Ultimate Sapporo Station Guide 2025: Complete Transportation, Shopping & Access Map for First-Time Visitors
Sapporo is the central city of Hokkaido and a popular tourist destination visited by many travelers from both within Japan and abroad. Known as a culinary city, it offers abundant gourmet options including seafood and ramen.
In this city where nature and urban life coexist, there are various ways to enjoy your trip, such as city walking, nature exploration, and seasonal events. When sightseeing in Sapporo, Sapporo Station serves as the travel hub. Due to its excellent accessibility and well-equipped surrounding facilities, many tourists use it as their base.
This comprehensive Sapporo Station Guide 2025 introduces multi-faceted information about Sapporo Station that you should know to enjoy Sapporo tourism more smoothly.
What is Sapporo Station?
Sapporo Station is an essential transportation and commercial hub that serves as the starting point for Hokkaido tourism. Multiple JR railway lines are available, functioning as an access hub to major cities and tourist destinations within Hokkaido, including New Chitose Airport, Otaru, Hakodate, and Eastern Hokkaido.
Additionally, Sapporo Station itself is a complex facility that doubles as a massive shopping mall, bringing together restaurants, department stores, and hotels. The attractive point is that you can enjoy tourism, shopping, and gourmet experiences all at once.
Explaining Sapporo Station's Access and Convenience by Transportation Method
Here, we will explain in detail the access methods and convenience to Sapporo Station for each transportation means: airplane, shinkansen, and bus/automobile. Please use this as a reference to choose the optimal transportation method according to your travel plan.
Sapporo Station Serves as the Starting Point for All Surrounding Tourist Destinations
Sapporo Station is an extremely convenient base as the starting point for Hokkaido travel. Not only does it offer excellent access to New Chitose Airport, but it's also attractive for its ease of movement to various locations within Hokkaido.
You can smoothly access popular tourist areas such as Hakodate, Niseko, Otaru, and Shiretoko & Kushiro using railways and buses.
In fact, Hokkaido is a massive tourist area that's almost the same size as Australia. Depending on which transportation method you choose, the time and convenience will vary greatly.
For those who want to travel efficiently through vast Hokkaido, we recommend staying around Sapporo Station, which offers excellent access.
When Using Airplanes
Sapporo Station can be reached in approximately 40 minutes by train from New Chitose Airport, Hokkaido's gateway to the sky. Many regular flights operate from major Japanese cities such as Tokyo and Osaka, providing good domestic access. Rapid trains run frequently from the airport to Sapporo city, allowing smooth movement into the city.
Sapporo Station is also extremely convenient as an air access hub to major cities within Hokkaido. From New Chitose Airport, regular flights operate to Hakodate, Kushiro, and the Shiretoko area.
For example, when traveling from Sapporo to the Shiretoko & Kushiro area, you can fly from New Chitose Airport to Memanbetsu Airport or Kushiro Airport in about 1 hour, then continue to your destination by rental car or bus.
Even travel within Hokkaido that would take long hours by railway or bus can be efficiently covered using air routes.
When Using Shinkansen
In 2016, the Hokkaido Shinkansen connecting Hokkaido and Honshu opened, making it possible to travel from Tokyo Station to Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto Station in about 4 hours. The Hokkaido Shinkansen is also planned to extend to Sapporo Station. Once this extension is realized, Sapporo Station will become an even more convenient station.
Currently, Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto Station is the only shinkansen stop within Hokkaido. From Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto Station to major cities within Hokkaido, you can travel using limited express trains such as Super Hokuto. To Sapporo Station, you transfer to conventional limited express trains and arrive in about 3.5 hours.
We also recommend experiencing local travel by enjoying railway journeys while viewing Hokkaido's characteristic nature-rich scenery, or getting off at intermediate stations to enjoy sightseeing.
When Using Bus or Automobile
Sapporo Station is also a departure and arrival point for express buses from within and outside Hokkaido, with overnight buses available from major cities on Honshu such as Tokyo and Sendai. Overnight buses are a cost-effective transportation method for travelers who want to keep costs down.
Direct buses also operate to major cities within Hokkaido such as Hakodate, Asahikawa, Otaru, Niseko, and Shiretoko & Kushiro, allowing smooth movement to places that are difficult to access by railway.
Furthermore, using private cars or rental cars enables even more flexible movement. From Sapporo, highways and national roads are well-developed, providing good access to major tourist destinations.
