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Es Con Field Hokkaido is a state-of-the-art stadium that opened in 2023 as the home of the Nippon-Ham Fighters, a professional baseball team in Japan. With a modern design reminiscent of Major League Baseball (MLB) stadiums, it stands out for its innovative architecture and unique facilities. It has become a highly talked-about destination, especially among baseball fans in Japan. The area centered around Es Con Field (the stadium) is known as "F VILLAGE." It has been developed as a multifunctional complex that serves not only as a baseball venue but also as a hub for tourism, leisure, and community interaction. To be honest, I'm not that interested in baseball—I just visit purely as a leisure spot! 😆 Since it gets crowded with baseball fans on game days, I usually go on non-game days. It's less crowded and really enjoyable! The restaurants inside and around the stadium offer high-quality dining experiences. Notably, one of Japan’s most renowned craft beers, Yona Yona Ale , is brewed right inside the stadium at "Sorato Shiba by Yona Yona Ale" , allowing visitors to enjoy freshly brewed, delicious beer. On non-game days, you can freely access the outfield seats, making it a fantastic spot to relax with a beer in hand and soak in the atmosphere. In addition, there are many restaurants and cafés that showcase the finest local ingredients from Hokkaido, making dining a delightful experience. Surprisingly, the stadium even features a hotel and, believe it or not, a hot spring! At the "tower eleven onsen & sauna"  facility, visitors can apparently enjoy watching the game while soaking in the hot spring on game days. (Though I haven't tried it myself!) Additionally, the Nippon-Ham Fighters, the team based at this stadium, are well known as the former team of Yu Darvish , who now plays for the San Diego Padres , and Shohei Ohtani , currently with the Los Angeles Dodgers  in MLB. Inside the stadium, there are large panels featuring both players, which have become popular photo spots among fans. This stadium is located in Kitahiroshima City , which is right next to Sapporo. However, aside from the stadium, there aren’t many notable attractions in Kitahiroshima, so choosing a convenient way to get there is probably the best approach. The most recommended option is taking a taxi from central Sapporo, which takes about one hour (approximately 23 km) and costs around 10,000 yen . If you share the ride with three people, the cost per person comes to just over 3,000 yen , making it a reasonable choice. If you prefer to use public transportation, you can take a train from Sapporo Station and transfer to a shuttle bus, which should cost less than 1,000 yen per person. However, you’ll need to check the train and bus schedules, wait for transfers, and plan accordingly—which I personally find a bit of a hassle. That said, if you enjoy the adventure of navigating public transport, it could be a fun challenge to take on! Official Website : https://www.hkdballpark.com/

This is a healthy cuisine restaurant that serves dishes based on concepts such as "organic," "raw food," "fermented foods," and "low-carb." However, please note that "organic" follows Japanese standards, "fermented foods" refer to traditional Japanese fermented products, and "low-carb" is based on Japanese criteria. However, even without these keywords, every dish is distinctly Japanese in style and pairs perfectly with sake. Rather than being a place to eat large portions when hungry, this restaurant is more about savoring delicious Japanese sake along with small, carefully crafted appetizers at a relaxed pace. The restaurant offers only a few set courses, with the menu entirely left to the chef's discretion. The most standard and basic course, which is also the most affordable, includes: Colorful Salad Assorted Appetizers (Hassun) Sakazuki Sushi Hokkaido Soba Noodles Among these, the Assorted Appetizers (Hassun) and the unique Sakazuki Sushi are the restaurant’s original creations, and they are truly delicious. Both the presentation and flavors embody authentic Japanese cuisine, making it a dining experience worth trying at least once. Especially for sake lovers, this is a must-visit! Note:  This restaurant may not be suitable for those who are not fond of raw foods, such as sashimi. Colorful Salad Assorted Appetizers (Hassun) Sakazuki Sushi Hokkaido Soba Noodles Shop's website : https://home.tsuku2.jp/storeDetail.php?scd=0000214348

In Japan, there is a popular dish called "karaage," which consists of chicken coated in batter and deep-fried. However, in Hokkaido, this dish is known as "zangi" and is considered a beloved soul food among Hokkaido residents. You could say it's like Hokkaido-style fried chicken. However, regular fried chicken doesn’t pair well with white rice, which is a staple food for Japanese people. But Zangi is a perfect match for rice—you can keep eating as much as you want! Zangi is not exactly the same as regular karaage. One key difference is that zangi is marinated in a mixture of soy sauce and ginger before frying, giving it a richer and more intense flavor. This restaurant is the most famous place in Sapporo for zangi. The restaurant itself has the atmosphere of an old-fashioned Japanese eatery, which may be an interesting experience for foreign visitors. Zangi A Set Meal (6 Pieces of Zangi) Zangi B Set Meal (4 Pieces of Zangi, Small Mapo Tofu) This restaurant has "Chinese Cuisine" in its name, but its dishes are quite different from authentic Chinese cuisine. It represents what is considered "Chinese cuisine" in Japan, so don't be mistaken. 😆 Shop's website : https://zangihoteigroup.com/other1/

