Street Photography in Sapporo

Susukino is Sapporo's main nightlife and entertainment district, and its crossing under the Nikka whisky sign is the classic frame. A photographer writing for PetaPixel spent most of two winter weeks here and called it ideal for photos. At night, neon reflects off wet snow and taxis queue for passengers. Stand at a corner and wait for a figure with an umbrella to cross against the signs. Some Susukino sidewalks are heated, which makes them wet and slippery, so wear proper winter shoes. Many bars and clubs here don't want photos of their staff or customers, so keep your lens on the street.

Ganso Ramen Yokocho is a narrow alley near Susukino Station that began in 1951 with seven ramen shops. Today it holds around 17 small counters, and it is often named as the birthplace of miso ramen. The alley is tight and warmly lit, with steam and noren curtains at each door. Shoot along the length of the alley from one end with a wide lens and wait for a diner to step out through a curtain. Don't photograph inside the shops without asking: space is tiny and people are eating. Evenings are busiest, and lines form outside the popular shops.

Tanukikoji is a covered shopping arcade about 1km long with around 200 shops, running east to west from Nishi 1 chome to Nishi 7 chome. The official Sapporo guide notes you can use it regardless of the weather, which matters in a city this snowy. It is a long, bright corridor of shop fronts. Stand at a block crossing, where the roof opens, and catch shoppers stepping from snow into shelter. The light inside is even and bright, so you can keep fast shutter speeds. Individual shops may not allow photos inside, so ask first.

Nijo Market is three blocks south of the TV Tower and about five minutes on foot from Odori Station. Shops typically open from 7:00 to 18:00 and restaurants from 6:00 to 21:00, according to Japan Guide. Crabs and sea urchin fill the displays, and small counters serve seafood bowls for breakfast. Arrive early, when traders set out their catch. Shoot along the stalls with the displays in the foreground and the people behind. Traders are busy selling, so ask before photographing them or their goods up close, and buy something if you take their time.

Odori Park runs about 1.5km through the city centre, from the TV Tower westward, and splits Sapporo into north and south. It is the main site of the Sapporo Snow Festival, which runs for about a week each February with hundreds of snow statues. During the festival, crowds with phones and cameras in front of huge sculptures are your subject. Outside festival time, office workers cross the park and people rest on benches. Shoot from the TV Tower end for depth. Festival crowds are dense, so keep your gear close and watch for ice.

The Sapporo Beer Museum sits in Sapporo Garden Park in Higashi ward, in a red brick building from 1890 that was first a sugar factory. It is registered as a Hokkaido Heritage site. The brick walls and chimney make a strong backdrop for visitors walking the grounds, especially in winter when snow covers the ground and the red stands out. Frame a figure against the brick from across the courtyard. It is a short bus or taxi ride from the station. Follow any rules posted inside the museum, where photography may be limited in some areas.