Sapporo

💡 About Sapporo

Sapporo, the capital of Japan's northern island of Hokkaido, is a young, spacious and orderly city, laid out on an American-style grid in the 19th century when Hokkaido was first developed as Japan's frontier. Surrounded by mountains and blessed with heavy winter snowfall, it is the gateway to Japan's wildest and most northern landscapes.

The city is famous the world over for its Snow Festival, held every February, when the vast Odori Park fills with colossal, intricately carved snow and ice sculptures, drawing millions of visitors into a glittering winter wonderland. Sapporo also hosted the 1972 Winter Olympics.

Sapporo is a paradise for lovers of food and beer. It gave its name to one of Japan's most famous beers, brewed here since 1876, and is celebrated for its rich, hearty miso ramen — the perfect antidote to the northern cold. The bustling nightlife district of Susukino glows with neon.

As the base for exploring Hokkaido's national parks, hot springs, ski resorts and volcanic scenery, Sapporo combines urban comfort with easy access to nature. Fresh, modern and food-obsessed, it offers a very different face of Japan.

⭐ Known For