"さっぽろ すごいよ！| Sapporo is amazing!"
About:
Sapporo, the capital of Hokkaido, Japan, was established in 1868. It was developed by the Meiji government as a colonization base for Hokkaido. The city's growth was bolstered by the 1876 opening of the Hokkaido Development Commission. Sapporo hosted the 1972 Winter Olympics, becoming the first Asian city to do so. The city's modern economy is based on industries such as IT and tourism. Sapporo is also known for its beer, ramen, and annual Snow Festival attracting millions of tourists.
When to visit:
Sapporo, located on the northern Japanese island of Hokkaido, is a popular destination known for its winter festivities and beautiful snowscapes. The best time to visit Sapporo on a holiday is during the Sapporo Snow Festival held in early February, showcasing magnificent ice sculptures and attracting millions of visitors annually. Alternatively, the Sapporo Summer Festival in July offers a lively atmosphere with food stalls, music performances, and fireworks. For those seeking a more tranquil experience, the autumn foliage in October provides a picturesque backdrop for leisurely strolls through parks and gardens in the city.
When to avoid:
The worst time to travel to Sapporo, Japan on a holiday is during the winter months of December to February. Sapporo is known for its extremely cold temperatures during this time, with heavy snowfall and icy conditions. The city hosts the Sapporo Snow Festival in February, drawing large crowds and leading to crowded accommodations and higher prices. Traveling during this period may also result in transportation disruptions and limited outdoor activities due to the harsh winter weather.
Winter (Dec-Feb)
In Sapporo, winter (December-February) is the coldest season, with temperatures falling below freezing, averaging -6°C. It's also the wettest season, with heavy snowfall, often exceeding 6 meters. Days are short and sunlight is minimal, with cloud cover obscuring the sun most of the time. An average day for a visitor involves navigating snow-covered streets, with daylight lasting from around 7 am to 4:30 pm. Despite the cold, the city is vibrant with winter festivals and snow sports.
"Summer (June-August)"
In Sapporo, the warmest part of the year is during the summer months, specifically from June to September. The average high temperature during this period ranges from 20°C (68°F) to 26°C (79°F), while the average low temperature ranges from 14°C (57°F) to 20°C (68°F).
Rainfall is relatively high in summer, with June and July being the wettest months averaging about 80-100mm of precipitation. This is due to the tsuyu rain season, also known as the East Asian Rainy Season.
Sunlight is abundant, with July being the sunniest month with an average of 6 hours of sunshine per day. Humidity levels are moderate, typically around 70-80% during these months.
As for cloudiness, summer days in Sapporo are typically partly cloudy. However, you can expect more clear or mostly clear days towards the end of summer, particularly in August and September.
For a visitor, a typical summer day in Sapporo feels warm and a bit humid, but not uncomfortably so. The city is quite vibrant during these months, with lush green landscapes and a variety of outdoor activities available. However, it's advisable to carry an umbrella or raincoat due to the frequent rain showers. Despite the rainfall, the ample sunshine and mild temperatures make summer a pleasant time to visit Sapporo.
Language:
In Sapporo, the most commonly spoken language is Japanese. The local dialect of Japanese spoken in Sapporo and the wider Hokkaido region is known as Hokkaido dialect. This dialect has some unique vocabulary and pronunciation differences from Standard Japanese. English is also understood to some extent, particularly in tourist areas and among younger generations due to English education in schools.