Where to Stay in Sapporo: Choosing the Right Area

JR Sapporo Station is the terminal for the Rapid Airport train to New Chitose Airport and for trains toward Otaru, Asahikawa and Hakodate, and Sapporo Station on the Namboku and Toho subway lines is right next door. The station is directly connected to JR Tower and Daimaru Sapporo, and an underground walkway lets you walk all the way to Odori.

Best for

• ✓First trips to Sapporo
• ✓Day trips to Otaru, Asahikawa and elsewhere in Hokkaido
• ✓Anyone who wants to stay underground on snowy days

Keep in mind

The station area is large both above and below ground, so taking the wrong exit can mean a long detour to your hotel.

Nearest stations

🚉 JR Sapporo Station; Sapporo Station (Namboku and Toho subway lines)

The center of Sapporo, built around Odori Park, where the Namboku, Tozai and Toho subway lines meet at Odori Station. You can walk to events held in Odori Park such as the Sapporo Snow Festival and Autumn Fest, and underground walkways connect to both Sapporo Station and Susukino.

Best for

• ✓First trips to Sapporo
• ✓Visitors coming for events in Odori Park
• ✓Those who want shopping and dining in one place

Keep in mind

When events are on in Odori Park, nearby hotels tend to fill up early.

Nearest stations

🚉 Odori Station (subway); Nishi 4-chome stop (Sapporo Streetcar)

One of Hokkaido's largest entertainment districts, packed with restaurants serving ramen, jingisukan grilled lamb and seafood, with people out until late at night. It has Susukino Station on the Namboku subway line and a Susukino streetcar stop, and Odori and Nakajima Park are within walking distance.

Best for

• ✓Those who want to eat and drink out at night
• ✓Travelers who prefer business hotels

Keep in mind

Some streets stay busy until late, so if you want quiet, pick a hotel a block or so off the main streets.

Nearest stations

🚉 Susukino Station (Namboku subway line); Hosui-Susukino Station (Toho subway line); Susukino stop (Sapporo Streetcar)

The area around Nakajima Park, which spreads out south of Susukino and is home to the Sapporo Concert Hall Kitara. The Namboku subway line takes you directly to Odori and Sapporo Station, and the restaurants of Susukino are within walking distance.

Best for

• ✓Families who want walks in the park
• ✓Those who want to be near Susukino but somewhere a little calmer

Nearest stations

🚉 Nakajima-Koen Station and Horohirabashi Station (Namboku subway line)

A district on the west side of central Sapporo, home to Hokkaido Jingu Shrine, Maruyama Park and Sapporo Maruyama Zoo. Maruyama-Koen Station on the Tozai subway line runs directly to Odori, and the neighborhood is dotted with cafes and bakeries.

Best for

• ✓Families who want to take their time at the zoo and Hokkaido Jingu Shrine
• ✓Those who prefer a calm residential neighborhood

Keep in mind

There are fewer hotels than in the city center, so the choice is limited.

Nearest stations

🚉 Maruyama-Koen Station (Tozai subway line)

A hot spring town along the Toyohira River in Sapporo's Minami Ward, lined with ryokan and large hot spring hotels. You get there by local bus from the Sapporo Station area, and can relax in the hot springs while taking in autumn leaves or snowy winter scenery.

Best for

• ✓Those who want to unwind at a hot spring ryokan
• ✓Anyone who wants to enjoy autumn leaves or snowy scenery

Keep in mind

There is no train station and you travel by bus, so allow plenty of time if you are combining it with sightseeing in the city.

Nearest stations

🚉 Local buses such as Jotetsu Bus from Sapporo Station (no train station)