Devote some of your vacation time to visit Higashi, one of the 10 wards or districts of Sapporo, a large city on the Japanese island of Hokkaido. Higashi lies approximately 5.5 miles (9 kilometers) north of downtown Sapporo and is home to parks, hot springs and a major sporting arena.
While away the hours in some of Higashi’s most picturesque spots, its green spaces. Visit Moerenuma Park, a beautiful slice of green in the city that's also packed with fascinating sights. Go for a stroll along tree-lined paths and walk up Mount Moere, a manmade 203-feet (62-meter) hill with impressive views of the park. Stop by Hidamari, a pyramid building made of glass that houses restaurants, galleries and shops. Marvel at the park's Sea Fountain which shoots water high into the air and take the children to the Moere Beach bathing area, a water playground with a large pond.
Next door to the park is Sapporo Satoland, an agriculture-themed amusement park. Feed animals such as sheep and goats, make your own butter and ice cream and take a horse-drawn carriage ride through some of the grounds. During the winter the park becomes a snow-covered playground. Ride on a banana boat sled that's pulled by a snowmobile and strap on a pair of skis for cross-country skiing.
After your action-packed time in the theme park, bathe in the soothing waters of the nearby Moere Natural Hot Spring Tamayura Mori. There are 10 baths to choose from including an open-air bath. Enjoy more refreshing moments at the Sapporo Beer Museum, which lays claim to being the country's only museum dedicated to beer. Learn about the history of Sapporo beer, which has been brewed in the city since 1877, and sample different types.
Watch major sporting events such as soccer and baseball at Sapporo Community Dome, a multi-purpose arena with a seating capacity of more than 40,000. This is also one of the venues of the Sapporo Snow Festival which is held every February and features hundreds of snow statues and ice sculptures.
To get to Higashi from the center of Sapporo, drive or travel by metro.
