Welcoming visitors with thorough infection control measures in place. A real-time report on the current state of Sapporo's popular tourist spots

What is the city really like? People who are considering traveling there want to have real information.
So, with the cooperation of Harumari TOKYO (https://harumari.tokyo/), an information magazine that works to support tourist destinations across the country, we will bring you the latest news about the popular tourist destination of Sapporo.

1. Sapporo Ekimae Street, where local and neighboring customers return

When you exit the West Concourse of Sapporo Station through the South Exit, you will see Sapporo Ekimae-dori, which stretches straight towards Susukino. This street is home to many commercial facilities such as Akarenga Terrace and Odori BISSE, and is the main street in the city where Sapporo's trends come together.

Under the state of emergency, the area was almost deserted, but now there are many workers and shoppers, and tourists are starting to return. However, the maximum temperature on this day was 34°C, the hottest this year in Sapporo. Directly below the street is the underground passage "Sapporo Ekimae-dori Underground Pedestrian Space Chi-Ka-Ho", and many people chose the cooler underground passage, so there were few people on the ground.

2. Sapporo TV Tower: Overlooking the city of Sapporo

If you head south along Ekimae-dori, you will arrive at Odori Park, which stretches from east to west in the center of Sapporo. Located on the first block is the Sapporo TV Tower. With an observation deck 90.38 meters above ground, it has been a staple tourist spot in Sapporo for many tourists from both inside and outside of Hokkaido since it opened in 1957.

Sapporo City is holding a "Let's go around Sapporo! Free admission to the attractions" event during the month of August. The TV Tower also had a campaign where admission to the observation deck was free (ending August 31st). On the day we visited, the tower was already bustling with visitors, with people waiting 30 to 60 minutes to get in before it even opened.

Of course, thorough infection prevention measures were in place for the queue. There were markers posted at the base of the queue to indicate where to stand to ensure sufficient distance between people in front and behind, and masks were required upon entry, so I was able to queue with peace of mind. In addition, alcohol-based hand sanitizer was provided, and I got the impression that thorough instructions on infection prevention were given.

Currently, the elevator to the observation deck is also limited in the number of passengers, and waiting times occur when it is crowded. For this reason, the outside staircase, which is usually only open twice a year, was opened as a way to climb up to the observation deck without feeling crowded. You are free to put on and take off your mask on the stairs, and you can feel the pleasant breeze as you go up and down. However, there are a whopping 352 steps. It takes about 10 to 15 minutes to reach the observation deck, so if you have the opportunity to go up, be sure to take it up and consider your physical strength.

From the observation deck, you can get a panoramic view of Sapporo in all directions, and many people could be seen getting excited when they spotted famous spots such as Sapporo Dome and Okurayama Ski Jump Stadium, as well as taking photos.

3. The Sapporo Clock Tower: The sound of its bells continues to ring unchanged

Along with the Sapporo TV Tower, the Sapporo Clock Tower is a staple of Sapporo sightseeing. These two spots are just a five-minute walk away from each other. Surrounded by the buildings of the business district, you can see the quaint white wall in the greenery.

Like the Sapporo TV Tower, the building was open to the public for free as part of a city campaign (ending on August 31), and many people were visiting. Alcohol-based hand sanitizer was provided at the entrance, and there were also notices posted warning people about infection prevention measures.

The Clock Tower is officially called the "Former Sapporo Agricultural College Drill Hall" and was built as a drill hall for the predecessor school of Hokkaido University. On the first floor of the building, historical documents and a full-scale model are on display. The second floor is a reproduction of the graduation ceremony of Sapporo Agricultural College. At night, it is used as the "Clock Tower Hall" for concerts, lectures, and other events.

In 1881, a clock tower was added to the clock tower, and an American Howard Company "striking weight pendulum type four-faced clock" was installed. Even now, more than 140 years after its construction, this historic tower clock still chimes every hour on the hour as standard time in Sapporo. On this day, the chimes continued to ring as they always have, informing the surrounding area of the time.

The hall had open windows for good ventilation, and there were notices on the benches encouraging people to sit at an appropriate distance, so we were able to relax without feeling crowded. I even met a local who said with a smile, "I've lived in Sapporo for decades, but this is the first time I've come here because I heard it was free."

4. Farm to Table TERRA: Infection prevention measures taken at popular lunch salad bar

At the southernmost end of Ekimae-dori is the lush Nakajima Park. If you walk east for about two minutes from Exit 1 of Nakajima Koen Station on the subway, you will come across a restaurant surrounded by trees, even though it is in the city center. This is Farm to Table TERRA, located on the first floor of HOTEL MYSTAYS PREMIER Sapporo Park.

The interior of the store is very open, with sunlight filtering in through the large windows and an open ceiling. The outdoor brand "Snow Peak" oversaw the space, making it feel like you're glamping outdoors while indoors. It can be used for a wide range of occasions, from breakfast to lunch, cafe, and dinner.

The menu is based on camping cuisine, and the vegetables are mainly organic, delivered directly from contracted farmers. Another attraction is the salad bar at lunchtime, where you can see the faces of the producers and enjoy safe and secure vegetables. Gloves are currently provided at the salad bar. Infection prevention measures such as disinfecting and replacing tongs are also being implemented.

When we spoke to a staff member, he told us, "Due to tourism industry support campaigns by Hokkaido and Sapporo city, the restaurant, which has adopted social distancing measures, may be fully booked on some days, so we recommend making a reservation in advance if you wish to visit."

"From April, we have added four new items to our take-out menu, including our popular galettes and pilafs, further enhancing our menu."

The take-out menu is apparently popular with customers who want to avoid crowded places. In addition, they have also started selling new items.

