Travel guide – sapporo
Go back to travel guide home
Overview
The most remarkable thing about the northern Japanese island of Hokkaido, and its capital city Sapporo, is the contrast in temperatures between winter and summer. Sapporo, site of the 1972 Winter Olympics, is a favourite ski destination with temperatures plummeting well below freezing in December and January - the lowest ever recorded was in January 1945, when the mercury dropped to -11ºF (-24ºC). Summer time, however, sees daytime highs of above 86ºF (30ºC), although evenings and mornings remain cool and pleasant.
Because of its thick snows that turn the city into a winter wonderland Sapporo is favoured more as a winter sports destination than a spring or summer resort. There are ski-slopes within the city limits and residents often enjoy a quick run after work. Sapporo is one of Japan's newest cities, having been constructed almost from scratch as the capital of Hokkaido in 1871. Japan imported foreign technicians (including 46 Americans) to aid in the development of the city, formerly a small settlement of the native Ainu people, which has now grown to accommodate 1.8 million inhabitants. Despite a large population, Sapporo is not as crowded or densely packed as other Japanese cities. A national survey ranked it as one of the country's most desirable places to live, which is not surprising because its natural setting allows for easy access to mineral spas, mountain hikes, campsites, and superb ski runs.
Climate
The weather throughout the four main islands that make up Japan is generally temperate, with four distinct seasons. The weather can get very hot during the summer months, particularly in the South. May, June and July are the wettest months, and June, July and August are hotter and more humid. In the south winters are cool but sunny, but as one moves further north temperatures drop and snow falls. The island of Hokkaido in the far north of Japan is bitterly cold in the winter, with snow guaranteed.
Health
No vaccination certificates are required for entry to Japan. On 26 June 2005 an outbreak of bird flu was reported a farm at Mitsukaido, in Ibaraki. There are no reports of human infection. Travellers to Japan are unlikely to be affected, but live animal markets and places where contact with live poultry is possible should be avoided, and all poultry and egg dishes well cooked. Medical facilities are very good, but medical assistance in Japan can be very expensive and visitors have to pay the whole cost up front. Travellers should ensure that they have adequate medical insurance before travelling. Visitors using prescription or common over-the-counter medications (such as inhalers or allergy and sinus medicines) should note that some may be prohibited in Japan and customs officials may detain travellers carrying them. Such travellers are advised to contact the Japanese embassy in their home country before departure to ascertain whether their medication is permissible. The possession of Vicks inhalers and other common medications used for allergies and simus problems are banned under the strictly enforced anti-stimulant drugs law, and visitors are advised to check with the Japanese embassy if in doubt.
top of page