
Best Airports & How to Get from the Airport to the City in Sapporo, Hokkaidō, Japan
1. New Chitose Airport (CTS)
Largest airport in Hokkaido, offering international and domestic flights. Features a unique snow-removal system for winter operations.
- Wide Range of Services: Provides various facilities such as shopping malls, restaurants, and even an onsen (hot spring) spa.
- Easy Accessibility: Direct train connections to major cities in Hokkaido and JR Limited Express trains to Sapporo.
- High-Quality Airport Services: Consistently ranked among the world's best airports for its cleanliness, efficiency, and passenger satisfaction.
2. Sapporo Station
Primary hub station in Sapporo City, offering connections to various destinations in Hokkaido via JR and subway lines.
- Integrated Transportation Hub: Connects suburban railways, subway lines, bus services, and even the Sapporo Shinkansen (bullet train).
- Central Location: Located in the heart of Sapporo City, making it a convenient starting point for sightseeing and exploring local attractions.
- Underground Shopping Arcade: Features various shopping and dining options beneath the station, providing shelter from the cold winter weather.
3. Sapporo Municipal Subway
Convenient subway system connecting major attractions in Sapporo City, including Odori Park and the Historic Village of Hokkaido.
- Efficient Public Transportation: Runs from early morning to late night, making it a reliable option for travel within the city.
- Affordable Fares: Compared to taxis and car rentals, subway fares are budget-friendly for travelers.
- Cleanliness and Safety: Subways in Sapporo are known for their cleanliness, safety, and comfort, making them popular among tourists.
4. Sapporo Expressway
High-speed toll road connecting Sapporo City to major destinations in Hokkaido, offering a faster travel option compared to trains.
- Speed and Efficiency: Allows travelers to reach their destinations quickly by avoiding traffic congestion on local roads.
- Scenic Routes: Offers stunning views of Hokkaido's countryside and coastal areas during the journey.
- Toll Fees: Toll fees apply for using the expressway, but many electronic toll collection systems are available to ease payment.
5. Sapporo Taxi
Traditional taxi service in Sapporo City, providing door-to-door transportation for travelers.
- Convenience: Offers pickup and dropoff services at hotels, airports, and other popular destinations.
- Flexible Payment Options: Accepts cash, credit cards, and mobile payment methods for fares.
- Multilingual Drivers: Many taxi drivers in Sapporo are multilingual, making communication easy for foreign travelers.
6. Sapporo Rent-A-Car
Car rental service in Sapporo City, offering various vehicle options for travelers.
- Flexibility: Allows travelers to explore Hokkaido at their own pace and visit less accessible destinations.
- Winter Driving Options: Provides rental cars equipped with snow tires, chains, and other winter driving essentials for safe travel during the winter season.
- Affordable Rates: Offers competitive rates for daily, weekly, and monthly rentals to accommodate various budgets.
7. Odori Park
Spacious urban park in the heart of Sapporo City, featuring various attractions such as the TV Tower and Festival Square.
- Central Location: Located near major transportation hubs, making it easily accessible for travelers.
- Landmark Attractions: Home to the Sapporo TV Tower, a popular observation deck offering panoramic views of the city.
- Seasonal Events: Hosts various events throughout the year, including the famous Sapporo Snow Festival in February.
8. Historic Village of Hokkaido
Outdoor museum showcasing traditional Hokkaido architecture and lifestyle, located near Sapporo City.
- Cultural Education: Provides insight into the history and culture of Hokkaido and its indigenous Ainu people.
- Authentic Buildings: Features several traditional buildings that have been relocated from various parts of Hokkaido.
- Beautiful Gardens: Surrounded by beautiful gardens and scenic landscapes, creating a peaceful atmosphere for visitors.
9. Otaru Canal
Historic waterway in the city of Otaru, featuring well-preserved warehouses and glass workshops.
- Scenic Beauty: Offers picturesque views of the canal, especially during sunset.
- Cultural Attractions: Features several museums and traditional workshops showcasing Otaru's history and glassmaking techniques.
- Shopping Opportunities: Offers various shopping options, including antique stores and unique candy shops.
10. Furano Flower Fields
Beautiful flower fields located in the city of Furano, offering stunning views during the summer season.
- Natural Beauty: Features a variety of colorful flowers, creating a breathtaking landscape for visitors.
- Seasonal Attractions: Offers different flowers and attractions depending on the time of year, such as lavender fields in July.
- Accessibility: Easily accessible by bus or car from Sapporo City, with guided tours available for a more enjoyable experience.
11. Biei's Ginga no Mori
Forest park in the city of Biei, featuring beautiful landscapes and scenic driving routes.
- Natural Beauty: Offers stunning views of rolling hills, farms, and forests.
- Scenic Driving Routes: Features several picturesque driving routes through the park, such as the Patchwork Road and the Sheep Village.
- Accessibility: Easily accessible by car or guided tours from Sapporo City, making it a popular day trip destination.
12. Blue Pond (Aoi-ike)
Stunning artificial pond in the city of Biei, featuring a beautiful turquoise color.
- Natural Beauty: Offers breathtaking views of the turquoise-colored pond and surrounding forest.
- Unique Landscape: Created by a nearby volcano, the pond's unique color is caused by aluminum hydroxide particles suspended in the water.
- Accessibility: Easily accessible by car or guided tours from Sapporo City, with a short walk required to reach the pond.
13. Jozankei Onsen
Popular hot spring resort located near Sapporo City, offering various bathing options and scenic landscapes.
- Relaxation and Rejuvenation: Offers a chance to relax and rejuvenate in the soothing waters of a traditional Japanese hot spring.
- Scenic Beauty: Surrounded by beautiful forests and mountains, providing a serene atmosphere for visitors.
- Variety of Onsen Options: Features both indoor and outdoor baths, as well as gender-segregated and mixed-gender options.
14. Shiroi Koibito Park
Chocolate factory and theme park located in the city of Sapporo, offering guided tours, tastings, and a museum.
- Sweet Treats: Offers various chocolate products and treats for visitors to purchase and enjoy.
- Educational Experience: Provides guided tours showcasing the factory's production process and history.
- Fun Activities: Features interactive exhibits, games, and a giant chocolate fountain for visitors to enjoy.
15. Sapporo Beer Museum
Museum dedicated to the history of Sapporo Beer and its brewing process, located in the city of Sapporo.
- Historical Education: Offers insight into the history of beer production in Sapporo and the surrounding region.
- Tasting Opportunities: Features a brewery store selling various beers, including limited-edition seasonal varieties.
- Cultural Experience: Offers guided tours showcasing the traditional methods used to produce Sapporo Beer.