whenever I visit Hokkaido in winter, I always crave a piping-hot bowl of soup curry to warm both my heart and stomach. If you like it, they also sell packaged soup curry at the counter, so you can take home more delicious memories of Hokkaido!

The Old Public Hall of Hakodate Ward is a Western-style building more than a century old, perched on a small hill. Its elegant, ornate exterior, accented with bright yellow and gold trim, looks especially striking in the sunlight. It is also designated as an Important Cultural Property of Japan. Inside, the original design and layout have been well preserved. The grand hall on the second floor was once used to receive foreign guests and now serves as a venue for exhibitions and performances. You can also look out over Hakodate Bay from inside, where the ocean view and classical architecture complement each other, creating a peaceful, relaxing atmosphere. While visiting, I also recommend browsing the gift shop, which carries many exquisite handicrafts. I was most impressed by the candleholders decorated with dried flowers. After the candle burns down, the natural hollow it leaves behind can be reused to hold a small potted plant, perfectly showcasing the meticulous and creative nature of Japanese design.

Kanemori Red Brick Warehouse is a must-visit landmark in Hakodate, consisting of four retro red-brick warehouses. Inside are all kinds of shops offering everything from delicate glassware and pottery to souvenirs and unique gifts. There's plenty to browse, making it a great place to spend a leisurely afternoon. During the Christmas season, it's even more enchanting at night, with dazzling lights and fireworks every hour, creating a romantic and festive atmosphere!

The night view from Mt. Hakodate is one of the world's three great night views. You need to take the Mt. Hakodate Ropeway up to the observatory. Although it's not cheap, it's worth seeing once in your lifetime! After dark, the city lights twinkle below like stars scattered across the ground. During the Christmas season, you can also watch the Christmas tree lights at the Red Brick Warehouses change colors—romantic and cute!