Kita-ku, 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.