Sapporo is the capital of Hokkaido Island, which is located in northern Japan, so Sapporo is in northern Japan. Sapporo is located between mountains and seas in the north, which is the shortest in history compared with other cities. Sapporo, built 130 years ago, is the fifth largest city in Japan and the political and economic center of Hokkaido.
The name "Sapporo" comes from Ainu language, which means "big river". Sapporo, located in the southwest of Ishikari Plain in Hokkaido, is the northernmost metropolitan area in Japan with a population of over one million. In addition, as Japan is an island country, most major cities are near the sea, and Sapporo has become a rare inland city in Japan.
The downtown area of Sapporo extends along the Pingchuan River, which runs through the city center and divides the city into east and west areas. There are acacia trees on the sidewalk, so Sapporo is also known as the capital of acacia trees. The streets are clean and tidy, with a Nordic style. There are two particularly wide roads in the city, which cross at right angles, and the intersection is the center of Sapporo.
Although Sapporo has a strong northland flavor, it has four distinct seasons. In spring, you can see lilacs and lily of the valley blooming together in Datong Park. In summer, you can embrace the refreshing green of yangshan Observatory under the blue sky. In autumn, you can stroll along the golden ginkgo tree-lined avenue of Hokkaido University. In winter, you can blend into the white world of international ski resorts.