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World trip kickoff in Sapporo: Ramen, fish market & first impressions of Japan
Our two-year world trip has finally begun, and our very first destination is Sapporo, Japan. After almost 20 hours of traveling from home, we landed in Hokkaido….excited, jetlagged, and ready to dive straight into Japanese food and culture.
We’ve captured all of our first moments in our very first YouTube episode, from the journey to Sapporo to tasting delicious ramen and exploring the city. 🎥 Watch the full episode right here:
First Taste of Japan: Authentic Sapporo Ramen
No trip to Sapporo is complete without ramen, and it was the first thing we did after dropping our bags. The city is famous for its miso ramen, with rich, savory broth, springy noodles, and perfectly tender slices of pork or chicken. Sitting down with that steaming bowl felt like the most delicious way to kick off our adventure.
Our hotspot: Sapporo Ramen Hagakure!
👉 What to eat in Sapporo: Try local specialties like miso ramen, soup curry, fresh seafood, and of course, Hokkaido dairy desserts.
Things to Do in Sapporo: Parks, Towers & City Views
Our first wander took us through Odori Park, a green stretch right in the heart of the city. Lined with fountains, flowers, and sculptures, it’s where many of Sapporo’s festivals take place. From there, we headed up to the Sapporo TV Tower. The view from the top gave us our first panorama of the city, with the mountains on one side and the urban grid stretching out below.
👉 Tip for travelers: Odori Park is especially beautiful in spring and summer, but if you visit in winter, it’s transformed into the stage for the famous Sapporo Snow Festival.
Exploring Nijo Fish Market: King Crab and Snow Crab
Of all the places to eat in Sapporo, the Nijo Fish Market is a must. It’s smaller than Tokyo’s Tsukiji, but every bit as vibrant. The stalls overflow with Hokkaido’s seafood treasures—salmon roe, sea urchin, scallops, and giant crabs.
One of the market vendors gave us the great tip to try King Crab sashimi at the famous restaurant Kani Honke. Highly recommended!
👉 What to try at Nijo Fish Market: King crab (grilled or raw), uni (sea urchin), hotate (scallops), and kaisen-don (seafood rice bowls).
First Impressions of Sapporo 🇯🇵
Sapporo feels like the perfect mix of modern Japan and traditional Hokkaido charm. Sleek shopping streets and bustling nightlife blend seamlessly with calm parks, friendly locals, and an easygoing vibe. It’s less hectic than Tokyo or Osaka, but still full of energy and flavor.
As a starting point for our world trip, it couldn’t be better.
The Journey Ahead 🌏
This is just the beginning of our two-year world adventure. Each week, we’ll share a new episode on our YouTube channel from a different destination—packed with local food, hidden gems, and unforgettable experiences.
Next up: more Japanese culture, plenty of sushi, and adventures across Hokkaido and beyond.
👉 Follow along as we explore the best of Japan (and the world!)—one bite, one city, and one story at a time.
Hi, I'm Rik!
Sushi chef and founder of the School of Sushi. Making your own sushi is easier and more fun than you think! Through workshops and online courses, I’ll show you how to roll delicious sushi for your friends & family. Ready to roll?
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