Sapporo Beer Festival (Jul & Aug)
Sapporo is one of Japan's most cosmopolitan cities. Its wide streets and tree lined boulevards give the city an almost European feel. Coffee shops and cafes proliferate throughout the city and the centre is packed with a fantastic range of shops, restaurants and bars.
Sapporo is most alive during its festivals. The most famous is the Sapporo Yuki Matsuri which takes place in February. However, just as enjoyable is the summer beer festival, when Odori Koen, the park which runs thorugh the heart of the city, is transformed into a giant beer garden. Each of Japan's major brewers has a square where they set up a bar and outdoor seating for Sapporoites to enjoy from early afternoon until around 10 'o clock in the evening. An international tent provides a wide selection of brews from around the World. Look out for unusual offerings, such as Kirin's renowned 'Bikuri Tower' (literally, 'surprise tower') a 4 feet tall, 3 litre pitcher of beer with a tap at the bottom for that perfect pour!
For anyone looking to enjoy a taste of Japanese urban life, a few days in Sapporo during the festival is an ideal place to be.
The festival kicks off on 21st July and draws to a close on 20th August after a full month of summer fun in the park.
Where:
Sapporo is the capital of Japan's north island of Hokkaido. The city can be reached in two hours by plane from Tokyo, with direct internal flights from most major Japanese cities. Sapporo is also linked to the capital and Osaka by overnight sleeper trains which depart daily. Sapporo can also be reached by day time on the train. The journey of just over 700 miles taking 10h30 with a single change aty Hachnohe in northern Honshu. Sapporo can be easily incorporated into most itineraries.