Sapporo: Getting there and around

Getting to Sapporo

Tokyo-Sapporo is one of the world's busiest air routes with dozens of flights per day, operated by JAL, ANA, Air Do, Skymark, Peach Aviation, Jetstar Japan and Spring Airlines Japan. The majority of flights use Tokyo's Haneda Airport and Sapporo's New Chitose Airport, but quite a few flights also use Tokyo's Narita Airport.

Flight duration is about 90 minutes. The regular one way fares by the conventional airlines are as high as around 46,000 yen, but thanks to a wide range of discount offers, one way fares of around or under 10,000 yen are often available. Skymark, Peach Aviation, Jetstar Japan and Spring Airlines Japan tend to have the lowest fares (sometimes under 5000 yen), especially to/from Narita.

Airfares from Tokyo to Sapporo over the next 30 days October 11, 2024 - November 9, 2024

Airline	Lowest fare	Average lowest fare
ANA	14,270 yen	22,729 yen
JAL	14,270 yen	22,208 yen
Air Do	7,710 yen	17,473 yen
Peach	6,110 yen	13,602 yen
Jetstar Japan	5,460 yen	13,811 yen
Spring Japan	6,920 yen	15,813 yen
ANA Wings	15,720 yen	29,360 yen
Skymark	9,920 yen	17,026 yen

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Covered by: Japan Rail Pass

Take the JR Tohoku/Hokkaido Shinkansen from Tokyo to Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto (4 hours) and transfer to the Hokuto limited express to Sapporo (3.5 hours). The entire one way trip costs around 30,000 yen and takes around eight hours. It is fully covered by the Japan Rail Pass and JR East South Hokkaido Rail Pass. Note that seat reservations are mandatory on Hayabusa trains between Tokyo and Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto.

There are long distance ferries between Oarai Port, 100 kilometers northeast of Tokyo and Tomakomai Port, 50 kilometers south of Sapporo. The one way ferry ride takes about 19 hours and costs 11,500 yen in the cheapest class. View our ferry information page for more details, including port access information.

Above fees and schedules are subject to change. Be sure to check current yen exchange rates.

Getting around

No major city in Japan is easier to navigate than Sapporo with its rectangular street layout and simple addressing system: City blocks are named and numbered according to the point of compass, with the apex at the eastern end of Odori Park. The Sapporo Beer Museum, for example, is located in city block "North 7, East 9", i.e. in the 7th block north and 9th block east of the apex.

Three subway lines, a tram line and many bus companies (JR Hokkaido Bus, Hokkaido Chuo Bus and Jotetsu Bus) provide Sapporo with an efficient network of public transportation. The Japan Rail Pass, Hokkaido Rail Pass and Hokkaido Free Pass are valid on local buses operated by JR Hokkaido Bus.

Sapporo has two airports. The main airport, New Chitose Airport, is reached in a 35 minute train ride hour south from the city center and handles most of the city's domestic and international air traffic. The much smaller Okadama Airport is more centrally located, but has only a small number of flights other cities in Hokkaido.

Passes and Tickets

The following one day passes are available for Sapporo:

Subway 1-Day Card (830 yen)
Unlimited use of Sapporo's three subway lines on one calendar day. Note that a discounted pass is available on weekends (see below).
Donichika Ticket (520 yen)
Unlimited use of Sapporo's three subway lines on one calendar day. The pass is only available on weekends, public holidays and from December 29 to January 3.

Prepaid cards make the process of taking subways and buses easier, as you do not always need to buy a new ticket for each ride. Some of them also give small discounts. Prepaid cards can be purchased at vending machines.

Kitaca
Kitaca is the rechargeable prepaid IC card by JR Hokkaido that can be used on JR trains in Greater Sapporo, including Otaru and Shin-Chitose Airport as well as on Sapporo's subways, buses and tram thanks to its compatibility with Sapica (see below). Kitaca can, furthermore, be used in several other cities of Japan. Nine other IC cards from other major cities of Japan, including Suica, can also be used in the Greater Sapporo area instead of Kitaca. The initial purchase of a card costs 2000 yen (500 yen refundable deposit and 1500 yen fare balance).
Sapica
Sapica is the rechargeable prepaid IC card which can be used on Sapporo's three subway lines, city buses (JR Hokkaido Bus, Jotetsu and Hokkaido Chuo Bus) and tram. The initial purchase costs 2000 yen (500 yen refundable deposit and 1500 yen fare balance). Unlike many other IC cards, Sapica is accumulating 10% points with each use, and accumulated points are used towards the purchase of future trips. Sapica cannot be used on JR trains or outside of the Greater Sapporo area.