This shop specializes in Anmitsu, a traditional Japanese sweet. Anmitsu is a classic Japanese dessert made with cubed agar jelly (kanten), sweet red bean paste (anko), fruits, shiratama rice dumplings, and black syrup (kuromitsu). It may not be very well known outside of Japan. The name "Anmitsu" comes from the combination of "An" (anko, sweet red bean paste) and "Mitsu" (kuromitsu, black syrup). Additionally, variations with ice cream or gyūhi (a soft, chewy rice cake) are also popular. What Makes Anmitsu  Special? Healthy & Guilt-Free  – Kanten  (agar jelly) is calorie-free and rich in dietary fiber. With its mild sweetness, it’s perfect for those who are health-conscious! A Delightful Texture Experience!  – The bouncy kanten, smooth anko, and chewy shiratama come together in perfect harmony, creating a fun and enjoyable texture in every bite. A Perfectly Balanced Sweetness  – The gentle sweetness of anko, the deep richness of kuromitsu, and the refreshing tartness of fruits blend harmoniously, making every spoonful a delightful experience until the very last bite. A Taste of Japanese Tradition  – As a classic wagashi  (Japanese confection), anmitsu  pairs perfectly with Japanese tea or matcha, offering an authentic taste of Japan. This shop is located in the Maruyama area and specializes in Anmitsu, offering handmade desserts made with carefully selected natural ingredients. In addition, they serve a selection of Japanese teas, such as sencha, hojicha, and genmaicha, which pair perfectly with traditional sweets. Of course, coffee is also available! Anmitsu Additionally, this shop also offers Oshiruko , a sweet red bean soup, which is another popular menu item following Anmitsu . What is Oshiruko ? Oshiruko, a traditional Japanese sweet, is the perfect dessert for a cold winter day, warming both the body and the heart. This classic winter treat features a warm, sweet azuki bean soup with chewy mochi or shiratama dango (glutinous rice dumplings). Loved across generations in Japan, its gentle sweetness not only soothes the soul but also brings back nostalgic childhood memories. Oshiruko Just like hot chocolate on a cold day, Oshiruko  is a beloved winter treat in Japan that people crave when the temperatures drop. When visiting Japan, be sure to try authentic Oshiruko  and experience the comforting warmth of this traditional Japanese sweet! This shop is located near Hokkaido Shrine, which is introduced in a separate article. It’s a great spot to take a break after visiting the shrine and enjoy a relaxing moment. Shop's website : http://anmitsu-sakino.com/index.html

