A multifaceted hub

Sapporo is one of the most livable cities in Japan: A compact city that boasts abundant natural surroundings offering a unique and enjoyable lifestyle in which food, leisure and nature can all be enjoyed. As the center of economy, culture and many other aspects of northern Japan, Sapporo stands as one of the main hubs of the nation. Although the city counts 1.9 million citizens, making it the fifth largest city in the nation, the advanced urban function and nature are balanced in harmony with lush greenery surrounding the area and salmon swimming up the streams in the urban falls. Sapporo also acts as the “kitchen” of the Hokkaido region, maintaining its status of “food capital” of the North.

Where nature embraces urban

The western and southern parts of the city are occupied by a large number of mountains as well as a lot of rivers. Living in harmony with this natural environment, the city stages events throughout the year, such as the world-famous Sapporo Snow Festival in February, ensuring visitors a wide range of sporting activities whatever the season but especially in winter.

Acting for a living legacy

Sapporo became the first city in Asia to host the Winter Olympics in 1972. The transportation infrastructure was improved, the city was modernized and internationalization progressed in leaps and bounds. Subsequently, strongholds of culture, art and sport began to be established and the city began to host numerous international congresses and events. The abundant natural environment and advanced urban foundations are maintained today as Sapporo continues to develop itself as the central hub city of Hokkaido.

Urban functions and natural environments merge to form an extremely creative city. Sapporo constantly maintains a high level of cultural activity putting much emphasis on vitalizing the city by taking advantage of its “creativity” in culture, arts and also cuisine. The city hosts many music, art and film events as well as has a wide selecton of restaurants, dedicating itself to entertaining its citizens and visitors at all levels.