Questions? Ask in our forum.

Budget:

- Ocho Guest House
  Budget-friendly
  
  Ocho Guest House is located within a 10-minute walk to Horohirabashi subway station and a 5-minute walk from Nakajimakoen Dori tram station. The dormitory rooms are furnished with simple yet stylish interior, and guests have access to the shared kitchen. Free WiFi is available throughout the property. Bunk beds come with reading lights, USB ports, power outlets, personal lockers and curtains to secure privacy. Bathroom facilities are shared with other guests. The kitchen is equipped with an electric kettle, toaster and a coffee maker. There is also a washing machine on site. A simple breakfast consisting of toast, coffee and tea is provided for free. The lively Susukino area can be reached with a 10-minute tram ride, while popular attractions including Odori Park and Sapporo Clock Tower are a 10-minute drive away. The nearest airport is New Chitose Airport, a 60-minute drive from the property.
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- Guesthouse OYADO SAPPORO
  Budget-friendly
  
  Set 6.2 km from Sapporo Station, 10 km from Shin-Sapporo Station and 23 km from Otarushi Zenibako City Center, Guesthouse OYADO SAPPORO offers accommodation situated in Sapporo. Featuring a bar, the 1-star guest house has air-conditioned rooms with free WiFi, each with a shared bathroom. Otaru Station is 39 km from the guest house and Sapporo Convention Centre is 4 km away. Each unit comes with a safety deposit box and some rooms come with city views. The units are equipped with heating facilities. There is a coffee shop and lounge. Susukino Station is 4.1 km from the guest house, while Sapporo TV Tower is 4.5 km away. The nearest airport is Okadama Airport, 14 km from Guesthouse OYADO SAPPORO.
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- Shabby House
  Budget-friendly
  
  Shabby House is a 60-year old traditional Japanese home that is situated in Sapporo. Nishisenjuyojo Station is a 3-minute walk away from the property. The accommodation offers a free shuttle service to the home upon prior request. Shabby House features free WiFi. Guests will find a coffee machine in the room. Bathroom facilities are shared. Free bicycle and umbrella rentals are available on site. There is a 24-hour supermarket behind the property. Sapporo Clock Tower is 2.9 km from Shabby House, while Former Hokkaido Government Office is 2.9 km from the property. Shabby House is 2.5 km from Odori Park. The nearest airport is New Chitose Airport, 40 km from the property.
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- The Base Sapporo Susukino
  Mid-range
  
  Well located in the Sapporo City Centre district of Sapporo, The Base Sapporo Susukino is located 12 km from Shin-Sapporo Station, 20 km from Otarushi Zenibako City Center and 36 km from Otaru Station. Each accommodation at the 3-star hotel has city views and free WiFi. The property is 2.7 km from Sapporo Station, and within 700 metres of the city centre. The hotel will provide guests with air-conditioned rooms offering a desk, a kettle, a fridge, a microwave, a safety deposit box, a flat-screen TV, a balcony and a private bathroom with a bidet. At The Base Sapporo Susukino each room has bed linen and towels. Popular points of interest near the accommodation include Susukino Station, Odori Park and Odori Station. The nearest airport is Okadama Airport, 9 km from The Base Sapporo Susukino.
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- BEACH AND FIELD INN
  Budget-friendly
  
  Offering quiet street views, BEACH AND FIELD INN is an accommodation set in Sapporo, 3.9 km from Sapporo Station and 10 km from Shin-Sapporo Station. This 2-star guest house offers luggage storage space and a shared lounge. Sapporo Convention Centre is 1 km from the guest house and Naebo Station is 1.5 km away. With a shared bathroom fitted with a bidet and slippers, units at the guest house also feature free WiFi. At the guest house, units are fitted with bed linen and towels. Otarushi Zenibako City Center is 22 km from the guest house, while Otaru Station is 38 km from the property. The nearest airport is Okadama Airport, 8 km from BEACH AND FIELD INN.
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- Pirka Sapporo
  Budget-friendly
  
