Central Hokkaido is the political and economic hub of this prefecture. The capital of Hokkaido, Sapporo, is located here as well as the port cities of Otaru and Muroran. The major airport of this prefecture is located in Chitose approximately 50 minutes by train from Sapporo. The area has beautiful parks, wildlife areas, ski & snow board mountains and large hot spring (“Onsen” ) areas.
 EVENTS | AREA TOP |
| CENTRAL HOKKAIDO CITIES | |
|---|---|
| - SAPPORO | - Noboribetsu |
| - Otaru | - Muroran |
Sapporo –
Odori Park
At the centre of the park
| Admission | - |
| Opening Hours | Various events are held throughout the year. |
| Closed | Parts of the park can be closed during construction phases of events. |
| Contact | - |
| Getting There | Odori, Chūō-ku, Sapporo-shi, Hokkaidō 060-0042, Japan Catch the subway to Oodori station. The park runs from the Sapporo TV Tower west for 13 blocks. |
Otaru –
Otaru Glassware
Otaru Glassware is also well known throughout Japan and has had a long history. The glassworks originally made lanterns and other products for the first settlers in the region however, as the town expanded and the herring industry sprang to life the focus was changed to making glass buoys. When the herring industry suffered its major decline in the late 1950s the glassworks began producing ornamental pieces for direct sale to consumers and tourists. Today Otaru’s glass industry is thriving and many beautiful pieces are on display for pleasure and sale. Some major glass works are the Kitaichi Glass works, the Otaru Unga Kogeikan, “The Glass Ship” Warehouse and the Kitaichi Venetian Art Museum. It is possible to “make your own” glass item in some of the glass works such as ‘The Glass Studio’ and the ‘Otaru Unga Kogeikan’. If you wish to make your own item it is best to make a reservation, especially in summer if you have many people in your group. Top
| Admission | Most glassworks are free entry. To make your own glass item prices vary from about ¥500 to ¥2000. |
| Opening Hours | Most shops are open 9 : 30 am to 6 pm (a little later in summer) |
| Closed | - |
| Contact | Kitaichi Glassworks 0134 – 33 – 1993 The Glass Studio 0134 – 33 – 9390 Otaru Unga Kogei-kan 0134 – 29 – 1111 |
| Notes | - |
| Getting There | Most Glassworks are located near the canal area along Ironai dori. From Otaru Station walk toward the bay. About 10 min. |
Muroran –
Dolphin and Whale Watching Tours
Hokkaido is one of the premier areas in Japan to go whale and dolphin watching. Muroran is well situated to view the whales on their annual migration through Volcano Bay. There are plenty of sightseeing boats available during the the summer months from about the end of April to the middle of August. Top
| Admission | Tours for adults start at about ¥5000 Tours for minors start at about ¥2500 |
| Opening Hours | - |
| Closed | - |
| Contact | (0143) 27 – 1822 For information & reservations |
| Getting There | - |
Noboribetsu –
Daiichi Takimotokan
With one of Japan’s largest bath complexes and the oldest hotel in the Noboribetsu area Daiichi Takimotokan is a hot spring lovers delight. Firstestablished in 1858, the complex now has more than half a dozen modern buildings. Contained within these buildings are various mineral pools, waterfalls, walking pools, cold pools, steam room, and a swimming pool with slide. There are seven different kinds of mineral pools and outdoor and indoor pools.Top
| Admission | Hotel Guests Free of Charge Non-Hotel Guests – ¥2 000 |
| Opening Hours | Hotel Guests Open 24hrs. Non-Hotel Guests – 9 am to 5 pm Daily |
| Closed | - |
| Contact | 0143 – 84 – 3322 |
| Getting There | - |