Roadside Stations called Michi-no-Eki have shops and restaurants selling local ingredients and specialty products. Why not stop by Michi-no-Eki during your breaks and experience the unique enjoyment that comes with car travel?
This Sapporo Station Guide 2025 provides comprehensive information to help tourists make the most of their Hokkaido adventure starting from this central transportation hub.
Sapporo Station Guide 2025: 4 Things You Can Enjoy at Sapporo Station
Sapporo Station is more than just a transportation hub - it's a comprehensive complex facility filled with shopping, gourmet dining, and observation spots. This Sapporo Station Guide 2025 introduces you to attraction-packed spots where you can experience a tourist atmosphere right within the station premises, along with 4 things you can enjoy at Sapporo Station.
Enjoy Exquisite Sapporo Food
Nemuro Hanamaru at Sapporo Station
Source:Tripadvisor
Nemuro Hanamaru at Sapporo Station is a popular conveyor belt sushi restaurant that originated in Nemuro, a city in eastern Hokkaido. They use an abundance of fresh seafood caught in Nemuro waters, allowing you to enjoy high-quality sushi at reasonable prices. The open kitchen style, where you can watch the craftsmen's skilled techniques up close, is also an attractive feature.
The restaurant interior is decorated with actual fishing equipment as decor, creating a lively atmosphere that makes you feel as if you're truly in the fishing town of Nemuro.
Since it's located inside the station and easily accessible, it's the perfect restaurant for those who want to enjoy Hokkaido's distinctive flavors during their sightseeing.
Store Information:
- Address: Stellar Place 6F, 4 Chome Kita 5 Jonishi, Chuo Ward, Sapporo, Hokkaido
- Business Hours: 11:00-22:00
- Closed: None
- Phone: 011-209-5330
- Official Website: https://www.sushi-hanamaru.com/
Okushiba Shoten Parents' Home
Source:Official website
Okushiba Shoten Parents' Home is a popular soup curry restaurant that uses shrimp-based broth. Soup curry is a local Hokkaido-originated gourmet dish where spiced soup is generously filled with chicken and vegetables to enjoy.
Okushiba Shoten's soup curry uses over 15 types of spices, characterized by its deep flavor. Additionally, you can freely choose the amount of rice, spiciness level, and toppings, allowing you to customize it perfectly to your preferences.
True to the store name "Parents' Home," the interior has a nostalgic and warm atmosphere, which is one of its charms. Please try enjoying this Hokkaido gourmet that will heal both your heart and body during your travels.
Store Information:
- Address: President Matsui Building 100, 16 Minami 1-jo Nishi 5-chome, Chuo Ward, Sapporo
- Business Hours: 11:00-15:00, 17:00-20:30
- Closed: Mondays
- Phone: 011-596-6552
- Official Website: https://okushiba.net/
Purchase Souvenirs and Food to Enjoy at Your Hotel
Hokkaido Dosanko Plaza Sapporo Store
Source:Official website
Hokkaido Dosanko Plaza, directly connected to Sapporo Station, is a popular shop that gathers specialty products and souvenirs from various parts of Hokkaido.
It's also known as an "Antenna shop (regional specialty store)" operated by municipalities and companies within Hokkaido to promote the region's attractions, beloved by both tourists and locals. Without having to visit individual souvenir shops in different locations, you can check popular products from all over Hokkaido in one place here.
When you're unsure about souvenir selection or want to efficiently complete your shopping in limited time, please visit here.
Store Information:
- Address: JR Sapporo Station Nishidori Kitaguchi, Kita 6-jo Nishi 4-chome, Kita Ward, Sapporo
- Business Hours: 8:30-20:00
- Closed: None
- Phone: 011-213-5053
- Official Website: https://dousanhin.jp/store-information/sapporo/
Hokkaido Shiki Marche
Source:Official website
Hokkaido Shiki Marche is a select shop located in Sapporo Stellar Place, a commercial facility directly connected to Sapporo Station. It offers a wide range of specialty products from various parts of Hokkaido and is popular as a spot where you can efficiently search for souvenirs during your travels.
What I particularly recommend at this shop is the "Freshly made cookie sandwich with bean paste butter" from "Sapporo Agricultural College." Although it has a short expiration date of only 3 days, it's a limited exquisite menu item that can only be eaten at this shop.
If you're looking for special Hokkaido sweets, please be sure to stop by.
