[Sapporo Transportation Guide] Main Ways to Get Around Sapporo and Money-Saving Tips

Sapporo’s subway system has three lines: the Namboku Line, Tozai Line, and Toho Line.
It provides access to most areas of the city, and many popular sightseeing spots, including Sapporo TV Tower, Odori Park, and Susukino, Sapporo’s most famous entertainment district, are within walking distance of subway stations.
When getting around by subway, Odori Station, where all three lines connect, serves as the main hub.
The route map uses different colors for each line, and transfer guidance is easy to understand, so it’s helpful to refer to while sightseeing.
Major transportation IC cards such as Suica, ICOCA, Kitaca, and PASMO can also be used on the subway.

Sapporo’s streetcar runs in a loop, both clockwise and counterclockwise, through the western part of the city where the subway does not operate.
It is mainly used to reach places such as Susukino, Tanukikoji Shopping Street, Nakajima Park, and Mt. Moiwa.
Fares can be paid in cash or with major transportation IC cards such as Suica, ICOCA, Kitaca, PASMO, and SAPICA.
However, compared with the subway, the streetcar runs more slowly and may have to wait at traffic signals, so travel can take longer.

Within Sapporo, three main local bus operators run routes covering different areas of the city.

For getting to central areas such as Sapporo Station, Odori Station, and Susukino, the subway or streetcar is usually more convenient, so there may be fewer chances to use buses.
However, buses are recommended when heading to sightseeing spots in the suburbs, such as Sapporo Hitsujigaoka Observation Hill and Moerenuma Park.
Fares can only be paid in cash or by transportation IC card. Various IC cards such as Suica, ICOCA, Kitaca, PASMO, and SAPICA can be used.
Some highway buses also accept credit card payment.

Snow removal systems are well organized, so streetcars and buses still operate, but delays are still more likely due to icy roads and traffic congestion.
Also, because stations and bus stops are outdoors, waiting for a train or bus in below-freezing temperatures can be a real burden.
By contrast, the subway is not affected by snow or icy roads, so delays are less of a concern. Platforms are also indoors, making it warmer and more comfortable than outside.
For that reason, when sightseeing in Sapporo in winter, it is best to build your itinerary around the subway as much as possible.

Sapporo in subfreezing temperatures is colder than many visitors expect, so walking for long periods can be quite taxing.
For that reason, it’s a good idea to choose the bus stop or station closest to your destination so you can get off nearby.
If you are sightseeing around Sapporo Station or Odori Park, also consider whether you can use the Approx. 520 m underground walkway, Sapporo Ekimae-dori Underground Walkway Space (Chi-Ka-Ho), which connects Sapporo Station and Odori Station on the Namboku Line.
The Sapporo Ekimae-dori Underground Walkway Space (Chi-Ka-Ho) is heated, making it comfortable to get around even in winter.

Located a little away from central Sapporo, Jozankei is an area known for its rich natural surroundings and hot spring town atmosphere.
It lies within Shikotsu-Toya National Park and is surrounded by valleys and forests, where you can enjoy seasonal scenery and outdoor activities throughout the year.
The Jozankei Onsen area, made up of four hot springs, is another highlight, offering a relaxing soak while taking in beautiful natural views.
Restaurants are scattered throughout the area as well, making it a great choice for travelers who want to spend peaceful time away from the city.
Another plus is that it is easy to reach, with a direct bus from JR Sapporo Station taking Approx. 1 hour.

Hakodate, located in southern Hokkaido, is a port city with a relatively mild climate for the region.
It is a popular sightseeing destination filled with highlights, where history and nature blend with a distinctly international atmosphere.
After Hakodate opened as a port around 1854–around 1867 in the late Edo period, foreign cultures and customs were introduced, and places such as the Motomachi Catholic Church and the Old Public Hall of Hakodate Ward still create a nostalgic atmosphere today.
Another major attraction is the view from Mt. Hakodate, counted among the world’s top three night views, which continues to captivate many visitors.
There are several ways to travel from Sapporo to Hakodate, but here we’ll introduce two options: flying via New Chitose Airport, which is the fastest, and taking the train, which gets you there with no transfers.

Otaru, located near the center of Hokkaido’s west coast, is a port city facing the Sea of Japan and Ishikari Bay.
It is also known as a sushi town, with more than 120 restaurants across the city competing to perfect their craft.
Part of Otaru’s appeal is its nostalgic townscape, which still carries traces of the prosperity it once enjoyed through its port, railway, and herring industry.
Historic buildings, represented by the Otaru Canal, give the city an old-fashioned atmosphere that makes it enjoyable even just for a walk.
See below for how to get from Sapporo to Otaru and how long it takes.

Be sure to check out this article featuring a carefully selected list of Otaru’s popular spots as well.

Furano, located in central Hokkaido, is a basin surrounded by mountains.
It is famous for its lavender fields, which attract many visitors from around the world, and the stunning purple landscape spreading out at the foot of the Daisetsuzan mountains is not to be missed.
It is also a popular winter sports destination, where skiing and snowboarding in rich natural surroundings offer a special kind of appeal.
Fresh produce such as melons and onions is another local specialty, making Furano a great place for food lovers as well.
You can reach Furano from Sapporo by train or highway bus, so use the information below to choose whichever is more convenient for you.

Asahikawa, located near the center of Hokkaido, is known as one of the coldest cities in Japan.
Surrounded by mountain ranges such as the Daisetsuzan Range and the Tokachidake Range, it is a city where nature blends into everyday life.
It hosts events that make use of its cold climate, such as snow festivals and ice sculpture competitions, and its snowy scenery is especially beautiful.
Asahikawa is nationally famous for Asahiyama Zoo, but there is also plenty more to enjoy, including scenic spots and local food such as jingisukan and Asahikawa ramen.
From Sapporo, Asahikawa is relatively close and easy to visit, with the trip by train taking Approx. 1 hour 30 minutes as shown below.

This article, which introduces the appeal of Asahikawa with a focus on popular restaurants and shopping spots, is also worth checking out.

Noboribetsu, located in southwestern Hokkaido, is famous as one of Japan’s leading hot spring towns.
It is blessed with a wide variety of spring qualities and abundant hot water, led by the sulfur springs that bubble up from the volcanic remains known as Jigokudani, or Hell Valley.
It also has many spots where you can enjoy Hokkaido’s natural beauty, including the highly transparent Lake Kuttara and Orofure Pass, where panoramic views stretch as far as the eye can see.
The ways to travel from Sapporo to Noboribetsu and the travel times are as follows.
It also has good access from New Chitose Airport, making it a recommended base for a Hokkaido trip.