Sapporo Streetcar (Sapporo Shiden)

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Sapporo Streetcar (Sapporo Shiden)

A public transportation system that covers Sapporo’s central urban area.

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Originating as a horse-drawn railway for transporting stone, the Sapporo streetcar has served as a key mode of transportation in central Sapporo for over a century, long cherished as part of everyday life. Since the completion of the loop line in 2015, it has made getting around the city center even more convenient. One of its distinctive features is the “side reservation” design on the downtown section, where the tracks run right alongside the sidewalk.

Major sightseeing areas such as Odori, Susukino, and Nakajima Park are located along the route. From the windows, passengers can enjoy not only Sapporo’s modern cityscape but also glimpses of quiet residential neighborhoods and traditional shopping streets.

Boarding and alighting follow a simple system: passengers board from the rear and exit from the front, paying the fare when they get off. There’s no need to take a numbered ticket or tap an IC card when boarding, and fares are a flat rate when using the streetcar only, making it easy to understand.

As part of local revitalization efforts, naming rights have been introduced for some stops. Sub-names displayed at stations and announced onboard add a unique character to each stop along the line.

Highlights

  • A streetcar that loops around central Sapporo in about one hour.
  • Serving the city for over 100 years as a beloved part of daily life.
  • Convenient for visiting attractions such as the Mt. Moiwa Ropeway and Hoheikan.
  • Offers changing views of Sapporo’s cityscape through the seasons from the windows.

Photos

  • A streetcar that supports everyday life in Sapporo

    A streetcar that supports everyday life in Sapporo

  • The sleekly designed 1100 Series “Sirius”

    The sleekly designed 1100 Series “Sirius”

  • A reliable means of transportation even on snowy roads

    A reliable means of transportation even on snowy roads

  • The intersection in Susukino

    The intersection in Susukino

  • The retro and charming 220 Series, still in active service and popular with riders

    The retro and charming 220 Series, still in active service and popular with riders

Official FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions have been vetted and answered directly by each listing.

Q

Do you have signs or pamphlets in foreign languages? (If you do, which languages are available?)

A

Brochures: Available in English. (Includes QR codes linking to information in Simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese, Korean, and Thai.)
Information signs: Platform signs are displayed in English, Simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese, and Korean.

Q

Is free Wi-Fi available within the area?

A

No. Free Wi-Fi is not provided by the operator.

Q

Are there day passes available?

A

Yes. Three types are available: the Sapporo One-day Streetcar Pass, the Dosanko Pass, and the Sapporo 24-hour Streetcar Pass. Please check the official website for details.

Reviews

2

Some reviews are AI-translated.

  • See More

    While traveling around central Sapporo, the Sapporo Streetcar is a very distinctive way to get around the city. Unlike the subway, it travels slowly along the streets, letting you experience the rhythm of daily life in Sapporo up close.

    Once aboard, you can watch the scenery outside the window gradually change, from the lively shopping districts downtown to the quieter atmosphere of residential neighborhoods. The streetcar doesn't move very fast, but that gives you time to really take in the city.

  • See More

    Hop aboard a streetcar that winds through the city and experience a different way to travel. The charming streetcars slowly make their way along the streets, passing major Sapporo attractions such as Odori Park, Tanukikoji Shopping Street, Susukino, and Mt. Moiwa. They are also tourist-friendly. You can choose from a one-day pass or the weekends-and-holidays-only DOSANKO Pass!

Details

Name in Japanese
札幌市電(路面電車)
Closed
Open every day
*Service may be suspended due to weather conditions or track maintenance.
Tram Fares
230yen(Junior high school students and older), 120yen(Elementary school students)
Credit Cards
Not accepted
Official Website
Official Website (English)
Hokkaido Tohoku Kanto Chubu Hokuriku Kansai Chugoku Shikoku Kyushu Okinawa