Hokkaido is a place best known for its beautiful nature, but that does not mean that urban exploration also is not on the table. While a far cry from the megacity of Tokyo, Sapporo is still a bustling city of roughly 2 million with plenty to offer for a day or two. Rooftop space at Royal Park Hotel Sapporo Odori Park
Most of the attractions are centered around Odori Park, so it’s best to stay close to there, and my room at the Royal Park Canvas Sapporo Odori Park definitely fit the bill. In fact, the view from my window was of the Sapporo TV Tower, not more than a few hundred feet away! Speaking of views, you cannot really do much better than the TV Tower itself, so that is a great way to take in the city from the best vantage point. What a view from the room in Sapporo!Sapporo from Sapporo TV Tower!
Sapporo is most famous for its culinary delights, with three of my favorite things really shining through: seafood, ramen, and beer! Fresh fish seems to be nearly everywhere, but I wandered over to the fish market to have my first sashimi experience in Japan. Around here there are tons of busy restaurants, all specializing in local seafood. While not cheap (especially if you are going for the sea urchin!), it’s likely less expensive than sushi in your hometown, and almost certainly better. My first sushi experience in Japan
As for the ramen, there are countless places to get a steamy bowl of noodles, but I decided to get mine at the famous Ramen Alley. This alley is a narrow street, with around 17 ramen restaurants located in the entertainment district of Susukino. The alley will be packed with people, and you will almost certainly be standing in line for a while, but it’s a unique way to take in the dish in a city famous for its ramen. Taking in the local specialities Part III - Ramen!
Living in Montana, our access to great beer is much better than what we can find for sushi and ramen (sorry, local restaurants). However, few places make a crisp lager as refreshing as Japan, and Sapporo is the epi-center of Japan’s brewery culture. Odori Park is packed with beer gardens that come alive in the night with barbeque, and a giant bottle of beer is seemingly on the menu pretty much everywhere you go. While I still have a fondness for many western craft beers, the lighter brews in Sapporo definitely go down easier with all the delicious food I also stuffed in my face.
Taking in the the local specialities Part I - Beer!
Rapa Nui was on my bucket list for a long time so I worried that it would not meet my expectations. Our tour could not have been better. Our guide was knowledgeable and professional with an understanding of the island that made it come alive. I would and have recommended this trip to everyone that will listen.
elisa wright
4 days ago
Having done a trip in the past with Adventure Life, I found picking a trip and customizing it was a breeze and fit everything I wanted
Scott Drayer
5 days ago
Careful service
older gentleman
5 days ago
We had to book within a certain time. Adventure Life came to our rescue as most of the other operators were sold out. We went with the website ad on Big Five Borneo Tour for 6 days 5 nights. Adventure Life was professional, timely and honest about the itinerary for small groups at a reasonable cost. This was our first time with Adventure Life. From the beginning to the end, they were supportive, responded to email immediately and provided emergency contacts through out our stay. As indicated, the deluxe accommodations were luxurious, there were 3 meals a day including early morning coffee was available before the 6am river cruises and evening tea. The itinerary was well laid out, to time and the guides/drivers though different after 2 days for river cruise and for the cave, were experienced, we felt safe. We were lucky to see the Big Four, except the orangutan on our tours at Sukau and the orangutan with the baby was at the poolside of the Sukau Rainforest Lodge. The meals were alright without variety. Wifi was in/near reception area. We stayed 3 nights at Sukau and 2 nights at Utan. The two lodges were different. Utan focused on animals and birds not seen at Sukau on plenty of nature walks, night safaris and river cruises. Utan is a new lodge started in July 2024, smaller, luxurious and intimate. The meals were excellent with a personal touch. Guide was very experienced and willing to take us on more nature walks to see our luck for the animals which were missed. Utan provided knee length rubber boots and binoculars can be rented (try it out before you take on tours). Initially we were disappointed not getting the accommodation at Danum Valley but after Utan experience we had it all. We will recommend Adventure Life to those looking for worry free adventures at a reasonable cost.
