Sapporo Station Guide 2026 | JR, Subway, Buses and Underground Walkways
How to navigate JR Sapporo Station, the Namboku and Toho subway lines, temporary bus stops and the underground route toward Odori.
Sapporo Station is the main transportation hub for visitors arriving in the city by train. It connects JR rail services with two municipal subway lines and access to buses, taxis and underground pedestrian routes.
Important for 2026: Construction and redevelopment around Sapporo Station can affect passages and bus stops. Check station signs and official announcements on the day you travel.
JR Sapporo Station and Subway Sapporo Station
JR’s station is written 札幌駅 (Sapporo Station), while the subway station is written さっぽろ駅 (Sapporo Station). They are in the same general area but have separate ticket gates. Follow signs for the subway after leaving the JR concourse.
The subway has two lines at Sapporo Station:
- Namboku Line: Convenient for Odori, Susukino, Asabu and Makomanai.
- Toho Line: Serves Sakaemachi, Odori, Hosui-Susukino and Fukuzumi.
The two subway platforms are not adjacent. Check your line before entering the gates.
Changing between the Namboku and Toho lines
Transferring between these two subway lines at Sapporo requires leaving one set of ticket gates and entering the other. Sapporo’s transport bureau instructs passengers to complete the transfer within 30 minutes. Ticket and IC-card gate rules differ; follow official signs, and use the south gate when directed.
Buses around Sapporo Station
The former Sapporo Station bus terminal is temporarily closed. Bus services use temporary stops in several locations around the station. Confirm your bus operator, destination and stop number before heading outside.
According to the city guidance referenced in the Japanese article, useful underground exits include:
| Temporary bus stop numbers | Nearby underground exit |
|---|---|
| 1–7 | Namboku Line Exit 10, or Chikaho Exits 2 and 4 |
| 11–15 | Namboku Line Exit 10 |
| 25–27 | Toho Line Exit 23 |
| 31–32 | Toho Line Exit 18 |
These arrangements may change during construction. Verify your departure point with the bus operator.
Getting to Odori and Susukino
The Namboku subway line connects Sapporo Station with Odori and Susukino. You can also walk south toward Odori using the Sapporo Ekimae-dori Underground Walkway (Chikaho), which is particularly useful during snow or rain.
Navigating the station with luggage
JR and subway ticket gates are separate. If you have large suitcases, look for elevator symbols rather than assuming every nearby staircase has an escalator. The station complex has multiple exits and underground connections; allow time to orient yourself before a scheduled train or bus.
Which transport should you choose?
| Destination | Practical starting point |
|---|---|
| Odori Park | Namboku or Toho subway to Odori, or walk through Chikaho |
| Susukino | Namboku subway toward Makomanai |
| Maruyama Park | Transfer to the Tozai subway line at Odori |
| New Chitose Airport | JR airport rail services |
| Tanukikoji shopping arcade | Subway or underground walk toward Odori and Susukino |
Underground walking routes
The Chikaho walkway links the Sapporo Station area and Odori. From Odori, Aurora Town extends east and Pole Town leads south toward Susukino. These are different facilities, so follow the signs as you move between them.
Airport connections and travel tips
JR rail services connect Sapporo with New Chitose Airport. Check JR Hokkaido for current timetables, fares and disruption notices. Allow extra time when moving between JR platforms, subway gates and temporary bus stops, especially with luggage.
For more detailed Japanese-language information, including construction updates and route descriptions, see the original SAPPORO＋ guide.
Information reflects the source guide’s September 2026 reference point. Verify temporary routes and operating information before travel.
Sources
JR Hokkaido / Sapporo City Transportation Bureau / City of SapporoArticle ID: SP-0164