Late-Night Snow Removal in Sapporo — The Power That Keeps a Two-Million City Moving
The Importance of Late-Night Snow Removal in Sapporo, a City of Two Million
Around the world, Sapporo stands alone as the only city with a population of over one million that still receives more than four meters of snow even in a light-snow year. (Source: Sapporo City “Snow Learning NEWS” No.27) Sapporo truly is a city that “lives with snow.”
In Sapporo, Hokkaido, the snow that falls throughout winter has a major impact on daily life, transportation, and logistics. With a population of about two million, even a single night of heavy snowfall can bring the city to a standstill—halting commuting, deliveries, tourism, and everyday activity. That’s why snow removal during the late-night hours is one of the most essential forms of urban infrastructure supporting life in Sapporo.
When snow and ice remain on the streets, it leads to bus and taxi delays, difficulty for emergency vehicles, and an increase in pedestrian slip-and-fall accidents. To prevent these problems, snow removal vehicles start operating as soon as snow begins to fall—pushing snow to the roadside and spreading anti-icing agents overnight to keep roads safe by morning.
Main Snow Removal Machines Used in Sapporo
Below are some of the main types of snow removal machines owned and operated by the City of Sapporo. Depending on snowfall levels, road conditions, and location, different machines are used in combination to keep the city running smoothly.
- Snow Grader
- Wheel Loader (Snow Dozer)
- Large Rotary Snowplow
- Compact Rotary Snowplow
- Snow Removal Truck
- Anti-Icing Spreader Truck
Snow Grader
Used mainly on wide main roads, the grader pushes snow to the roadside using a central blade and levels the road surface as it moves forward.
Wheel Loader (Snow Dozer)
At Tanukikoji Shopping Street (8-chome), I came across large-scale snow removal using a wheel loader (snow dozer) and a grader.
— Hokkaido Kurashi Journal (@hokkaidodo_jp) February 1, 2024
When you live through a Sapporo winter, you often forget how much snow actually gets cleared—but seeing the massive piles reminds you just how much the ground level changes each season. pic.twitter.com/qQUfP3ViRW
Ideal for intersections, bus stops, and sidewalks, the wheel loader can push snow to one or both sides and is highly maneuverable in tight spaces.
Large Rotary Snowplow
Between Tanukikoji 7-chome and 6-chome: a rotary snowplow and snow removal truck at work. pic.twitter.com/V3e4f5SLbc
— Hokkaido Kurashi Journal (@hokkaidodo_jp) February 1, 2024
Designed for deep snow conditions, the rotary snowplow collects snow with its front auger and uses a blower to throw it far away or load it into dump trucks.
Compact Rotary Snowplow
This smaller version is perfect for sidewalks and residential areas. Its excellent maneuverability ensures safe walking paths in narrow streets.
Snow Removal Truck
Equipped with a plow and blade, this truck efficiently pushes and carries snow along wide roads, playing a key role in hauling snow to dumping sites.
Anti-Icing Spreader Truck
After snow removal, these trucks spread salt or other de-icing materials to prevent the roads from freezing overnight—quietly ensuring safe roads for the morning commute.
Skilled snow removal crews operate these machines through the night, keeping Sapporo running even in the harshest winter storms. The reason we can walk safely on clear streets every morning is thanks to their dedication and the power of these machines.
