Sapporo is the largest city on Japan's northern island of Hokkaido, and is known for its winter sports and beer.

During the Edo period, which lasted from the 17th to the mid-19th century, Japan was ruled by the Tokugawa shogunate and experienced a period of peace and stability.

The Shinkansen, or bullet train, is a popular mode of transportation for tourists in Japan, and travels at speeds of up to 320 km/h (200 mph).