Sapporo, Japan - Hoptale's Destination Guide

Established in the latter half of the 1800s, Sapporo is one of Japan's newer cities. Nevertheless, the city's population has grown from seven in 1857 to nearly 2 million today. As a newer city by Japanese standards, it has less in the way of traditional architecture and infrastructure when compared to older cities such as Kyoto and Nara. However, what it lacks in perceived, traditional "Japanese-ness," it makes up for with many historical "Western-style" buildings; lovely, open, tree-filled boulevards to enjoy in summer; and excellent snow and skiing facilities in the long winter. (Sapporo Wikitravel)