Hey everyone, and welcome to Sapporo!
For all of you visiting Sapporo for the first time, I want to share a super handy secret weapon that will make getting around the city incredibly easy. You know what it is? It’s the Sapporo subway!
Maybe you’re thinking, “Huh, a subway? Every city has those, right?” Well, yeah, but Sapporo’s subway is a little unique, and honestly, it’s the best tool for sightseeing in this city. As someone who’s lived here for a looooong time, I want to tell you honestly why it’s so great.
Why the Sapporo Subway is Your Travel “Best Friend”
Sapporo has lots of cool places clustered in the city center, like Odori Park and Susukino, but there are also tons of fun spots a little further out, too. Like Maruyama Zoo, Shiroi Koibito Park, or Sapporo Dome.
When you want to zip out to places like those, the subway is the most reliable way to go. Buses are convenient too, but the subway runs exactly on time, which is awesome. And you know what? Even when there’s a lot of snow in winter – and Sapporo gets a lot of snow – the subway runs just fine! When heavy snow hits, JR trains and other transport can sometimes be delayed or even stopped. But the subway runs underground, so it’s hardly affected by the snow at all! For locals, this is something we are truly grateful for, it’s incredibly dependable. The snowy scenery is beautiful, sure, but it’s tough if your travel gets stuck, right? The subway is really the ultimate savior for winter sightseeing in Sapporo.
Just Remember the 3 Colors of the Sapporo Subway!
Using the Sapporo subway is really simple, you know? There are only 3 lines. And each line has a specific color.
- Namboku Line – The color is Green 🟢 This is the oldest line, running straight north-south through the city. It goes through JR Sapporo Station, the city center Odori, and the lively Susukino area. It’s like the city’s main artery! It’s the busiest line by far, always full of energy.
- Tozai Line – The color is Orange 🟠 As the name suggests (“Tozai” means East-West), this line runs east-west across Sapporo. It connects places like Maruyama Park (where the zoo is!), the quiet and stylish Maruyama area, and even the closest station to Shiroi Koibito Park (Miyanosawa Station). It’s great for sightseeing and exploring areas that feel a little more local.
- Toho Line – The color is Blue 🔵 This line is relatively newer than the other two, and it’s the one you’ll use to get to Sapporo Dome (which is currently called Daifuku House Premist Dome). It runs from Sapporo Station through Odori towards Fukuzumi. When there’s a big event at the Dome, like a concert, the blue trains get totally packed, so make sure you give yourself plenty of time!
Just remembering these 3 colors and the line names will make navigating the stations and finding signs super easy, trust me.
The “Heart” of the Sapporo Subway: Odori Station
If you’re using the subway in Sapporo, the one place you absolutely need to know is Odori Station.
You probably know that Sapporo Station is the hub for JR trains, but the hub for the subway, where all 3 lines intersect, is definitely Odori Station.
So, if you’re ever wondering where to transfer or how to get somewhere, just head to Odori Station and you can switch lines there. If you feel lost, just aim for Odori – you can usually figure things out from there, you know?
Local’s Honest Opinion #1: The Underground Walkways – Convenient but Can Be Tricky First Time?
Here’s a little honest truth from a local. The underground network around Odori, Sapporo Station, and Susukino is incredibly vast and convenient, you know? There are tons of shops, and in winter or when it’s raining, it’s great because you don’t have to go outside at all. But honestly, if it’s your first time, it might feel a bit confusing at first, like “Wait, where am I?” or “Where’s the Tozai Line platform!?”
Especially when you’re transferring between subway lines at Odori Station, even though all the lines meet there, the platforms can be quite far apart depending on which lines you’re switching between. If you’re transferring to or from the Toho Line, for example, you often have to walk a bit longer underground than for other transfers. So, take a good look at the station signs and don’t rush. Well, you could also think of it as a little adventure exploring a giant underground maze, which is kind of fun, right?
Local’s Honest Opinion #2: That Unique “Goohhh” Sound!
Another thing about the subway that I personally like and think is a little unusual is the sound it makes when it’s running. You know, the Sapporo subway actually uses a rare “rubber tire system.” Apparently, it’s the only one like it in Japan (I didn’t even know this until I looked it up myself!).
So, unlike trains that run on metal wheels on rails, it makes a unique “Goohhh” sound, kind of like a bus. And the vibration feels a bit different too. Maybe people riding for the first time will notice something different. Some say the ride is smoother and quieter than steel wheels, but personally, that unique running sound makes me feel like, “Ah, I’m on the Sapporo subway!” It’s just a little extra thing to enjoy when you ride the Sapporo subway.
Things to Keep in Mind When Using the Sapporo Subway
Since you’re going to use the subway for sightseeing, there are a few things it’s good to know to make your ride smooth and pleasant.
- Crowded Times: On weekdays, it gets pretty crowded during the morning rush hour (roughly 7:30 AM to 9:00 AM) and evening rush hour (around 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM) with commuters and students. The Namboku Line, especially, can get really packed. If you can avoid these times, you’ll likely have a more comfortable ride. When there’s a big event, like a concert at Sapporo Dome, the Toho Line gets packed before and after, so be sure to leave extra time.
- Tickets or IC Cards? Of course, there are ticket machines at the stations where you can buy tickets. But lately, using an IC card like Kitaca, Suica, or Pasmo is way more convenient. You just touch the card to the gate reader and you’re through instantly. If you have an IC card from somewhere else in Japan, you can probably use it in Sapporo too. If you don’t have one, maybe consider getting one – it’s super handy.
- Etiquette on the Train: In Japan, there are some unwritten rules or manners on trains and subways out of consideration for others. For example, try not to talk loudly or make a lot of noise, leave the priority seats (“Senyo-seki”) open for those who need them, and hold large bags (like backpacks) in front of you. It’s just a little thoughtfulness to make sure everyone has a comfortable ride. For more details, you can check out this article too! [Internal Link to Sapporo Travel Etiquette Tips]
- Ask Station Staff! If you’re on the subway and get lost or have any questions, don’t hesitate to talk to the station staff. Lately, with the increase in international tourists, the station staff are pretty used to helping people who don’t speak Japanese. Their English might not be perfect, but if you try your best to communicate, they’ll surely help you out.
Wrap-up: Enjoy Sapporo Comfortably with the Subway!
The Sapporo subway is simple, easy to understand with its color-coding, and most importantly, it’s a strong ally for traveling in a snowy city like Sapporo.
- Remember the 3 colors! 🟢🟠🔵
- Odori Station is the main hub for transfers! You might get a little lost in the underground walkways at first, but just follow the signs carefully. The Toho Line transfer can be a bit of a walk.
- Know the crowded times, and using an IC card is smart!
- Be mindful of manners so everyone can ride comfortably.
- Enjoy that unique rubber tire sound!
If you keep the tips from this article in mind, the Sapporo subway will surely become your strong travel companion. From the city center to hidden gems a little further out, explore Sapporo comfortably using the subway!
Hope you have a wonderful time during your stay in Sapporo!
