Getting Around Sapporo

Trains

The train system in Sapporo is actually a small part of an extensive network that spreads throughout all of Hokkaido. For travel within the city, you’ll mostly rely on the subway system or taxis to get you where you need to go, but trains are great for going to more out of the way places. If you’re interested in traveling all over Hokkaido, then JR offers a train pass that’s a great deal. A 3-day pass is 16,500 yen, a 5-day pass is 22,000 yen, and 7-day pass is 24,000 yen. While this may seem expensive, keep in mind that individual trains tickets add up fast in Japan.

Driving

Since Sapporo was designed on a grid, it’s really easy to get around the city without driving. That being said, you may want to get out of the city and driving is definitely way faster. There are many car rental services throughout Japan with rentals starting at as little as 5,000 yen a day. Many companies also have English websites that allow you to book in advance. To drive in Japan, you must be at least 18 years old and have a valid international driver’s license (or a Japanese license). You’ll need to arrange for your international license before coming to Japan, as they don’t issue them here.

Subway

Sapporo has three subway lines that can take you to many places throughout the city. Fares are generally anywhere from 200 yen to 360 yen per ride, depending on how far you’re going. Tickets can be purchased at vending machines outside stations, but the easiest way to manage the Sapporo Metro system is by picking up a Sapica card. The initial cost for the card is 2,000 yen, which gives you 1,500 yen of metro fare and includes a 500-yen deposit for the card. You can get your 500 yen back if you return the card at any station. If you’re traveling around Japan, it’s probably best to go ahead and get a SUICA card, since they can be used almost anywhere and cost the same as the Sapica card. The subway also offers the Donichika Pass on weekends and holidays that allows you to take as many subway rides as you like for one day for just 830 yen for adults and 420 yen for children.

Streetcars

One of Sapporo’s more unique transportation methods is its streetcar network. With only about seven minutes between each streetcar, it is one of the fastest ways for you to get around some areas of town. The streetcars accept most IC cards (SUICA, Sapica, etc.) and the fare is only 200 yen, so it’s a reasonable alternative to subways or trains. On weekends and holidays, they also have the special Dosanko Pass that gives you unlimited rides for a day for 360 yen and children can ride free with an adult carrying a pass.

Underground paths

In many parts of the city, you can get from one place to another by taking underground routes. This is also a great opportunity to shop or grab a bite to eat, as most underground walkways have various shops and restaurants. For example, the Sapporo Ekimae-dori walkway lets you walk underground from Sapporo Station to Odori Station if you want to stretch your legs and avoid the icy roads and public transportation.

Sapporo(Hakodate Line)

Hokkaido

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JR Sapporo-Noboribetsu Area Pass

¥9,000

Update date：2024/04/16

JR Tower Hotel Nikko Sapporo

2-5 Kita 5Jou Nishi, Chuo-Ku Sapporo Hokkaido

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Odori

Hokkaido

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HELIO HOSTEL SAPPORO

エリオ大通りビル 中央区南2条西5丁目26-4　HELIO HOSTEL SAPPORO Sapporo Hokkaido

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