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How to Enjoy Sapporo

Sapporo Odori Park

About Sapporo

population: 1,969,215 [June,1 2024]

Sapporo, located in the west-central part of Hokkaido, is Japan’s fifth-largest city and a major tourist destination, attracting millions of visitors year-round. As the capital of Hokkaido, Japan’s northernmost prefecture, it serves as a hub for politics, culture, and economy.

Established in 1871 by the Hokkaido Development Commission, known as ‘Kaitakushi,’ Sapporo was designed to explore and develop the island’s untapped land. Unlike other Japanese cities, its streets are laid out in a grid pattern similar to New York City, with streets named and numbered consecutively. This modern city has attracted residents from various prefectures, contributing to its unique culture.

Sapporo serves as the main gateway to Hokkaido, making it an ideal starting point for exploring the island’s beauty. With two airports—New Chitose in Chitose City and Okadama—Sapporo is well-connected to Honshu and other major cities in Hokkaido, including Hakodate, Asahikawa, and Kushiro, via JR trains, airplanes, and intercity express buses.

Weather

Sapporo is the snowiest city in the world with a population over one million, receiving an average snowfall of over 300 cm. The coldest period is from late January to mid-February, coinciding with the famous Sapporo Snow Festival, which has been held annually since 1950.

Average temperatures and snow in Sapporo for last 10 years, sourced by Japan Meteorological Agency.
Average temperatures and snow in Sapporo for last 10 years, sourced by Japan Meteorological Agency.

Season

Sunrise and Sunset

Here is a graph showing sunrise and sunset times in Sapporo. Use this as a reference when taking photos of sunrises or sunsets. Don’t miss the perfect shot!

sappro-sunrize-sunset

 

Spring

In Honshu, cherry blossoms (Sakura) bloom from mid to late March, but in Sapporo, they appear in early May, signaling the arrival of spring. Spring here spans from April to June, about a month later than in Honshu. Due to the brief season, flowers like Sakura and plum (Ume) bloom simultaneously, as if waiting for this moment.

Due to the recent global temperature rise, cherry blossoms in Japan have been blooming about two weeks earlier, and in Sapporo, they now bloom around April 20.

Summer

Summer in Sapporo is also short, primarily in July and August. By the end of August, especially in the mountains, autumn begins.

In summer, similar to the earlier blooming of cherry blossoms, temperatures often exceed 25 degrees Celsius by mid-June, marking the start of summer. Traditionally, summer in Sapporo was said to begin after the Hokkaido Shrine Festival in mid-June, signaling its onset. However, now it feels like summer arrives in full force. Nevertheless, Hokkaido does not experience the rainy season.

Autumn

September and October bring autumn, with the first snowfall typically occurring at the end of October, marking the start of winter. Beautiful autumn foliage can be seen throughout the region, including Jozankei and Hoheikyo. Hokkaido University’s famous ginkgo tree avenue is a popular spot for enjoying the autumn colors.

In Hokkaido, the autumn leaves pass quickly compared to Honshu, with the peak lasting about two weeks. If snow falls earlier than expected, it can cover the leaves and cause them to drop suddenly. If you’re visiting during this time, make sure not to miss the best viewing period.

Winter

Winter in Sapporo lasts from November through March, dominating half of the year. This extended winter period offers ample opportunities for various winter sports and activities.

Sapporo is reportedly the only city in the world with over a million residents located in a heavy snowfall zone. Even in European cities known for snow, none receive as much snow as Sapporo. Therefore, if you come to Sapporo, it’s a must to enjoy winter events and sports! There are ski resorts just 30 minutes from downtown Sapporo where you can enjoy skiing without bringing your own gear.

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