Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/306555
maltatoday, SUNDAY, 4 MAY 2014 30 TRAVEL Tokyo's northern sister Sapporo, Japan Japan is a world away from our tiny European island and therefore not a popular tourist destination among the Maltese, though it is worth a visit for more than Tokyo and elec- tronics. Sapporo, with its beautiful spring cherry blossom, bustling ra- men joints and world-class whis- kies make the main city of Japan's Hokkaido Island worth a trip up north. Why go? During winter, the capital of Ja- pan's northern island of Hokkaido is a mecca for winter sports enthu- siasts – its slopes less than an hour away by bus from the city centre. What to do? Gastronomy is where Sapporo ex- cels, so start your visit at Curb Mar- ket near Nijuyonken subway, which is the public part of the wholesale market. Wander around 60 stores selling Hokkaido produce, including its famous melons and seafood. Sapporo is the home to both Japa- nese beer and whisky. The former is celebrated at the Beer Museum and Beer Garden, though in truth, main- stream Sapporo beer is fairly bland – seek out craft brews instead. That is not something that can be said of the best local whiskies, some of which, particularly those from Nik- ka Whisky's Yoichi distillery 50km out of town, are considered among the world's best. Miyanomori International Muse- um of Art is housed in a shiny white building and displays a range of late 20th century art from Japan and around the world. The landmark Sapporo TV Tower is located in Odori Park, a mile-long promenade in the city centre where locals meet and stroll. There are plenty of festivals held here in the warmer months too. For a blast of Sapporo nightlife, the central Susukino district offers pretty much all the fun of Tokyo. Mount Moiwa, 531metres up, is where locals and tourists gather to marvel at Sapporo by night. The peak boasts incredible panoramic city views and can be reached by ca- ble car. Where to stay? Sapporo generally offers much better value hotels than Tokyo, though many are somewhat staid in comparison. Cross Hotel is the city's trendiest option. Located a few minutes walk from Odori Park, Su- sukino and the main railway station, it boasts a contemporary Japanese design. Also central and more personal, Nakamuraya Ryokan is a traditional B&B with tatami rooms and dinner served in your room. The city's flag- ship hotel, in business since 1934, is the four-star Sapporo Grand. It is connected by tunnel to the railway station and boasts the usual impres- sive range of high-end Japanese ho- tel facilities, which include a gym, shopping mall and several restau- rants. Where to eat and drink? Sapporo has its fair share of fine dining establishments – such as the legendary 'kaiseki' (multi-course) restaurant Nakumi or Sushi Tanabe – but it does casual that much bet- ter. Hokkiado salmon is famous in Japan and some of the country's best sushi can be found in Sapporo. Its other specialties include crab, Mongolian barbecue and ramen. Renowned crab restaurant Kani- Honke, in Susukino, offers delicate snow, hairy and king crabs. Ramen Alley in Susukino is an accessible way into the local soup- noodle scene, with 17 different ra- men joints. Make sure you go to the older, original half of the Alley – which is bisected by a road – as the first half, in the ground floor of an office block, is less atmospheric. Hokkaido is home of miso-ramen, one of the most addictive substances on the planet, and the butter-corn ramen is good too. Don't miss the locally caught sea urchin and salmon roe at the great- value seafood restaurants in the 100-year-old Njio fish market near Odoni station. Jingisukan, the Japanese answer to Mongolian barbecue, is another Hokkaido favourite, in which mut- ton is cooked over a domed hot plate, along with fresh vegetables. It gets pretty smokey as do your clothes. Mini-chain Jingisukan Daruma Rokuyon has a few of these restau- rants located around the Susukino district. Getting there Emirates offer regular services be- tween Malta and Tokyo, Japan with a stop over in Dubai. Flights de- parting from Malta on 15 May and returning on 29 May were priced at €935.07 including airport tax. Flying time is approximately 17 hours. Regular internal flights are available between Tokyo and Sap- poro and are of approximately 1.5 hours in duration. Take a trip to the older section of Ramen Alley in the Susukino district for some of the best miso ramen in Japan Odori Park is a mile-long promenade in the city centre where locals meet and stroll