Store Information:
- Address: Sapporo Stellar Place Center 1F, Kita 5-jo Nishi 2-chome, Chuo Ward, Sapporo
- Business Hours: 8:00-21:30
- Closed: None
- Phone: 011-209-5337
- Official Website: https://www.hkiosk.co.jp/hokkaido-shikimarche/
Enjoy the attached JR Tower
JR Tower Observation Deck T38
Source:Official website
Observation Deck T38, located on the top floor of JR Tower directly connected to Sapporo Station, is a spectacular viewing spot offering 360-degree panoramic views of Sapporo city from 160 meters above ground. This essential destination in any comprehensive Sapporo Station Guide 2025 provides tourists with unforgettable experiences.
During the day, you can enjoy sweeping views of the beautifully organized cityscape that resembles a chessboard pattern, along with the surrounding mountains. At night, a fantastical illuminated landscape unfolds like a futuristic city, allowing you to experience Sapporo's urban scenery in a completely different way from daytime. We highly recommend visiting during both time periods to fully appreciate the distinct charms of Sapporo during day and night.
Additionally, the men's observation restroom at Observation Deck T38 is one of the particularly unique highlights. With walls made entirely of glass, you can enjoy the liberating panoramic views even while using the facilities.
Facility Information
- Address: 5 Kita 5-jo Nishi 2-chome, Chuo-ku, Sapporo
- Operating Hours: 10:00-22:00
- Closed: January 1st
- Phone: 011-5209-5500
- Official Website: https://www.jr-tower.com/t38
Sora no Hiroba (Sky Plaza)
Source:Google Maps
Open space STELLAR PLACE 9, located on the 9th floor of Sapporo Stellar Place shopping center directly connected to Sapporo Station, is an open rooftop garden that lets you forget the hustle and bustle of city life.
This spacious area of approximately 1,740 square meters features wooden decks and benches, serving as a place of rest for visitors. The attractive highlight is being able to overlook Sapporo's cityscape while surrounded by seasonal flowers and greenery.
Furthermore, hands-on events in collaboration with the local community and seasonal limited illuminations are held, making it an enjoyable spot for everyone from adults to children. Taking out drinks and meals to enjoy a relaxing time under the blue sky is also highly recommended.
Facility Information
- Address: Sapporo Stellar Place Center 9F Rooftop, Kita 5-jo Nishi 2-chome, Chuo-ku, Sapporo
- Operating Hours: June-August 10:00-19:00 | April, May, September, October 10:00-17:00
- Closed: None
- Phone: 011-209-5100
- Official Website: https://www.stellarplace.net/sorahiro_top
Experiencing Art Works Within the Station
Source:Tripadvisor
Sapporo Station is known as a hidden gem spot where you can casually experience art while using the station, with over 50 artworks displayed throughout the premises. This artistic aspect makes it a standout feature in any Sapporo Station Guide 2025 for culture-loving tourists.
Particularly, the large sculpture "Taema" located at Sapporo Station's South Exit is a striking artwork that also serves as a popular meeting spot for locals.
Furthermore, starting in 2025, the "JR TOWER NEXT ART PROJECT" has begun, featuring an initiative to display works by artists with disabilities in the wall window displays at Sapporo Station's South Exit.
The exhibited works rotate every four months, so one of the charms is being able to enjoy different art depending on when you visit.
The Author's Recommendations! 7 Tourist Spots with Excellent Access from Sapporo Station
Around Sapporo Station, there are numerous tourist destinations with convenient access. This time, from among these locations, I have carefully selected 7 spots that I have personally visited and thought "I definitely want people to go here!" to introduce to you.
Susukino
Susukino is Hokkaido's largest entertainment district, lined with izakaya (Japanese taverns), bars, Japanese snack bars (small-scale bars uniquely Japanese, run by female proprietors called "Mama"), and ramen shops. When night falls, the streets transform into a fantastical atmosphere illuminated by neon lights.
Particularly famous in Susukino is the large neon sign displaying "NIKKA," which serves as a symbol of Sapporo. NIKKA is a representative Japanese whiskey maker originating from Hokkaido, and tourists take commemorative photos against this sign backdrop every day.
Many restaurants and bars operate until late hours, and when I visited, I had so much fun that I ended up bar-hopping at various izakaya until late at night.
If you want to enjoy bar-hopping in Susukino, it's recommended to have locals who know the area inside and out guide you
Susukino brings together various types of nightlife spots. Why not enjoy deep nightlife by touring bars and establishments that would be difficult for tourists to enter alone, together with local guides who know Susukino's charm inside and out?
