Higashi-ku, Administrative ward in Sapporo, Japan
Higashi-ku is an administrative ward in Sapporo that includes several neighborhoods such as Sakaemachi, Okadama-cho, and Fushiko, separated by the Toyohira River. The area also contains Okadama Airport and is served by multiple subway stations and expressway connections.
The area emerged from Naebo and Okadama Villages established in the 1870s, which merged into Sapporo Village in 1902 and became an official ward in 1972. This progression reflects the city's transformation from rural settlements into a modern metropolis.
The ward is home to Japan's only beer museum and Moerenuma Park, designed by Isamu Noguchi, both drawing visitors to experience local heritage. These sites shape how residents and guests understand the area's connection to craft production and artistic design.
The ward is accessible by the Toho Line subway with multiple stations throughout the area and expressway connections that make getting around easier. Visitors should allow extra time when traveling between different neighborhoods, as they are spread out across a fairly large area.
The ward's mascot, Tappy, is an onion-themed character created from the Japanese word for onion, reflecting the area's agricultural roots. This quirky symbol shows how the district celebrates its farming heritage through contemporary marketing.
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