Hey everyone, welcome to Sapporo!
As a Sapporo local of 40 years, I’m going to introduce you to some secret underground spaces that only locals really know about. Knowing these will make your Sapporo trip way more comfortable and enjoyable, so be sure to read until the end!
You know, Sapporo is nice and dry in the summer, but in winter, we get a lot of snow, and honestly, it gets pretty cold. But don’t worry! Even then, you can comfortably explore the city thanks to these huge underground areas I’m about to show you: “Chi-Ka-Ho,” “Pole Town,” and “Aurora Town.”
Beat the Rain & Snow! Ever Heard of Sapporo’s Underground Artery, “Chi-Ka-Ho”?
First up is the “Sapporo Ekimae-dori Underground Walkway,” which we locals lovingly call “Chi-Ka-Ho.” Sapporo Chikagai Official Website (This is the Japanese website of the company that also operates Pole Town and Aurora Town, so try using your browser’s translation feature! Chi-Ka-Ho itself is managed by the city of Sapporo.)
This Chi-Ka-Ho, you see, is a major underground artery stretching about 2 kilometers from JR Sapporo Station, through Odori Station, all the way to Susukino Station. Whether it’s rainy, snowy, or you just want to escape the hot summer sun, you can move between these main areas without worrying about the weather. It’s incredibly convenient.
So, What’s So Great About Chi-Ka-Ho?
The charm of Chi-Ka-Ho is that it’s not just a “passageway.”
- Amazing Access! Directly Connected to Key Spots: It connects Sapporo Station, Odori Park, the City Hall, several department stores, and Susukino – all underground. So, for example, if you arrive at Sapporo Station and your hotel is in the Odori or Susukino area, you might be able to get there without even stepping outside. Isn’t that a huge plus, especially for travelers with luggage?
- Plenty of Rest Areas: If you get tired from walking, there are benches scattered around where you can easily take a break. There are also free Wi-Fi spots, so it’s a good place to look up your next destination.
- A Bustling Event Space: In the open plazas of Chi-Ka-Ho, various events are frequently held, like food fairs featuring products from all over Hokkaido or art exhibitions. Locals check these out often, so you might stumble upon an interesting event when you visit Sapporo. Locals often stop in their tracks, drawn to unusual events, so you might find something fun happening during your visit!
- Enjoy Art as You Go: Public art is displayed on the walls of the walkway, so you can enjoy some art appreciation while you walk. It’s a nice little bonus, don’t you think?
A Real Take from a Local: About Chi-Ka-Ho
Honestly though, on weekends or when there’s a big event, it can get quite crowded. It’s especially busy during commuting hours and lunchtime, so if you’re in a hurry, it might be a good idea to allow some extra time. But, the fact that so many people use it just goes to show how convenient and attractive it is.
“Pole Town”: Nostalgic Charm and New Discoveries
As you walk from Chi-Ka-Ho towards Odori and Susukino, right after you pass Odori Station, the next underground shopping mall that appears is “Pole Town.” Sapporo Chikagai POLE TOWN & AURORA TOWN (English via Google Translate)
Pole Town has a bit of an old-fashioned feel, but the fact that it hasn’t been overdeveloped isn’t a bad thing, you know. It’s nice to just walk around and check out any unusual shops you might find. It runs from Odori to Susukino, so it’s usually bustling with people and has a lively, information-rich atmosphere. Susukino is just ahead, so on weekend nights, you’ll see many people looking excited, probably on their way out for drinks.
What’s Pole Town Like?
- Packed with Shops, from Fashion to Food: I get the impression there are many women’s fashion stores, but you’ll also find men’s clothing, miscellaneous goods, and of course, plenty of cafes and restaurants. It’s especially handy if you want to grab a quick bite.
Pole Town’s walkways might feel a bit narrower compared to Chi-Ka-Ho. So, it can get a little crowded, and you might bump into people. But that also means you’re closer to the shops, and it has a vibrant atmosphere. You might find some hidden gems, so take your time Browse the stores!
“Aurora Town”: Shopping in a More Relaxed Atmosphere
Alongside Pole Town, another underground mall supporting Sapporo is “Aurora Town.” You can find info on Aurora Town from the same Pole Town link above. Sapporo Chikagai POLE TOWN & AURORA TOWN (English via Google Translate)
Aurora Town extends eastward from around Odori Station, heading towards the Sapporo TV Tower.
What Are Aurora Town’s Features?
- A Slightly More Relaxed Vibe: Compared to Pole Town, it might have a slightly calmer atmosphere. The clientele also seems a bit broader.
- A Variety of Shops Here Too: Fashion, miscellaneous goods, bookstores, and of course, restaurants.
Like Pole Town, Aurora Town has been around for a while, so some parts might feel a bit dated. But that also gives it character and contributes to its calm, established atmosphere.
Master the Underground Malls and Become a Sapporo Sightseeing Pro!
Chi-Ka-Ho, Pole Town, and Aurora Town. These three underground spaces truly make walking around Sapporo comfortable. You’ll especially appreciate them during seasons with unstable weather, the cold winter, or the hot summer.
- Restrooms Are No Problem: Of course, there are plenty of restrooms in the underground malls, so no worries there. Some of them are actually very clean and pleasant.
- Check the Signage: The underground area is vast, so you might occasionally wonder, “Wait, where am I?” (lol). But the signage is pretty good, so you’ll be fine if you calmly check it.
- Coin Lockers Too: If you have large luggage, there are coin lockers available, which can be very convenient. Fees and operating hours vary by location, so be sure to check carefully before using them.
The Perks and Quirks of the Underground Malls
The underground malls are incredibly convenient, but if I’m being honest, if you’re not used to it, you might lose your sense of direction (lol). Especially if it’s your first time, when you come up to ground level, you might think, “Huh? Am I going the right way?” There are so many stairs and signs, it can be a bit overwhelming.
But hey, that’s a small thing compared to how much of a charm these underground spaces are for Sapporo. You can enjoy shopping and dining comfortably without worrying about rain or snow. And, they’re also places where you can get a glimpse into the daily lives of local people.
When you come to Sapporo, I really hope you’ll explore this underground world. I’m sure it’ll be a great ally for your Sapporo trip!