In this tour, you'll visit 3 izakaya over approximately 3 hours with a guide. Even if there are unfamiliar menu items or ingredients, the guide will suggest dishes and drinks suited to your preferences, so you can experience your time in Susukino with peace of mind.
Susukino is a lively district where not only tourists but also local office workers and young people gather. Please enjoy Sapporo's nightlife while also enjoying interactions with various people.
・Meeting point: Under the giant NIKKA Sign outside of Susukino station
・Tour area: Susukino, Sapporo
・Start time: 18:00
Sapporo Clock Tower
The Sapporo Clock Tower is a historical building constructed in 1878 and is a classic spot for Sapporo tourism. Originally, it was built as an educational facility for Sapporo Agricultural College (now Hokkaido University) and was used as a hall where students conducted training and lectures indoors.
It's a wooden structure that incorporates American frontier-era architectural styles, characterized by white exterior walls and a red roof. The retro appearance is also excellent for photography.
Additionally, the large clock visible on the front has been keeping time continuously for more than 140 years since its installation in 1881.
The Sapporo Clock Tower is a precious building that conveys the atmosphere and clock mechanism technology of that era to the present day, and is now carefully maintained as a nationally designated Important Cultural Property.
<Facility Information>
・Address: Chuo-ku, Kita 1-jo Nishi 2-chome, Sapporo
・Operating hours: 8:45-17:10
・Closed: January 1st - January 3rd
・Phone number: 011-231-0838
・Official website: http://sapporoshi-tokeidai.jp/
Odori Park
Odori Park crosses east-west for approximately 1.5km through central Sapporo and is a healing spot beloved by locals, rich in greenery despite being in the city center. You can enjoy seasonal flowers throughout the four seasons, and you can also see people relaxing on benches, allowing you to experience Sapporo's daily life.
Within the park, there are the TV Tower (popular as an observation spot), fountains, sculptures, and more, so you can spend fulfilling time just by strolling around.
Also, every February it becomes the main venue for the Sapporo Snow Festival, where giant sculptures made of snow and ice line the entire Odori area. Illumination is also conducted at night, creating a fantastical atmosphere.
<Facility Information>
・Address: Chuo-ku, Odori Nishi 1-chome, Sapporo
・Operating hours: 9:00-22:00
・Closed: Please check the website
・Phone number: 011-241-1131
・Official website: https://www.tv-tower.co.jp/
Moerenuma Park
Moerenuma Park is a vast park in Sapporo's suburbs where art and nature harmonize, designed by the world-famous Japanese-American sculptor Isamu Noguchi.
The name "Moere" derives from the Aynu language of Hokkaido's indigenous people, meaning "calm water surface." The Aynu are people who have lived in Hokkaido since ancient times, possessing unique culture, language, and lifestyle different from other regions of Japan.
The park is packed with highlights including the glass pyramid "HIDAMARI," artificially created hills that rise like mountains, and dynamic fountains. You can enjoy a special experience as if walking through contemporary art.
⟨Facility Information⟩
・Address: 1-1 Moerenuma Park, Higashi-ku, Sapporo
・Operating Hours: 7:00-22:00
・Closed: None
・Phone: 011-790-1231
・Official Website: https://moerenumapark.jp/
Sapporo Hitsujigaoka Observation Hill
Source:Official website
Sapporo Hitsujigaoka Observation Hill is an observation spot where you can overlook Sapporo's cityscape and vast nature. Real sheep graze on the grounds, allowing visitors to enjoy watching cute sheep.
On the observation deck stands a bronze statue of William S. Clark, known as a symbol of Hokkaido's development, with his famous words "Boys, be ambitious" engraved on it.
The "Clark Pose" with his right hand raised forward has become a tourist attraction, and it's customary for visitors to take commemorative photos in the same pose. I also enjoyed taking photos while imitating Mr. Clark when I visited.
With good access of about 30 minutes by car from central Sapporo, it's a perfect spot for those who want to spend relaxing time in nature.
⟨Facility Information⟩
・Address: 1 Hitsujigaoka, Toyohira-ku, Sapporo
・Operating Hours: October-May 9:00-17:00 | June-September 9:00-18:00
・Closed: None
・Phone: 011-851-3080
・Official Website: https://www.hitsujigaoka.jp
Nijo Fish Market
Nijo Fish Market is a historic market in central Sapporo and a popular spot where you can enjoy fresh seafood and local gourmet food. With over 100 years of history, it has been beloved by local people for a long time.
