Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Sapporo is the capital city of Hokkaido, Japan, known for its winter sports, parks, and Sapporo Snow Festival. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 1.9 million. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average internet speed is about 100 Mbps, with fiber connections available. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 JPY ≈ 0.007 USD, 1 USD ≈ 143 JPY. Major banks include MUFG, Mizuho, and Resona. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Tap water is safe to drink. |
| 🔌 Power | 100V, 60Hz, 🔌 Type A/B sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Japan's major mobile providers include SoftBank, NTT Docomo, and au. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Credit cards are widely accepted; services like Wise and Revolut are useful. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include Airbnb, monthly rentals, and guesthouses with prices starting from ¥5,000 per night. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, cashless payments are becoming increasingly common. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Platforms like Airbnb and local agencies offer short-term rentals. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostel options include SappoLodge and K’s House Sapporo. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | Odori Park area, close to attractions and transport. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | Susukino area, known for its nightlife and numerous cafes. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Sapporo Factory, located in the city center, offers modern coworking facilities. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Coffee King, known for its strong Wi-Fi and comfortable seating. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Regular meetups are organized through platforms like Meetup.com. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Facebook groups such as 'Sapporo International Meetup' provide opportunities for socializing. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Didi is popular, as well as local taxi services. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Sapporo offers bike rental services through Sapporo City’s cycle rentals. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Otaru Beach, approximately 30 minutes by train. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | ANA (All Nippon Airways) offers regional flights. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Japan Airlines and All Nippon Airways serve international routes. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Sapporo is well-connected via the Hokkaido Expressway. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Sapporo Station, a central transit point for city and regional travel. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Sapporo offers IC cards (Kitaca) for easy transit. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Travel by train (JR Hokkaido) to nearby cities like Otaru and Noboribetsu. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Sapporo Medical University Hospital is the main healthcare facility. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Special Yoga works yoga and wellness classes. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Gold's Gym Sapporo provides comprehensive fitness facilities. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Coin laundries are abundant, such as Launderette Sapporo. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Uber Eats and Demae-Can are popular food delivery services. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Miso ramen, a local specialty that is a must-try. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Nalu 4 Veggie offers delicious vegetarian dishes. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | LeTAO is famous for its cheesecakes and desserts. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Sapporo is home to several supermarkets and food markets like Nijo Market. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Amazon Japan and Rakuten are widely used for online shopping. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Services like Aeon and Seiyu offer online grocery delivery. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Susukino is the nightlife district with numerous bars and izakaya. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Sapporo Brewery is famous for its beer tours and tastings. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Wine Bar KOTAI offers a selection of local and international wines. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Ramen and seafood stalls are prevalent at Nijo Market. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Sapporo has diverse dining options including Italian and Korean cuisine. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Sapporo Clock Tower and Odori Park. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | The Sapporo Beer Museum offers insights into local brewing history. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Historical Village of Hokkaido showcases the region's history. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | Hokkaido Shrine is a significant Shinto shrine in the city. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Sapporo Snow Festival, held every February, is an iconic winter event. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Tanukikoji Shopping Arcade offers a blend of culture and shopping. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Sapporo Theatre is known for performances and local plays. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Nijo Market is famous for fresh seafood and local produce. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Sapporo has a vibrant local music scene with live houses like KLUB WATER. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Various murals can be found in the Susukino area. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Experience local cuisine at Cooking Studio Vangyar. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Hokkaido Museum of Modern Art showcases contemporary works. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | The Former Hokkaido Government Office is a beautifully preserved building. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Sapporo is known for its rich Ainu culture and heritage. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Moerenuma Park is a large park designed by Isamu Noguchi with beautiful landscapes. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Shikotsu-Toya National Park is less than an hour away, known for hot springs and lakes. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Nishioka Park offers scenic trails for walking and cycling. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Mt. Moiwa provides stunning panoramic views of the city. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Sapporo Green Space has several spots for birdwatching. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Designated areas at Moerenuma Park allow for bonfires. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | Yamato Transport and Japan Post are reliable options for shipping. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | E-Office Sapporo provides electronic repair services. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Sapporo Center offers table tennis facilities for enthusiasts. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Berlitz and local universities offer language learning classes. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | The Sapporo City Library is quiet and ideal for studying. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | The Sapporo Community Center offers various cultural activities. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Game Day Sapporo has a range of gaming options and a friendly atmosphere. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | There are no casinos in Sapporo, but various gaming arcades are available. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. ¥300,000 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = ¥12,000,000). |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. ¥200,000 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = ¥8,000,000). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. ¥280,000 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = ¥16,800,000). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. ¥220,000 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = ¥13,200,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. ¥250,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = ¥20,000,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. ¥180,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = ¥14,400,000). |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 23.2% in Japan. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 20.315% applies to dividend distributions. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Japan taxes residents based on worldwide income. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | Up to 45% for high earners. |
| 🧾 VAT | 10% consumption tax. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, Japan has strict CFC rules. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Annual property tax based on assessed value, generally around 1.4%. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Approximately 3-4% on property transactions. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | Japan offers various residency options; however, taxes on worldwide income can be high. |