Sapporo City is the capital of Hokkaido, Japan’s northernmost main island. It is the fifth most populous city in the country, with a population of around 1.9 million. Known for its beautiful natural surroundings, urban convenience, and strong seasonal contrasts, Sapporo has become one of Japan’s most recognized and visited cities. Founded in 1868 during Japan’s Meiji Restoration, the city was designed with a grid street layout influenced by American city planning. It gained global attention in 1972 when it hosted the Winter Olympics, the first time the event was held in Asia. This helped shape the city’s reputation as a world-class winter destination. Sapporo officially became a city on August 1, 1922.
Geographically, Sapporo City is located on the Ishikari Plain, bordered by mountains and situated near the Sea of Japan. Its climate is classified as humid continental, with long, snowy winters and warm, pleasant summers. January averages around -4.7°C, while August temperatures reach about 22.3°C. The city is known globally as one of the snowiest major cities, attracting tourists for winter sports and seasonal events. Economically, Sapporo functions as a regional center for administration, commerce, tourism, and IT services. It hosts the headquarters and branches of several national companies, including Sapporo Breweries. In recent years, the city has seen growth in digital marketing, contact centers, and business process outsourcing services, such as those operated by transcosmos. The local economy also benefits from food processing and agriculture, supported by Hokkaido’s fertile land.
Tourism plays a vital role in the city’s economy. One of its most famous events is the Sapporo Snow Festival, held every February. This festival showcases massive snow and ice sculptures and draws millions of visitors from around the world. Other major attractions include Odori Park, which stretches through the city center for 1.5 kilometers, the historic Sapporo Clock Tower, and the Former Hokkaido Government Office. The Susukino district is known as one of Japan’s largest entertainment and nightlife areas. Mount Moiwa offers panoramic views of the city, and the Sapporo Beer Museum highlights the city’s brewing history.
Sapporo City is well connected through various transportation systems. New Chitose Airport, located about 45 kilometers from the city, serves as the main air gateway. The city’s railway system is robust, with services provided by JR Hokkaido and the upcoming Hokkaido Shinkansen project. Within the city, three subway lines—the Namboku, Tozai, and Toho lines—along with trams and buses, support a smooth and efficient public transport network. Education and research are also central to the city’s development. Sapporo is home to Hokkaido University, one of Japan’s top national universities. The city also offers a range of public and private colleges and technical institutions, with strengths in science, agriculture, and environmental studies.
The culture and lifestyle in Sapporo combine modern urban life with access to natural beauty. The city is considered to have a high quality of life, with low crime rates and lower living costs compared to other major cities like Tokyo and Osaka. Sapporo is famous for its local cuisine, including miso ramen, soup curry, fresh seafood like crab, and a grilled lamb dish known as Genghis Khan.
Internationally, Sapporo City maintains sister city relationships with places like Munich in Germany, Portland in the United States, and Shenyang in China. The city is also committed to sustainable development and digital inclusion. Through programs like Japan’s corporate hometown tax system, Sapporo receives support from companies for community initiatives. One such example is transcosmos’s donation to a local digital training program for people with disabilities, aligned with the city’s efforts to meet the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals. Sapporo continues to grow as a forward-thinking, inclusive, and internationally connected city in Japan.
