Welcome to Sapporo

Sapporo, with a population of 1.9 million, is the capital of Hokkaido and serves as the island’s cultural, economic and political center. One of Japan’s newest cities, it was established in the 1870 as part of Hokkaido’s colonization and is laid out in checkerboard fashion that makes navigation a snap, even for overseas visitors.

Tanukikoji and Susukino are the main shopping and nightlife districts. Tanukikoji is a covered shopping arcade with 300 chic boutiques, stores and restaurants on both sides of the kilometer-long passage. Susukino is the main nightlife district with many restaurants and bars.

The city became famous worldwide in 1972, when the Winter Olympic Games were held there. Indeed Sapporo and Hokkaido are very popular in winter for skiing. The annual Sapporo Snow festival is one of the most popular festivals in Japan. It is held every year for a week in February. Sapporo is also famous for its beer, delicious seafood and ramen (noodles).