EN | USD

Deals

Support

Getting Around Sapporo, Japan

Globetrotter

26 Apr 2023 - 4 min read

Japan is not only about Tokyo, Kyoto, or Osaka. There are still way more places to go in Japan, which always makes you feel surprised and amazed at the same time. Another place in Japan that you should put on your bucket list while traveling to the Land of the Rising Sun is Sapporo.

For your information, Sapporo is the capital city of Hokkaido, Japan. This city is commonly known as the best place to visit Japan during the winter. Not only does Sapporo have beautiful nature and traditional culture, but it also offers various transportation options to explore the city.

There are several options for public transit to explore Sapporo, Japan's fifth-largest city. Using Sapporo's transport system will allow you to experience this amazing city fully. Here are the public transportation recommendations you need to know around Ramen City.

Also read: Event: Sapporo Snow Festival in Japan

Transportation Recommendations in Sapporo

1. JR Train

Source: Unsplash @dymecode

Routes: When it comes to public transportation in Sapporo, the JR train is a top recommendation. This train runs above ground and offers two routes to explore. The first route takes you west to beautiful beaches and the charming city of Otaru. The second route heads east to Chitose Airport, making it a convenient option for travelers arriving or departing from the city. At every stop on the JR train route, you will find famous places to explore, including the Sapporo Beer Museum, Hokkaido University, and Hokkaido Historical Village.

Advantages: JR train offers various types of payment you can use, including cashless payment or using an IC card such as Suica, Pasmo, Kitaca, and Sapica. You can also use a JR Pass on any transportation service provided by JR in Sapporo.

Disadvantages: The JR train routes in Sapporo are designed for long-distance travel only.

Fares: If you want to explore Sapporo in a cheap way, you can buy a JR Pass or IC card, which cost around JPY 8,000 - JPY 9,500 for adults and JPY 4,000 - JPY 4,750 for kids.

Operational hours: You can access JR trains starting from 06:00 AM - 11:00 PM.

2. Subway

Source: Unsplash @thirdcultureken

Routes: In Sapporo, the subway has three routes, including Namboku (green route), Tozai (orange route), and Toho (blue route). You can use the subway to go to the main train stations in Sapporo, such as Sapporo Central Train Station and Odori Station, which provide access to trams, buses, and even JR trains.

Advantages: Its underground location makes it unaffected by snow during the winter season.

Fares: You need to spend around JPY 200 - JPY 360 for adults for one route, and JPY 100 - JPY 190 for kids. Underground trains accept cashless and non-cashless payments.

Operational hours: The operational hours of underground trains start from 06:00 AM - 12:00 PM.

3. Tram

Source: Unsplash @tychoa

General information: Did you know that Sapporo still has a tram as a part of its public transportation system? If you're heading to the western part of the city, you can hop on the tram for a unique and enjoyable ride.

Fares: You need to pay around JPY 200 for adults and JPY 100 for children. For the tram, you can also use an IC card.

Operational hours: The tram’s schedule starts from 08:00 AM to 11:30 PM. The operational hours also depend on the weather and the season.

4. Bus

Source: Shutterstock @norgal

General information: Bus could be said to be one of the easiest ways to explore Sapporo for tourists. It is because some tourist destinations in Sapporo are accessible only by bus. There are some bus choices you can choose from, including JR Hokkaido, Jotetsu Bus, and Hokkaido Chuo Bus.

Fares: The bus fares in Sapporo vary depending on the distance you travel. You can pay your fare using either an IC card or cash payment.

Operational hours: The operational hour starts from 06:30 AM to 11:30 PM.

5. Taxi

Source: Unsplash @ccs935151

Advantages: If you need some privacy while going around Sapporo, you can try to use taxis. Besides, taxis are also able to carry more of your belongings and are even a great choice of transportation for family trips. You can find taxis in almost every corner of the city, including airports, terminals, and many more.

Disadvantages: You might need to spend way more than other forms of transportation.

Fares: for the first 2 kilometers of mileage, you need to pay around JPY 670. For the next mileage, you have to pay around JPY 80 for every 275 meters.

6. Velotaxi

Source: Velotaxi official website

General information: This might be one of the most unique public transportation you can find in Sapporo. This is a type of taxi that only has three wheels. It has been operating since 2008, and you can also easily find it on every road in Sapporo’s city.

Advantages: This type of transportation is environmentally friendly and perfect for short-distance travel.

Operational hours: The operational hours of this transport start from 10:00 AM to sunset. Usually, Velotaxi operates from April to the end of October.

Fares: For adults, you need to pay around JPY 300 for every 500 meters. For each additional 100 meters, you have to pay around JPY 50.

7. Walking

Source: Unsplash @missle

Advantages: Exploring Sapporo on foot is a great way to experience the city. Not only can you discover hidden gems that might be missed by other modes of transportation, but you can also save money. Additionally, Sapporo has an underground walkway that allows you to explore every corner of the city. This type of exploration is perfect for finding hidden gems and enjoying traditional food at more affordable prices.

Tips: Sapporo can be quite cold, even during the summer months, so it's important to dress appropriately and bring a light jacket or sweater with you if you plan on walking.

Ready to have an amazing holiday experience in Sapporo? Book your flights now through Traveloka!

Book Your Flights Here