The Asahi Shimbun: OLYMPICS/ Soccer players kneel to start new era of Olympic activism The referee’s whistle blew, the British players glanced at one another and they dropped to their knees. Their Chilean counterparts responded in kind, all taking a knee at the Sapporo Dome. Located in the southwest of Hokkaido, it lies within the alluvial fan of the Toyohira River, a tributary of the Ishikari River.

Understanding the Context

Sapporo is the capital of Hokkaido Prefecture and Ishikari Subprefecture. As of , the city has a population of 1,959,750, making it the largest city in Hokkaido and the largest north of Tokyo. Sapporo is Japan’s fifth biggest city, and the largest north of Tokyo. Enjoy exquisite cuisine created from the blessings of nature, plentiful shopping, and myriad artistic and cultural experiences together with the vibrant nightlife of one of Japan’s leading entertainment districts.

Key Insights

Probably best known for its eponymous beer, Sapporo—the capital of Hokkaido, Japan’s northernmost island—has maintained the youthful and open atmosphere of the 1972 Olympic Winter Games, drawing international visitors for its annual Snow Festival and its world-famous ramen. Sapporo (札幌, "important river flowing through a plain" in Ainu language) is the capital of Hokkaido and Japan's fifth largest city. Sapporo is also one of the nation's youngest major cities. In 1857, the city's population stood at just seven people. Explore Japan’s oldest clock tower, taste the country’s freshest seafood, and relax in an onsen...

Final Thoughts

here’s the best things to do in Sapporo! In other seasons, Sapporo's green expanses and blossom displays are equally breathtaking. This young, wide-open city is also famous for its beer, beef, ramen, seafood and fresh produce. You can reach Sapporo via train, air and ferry. Plane is by far the quickest, followed by high-speed rail options.