| Admission | ¥2000 - ¥4000 depending on show |
| Opening Hours | *6pm - 5 am *depending on event |
| Closed | - |
| Contact | 011-207-5101 Mail : info@mole-sapporo.jp http://mole-sapporo.jp/contact/ |
| Notes | WiFi available |
| Location / Getting There | 〒060-0063 Hokkaido Prefecture, Sapporo, 中央区南３条西２丁目１４ Located in Block 2 in Tanuki Koji |
Sound Lab Mole is a club that is used as an event space for live shows, DJ’s and dance parties. Its a reasonably large space that fits up to 450 people. It has 2 bars, lockers, a large stage, and an upstairs VIP section, and there is some seating but not much so be prepared to be standing most of the night. The sound system is good and the stage is quite large for the many bands and DJ’s that come through this popular venue. Moles monthly schedule is available on their website so you can get the latest news on whats going on! Drinks are the standard prices and tickets usually will incorporate a free drink or two. For those with bags or with heavy jackets during the winter, lockers are available for ¥100 each.
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Mole is also available to rent out! If you have the cash you can hire the space for a night. It is costly though, ranging from ¥120 000 (about $1200) to ¥300 000 ($3000 dollars) depending on the night. Obviously, the peak and most expensive times being Friday or Saturday nights. Other than that, Mole serves as a great place to catch some live bands, good DJ’s, and some thumping tunes in all genres. So, put on your dancing shoes, check whats going on and head on down to Sound Lab Mole!
| Admission | - |
| Opening Hours | 8am - 6pm |
| Closed | Winter |
| Contact | 011-511-3924 |
| Notes | Can walk around but can't enter the actual teahouse |
| Location / Getting There | 〒064-0931 Hokkaidō, Sapporo-shi, Chūō-ku, Nakajimakōen, 1 |
Hasso-an (“eight-window tea house”) is a tea house said to have been designed by the tea master Enshu Kobori (1579-1647) and originally built in Shiga Prefecture. In 1919 Hasso-an was moved to Sapporo where it is located in Nakajima Park. Surrounding Hasso-an there is a small garden which was created in 1989 by Sokei Kobori, a tea master and a 12th generation descendant of Enshu Kobori.
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Japanese Gardens
The teahouse is located in the Japanese gardens which were opened in 1963. This tranquil and beautiful garden has a small pond inside and has a collection of stone lanterns modeled on famous originals from around Japan. This is a very relaxing spot to wander around in, particularly in Autumn, where you can see the changing leaves, and a must see. The best time is late October. Make sure you bring your camera! The gardens are closed in the winter.
Click here for more information on Nakajima Park
| Admission | ¥300 per person ¥270 per person for groups of 20 people or more Free for junior high school students and younger |
| Opening Hours | 9am – 5pm (last admission at 4:30pm) |
| Closed | Every second Tuesday of the month (or the following day if Tuesday falls on a holiday) |
| Contact | 011-211-1951 |
| Notes | - |
| Location / Getting There | 9 Chome-2-20 Kita 7 Jōhigashi, Higashi-ku, Sapporo-shi, Hokkaidō 065-8518, Japan. Catch a bus from number four station near the north exit of Sapporo Station, or any Sapporo Beer Factory bus. |
Emperor Meiji
Hoheikan started construction in 1879 and opened in 1881. It is the only hotel built buy the Meiji government and was opened for Emperor Meiji’s visit to Sapporo where he stayed for 4 days. It is designated as an Important Cultural Property of Japan and is the oldest wooden hotel building in existence in Japan. It was originally located around Odori park but was relocated to Nakajima Park in 1958. It was opened as a civic exchange centre after its restoration in 1958. The whole building was constructed in the American style, but the balcony and its accompaniments at the front of the building was constructed in European style. Its architecture is representative of the early Meiji period and was built using traditional techniques.
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Hoheiken showcases a reproduction of the guest room where Emperor Meiji stayed on his visit to Sapporo and there is a video available in the building that shows a short piece on the history of Hoheikan. Hoheikan acts not only as a historical building but as a popular spot for wedding venues. There is a restaurant and cafe, housed in the building, and guests can enjoy snacks here. The restaurant serves Japanese and French cuisine, and uses ingredients harvested in Hokkaidō prefecture!
