Sapporo

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Trains

Trains serve as a primary mode of regional and intercity transportation, connecting Sapporo to other areas of Hokkaido and beyond.

Sections

1. Overview of the Train Network in Sapporo

Sapporo, the capital of Hokkaido, has a well-organized and efficient train and subway system that makes it easy to navigate the city and its surrounding areas. The main train systems in Sapporo include:

A. Sapporo Subway System

The Sapporo Subway is the primary mode of urban transportation within the city. It consists of three lines:

  • Namboku Line (Green Line): Runs north-south.
  • Tozai Line (Orange Line): Runs east-west.
  • Toho Line (Blue Line): Runs northeast-southeast.

B. JR Hokkaido (Japan Railways Hokkaido)

JR Hokkaido operates regional and intercity trains, connecting Sapporo to other parts of Hokkaido. Key lines include:

  • Hakodate Main Line: Connects Sapporo to Otaru, Hakodate, and other cities.
  • Chitose Line: Connects Sapporo to New Chitose Airport and cities like Tomakomai.
  • Sassho Line (Gakuentoshi Line): Connects Sapporo to the northern suburbs.

C. Streetcars (Trams)

Sapporo also has a streetcar (tram) system that loops around the central and southwestern parts of the city. Itโ€™s useful for accessing areas not covered by the subway.

2. Costs and Ticketing

A. Subway Fares

  • Fares for the Sapporo Subway range from 200 to 400 yen, depending on the distance traveled.
  • Children (ages 6-11) pay half the adult fare, and children under 6 travel for free.

B. JR Hokkaido Fares

  • Fares vary based on distance and type of train (local, rapid, or limited express). For example:
    • Sapporo to Otaru: ~750 yen (one way, local train).
    • Sapporo to New Chitose Airport: ~1,150 yen (one way, rapid train).

C. Streetcar Fares

  • A flat fare of 210 yen for adults and 110 yen for children.

D. Discount Passes

  1. Sapporo Subway One-Day Pass:
    • Unlimited subway rides for one day.
    • Cost: 830 yen (adults), 420 yen (children).
  2. Donichika Ticket:
    • Unlimited subway rides on weekends and public holidays.
    • Cost: 520 yen (adults), 260 yen (children).
  3. JR Hokkaido Rail Pass:
    • Ideal for travelers exploring Hokkaido beyond Sapporo.
    • Options include 3-day, 5-day, and 7-day passes.
  4. Kitaca IC Card:
    • A rechargeable smart card for seamless travel on subways, JR trains, and buses in Sapporo and other cities in Japan.

3. How to Purchase Tickets

  • Ticket Machines: Available at all subway and JR stations. Machines have English language options and accept cash and some cards.
  • Ticket Counters: Staffed counters at major stations like Sapporo Station and Odori Station.
  • Convenience Stores: Some passes, like the JR Hokkaido Rail Pass, can be reserved online and picked up at convenience stores.
  • IC Cards (Kitaca): Purchase and recharge at ticket machines or counters.

4. Train Schedules

  • Subway: Trains run approximately every 5-7 minutes during peak hours and every 7-10 minutes during off-peak hours. Service starts around 6:00 AM and ends around 12:00 AM (midnight).
  • JR Trains: Local and rapid trains run frequently, but limited express trains may have specific departure times. Check schedules on the JR Hokkaido website or apps like Hyperdia or Google Maps.
  • Streetcars: Operate from around 6:00 AM to 11:00 PM, with trams arriving every 6-10 minutes.

5. Train Etiquette

Japanese train etiquette is important to follow. Here are some key points:

  • Queue Properly: Stand in line at the designated boarding areas on the platform.
  • Be Quiet: Avoid loud conversations or phone calls. Phones should be on silent mode.
  • Priority Seats: Reserved for the elderly, pregnant women, people with disabilities, and those with small children.
  • No Eating or Drinking: Eating is generally discouraged on local trains and subways, though itโ€™s acceptable on long-distance trains.
  • Keep Luggage Compact: Avoid blocking aisles or seats with large bags.
  • Exit Quickly: Step off the train to let others exit before boarding.

6. Tips for Visiting Local Sites Using the Train System

Sapporoโ€™s train system is an excellent way to explore the city and nearby attractions. Here are some popular destinations and how to reach them:

A. Odori Park

  • Access: Take the Namboku, Tozai, or Toho Line to Odori Station.
  • Tip: Odori Park is a central hub, and many events like the Sapporo Snow Festival are held here.

B. Sapporo Beer Museum

  • Access: Take the Toho Line to Higashi-Kuyakusho-Mae Station, then walk 10 minutes.
  • Tip: Admission is free, and you can enjoy beer tastings for a small fee.

C. Mount Moiwa

  • Access: Take the streetcar to Ropeway Iriguchi Station, then transfer to the Mount Moiwa Ropeway.
  • Tip: Visit in the evening for stunning views of Sapporoโ€™s city lights.

D. Otaru

  • Access: Take the JR Hakodate Main Line from Sapporo Station to Otaru Station (30-40 minutes).
  • Tip: Explore the Otaru Canal and enjoy fresh seafood at the local markets.

E. New Chitose Airport

  • Access: Take the JR Chitose Line from Sapporo Station to New Chitose Airport Station (35-40 minutes).
  • Tip: Arrive early to explore the airportโ€™s shopping and dining options, including Royce Chocolate World.

7. Considerations and Useful Tips

  • Plan Ahead: Use apps like Hyperdia, Google Maps, or Navitime to check train routes, schedules, and fares.
  • Avoid Rush Hours: Morning (7:30-9:00 AM) and evening (5:00-7:00 PM) can be crowded, especially on weekdays.
  • Weather Preparedness: Sapporo experiences heavy snow in winter, but the train system is well-equipped to handle it. Allow extra time for travel during snowstorms.
  • Language Assistance: Most signs and ticket machines have English options, and station staff are generally helpful.
  • Cash is King: While IC cards are convenient, some ticket machines and smaller stations may only accept cash.

By following this guide, youโ€™ll be well-prepared to navigate Sapporoโ€™s train system efficiently and enjoy all the city has to offer. Safe travels!