DirectRooms.com – Runners complete the Hokkaido Marathon in Sapporo this August

Sapporo is rated by many to be one of Japan's most modern and westernised cities and enjoys visitors from all over the world every year.

This year sees the 25th anniversary of the Hokkaido Marathon take place in Sapporo and the city's streets will be thronged with fans and spectators as runners complete the gruelling 26-mile course through the Sapporo streets.

Some of the most famous runners from across Southeast Asia and throughout the world will be heading into Sapporo for the race event, prompting online hotel booker DirectRooms.com to counsel early booking of Sapporo hotels - particularly in those areas of the city close to the start and finish lines.

The Hokkaido Marathon Sapporo starts in famous Nakajima Park, where thousands of fans are expected to gather to cheer runners on their way. The finish line can be found over 26 miles later at the back end of the city's Odori Park.

Lek Boonlert, marketing head at DirectRooms.com, comments: "Sapporo enjoys thousands of tourists every year just because it is an interesting place to visit, but with the Hokkaido Marathon in town this August it is sure to be even busier. Our advice to people visiting is to get online and book accommodation well in advance."