Click here for more information on Nakajima Park
Ungyō
Chuo-ji is a Buddhist Temple located in downtown Sapporo, in Susukino (the entertainment district). It is not a big temple in regards to temples in Japan but its a good temple to go and check out and experience a little of the Japanese culture. The entrance is framed by a two story gate. The gate, as typical with most Buddhist temples, is guarded by the Nio or Kongōrikishi. These two muscle bound guardians are carved from wood and according to Japanese tradition, travelled with Gautama Buddha to protect him. These two characters, named Agyō and Ungyō, together symbolize the birth and death of all things. The entrance is a nice spot to take some photos.
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Chuo-ji practises ‘zazen’. Zen is the belief that every human being is born with clear minds and the capacity to live in an open-minded way. Chuo-ji is free to enter but they do offer Zen classes for a fee of ¥500 which is held in the Temple Zazen Hall. This is held on Sundays and they offer this course in English! The program is 3 hours and runs until midday, so why not try something new AND relaxing!
| 8:20 am | Zazen instruction (for newcomers) |
| 9:00 am | Zazen begins |
| 9:30 am | Kinhin (walking meditation) |
| 9:35 am | Teisho (dharma talk) 2nd zazen session |
| 10:05 am | Kinhin (walking meditation) |
| 10:10 am | Fukanzazengi chant |
| 10:20 am | Zazen Hall cleaning period |
| 11:10 am | Tea and discussion |
| 11:50 am | Zazenkai ends |
Tax counter
Daimaru department store was opened in 2003 in connection with Sapporo station and JR Tower. Daimaru is a high end department store and contains 8 floors and 4 basement floors, including parking. It has wifi, Chinese interpreters, store information & signage in English, Chinese, Thai, Korean, and Japanese. China Union Pay, VISA, JCB, Master, Amex, and Diners cards are accepted.
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| Floor Guide | |
| 8th Floor | Restaurant area, Pokemon Center Sapporo Stationery, Office supplies, Glasses, Art gallery |
| 7th Floor | Japanese and Western tableware, Kitchenware, Japanese arts & crafts, Lifestyle & Interior goods, Kimonos Tax Refund Counter |
| 6th Floor | Men's clothes, Men's shoes, Haberdashery, Gentlemen's bags, Golf wear, Traveling gear ATM |
| 5th Floor | Women's wear, Jewelry, Clocks and watches |
| 4th Floor | Women's wear, Women's underwear, Baby & Children's' Clothes, Toys |
| 3rd Floor | Women's wear Prayer Room |
| 2nd Floor | Women's shoes, Handbags, Women's clothing, Women's wear |
| 1st Floor | Special Boutique, Cosmetics, Accessories, Women's clothing Interior Information Desk, Cloakroom |
| B1 Floor | Food items, Hokkaido made souvenirs, household dishes, Japanese and Western sweets Japanese and Western liquors, beers |
| B2 - B4 Floor | Parking |
Japanese cuisine
The restaurants are open longer than the shops and close at 10 pm. There are many restaurants to choose from. Soba, eel, udon, sushi, okonomiyaki, tempura, yakitori (grilled meat on sticks) and other Japanese style restaurants can be found here. Other restaurants include Chinese, hamburg (grilled meat patties), Italian, fried pork cutlet, and a popular buffet style restaurant are located here.
The tax free counter is located on the 7th floor, just follow the signs! The tax refund amounts to 6.9%. You will need to bring your passport, the receipt, and the purchased good. Any items purchased over ¥5400 in total for that days spending is available for a tax refund. When you purchase your goods, the staff will ask if you have your passport for this service.
| Admission | – |
| Opening Hours | 10:30am - 8:00pm |
| Closed | – |
| Contact | 0120-866-201 |
| Notes | - |
| Location / Getting There | Sapporo-shi, Chūō-ku, Minami 1 Jōnishi, 3 Chome, 南1条西3丁目LA GALLERIA 2 minute walk from Odori Station |
Let’s go shopping! H&M has a few stores dotted around Japan and it wasn’t until 2013 that it opened its doors to the Sapporo public. H&M has been and is a popular retail store for many Japanese and overseas travelers alike. H&M Sapporo is located in the heart of the city. It’s a short walk from Odori station which makes it convenient to get to. It takes up 4 floors and covers apparel for men, women and children.
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Peruse at your leisure
H&M clothing is a popular brand, especially with the younger crowd as its prices are quite affordable. The biggest draw card though, for the H&M store is its SALES. Every time an eager shopping enters its doors there always seems to be a sale on. Prices for many items can drop as far as ¥300 for an item. Don’t be surprised to see a winter coat or summer dress have its price slashed from around ¥5000 to ¥500! And, after your shopping spree, there are a dozen coffee shops close by to sit back, rest your feet, and relax.
