Sapporo sits on the west coast of Hokkaido, the northernmost of Japan’s islands. It was established in 1857 with a population of just seven people, but today boasts a population of nearly two million. It is the capital of the Hokkaido Prefecture.
Sapporo gained worldwide recognition in 1972 as the first city in Asia to host the Winter Olympics. It also served as one of the host cities for the Rugby World Cup 2019, with matches played in the Sapporo Dome.
Sapporo is renowned for its formidable ski pistes (a homage to the Winter Olympics), ramen noodle consumption, and for being the birthplace of the oldest brand of beer in Japan.