Kita in Japanese means North, which makes it apt for the movie Kita Kita taking place in Sapporo located in the northern Japanese island of Hokkaido.
The 2017 romcom starring Alessandra de Rossi (Lea) and Empoy Marquez (Tonyo) gave us a glimpse of the beauty that is Sapporo. With its picturesque views and welcoming charm, it is no wonder why the city has received some well-deserved attention post-Kita Kita.
There has been a steady influx of tourists flocking to Sapporo since then and I was lucky to experience Sapporo’s charm firsthand during the winter season.
Of course, I wouldn’t pass the opportunity to visit some of the shooting locations in Sapporo that were featured in the movie. You’d better check them out when you visit Sapporo, too, and have your own Kita Kita moment! ❤?
Sapporo Clock Tower
View this post on Instagram
In the movie, Lea stook an old couple to see the Clock Tower as part of the Sapporo tour. The clock tower was constructed in 1878 as a drill hall of Sapporo Agricultural College and is currently the oldest building in Sapporo, making it a must-see landmark when you visit the city.
Sapporo TV Tower
Sapporo’s TV Tower is pretty hard to miss as it stands at 147.2 meters high and can be found at the eastern edge of Odori Park. Make sure to check out the TV Tower’s observatory for the best 360-degree view of the city.
Scene screengrabbed from Kita Kita movie
It was also in the TV Tower’s observatory deck where Lea’s boyfriend proposed to her on Kita Kita.
Do you know that you can rent out the whole observatory deck after the tower closes for a fee? Anyone planning to propose soon?
Odori Park
Scene screengrabbed from Kita Kita movie
Odori Park is most magical when it is lit up with thousands of lights for the Sapporo White Illumination every winter. Odori park’s winter festivities is at its busiest every February, where its 1.5-kilometer stretch is lined with snow sculptures in time for the Sapporo Snow Festival, the largest winter event in Sapporo.
In Kita Kita, Odori Park is where Lea talked to a little girl about ‘catching up with time’.
Sapporo Fushimi Inari Shrine
View this post on Instagram
Sapporo’s Fushimi Inari Shrine’s entrance is lined with vermillion-colored structures called torii whose purpose is to mark entrances of Shinto shrines to act as pathways to the gods.
View this post on Instagram
Head past the torii gates and you will find the shrine that Lea and Tonyo visited in the movie. As the only Inari shrine in Hokkaido, this shrine is said to bring good luck for good relationships.
Kokoro no Sato Jozan
Scene screengrabbed from Kita Kita movie trailer
Just an hour away from downtown Sapporo, Jozankei is where you can enjoy soothing hot springs and bask in its rich nature all year round.
We dropped by Kokoro no Sato Jozan, which is a footbath and lounge, and spotted the exact spot where Lea and Tonyo had their ‘Ashiyu-I See You‘ moment. Ashi means foot and legs in Japanese, whereas Yu means hot spring, thus making Kokoro no Sato Jozan the perfect location for that scene.
Mount Moiwa Summit Observatory Deck
Scene screengrabbed from Kita Kita movie
For the lovers, don’t miss visiting Mount Moiwa’s Summit Observatory Deck. Also known as the ‘Lover’s Sanctuary’, you can find the Bell of Happiness there and pledge your undying love with love locks.
Mount Moiwa’s Summit Observatory Deck is one of the most popular night spots in Sapporo as it offers a breathtaking panoramic view of the city at an elevation of 531 meters.
Otaru Canal
View this post on Instagram
A quaint harbor town just under an hour away from Central Sapporo, you should definitely set a day to visit Otaru. Otaru boasts of its picturesque streets, artistry, sushi, and its well-preserved Otaru Canal.
Yes! Just like Lea and Tonyo, you can take a 40-minute cruise along the North Canal to enjoy the surrounding scenery of Otaru.
Scene screengrabbed from Kita Kita movie
Otaru Orgel Doh (Music Box Museum)
View this post on Instagram
Before leaving Otaru, don’t forget to drop by Otaru Orgel Doh (Music Box Museum) for a whimsical souvenir. The main building featured in the movie was built in 1912 and houses an incredible collection of music boxes in all shapes and sizes, glassworks (which Otaru is also popular for), ceramics, woodcrafts, and unique knick-knacks that you can take home with you.
Keep an eye out for the neko (cat) statue where Lea and Tonyo sat together and listened to a wind-up music box. ❤️
Spot the cat!
——–
Here are other Kita Kita filming locations that you should also check out:
Moerenuma Park
Screengrabbed from Kita Kita movie trailer
Moerenuma Park was designed by the world-famous sculptor Isamu Noguchi. You can enjoy biking around the park’s enormous grounds and hang out at the Hidamari glass pyramid.
Zerubunooka Atomunooka
Screengrabbed from Kita Kita movie trailer
Head north to Biei town and take in its picturesque landscapes of greenery and flower fields. It is best to visit Zerubunooka Atomunooka around the end of July to mid-September to experience it during its most blooming season.
Daisetsuzan Asahidake Ropeway
Screengrabbed from Kita Kita movie trailer
Get a spectacular view of Mt. Asahi and dance your worries away like Lea and Tonyo at Daisetsuzan Asahidake Ropeway.
It is now easier to reach Sapporo as Philippine Airlines now offers direct flights to Sapporo, three times weekly. Pack your bags and plan that trip soon! Kita-Kita (see you) sa Sapporo!