If you visit Sapporo and can spare about two hours, I highly recommend stopping by Hokkaido Shrine. Hokkaido Shrine is the largest shrine in Hokkaido, surrounded by nature, offering a peaceful and beautiful setting. For those interested in experiencing a touch of Japanese tradition, it is a worthwhile hidden gem within a Sapporo trip. Here, I’ll intentionally avoid any religious explanations of the shrine. (Incidentally, I live near Hokkaido Shrine! Haha ) The Worship Hall in front of the Main Shrine Building Hokkaido Shrine is a place where Japanese people visit for seasonal events and to make wishes. The main purposes for Japanese people to visit here are as follows: New Year Visit (初詣): Praying for health and good fortune at the beginning of the year Children’s Celebration (七五三): Celebrating the growth of children Traditional Wedding (結婚式): Holding a Shinto-style wedding ceremony General Visit (お参り): Praying for family safety and success in work Festival (お祭り): The lively Sapporo Festival  held every June Many people also visit to enjoy the beauty of nature throughout the seasons or simply take a relaxing walk. Hokkaido Shrine is particularly recommended for overseas visitors who: Are interested in Japanese shrines and traditional culture Prefer quiet and peaceful places Enjoy power spots or spiritual experiences Shrine Gate Here Are Some Ways for Travelers to Enjoy Hokkaido Shrine ・A Relaxing Space Surrounded by Nature  🌿 Hokkaido Shrine is located slightly away from the center of Sapporo, in a quiet area surrounded by large trees.It offers a peaceful escape from the city's hustle and bustle, allowing visitors to enjoy a relaxing time in nature. ・Beautiful Architecture and Photography  📸 Hokkaido Shrine features traditional Japanese wooden architecture, with intricately designed gates and roofs.No matter where you take a photo, you’ll capture a stunning scene. Recommended Photo Spots! Grand Torii Gate (Large Red Gate): Experience an authentic Japanese atmosphere! In Front of the Main Shrine Building: A beautiful wooden structure with a warm and elegant touch. Seasonal Scenery: The perfect combination of the shrine with cherry blossoms, autumn leaves, or snow-covered landscapes! For the best SNS-worthy photos, early morning or evening is especially recommended. ・Experience a Bit of Japanese Culture!  At Hokkaido Shrine, you can enjoy a light experience of Japanese traditions. Steps for Visiting the Shrine Properly Before passing through the Torii gate, stop briefly and bow lightly (removing your hat adds extra respect). Cleanse your hands and mouth at the temizuya (water purification station). At the main shrine building, follow the custom: Two bows, two claps, and one bow. Make your wish silently in your heart. Learning and following this etiquette will help you feel more connected to Japanese culture. That said, not all Japanese people strictly follow these customs.While many do, some may not, so don't worry if you make a mistake or are unsure.Try observing the locals and mimicking them—it will make for a fun and memorable experience! ・Try Your Luck with Omikuji & Omamori!   At Hokkaido Shrine, you can purchase Omikuji (fortune slips) and Omamori (amulets). Omikuji – Japanese Fortune Telling Omikuji are like fortune slips you can draw at Japanese shrines and temples. If you get a good fortune → Keep it as a lucky charm! If you get a bad fortune → Tie it to a tree in the shrine to reset your luck! It’s a fun and lighthearted way to try a traditional Japanese fortune! Hokkaido Shrine also offers Omikuji in English and Chinese. Omamori – Japanese Lucky Charms Omamori are small protective charms that you can get at shrines and temples. They are believed to bring safety, health, success, and more. There are various types, including traffic safety, academic success, and love fortune! 💡 How to Use Omamori Carry it in your bag or wallet. Place it in your home or car for protection. It is recommended to replace Omamori every year, and many Japanese people buy new ones annually.Traditionally, used Omamori are returned to the shrine, but travelers are welcome to take them home as souvenirs! ・Try the Famous Local Sweet "Hangan-sama"!  Inside Hokkaido Shrine’s grounds, you’ll find a shop by Rokkatei, a well-known Hokkaido confectionery brand.Here , you can try a special sweet called "Hangan-sama", which is only available at Hokkaido Shrine! 💡 What is "Hangan-sama"? A warm buckwheat flour mochi filled with sweet red bean paste. Sometimes offered for free (limited quantity)! Especially comforting in cold seasons! Pairs perfectly with Japanese tea, making it a relaxing treat. If you love sweets, this is a must-try! 🍵😊 Enjoy your visit to Hokkaido Shrine and make unforgettable memories! Shrine Approach In early May, during Sapporo's cherry blossom season, many cherry trees within the shrine grounds come into full bloom. Hokkaido Shrine is located slightly away from the center of Sapporo, but it is still easily accessible. About a 5-minute walk from Maruyama Koen Station on the subway. About a 10-minute taxi ride from central Sapporo, with a fare of approximately 1,500 yen. If you're interested, be sure to visit! Official Website : http://www.hokkaidojingu.or.jp/

Hokkaido is famous for its ramen! It is often said that Sapporo is known for miso ramen, Asahikawa for shoyu (soy sauce) ramen, and Hakodate for shio (salt) ramen... But to be honest, we locals don’t really think about it that much. Personally, I love shoyu ramen, so no matter where I go, I usually try the local version of it. (Of course, there are times when I’m in the mood for miso ramen too!) And in Sapporo, there are plenty of delicious shoyu ramen spots as well! Charred Shoyu (soy sauce) Ramen One of my absolute favorite shoyu ramen spots can actually be found inside New Chitose Airport. In the domestic terminal, there's a ramen-themed area called "Ramen Dojo," where about ten different ramen shops are gathered. Among them is "Keyaki," a well-known ramen shop. Keyaki is officially named "Sapporo Miso Ramen Specialty Shop Keyaki," and as the name suggests, it's famous for its miso ramen. However, the New Chitose Airport location offers a limited-edition menu item: "Charred Shoyu Ramen." (This is also how it is written on the menu.) And let me tell you—this ramen is absolutely amazing! The rich, smoky soy sauce-based broth combined with flavorful oil makes for an incredibly satisfying bowl of ramen. Whenever I have a reason to go to the airport, I make sure to stop by for a bowl—after all, you can only get it there! ( And let’s be honest, when eating ramen, health concerns should be the last thing on your mind! Haha. ) It seems that "Keyaki" has locations in both the domestic terminal and inside the international terminal gate area at the airport. And from what I can see on the online menu, the international terminal location also offers "Charred Shoyu Ramen." I haven’t tried it at the international terminal, so I wonder if the taste is the same?Perhaps they’ve made it a bit lighter to cater to international travelers—though I’m not sure. I highly recommend trying it at the domestic terminal location!They also have an English menu available there, so you won’t have any trouble ordering. By the way, "Keyaki" is a well-known ramen shop, and its Susukino location is extremely popular, with long lines every day. However, the "Charred Shoyu Ramen" I highly recommend is not available there, so don’t get confused! It’s a New Chitose Airport exclusive menu item. Shop's website : https://www.sapporo-keyaki.jp/

