Sapporo
Japan
- Safety rating
- 9.3/10
- Best time to visit
- February for the famous Snow Festival and ski season, or summer (June–August) for cool, green escapes from the mainland heat.
- Population
- 2.0M
Overview
Sapporo, the capital of Hokkaido, is a spacious northern city beloved for its winter snow festival, beer, and rich ramen. Surrounded by mountains and ski resorts, it offers crisp seasons and fresh seafood. Its grid-planned streets and beer-hall culture lend a frontier-town openness.
Top attractions
Experience the Sapporo Snow Festival, Odori Park, the Sapporo Beer Museum, and nearby ski resorts like Niseko.
Getting around
A compact subway, streetcar, and buses cover the city, which is also pleasantly walkable.