Teaching in Sapporo, Hokkaido

Week 2: Sapporo

The day I was assigned to teach in Sapporo, Hokkaido, I was super excited!

When I arrived in Sapporo during my second week of the program, my body immediately noted how not humid it was—unlike Tokyo. As soon as we exited the train station, a few staff were outside waiting for us. During our first hour, a few other interns and I were guided around the area by the staff. I swallowed up the sights that Sapporo offered: the scenery, the people, the calm aura. The city was smaller than Tokyo, but Sapporo evoked a more homey vibe. 

We were soon introduced to Odori Park. I can still remember the colors that mixed in the park; the different shades of green from tree leaves along with the plethora of pink, yellow, and white flowers sprouting from the ground. The flowers emboldened a pathway toward the famous TV Tower, which was a red-grayish metallic color. The tower stood tall and proudly displayed its bright digital clock. The sun was setting, a golden hue highlighting the serenity of the park. Not only was it the timing perfect, but also a chance to have a photo op. Our first introduction of Sapporo was a success. 

During our first night, a few interns and I tried out the best yakiniku place (like Korean barbecue). The restaurant was called Amatarou. There was the standard make-your-own-food dining area alongside a karaoke space! The food options were endless. Our bowl of “addictive” cabbage was gone within three minutes. The meal did put a dent on my wallet, but it was worth it! One thing visitors should try in Sapporo is the jingisukan, or Genghis Khan, which is lamb. It’s delectable. Aside from the deliciousness, my team members and I went to a place that not too expensive. There are many restaurants that serve jinjusikan around Sapporo, so visitors can easily find one. 

Our teaching venue in Sapporo was one of the best experiences of my life. The classroom was small compared to other venues I’d taught at; especially the venues in Tokyo. We were the only four interns, and each of us had five students to mentor. The small class size allowed me to truly get to know most of the students. And I was able to incorporate teaching my school chant. (I went to UCLA. ) During the breaks, we played games like charades and jan ken pon (the Japanese version of rock, paper, scissors).

On the last day, my team and I went to the Shiroi Koibito Factory, a chocolate factory! Fun fact: Hokkaido is known for dairy. The chocolates we tasted at the factory were freakishly creamy. After that, teaching staff took us to Mt. Moiwa, where we had the privilege to view the breathtaking view. of Sapporo After lunch, we went to the Hokkaido Museum, where we learned about the rich history of Hokkaido’s origin and the Ainu people.

Sapporo was and is a calm city. It was the perfect getaway from Tokyo. Sapporo rarely embodied that fast-paced, hustle and bustle vibe of Tokyo. The city was calmer, cooler, and a lot less busy. My time in Sapporo was one of the best weeks of the program.

Sapporo should definitely be in everyone’s bucket list when visiting Japan!

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Written by Adrian Ruiz, Global English Camp 2019 intern

Edited by Paige Goetz, Director of Communications