"From August, we will start selling the "TERRA Picnic Set" (limited quantity) so that you can enjoy meals outside. The set includes the shop's original tote bag, a large placemat, a "Nakajima Park Walking Map" filled with information that our staff discovered while walking around, and a choice of beer or soft drink (1,250 yen including tax)."

They also say they are focusing on infection prevention measures.

"We are taking measures to prevent infection so that everyone can use our restaurant with as much peace of mind as possible. As we may be fully booked, we recommend making a reservation in advance as a preventative measure. Sapporo enjoys very pleasant weather from summer through to autumn. We also recommend having a picnic with a TERRA takeout menu at Nakajima Park, which is located very close to the restaurant." (Staff member)

5. Sapporo Grand Hotel: Mask cases and other thoughtful touches

The Sapporo Grand Hotel is a long-established hotel that has an unchanging presence in the center of Sapporo, where a new wave of new hotels are opening. It is easily accessible from both Sapporo Station and Odori Subway Station, and is within a 5-minute walk of the Sapporo Clock Tower, the Hokkaido Government Office Building (Red Brick Building), and Odori Park, making it a recommended hotel for both tourists and business travelers.

Sapporo Grand Hotel, which opened in 1934 as Hokkaido's first full-scale Western-style hotel, has three buildings: the main building, the east building, and the annex, with a total of 494 guest rooms. In April 2020, the "Premier King Double Room" was introduced. The room is themed around "Hokkaido's nature and relaxation," with interiors made of natural solid wood.

Currently, we ask that guests disinfect their hands when entering the building, wear masks, and have their temperature taken with a non-contact thermometer. In the lobby, markers were posted at the feet to encourage spacing in lines, and panels were set up at the front desk, so the precautions were solid. Even when moving to the guest rooms, alcohol-based hand sanitizer was installed in various places and the number of passengers in elevators was limited, allowing guests to move around safely.

"After the self-restraint measures were lifted, we saw a temporary increase in business guests. Currently, thanks to campaigns in Hokkaido and Sapporo, we are seeing an increase in local guests. We are planning to start selling accommodation plans for the Go To Travel campaign soon. We will be closely watching the situation in society and government actions, and will devise ways to accommodate the situation so that our guests can stay with us in safety." (Staff member)

The hotel has a Japanese, Western and Chinese restaurant, a bar and a bakery where you can enjoy locally produced ingredients. The Western restaurant "NORTHERN TERRACE DINER" is offering a 500 yen menu that can be enjoyed on the terrace only during dinner time from this summer, allowing you to enjoy beer and snacks in a comfortable space. There was also a nice touch, such as a mask case that can be used to store masks taken off during meals.

The staff also feel that more and more people are refraining from eating out to prevent infection, so they say, "We are focusing on takeout and room service so that you can enjoy seasonal Hokkaido cuisine in the hotel." It looks like you can still enjoy a special stay by making full use of the hotel's facilities.

They are also focusing on selling products through their online shop. A popular item is their traditional apple pie, the recipe of which has been handed down since the hotel first opened. This apple pie, made with plenty of apples, is a dish with so many fans that it is said to be synonymous with the Sapporo Grand Hotel. If you are unable to travel for a while, why not order it online and enjoy the same old flavor?

6. "Tall Sun Dining" - Enjoy everything from exquisite meat dishes to "shaved ice" to finish off your meal

Walk from Susukino intersection towards Sapporo Station, turn right at the first corner and you will find "Tall Sun Dining" on the 5th floor of Katsumi Building, which is popular with locals for its locally produced dishes. It is a 1-minute walk from Exit 1 of Susukino Station on the subway.

The menu mainly consists of meat dishes. The owner, Toru Ikuyama, has experience working at a yakiniku restaurant, and by purchasing high-quality meat in large quantities and butchering it himself, he is able to serve delicious meat dishes at reasonable prices. You can enjoy meat sushi made with Hokkaido beef and assorted platters that allow you to compare different meats.

The restaurant has reduced the number of seats to about 70%, allowing diners to dine at a distance from other groups. Infection control measures are being implemented, such as frequent disinfection of menus and equipment. This restaurant is located in a windowless building, which is common in Susukino, but because this location was originally a yakiniku restaurant, each table is equipped with an intake and exhaust system, ensuring thorough ventilation.

Previously, they only opened in the evenings, but starting this summer, they have started selling shaved ice in the daytime. The shaved ice, which is served with original sauces made from seasonal fruits and Japanese and Western sweets, is popular with locals and tourists alike. As a measure against COVID-19, they have also started selling takeout, which has also been well received.

The recommended flavor is "corn." It is made with layers of sauce made from corn directly sourced from Ambitious Farm in Ebetsu, next to Sapporo, and a homemade sauce made from a blend of milk and fresh cream, with a layer of white chocolate mousse hidden inside. This is a dish that lets you experience the gentle sweetness of corn.

"Shaved ice can sell out during the day, but we generally offer it during the evening as well. When you come, please enjoy a 'shime shaved ice' instead of a shime parfait," says Ikuyama. There are plans to continue introducing new menu items from autumn onwards, which is sure to add to the excitement.

"There have been ups and downs and I was worried about what would happen in the future, but recently I've felt that we have to keep going. I'm determined not to close the store and to create an environment that makes our customers happy," says Ikuyama.

Sapporo has yet to regain its former bustle, but each facility is being creative and doing what they can in the current situation. Travel styles are changing amid the COVID-19 pandemic. We have brought you this on-site report with the hope that our readers will know that there are many options available. We hope that the infection prevention measures and thoughts of each facility introduced in this article will be helpful for your future travels.

*Some content was updated on September 1, 2020.