  Offering quiet street views, Pirka Sapporo is an accommodation located in Sapporo, 2.7 km from Sapporo Station and 12 km from Shin-Sapporo Station. With a shared lounge, the 1-star guest house has air-conditioned rooms with free WiFi, each with a shared bathroom. Private parking can be arranged at an extra charge. At the guest house, all units have a tatami. At the guest house, all units are fitted with bed linen and towels. Otarushi Zenibako City Center is 22 km from the guest house, while Otaru Station is 38 km away. The nearest airport is Okadama Airport, 5 km from Pirka Sapporo.
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- 41 PIECES Sapporo
  Luxury
  
  Set in the Sapporo City Centre district in Sapporo, 41 PIECES Sapporo offers 4-star rooms with free WiFi. The property is close to several well-known attractions, 800 metres from Sapporo TV Tower, 800 metres from Sapporo Clock Tower and less than 1 km from Former Hokkaid? Government Office. The property is 100 metres from the city centre and 1.9 km from Sapporo Station. All rooms in the hotel are fitted with a kettle. Complete with a private bathroom equipped with a bidet and free toiletries, the units at 41 PIECES Sapporo have a flat-screen TV and air conditioning, and certain rooms will provide you with a terrace. At the accommodation every room includes bed linen and towels. Popular points of interest near 41 PIECES Sapporo include Susukino Station, Odori Station and Odori Park. The nearest airport is Okadama Airport, 9 km from the hotel.
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- VILLA KOSHIDO kotoni
  Budget-friendly
  
  VILLA KOSHIDO kotoni is situated in Sapporo, 15 km from Otarushi Zenibako City Center and 17 km from Shin-Sapporo Station. With free WiFi, this 2-star hotel offers a shared lounge and a 24-hour front desk. The property is non-smoking and is set 5.1 km from Sapporo Station. The hotel will provide guests with air-conditioned rooms with a desk, a kettle, a fridge, a microwave, a safety deposit box, a flat-screen TV, a balcony and a private bathroom with a bidet. The units feature a wardrobe. Otaru Station is 31 km from VILLA KOSHIDO kotoni, while Hokkaido University is 5 km away. The nearest airport is Okadama Airport, 8 km from the accommodation.
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- Hotel Emion Sapporo
  Luxury
  
  Boasting a bar, Hotel Emion Sapporo is situated in Sapporo in the Hokkaido region, 1.4 km from Sapporo Station and 13 km from Shin-Sapporo Station. This 4-star hotel offers a 24-hour front desk, an ATM and free WiFi. The property is non-smoking and is located 20 km from Otarushi Zenibako City Center. Guests at the hotel can enjoy a buffet breakfast. Popular points of interest near Hotel Emion Sapporo include Hokkaido University, Kita-Juni-Jo Station and Sapporo Clock Tower. The nearest airport is Okadama Airport, 7 km from the accommodation.
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- Guesthouse Erimo Apartment
  Mid-range
  
  Guesthouse Erimo Apartment, a property with a shared lounge, is set in Sapporo, 11 km from Shin-Sapporo Station, 23 km from Otarushi Zenibako City Center, as well as 40 km from Otaru Station. Among the facilities at this property are a shared kitchen and full-day security, along with free WiFi throughout the property. The property is non-smoking and is situated 5.3 km from Sapporo Station. The 1-bedroom aparthotel features a living room with a flat-screen TV, a fully equipped kitchen with a microwave and a fridge, and 1 bathroom with slippers. Towels and bed linen are available in the aparthotel. For added privacy, the accommodation has a private entrance and soundproofing. Susukino Station is 3.3 km from the aparthotel, while Sapporo Convention Centre is 3.4 km from the property. The nearest airport is Okadama Airport, 10 km from Guesthouse Erimo Apartment.
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