ซัปโปโร
Sapporo, the capital of Hokkaido and Japan's fifth-largest city with about 1.97 million residents, is a designated «government ordinance city.» The name comes from the Ainu «Sat-Poro-Pet» («the dry large river»). Established in 1869 (Meiji 2) as the seat of the Hokkaido Development Commission, it grew on a planned grid pattern as one of Japan's youngest major cities. Iconic landmarks include the 1.5 km Odori Park, the Sapporo Clock Tower (built 1878, Japan's oldest surviving clock tower), the Red Brick Former Hokkaido Government Building (1888), Mt. Moiwa (531 m, one of Japan's New Three Great Night Views), the Susukino entertainment district, and the JR Tower observatory — a rare combination of snow-country urban landscape and modern architecture.
Highlights
- Mt. Moiwa — 531 m, one of Japan's New Three Great Night Views; reach the summit by ropeway for heart-shaped lights and full Sapporo panorama
- Odori Park — 1.5 km of belt-shaped park hosting the February Snow Festival, May Lilac Festival, and December White Illumination
- Sapporo Clock Tower — built 1878, Japan's oldest surviving clock tower; the American-made pendulum still keeps time, embodying Meiji Western architecture
- Red Brick Former Hokkaido Government Building — built 1888 in Neo-Baroque style; pairs beautifully with the autumn ginkgo avenue
- JR Tower Observatory T38 — 160 m above ground, Hokkaido's highest observation deck, 360° panoramic nightscape
