Sapporo
What time is it in Japan
About Sapporo
Sapporo is a designated city on Hokkaido in Japan and the capital of Hokkaido Prefecture. It sits in the southwest of the island, on the alluvial fan of the Toyohira River. The population was 1,962,596 as of August 1, 2026, which makes it the fifth most populous city in Japan and the largest one north of Tokyo. It began as an administrative centre in 1869, when the Hokkaido Development Commission opened its headquarters there. Sapporo uses UTC+9 all year. There is no daylight saving, so the offset never changes. Tokyo has the same time all year. New York is 14 hours behind Sapporo in January and 13 hours behind in July.
Frequently Asked Questions
What time zone is Sapporo in?+
Sapporo is on UTC+9 and stays there all year. Hokkaido has no daylight saving period, so the offset does not change between January and July.
How many hours is Sapporo ahead of New York?+
Sapporo is 14 hours ahead in January and 13 hours ahead in July. If it is 9 a.m. in New York in July, it is 10 p.m. the same day in Sapporo.
Do Sapporo and Tokyo show the same time?+
Yes. Tokyo is on UTC+9 all year as well, so Sapporo and Tokyo always show identical clock times.
How many people live in Sapporo?+
As of August 1, 2026, Sapporo has a population of 1,962,596. That makes it the largest city in Hokkaido, the largest north of Tokyo, and the fifth-most populous in Japan.
Where in Hokkaido is Sapporo?+
Sapporo is in the southwest of Hokkaido, on the alluvial fan of the Toyohira River, a tributary of the Ishikari River. It is the capital of Hokkaido Prefecture.