Sapporo

Sapporo hosted the Olympic Winter Games in 1972, but the fourth most populous city in Japan – and one of the greenest – is now mostly known for its Snow Festival, during which ice sculptures fill Odori Park in February, and for its beer, the oldest brand in the country. If the football schedule leaves you with some spare time, you can visit the brewery where the beer is made, or the 17th century Hasso-an tea house. Nightlife is concentrated in the Susukino district. In addition, one hour from the centre of town, nestled between cliffs, you can experience the unforgettable Jozankei Hot Springs.