Inside the market, shops line up selling Hokkaido-produced crab, sea urchin, salmon roe, and other seafood, with seafood bowls that can be enjoyed on the spot being one of the major attractions. There are also food stall-style restaurants and souvenir shops, making it easy to drop by during sightseeing.
I ate a seafood bowl at Nijo Fish Market, and the salmon roe and sea urchin were particularly exquisite. With good access of just a 15-minute walk from Sapporo Station, if you want to casually enjoy delicious seafood, please visit.
⟨Facility Information⟩
・Address: Minami 3-jo Higashi 1-2 chome, Chuo-ku, Sapporo
・Operating Hours: Around 7:00-18:00
・Closed: None
・Phone: 011-222-5308
・Official Website: https://nijomarket.com/
Sapporo Beer Garden and Sapporo Beer Museum
Source:Sapporo Tourist Association
At Sapporo Beer Garden, you can taste Hokkaido's specialty Genghis Khan (Japanese style grilled mutton or lamb BBQ) and Sapporo brand draft beers, including the Hokkaido-limited "Sapporo Classic." Genghis Khan seasoned with sweet and spicy sauce and spices pairs perfectly with beer. Please try this classic combination beloved by locals.
The adjacent Sapporo Beer Museum is Japan's only beer specialty museum. It introduces the history of Sapporo Breweries, a long-established beer manufacturer founded in 1876, and the journey of Japanese beer.
The museum displays the beer manufacturing process and vintage advertising posters, and can be toured for free. The paid premium tour also offers tastings of "Sapporo Kaitakushi Beer – Reproduction," a classic beer recreated using historical brewing methods.
⟨Facility Information⟩
Sapporo Beer Garden
・Address: 2-10 Kita 7-jo Higashi 9-chome, Higashi-ku, Sapporo
・Operating Hours: 11:30-21:00
・Closed: December 31st
・Phone: 0570-098-346
・Official Website: https://sapporo-bier-garten.jp/
Sapporo Beer Museum
・Address: 1-1 Kita 7-jo Higashi 9-chome, Higashi-ku, Sapporo
・Operating Hours: 11:00-18:00
・Closed: None
・Phone: 011-748-1876
・Official Website: https://www.sapporobeer.jp/brewery/s_museum/
You Should Also Check Convenient Stations Around Sapporo Station in Advance
If you want to enjoy sightseeing with Sapporo Station as your starting point, knowing the major surrounding stations will make your travel smooth. This Sapporo Station Guide 2025 introduces two convenient stations other than Sapporo Station that are frequently used by tourists.
Susukino Station
Susukino Station is a major station located just 2 stops and about 5 minutes away from Sapporo Station by subway. Around the station spreads the Susukino area, which is Hokkaido's largest entertainment district, filled with restaurants, bars, and izakaya, making it a classic nightlife spot.
The area is packed with elements for enjoying nightlife, including tourist-favorite Genghis Khan restaurants, the historic Ramen Yokocho where old-established ramen shops gather, and the famous "NIKKA Whisky" neon sign that serves as a popular photo spot.
Since this area bustles until late at night, those who want to fully enjoy Sapporo's nightlife should definitely check out Susukino Station.
Shin-Sapporo Station
Shin-Sapporo Station is located in Atsubetsu Ward in eastern Sapporo, where you can use both the JR Chitose Line and Tozai Subway Line. Since it's accessible in about 10 minutes from Sapporo Station, it's extremely convenient for travel within Hokkaido.
The station-connected shopping malls "Sunpiazza" and "Shin-Sapporo Arc City" feature restaurants, cafes, and souvenir shops, allowing you to enjoy gourmet food and shopping between travels. Nearby, there's the "Sapporo Science Center" with a planetarium and the popular "Sunpiazza Aquarium," making it a perfect spot for families as well.
For Enjoying Not Just Sapporo but All Regions of Japan to the Fullest, Local Tours Are Recommended!
For those who want to enjoy various regions of Japan more deeply, participating in local tours is recommended. Among them, tours provided by Magical Trip offer special experiences not found in tourist guidebooks, as they are guided by local guides who are well-versed in each region.
For example, in Tokyo, there are bar-hopping tours visiting deep local izakaya, and in Kyoto, there are hiking tours through back roads of Fushimi Inari Shrine - plans that allow you to feel the culture and lifestyle of each region up close.
On TripAdvisor, over 6,000 highly-rated reviews have been submitted, and they offer various tours in regional cities other than Sapporo, including Hiroshima, Nara, and Okinawa. Those who want to expand their travel enjoyment should definitely check them out.