Have you heard of Omurice, a dish that originated in Japan? It seems to be quite well-known in many Asian countries, but in other parts of the world, it is still relatively unfamiliar. Omurice is a dish where flavored rice, such as ketchup-seasoned rice, is wrapped in a thin or soft-cooked omelet. In Japan, it is one of the most beloved dishes, often made by mothers at home for their children from an early age. Kotori's Omurice The Exterior of the Shop This place is a café, but its Omurice is exceptionally delicious and highly regarded. There are many other restaurants in Sapporo where you can enjoy Omurice, but this particular one serves a classic and authentic version that has been loved in Japan for generations. If you're curious about what real Omurice tastes like, be sure to give it a try! Inside the Café Hot Coffee The location is relatively easy to access—it's about 500 meters from Sapporo TV Tower, a well-known tourist spot in Sapporo, and only 200 meters from Nijo Market, which is about a 3-minute walk. (Nijo Market may not be as well-known among international visitors, but I plan to introduce it in a separate article in the future.) Since this place is originally a café, it might be a great idea to take a break during your sightseeing tour, enjoying Omurice and a cup of coffee for lunch. Shop's official website (Since the official site was not found, this is the Tabelog page) https://tabelog.com/hokkaido/A0101/A010103/1073230/

Whenever I travel to New Chitose Airport for business trips or other reasons,I always make a stop at this conveyor belt sushi restaurant. In fact, I could even say that I book flights based on the time that allows me to eat here. There’s a famous standing sushi bar at the airport,but even in an airport setting, I prefer to sit down and enjoy my meal at a more relaxed pace. Although it's called "conveyor belt sushi," the system has changed since the COVID-19 pandemic. These days, you rarely see sushi rotating on the belt;instead, you order through a touchscreen panel. Of course, you can find plenty of sushi restaurants in places like Tokyo,so you don’t necessarily have to come to Hokkaido just for sushi. However, traditional sushi restaurants often come with complicated etiquette and high prices. If you want to enjoy sushi casually and at a reasonable price,conveyor belt sushi is the way to go—and when it comes to conveyor belt sushi, Hokkaido offers the best experience. The price is roughly a quarter of what you'd pay at a traditional sushi restaurant,and you don’t have to worry about any formal dining etiquette—you can just eat however you like! 🍣✨ "Hon-maguro Zanmai" → "Bluefin Tuna Trio" "Negitoro Maki" → "Chopped Tuna Roll" And of course, the sushi is delicious—that goes without saying. But my personal must-try recommendation is the "Salmon Ara-jiru" (Salmon Head and Bone Miso Soup). Be sure to give it a try! "Sake no Ara-jiru"  → "Salmon Fish Head Soup" The place I go to is located on the 3rd floor of the Domestic Terminal at New Chitose Airport, but it seems there is also a branch on the 3rd floor of the International Terminal. However, the atmosphere and menu seem to be a bit different. The International Terminal might not offer Salmon Ara-jiru (Salmon Fish Head Soup). If you have time, I highly recommend visiting the one in the Domestic Terminal on the 3rd floor. The touch panel menu supports English. Shop's website : https://www.hk-r.jp/shop/g_kantaro/index.html

A restaurant specializing in grilled fish set meals, a favorite among Japanese people. The location is a bit hard to find, and you’ll rarely see international travelers here. They grill salmon, mackerel, atka mackerel (hokke), and more over charcoal after receiving your order, ensuring a fresh and flavorful meal. Pour a generous amount of dashi soy sauce over the fish and enjoy! They also serve alcohol, so you can use it as an izakaya-style seafood restaurant in the evening. During weekday lunch hours, the place gets crowded with local office workers, so it's best to visit outside peak times. A teishoku (set meal) includes: A main dish (grilled fish) White rice Miso soup Small side dishes Grilled fish teishoku is a staple of Japanese soul food—be sure to give it a try! Silver Salmon Set Meal Atmosphere of the Restaurant Right next to this restaurant is the famous Clock Tower(though to be honest, it’s famous but not particularly impressive! 😂). It’s also close to Odori Park and the TV Tower, so stopping by for lunch here while exploring the city is a great idea! Shop's website : https://www.sushi-hanamaru.com/store/details/s17.html?p=b#store

