Hey there, welcome to Sapporo! Hope you’re having an amazing time exploring our city.
While the subway is efficient, if you’ve got a bit of time and want to soak in the city vibes more directly, you should definitely give the “Shiden” – our local streetcar – a try!
You’ll see some charmingly retro trams rattling along, but also the super cool, sleek, and futuristic “Polaris” models. It’s not just for tourists, either. Plenty of folks who live or work along the line use it daily; it’s truly a part of the everyday Sapporo scene. Today, I’m going to give you the real scoop, from a local’s perspective, on how to ride the streetcar smoothly and make the most of it!
1. The Route: It’s a Simple Loop!
Good news first: the Sapporo streetcar runs on a loop line around the central part of the city, hitting areas like Susukino and Odori (Nishi 4-chome). This makes it pretty straightforward!
- Direction:
- Uchimawari (内回り / Counter-Clockwise): Heads from Susukino towards Tanukikoji and Nishi 4-chome (Odori area).
- Sotomawari (外回り / Clockwise): Heads from Susukino towards Nakajima Park and the Ropeway Entrance area. Just check the signs at the stop or on the tram itself to make sure you’re going the way you want.
- Need a Detailed Map? The official Sapporo City Transportation website has an English route map – definitely the best place to check! https://www.stsp.or.jp/lang/language_en.html
- Key Stops & Nearby Attractions:
- Susukino (すすきの): The glittering entertainment district! Great for nightlife and food.
- Tanukikoji (狸小路): A covered shopping arcade – perfect for finding souvenirs, rain or shine.
- Nishi 4-chome (西4丁目): Excellent access to Odori Park (west end) and major department stores. Also a short walk to the Odori Subway Station.
- Ropeway Iriguchi (ロープウェイ入口): 【Crucial!】 This is your stop for Mt. Moiwa! The Ropeway station entrance is right here. Don’t miss the view from the top!
- Nakajima Koen (中島公園 – via Yamahana Ku-jo or Nakajima Koen Dori stops): A beautiful, spacious park for a relaxing stroll. The Kitara Concert Hall is here too.
2. How to Ride & Exit (It’s Easy!)
The procedure might be a little different from what you’re used to, but it’s actually super simple now!
- Boarding: Get on through the REAR door. There’s absolutely NO need to take a paper ticket or tap your IC card when you board! Just hop on.
- Inside: Find a seat or grab onto a handrail or strap.
- Exiting:
- When you hear your stop announced (or see it coming up), press one of the Stop buttons (降車ボタン) located around the tram.
- Once the tram comes to a complete stop, head towards the FRONT door.
- Pay HERE! This is when you pay your fare.
- IC Card: Simply tap your card on the reader next to the driver. Easy peasy!
- Cash: Put the exact fare into the fare box next to the driver. It does NOT give change!
3. Fares & Savvy Tips
- Fare: Adult: ¥230 / Child: ¥130 (Flat fare, no matter how far you go!)
- ※Heads up! This info is current as of April 2025. Fares can change, so it’s always smart to double-check the latest info just in case!
- Payment:
- IC Cards are Highly Recommended! Major Japanese IC cards like Suica, Pasmo, Kitaca, etc., work perfectly. Just tap and go – it’s the easiest way. Make sure it’s charged up!
- Paying with Cash? Be Prepared! Having the exact amount ready (¥230 for adults, ¥130 for kids) is the golden rule. There’s usually a change machine near the fare box, but having the coins ready makes exiting much smoother.
- One-Day Pass:
- Planning to hop on and off the streetcar multiple times (think 3 or more rides)? The “Shiden One-Day Pass” (Adult ¥570 / Child ¥290) is a great deal. You basically break even after 3 rides.
- On weekends and holidays, other passes like the “Donichika Kippu” (includes subway) are also available. Choose what fits your plan!
4. Travel Times: Let’s Take it Slow!
Like I said, the streetcar shares the road, so it takes its time compared to the subway.
- Susukino ⇔ Nishi 4-chome: Approx. 5 mins
- Nishi 4-chome ⇔ Ropeway Iriguchi: Approx. 15-20 mins
- Full Loop: Around 60 minutes or so.
Seriously, don’t expect speed! But that’s part of its charm. It’s perfect for watching the city roll by when you’re not in a rush.
5. Local Tips & Honest Talk
- Let’s be real…: If you’re purely focused on speed and efficiency, the subway is often the better choice! Can’t deny that (lol).
- BUT! It’s the BEST for Mt. Moiwa!: The streetcar is absolutely the most convenient way to get to the Mt. Moiwa Ropeway. Just hop off at the “Ropeway Iriguchi” stop, and the entrance is right there. That’s a huge plus!
- Locals Enjoy it Too: Even though it’s slow, that gentle rattling sound and watching the cityscape slowly unfold outside the window… well, it has this unexpected charm (or “fuzei” as we say in Japanese). Even as locals, sometimes we ride it and just think, ‘Ah, this feels like Sapporo… this is nice,’ and get that warm, fuzzy feeling.
- Surprisingly Good for Dates?: Honestly, I didn’t really think about riding it much back in the day. But recently, I took my girlfriend on it, and we kept noticing things from the window – ‘Hey, I never knew that cool shop was there!’ or ‘Wow, look at the view from here!’ We could chat while moving slowly… I rediscovered it’s actually not a bad way to travel for a relaxed, ‘hokkori’ (heartwarming) date! (lol)
- Grab a Window Seat!: Best way to enjoy the view!
- Keep an Eye Out for “Polaris”!: The newer low-floor trams (“Polaris”) are quiet, smooth, and look incredibly sleek and futuristic! It’s pretty exciting to see one pull up.
- A Warm Shelter in Winter: No matter how cold it gets outside, it’s always toasty warm inside the streetcar. A lifesaver!
- Rush Hour: It gets a bit busier during morning and evening commutes, but rarely the packed-like-sardines situation you might see elsewhere.
- Part of Daily Life: Remember, it’s not just for tourists; lots of locals rely on it for commuting, shopping, and getting around.
Final Word
So, what do you think? Feel a bit more ready to tackle the Shiden? It’s simpler than ever to ride, especially with an IC card. If you’re paying cash, just remember that exact change!
Beyond just getting from A to B, the streetcar offers a different perspective on Sapporo, proving that sometimes the journey itself is part of the fun. Especially if you’re heading to Mt. Moiwa or just want to experience the city at a more relaxed pace, give it a try!
Grab your IC card, hop aboard, and enjoy the ride. I hope it becomes a fond memory of your Sapporo adventure!
Have the absolute best time exploring Sapporo!
