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Sapporo

Hokkaido's capital — snow festivals, fresh seafood, and cool summers.

GEOGRAPHY—CITIESJPSAPPORO

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43.0618°N, 141.3545°E

ABOUT

Hokkaido's largest city and host of the 1972 Winter Olympics. Home to major events like the Sapporo Snow Festival and the Hokkaido Marathon, with an outstanding food scene — soup curry, Genghis Khan grilled lamb, and fresh seafood. Summers are cool and comfortable.

WHERE TO STAY

Compare hotels, ryokan and guesthouses in Sapporo (札幌) on Booking.com — free cancellation on most stays.

Search Sapporo hotels ↗

THINGS TO DO

Guided tours, day trips and experiences in Sapporo, booked through GetYourGuide (free cancellation up to 24h before on most).

Browse all Sapporo experiences ↗

CITY DATA

PopulationPOPULATION

Approx. 1,960,000 (largest city in Hokkaido)

AreaAREA

1,121.26 km²

ClimateCLIMATE

Humid continental climate — heavy winter snowfall and cool summers, annual rainfall: approx. 1,140mm

TransportTRANSPORT

AIRPORTNew Chitose Airport (→ Sapporo Station: ~36 min by Rapid Airport train)

SHINKANSENNo Shinkansen yet (the Hokkaido Shinkansen extension is planned for FY2030)

LOCALSapporo Municipal Subway (Namboku, Tozai, Toho Lines), JR, streetcars

SightsSIGHTS

Odori Park & Sapporo TV Tower, Clock Tower, Maruyama Zoo, Hitsujigaoka Observation Hill, Hokkaido Shrine

GETTING TO SAPPORO

From Tokyo~1 h 35 m (air) · varies (air)

Flight (HND–CTS) — The Hokkaido Shinkansen does not reach Sapporo yet — flying is the practical option.

From New Chitose Airport~40 m · ≈ ¥1,150

JR Rapid Airport

Fares are one-way estimates. If you are hopping between several cities by shinkansen, a Japan Rail Pass can come out cheaper than paying per trip — check whether the maths works for your route.