Neighbouhood Excursion Saga: Episode 2-1 ― 2026/08/12
One of the great things about Sapporo is that the central area is quite compact, so you can easily reach many spots by subway and a short walk.
One morning, I decided to visit the Hokkaido Museum of Modern Art.
But when I got there 15 minutes before opening, there was already a long queue of children and their grandparents (presumably)--I completely forgot it was the middle of the Bon holidays...
What I saw there was pear trees bearing fruit in the front garden.
So, I gave up on going inside and went to the Governor's Official Residence right next door instead.
At the time, I was the only visitor. I was totally unleashed! I didn't even come across a single person during my entire stay. The building itself was lovely, with elaborate details such as doorknobs,
uniquely shaped doors,
and chandeliers.
Meanwhile, a variety of memorabilia brought in by the visitors added an unexpected charm, giving it the look of an old-fashioned souvenir shop or my family home in the 1970s.
However, seeing how the visitors were left to wander around so freely, I started to wonder: is this place really safe from terrorists? You could easily plant explosives anywhere, leave rubbish, or even a cat... I know there must be numerous CCTV cameras and security systems in place, but it just made me realize how trusting the people of Sapporo are!
Fresh from the Field ― 2026/08/10
700 yen in total (Daikon: free)
There is a vegetable farm near a local library and subway station (the third stop from the city centre!).
Recently, I found that they sell their produce directly to anyone who visits in the morning between 5 am and 10 am.
Today I finally managed to get there by 9 and got vegetables literally fresh from the ground—unlike other farm stands, this particular farm allows (or forces?) visitors to harvest everything by themselves. But don't worry, someone (quite possibly the farm owner) is right there to instruct you, and simple map and instructions were available at the edge of the field.
At first, I was completely at a loss, as I didn't know where the veggies were hiding in the field. But gradually, my eyes adjusted. Did you know how courgettes grow, by the way?
The prices weren't clearly stated, though they seemed to have a price list somewhere in the farmers' head. What I vaguely learned from talking with her was:
- Regardless of the size, courgettes are 200 yen each,
- A unit of string beans (which they call "sasage") comes in bundles of 10 pieces,
- Sweetcorn is harvested professionally upon request (250 yen each),
- You can pull out daikon yourself, though they vary in size.
She also told me that her family had never used chemicals on their farmland ever since the first generation "settled" in this particular land. Her remark startled me. I had never heard anyone use the word "settled" in real life before!
She also told me that her family had never used chemical on their farmland ever since the first generation "settled" in this particular place. Her remark startled me. I have never heard the word "入植 (settle) "from any real person in my life!
Who Reads This? — A Mysterious Local Magazine ― 2026/08/08
There are quite a few magazines focusing on local issues, such as horseracing, fishing, food. As far as I know, every single library stocks a couple of these locally published magazines. They are almost always available, meaning hardly anyone takes them home, whereas national magazines are rarely available for loan.
Among these publications, the most mysterious one is "Zaikai Sapporo" (I would translate it as "Sapporo business community").
I have never seen any of its back issues on loan. Even elderly gentlemen who seem to be regulars at the library and eagerly read newspapers don't seem to have an appetite for it. Without exception, every issue sits on the shelf.
Out of curiosity and in the hope of finding useful local details—since I mainly get my local news from supermarket flyers—I borrowed a copy. I found the contents surprisingly varied. A single issue covers:
- Local government news mainly on newly appointed managers,
- Local corporate updates, featuring salary comparisons by job category,
- Interviews with local figures, including entrepreneurs, entertainers, sports personalities,
- Newly opened and recommended restaurants, mainly in Susukino, never Makomanai.
- Newly opened and recommended restaurants, mainly in Susukino, never Makomanai.
- Property ownership and investments
...and much more.
It is so broad, almost chaotic. Who is the target audience? I have absolutely no idea, and I didn't find anything useful for myself either. It doesn't matter to me who took management positions in the local government (though an article about the flamboyant mayor of Asahikawa was interesting, reminding me of his counterpart in Fukuoka).
I wish my local library would subscribe to Geijutsu Shincho or UP instead. That might actually attract new and younger visitors, or me, at least.
Reserved ― 2026/08/06
When taking the subway, I am always impressed, or sometimes perplexed, by how self-disciplined Sapporo people are. There is neither rubbish nor the smell of urine at all in the long corridors connecting the station entrances to the platforms. Although slightly worn out, they are kept spotlessly clean all the time.
What's more, no one dares to sit on the "Special Seats" for vulnerable people—almost never!
I don't know why, but maybe the title "専用席 (dedicated/exclusive seats)," rather than "優先席 (priority seats)," makes all the difference.
Me? I believe I am eligible to sit here, because of my white hair, and am pleased to exercise my privilege... only when there is no one around.
Walking under Green Leaves ― 2026/08/04
It's hard to believe that this beautiful pedestrian path gets buried deep under heavy snow in winter. Nothing stays the same...
All at Once ― 2026/08/04
On the streets, all kinds of flowers are blooming at once, creating spectacular views.
In relatively comfortable weather (27℃, 57% humidity), hunting for these flowers while taking a walk is one of Sapporo's charms I've discovered.
This morning, the pavements were lined with hydrangeas,
Casablanca lilies,
roses,
hollyhocks,
marigolds,
pumpkins,
something I think is fennel,
rose of Sharon,
sunflowers, and even cosmos
—early-summer and late-summer flowers are all putting on a show side by side.
Meanwhile, the leaves and berries of rowan trees have already begun to turn red,
telling, or warning, us autumn is approaching.
Local Celebs #1 ― 2026/07/25
Every time I get on the subway, I run into this guy on the train door, smiling and apparently promoting Hokkaido rice. I see him all the time, but I have absolutely no idea who he is.
And I don't even know what the Hokkaido word "食べらさる" means.
And I don't even know what the Hokkaido word "食べらさる" means.
A Small Pleasure ― 2026/07/24
In mid-June, there was a small concert featuring woodwinds.
Of course, I went with great excitement and thoroughly enjoyed the live oboe sound!
Paper tickets were still available. What a pleasant surprise!
To be honest, I felt a bit of that "local celeb" vibe during the talk, but it was all forgotten once the music started.
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