Kita-ku (北区) is a ward of Sapporo composed of residential neighborhoods mostly arranged in grid patterns, and each built surrounding a train station, broken up by areas of farmland and some light-industrial areas. With 260,000 people, it is the most populated ward in Sapporo.

Geography

Kita-ku is located in the northern part of Sapporo. The southern end of the ward is more built up, essentially a continuation of the adjoining Chūō-ku ("central ward," downtown Sapporo). Ishikari River runs through and borders the northern part of Kita-ku. Kita-ku is subject to a colder, windier climate than the rest of Sapporo, and as one rides the JR line through towards Ainosato (the north-easternmost part of Sapporo) in winter, one can watch the intensity of the snows increase.

Education

University

National

Private

College

High schools

Public

Private

Transportation

Rail

Road

Mascot

Kita's mascot is Poppyi (ぽっぴぃ) is a bright, cute and energetic yet curious leaf fairy born from a shooting star that is fused with a leaf. She likes long walks and vegetables. Her birthday is October 21. Her charm points are her eyes and her star-shaped button. She is promoted as the mascot of the ward's health department before finally becoming the mascot of the ward in March 2019.