Overview
Sapporo, the capital of Hokkaido, is one of Japan’s few planned cities, originally laid out in a grid pattern during the Meiji era to support modern governance and development in Japan’s northern frontier. Its wide streets, green belts, and rational urban design set it apart from many older Japanese cities. Sapporo gained international recognition as the host of the 1972 Winter Olympics, which catalyzed significant urban infrastructure investment, including public transportation, utilities, and tourism facilities—many of which continue to shape the city’s identity today.
Today, Sapporo is undergoing a major transformation toward a sustainable compact city model, responding to challenges such as population decline, aging demographics, and urban sprawl. Its urban planning emphasizes a multi-core urban structure—strengthening several key centers across the city—and the development of an open space network that connects parks, green corridors, and natural landscapes. These efforts aim to concentrate housing and services in strategic zones, revitalize underused land, and promote walkable, mixed-use neighborhoods with strong public transit connections, enhancing both livability and environmental sustainability.
Beyond its urban core, Sapporo plays a central role in Hokkaido’s tourism economy, serving as a gateway to the region’s abundant natural attractions. With its proximity to renowned ski resorts as well as access to hot springs, national parks, and seasonal festivals, the city is positioned as a year-round tourism hub. Sapporo’s integrated approach to urban development not only strengthens its resilience and sustainability, but also reinforces its status as a dynamic regional center linking innovation with Hokkaido’s rich natural and cultural assets.
Sapporo became a partner city of TDLC's City Partnership Program in 2025.
Key topics of engagement
- Urban planning and compact city
- Tourism and job creation
Key recent collaborations
- August 2025
City official has participated and presented the city's urban planning experience of underground pedestrian spaces and public plaza at TDLC and UN-Habitat Roundtable: Building Livable and Productive Cities.
*As of September 2025
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