Sapporo
Buses
Buses are an essential mode of transportation in Sapporo for both intra-city travel and connections to regional destinations.
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Comprehensive Guide to Using Buses in Sapporo, Japan
Sapporo, the capital of Hokkaido, has a well-organized and efficient bus system that complements its subway and tram networks. Buses are an essential mode of transportation, especially for reaching areas not covered by the subway, such as the outskirts of the city, ski resorts, and hot spring towns. Below is a detailed guide to help you navigate the bus system in Sapporo.
1. How the Bus System Works in Sapporo
Sapporoโs bus network is operated by several companies, with the major ones being:
- Hokkaido Chuo Bus (ๅๆตท้ไธญๅคฎใใน)
- JR Hokkaido Bus (ใธใงใคใขใผใซๅๆตท้ใใน)
- Jotetsu Bus (ใใใใฆใคใใน)
Buses in Sapporo are used by both locals and tourists to access suburban areas, tourist attractions, and residential neighborhoods. The system is reliable, with buses running on time and schedules clearly displayed at bus stops.
Key Features:
- Routes and Stops: Bus stops are marked with signs displaying route numbers and destinations in Japanese (and sometimes English). Major stops often have route maps and timetables.
- Boarding and Alighting: In most cases, you board the bus from the rear door and exit from the front door. This allows the driver to collect fares as you leave.
- Announcements: Stops are announced in Japanese, and on some routes, English announcements are also available.
2. Costs and Fares
Bus fares in Sapporo are based on distance traveled. The fare system is straightforward:
- Base Fare: Starts at around 210โ230 yen for short distances.
- Longer Distances: Fares increase incrementally based on the distance traveled, with a maximum fare of around 500โ600 yen for routes to the outskirts.
How to Check Your Fare:
- When you board, take a numbered ticket from the machine near the rear door. The number corresponds to your boarding stop.
- A fare chart at the front of the bus (above the driver) displays the fare for each number. Match your ticket number to the chart to see your fare when youโre ready to get off.
3. Types of Tickets and Passes
There are several payment options for buses in Sapporo:
a) Cash
- Pay the exact fare in cash when you exit the bus. If you donโt have exact change, use the change machine near the driver to break larger coins or bills (1,000 yen notes only).
b) IC Cards
- SAPICA: Sapporoโs local IC card, which can be used on buses, subways, and trams.
- Kitaca, Suica, and Other IC Cards: Nationwide IC cards are also accepted on most buses in Sapporo.
- Simply tap your card on the reader when boarding and again when exiting. The fare will be automatically deducted.
c) One-Day Passes
- Donichika Ticket: A one-day pass for unlimited rides on subways and buses within Sapporo, available only on weekends and holidays. Cost: 600 yen.
- Hokkaido Chuo Bus One-Day Pass: Unlimited rides on Hokkaido Chuo Bus routes within designated areas. Cost: 1,000 yen.
- These passes are ideal for tourists planning to visit multiple attractions in a single day.
d) Discount Tickets
- Some bus companies offer discount tickets for specific routes, such as round-trip tickets to ski resorts or hot springs.
4. Important Bus Routes for Tourists and Residents
Here are some key bus routes that are particularly useful for visitors and residents:
a) Tourist Routes
-
Sapporo Station to Mount Moiwa Ropeway:
- Route: Take the JR Hokkaido Bus or Chuo Bus to the Mount Moiwa Ropeway base station.
- Purpose: Access the ropeway for panoramic views of Sapporo.
-
Sapporo Station to Jozankei Onsen:
- Route: Hokkaido Chuo Bus (Route 7 or Kappa Liner).
- Purpose: Visit the famous hot spring town of Jozankei, about 1 hour from Sapporo.
-
Sapporo Station to Takino Suzuran Hillside Park:
- Route: Hokkaido Chuo Bus (Takino Line).
- Purpose: Explore this large park with seasonal flowers, hiking trails, and winter activities.
-
Sapporo Station to Sapporo Beer Museum:
- Route: Hokkaido Chuo Bus or JR Hokkaido Bus.
- Purpose: Learn about the history of Sapporo Beer and enjoy tastings.
b) Residential Routes
- Buses connect residential areas in the suburbs to major hubs like Sapporo Station, Odori, and Susukino. These routes are essential for daily commuters.
5. Cultural Considerations When Riding Buses
Japanese public transportation etiquette is rooted in respect and consideration for others. Here are some cultural tips to keep in mind:
- Queueing: Form a line at the bus stop and wait for passengers to disembark before boarding.
- Quietness: Keep conversations quiet, and avoid talking on the phone while on the bus.
- Priority Seats: Reserved seats are available for the elderly, pregnant women, and people with disabilities. Offer your seat if needed.
- No Eating or Drinking: Itโs considered impolite to eat or drink on public transportation.
- Prepare Payment in Advance: Have your IC card, ticket, or exact change ready before reaching your stop to avoid delays.
6. General Tips for Getting Around Sapporo by Bus
- Plan Your Route: Use apps like Google Maps, NAVITIME, or the Hokkaido Chuo Bus website to check routes, schedules, and fares in advance.
- Check Timetables: Buses in Sapporo generally run from early morning (around 6:00 AM) to late evening (around 10:00 PM). Some routes may have limited service on weekends or holidays.
- Be Punctual: Buses in Sapporo are known for their punctuality. Arrive at the stop a few minutes early.
- Weather Considerations: In winter, snow can cause delays. Dress warmly and allow extra time for travel.
- Language Barrier: While some buses have English signage and announcements, not all do. Learning basic Japanese phrases or using a translation app can be helpful.
7. Additional Resources
- Hokkaido Chuo Bus Website: https://www.chuo-bus.co.jp/ (Japanese, with some English pages).
- JR Hokkaido Bus Website: https://www.jrhokkaidobus.com/ (Japanese only).
- Sapporo Tourism Website: https://www.sapporo.travel/ (English available).
By following this guide, youโll be well-prepared to navigate Sapporoโs bus system with ease. Whether youโre a tourist exploring the cityโs attractions or a resident commuting to work, the bus network offers a convenient and affordable way to get around.