Holiday Inn Express Sapporo Susukino Área local

Sapporo Clock Tower is one of Sapporo’s most famous landmarks. Built in 1878 as a drill hall for the former Sapporo Agricultural College, it features a traditional wooden design and a historic clock that still works today. The building symbolizes the early development of Hokkaido and attracts many visitors from around the world.

Tanukikoji Shopping Street is Sapporo's covered, 1km-long retail arcade, running east-west through the centre of the city. Seven blocks of confectionery shops, drug stores, souvenir stalls, fashion brands, sports outfitters, sushi counters and small restaurants. The whole street is covered, making it the city's go-to walk in heavy snow or summer rain. The hotel is a short walk away. Bring an empty suitcase for the trip home, especially if Hokkaido sweets are on the gift list.

Odori Park stretches more than 1.5km through the heart of Sapporo and frames every season of the city. In winter it hosts the Sapporo Snow Festival's main snow-and-ice sculpture run, drawing millions of visitors every February; in summer the Sapporo Beer Garden takes over with outdoor lawns, food stalls and fresh draught; in spring and autumn it's a green ribbon through the city, with the red-and-white Sapporo TV Tower at the eastern end and the Hokkaido mountains visible on a clear day.

Nijo Market is Sapporo's go-to morning market, open from early in the day, lined with stalls of Hokkaido crab, salmon roe, sea urchin, scallops, salmon and the day's catch from the surrounding ports. The neighbouring restaurants serve some of the best kaisendon (seafood-over-rice bowls) in the city, with picture menus that make ordering easy for first-time visitors. A short walk from the hotel makes it an easy first stop before a day around Odori, Tanukikoji or further afield.

Susukino is Sapporo's nightlife district and dining heart, right outside the hotel's front door. Several thousand bars, izakayas, ramen counters, yakiniku rooms, sushi spots and karaoke booths cover a tight grid of side streets. Genghis Khan grilled lamb, Sapporo miso ramen, Hokkaido seafood and craft beer are all within a five-minute walk, with English-friendly options spread throughout. Stay out late: the subway runs until midnight and the neon-lit street takes care of the rest.