A set menu featuring Katsudon (pork cutlet rice bowl) and Soba (buckwheat noodles)—two dishes that most Japanese people love. This restaurant is located on the basement floor of "Moyuku Sapporo," a new commercial building that opened in the summer of 2023. The interior is spacious, so you can usually get a seat without waiting. The menu offers a wide variety of soba, and you can also choose from different set meals that pair soba with: Grilled fish Katsudon Tendon (tempura rice bowl) Kaisendon (seafood rice bowl) ...and more! The restaurant is conveniently located in the heart of Tanukikoji Shopping Street, making it a great stop while exploring the area. While it may not be an authentic traditional soba restaurant, the food is quite tasty, making it a great choice for soba beginners. Of course, they also serve Japanese sake, which pairs perfectly with the soba dishes. 🍶 Soba Restaurant's Katsudon & Soba Set This restaurant is located in Moyuku Sapporo, which also houses the beautiful and stylish AOAO Sapporo Aquarium on the 4th to 6th floors. The aquarium stays open until 10:00 PM, making it a popular date spot for young people and a favorite destination for families in Sapporo. Shop's website : https://hokkaido-sapporolion.jp/shop/sobamae/moyuk-sobamae.html

I absolutely love sweets, and I have a particular weakness for pancakes. There are several great pancake shops in Sapporo, and today I’d like to introduce one of them. This place is located right in the heart of the city, making it very convenient to visit. In the past, they also served parfaits, but it seems that the parfait menu has recently moved to another shop on the first floor of the same building. Their pancakes are not just sweet; they also offer savory options topped with bacon, smoked salmon, or frankfurters. However! I highly recommend the sweet pancakes with plenty of whipped cream! Due to the cozy atmosphere, the shop tends to attract a lot of female groups and couples, so if you’re a group of men, you might feel a little hesitant to enter. (That said, I personally don’t mind at all and even go alone! Haha.) The pancakes are truly delicious! If you love sweets, you should definitely give this place a try. Signature Dish of This Restaurant: Sapporo Pancake Sapporo Pancake with Chocolate Sauce Topping By the way, the interior of this restaurant is entirely decorated in mint blue, and the staff are all dressed in mint-colored, cosplay-like outfits, which adds to the fun in its own way. However, since Japanese people tend to be shy, please refrain from randomly striking up conversations with the staff. Haha! Shop's website : https://ffc-mint.com/mint/

There is a famous soul food in Hokkaido called "Jingisukan." This is a grilled meat dish where you cook lamb or mutton yourself on a wire mesh or an iron pan right in front of you. While there are some Jingisukan restaurants outside of Hokkaido, they are not very common. However, when it comes to Jingisukan, Hokkaido is undoubtedly the home of this dish, offering a level of deliciousness that sets it apart from others. If you visit Hokkaido, I highly recommend trying Jingisukan—especially if you have no reservations about eating lamb. There are many Jingisukan restaurants in Sapporo, but the one I recommend first is this place. Their menu includes: An all-you-can-eat option at a fixed price An all-you-can-drink option, including alcohol This makes it a worry-free choice. There are two main styles of Jingisukan: Grill-first style – You grill the meat first and then dip it into a special sauce. Pre-seasoned style – The meat is pre-seasoned, so you can eat it as is after grilling. Of course, there are other well-known Jingisukan restaurants in Sapporo, but they are extremely popular among tourists and often have long waiting lines. However, this restaurant is located in the heart of Sapporo, inside the Tanukikoji Shopping Street, and despite its central location, it is not overly crowded. This makes it easier to get in while still offering great taste—so I highly recommend it. Pre-seasoned style lamb Pre-seasoned style lamb (before grilling) A word of caution when eating Jingisukan. Since Jingisukan is grilled right in front of you at the table in every restaurant,there will be both smoke and a strong aroma. In some cases, the smell may cling to your clothes. If you are concerned about this, it is best to take off your outerwearas soon as you enter the restaurant. Most restaurants provide: Storage boxes Compartments Plastic bags for keeping your belongings, so be sure to make use of them. Shop's official website (Since the official site was not found, this is the Tabelog page) https://tabelog.com/hokkaido/A0101/A010102/1054568/