Sapporo

Sapporo City is the "snow capital." Sapporo's population is about 1.96 million. Hokkaido's central city. But for Sapporo residents, "snow" is the enemy. Winter is long (November-April). Snow is deep. Some areas of Hokkaido receive about 10 meters of snow per season. Sapporo temperatures can drop below minus 10 degrees Celsius in winter. For Sapporo residents, "cars" are survival tools. Many places trains and buses don't reach. Hokkaido is Japan's most car-dependent region. Even Sapporo's taxis are 4WD vehicles. Why? Snowy roads are slippery. Can't move with 2WD. Sapporo residents use studless tires from November to April. Mandatory. Without studless tires, can't drive. Not by law, but physically impossible. For Sapporo residents, driving isn't "sport." It's "survival." When snow accumulates, visibility can become zero. Can't see road in blizzards. Sapporo residents drive "slowly." Rushing causes sliding. Causes accidents. But motorsport is the sport of "speed." Opposite to Sapporo residents' driving philosophy. Sapporo residents live in powder snow rated as world's best. Ski resorts are 20-60 minutes from city center. For Sapporo residents, "speed" is experienced in ski descents. Not experienced in cars. Sapporo has almost no circuits. Nearest is Hokkaido Sports Land (Chitose, about 50km). Small-scale. For Sapporo residents, motorsport is a "summer activity." But summer is short (June-September).