Sapporo Private Tour: Highlights & Hidden Gems by a Local
Shiunn Tei is a great guide. She was on time, very personable, and spoke excellent English (and Japanese!). Shiunn accomodated our request to visit artisanal producers, we had a memorable experience at a traditional tea shop. The owner had a wide and deep knowledge of Japanese teas and importantly, showed us the how and why of brewing.
The next step Shiunn shared the founding of Sapporo city and showed us sites (free!) you wouldn\'t normally find. We toured government buildings-sounds boring but it wasn\'t in her hands.
There was a brief stop at a cafe decorated inside with dried flowers, very pretty and cozy.
We then went to Maruyama park which contained a large, beautiful shrine. Shiunn pointed out a shop that made fresh pancakes with bean filling, a Japanese treat. It was a refreshing break!
Next was the underground passage/shopping way that connects Sapporo Station, Odori Park, and Susukino. The walkways are a necessity in a city that receives ~16 feet of snow a year. It was an easy, and cooler way to walk with no street traffic.
If you need retail therapy, this walk is for you! Loads of stores at the north end at Sapporo Station.
Here is where we parted after 4 hours of touring, and we went on to enjoy a tempura and soba lunch.
Thanks Shiunn, we had a memorable time.