Hokkaido's capital and largest city. JR Sapporo Station is the central hub for city transit, shopping, and dining.

About Sapporo (JR Sapporo Station)

Sapporo is Japan\'s fifth-largest city and the capital of Hokkaido, known for its beer, ramen, snow festivals, and nearby ski resorts. JR Sapporo Station sits at the center of a massive commercial complex including the JR Tower (with a T38 observation deck offering 360-degree views), Daimaru and Stellar Place department stores, and underground shopping arcades connecting to the Tanukikoji shopping street.

The city is famous for the Sapporo Snow Festival in February, when over 2 million visitors come to see enormous snow and ice sculptures along Odori Park. Sapporo\'s food scene is legendary—the city claims to have invented miso ramen, with the original Ramen Alley (Ramen Yokocho) in Susukino still operating. Genghis Khan (jingisukan) lamb barbecue, soup curry, and Sapporo beer fresh from the brewery are quintessential local flavors. Susukino, Hokkaido\'s largest entertainment district, glows with neon south of the station.

Nearby Landmarks

Sapporo Clock Tower Odori Park Susukino Sapporo Beer Museum JR Tower T38 Observatory

Transport Options

Taxi

Cost ¥14,000-17,000 ($95-115)
Time 50-70 minutes

Follow "Taxi" signs at arrivals. Queue at official taxi stand. Metered fares, no need to negotiate.

Rideshare (Grab/Uber)

Cost Not widely available
Time 50-70 minutes

Arrivals level

Train (JR Rapid Airport)

Cost ¥1,150 ($8)
Time 37 minutes
Frequency Every 15 minutes

Step-by-Step Directions

Take the JR Rapid Airport train from the underground station (follow signs from arrivals). Direct trains to Sapporo run every 15 minutes. Reserved seats available for ¥530 extra.

Quick Comparison

Option Cost Time Best For
Taxi ¥14,000-17,000 ($95-115) 50-70 minutes Convenience, groups, heavy luggage
Rideshare Not widely available 50-70 minutes Budget-conscious, app users
Train ¥1,150 ($8) 37 minutes Budget, avoiding traffic

Good to Know

Late Night Transport

The last JR Airport Express from New Chitose Airport departs around 10:30 PM. After that, taxis are the only option (approximately ¥15,000–18,000 to Sapporo center). If arriving on a late flight, check JR timetables carefully. Some budget travelers stay at airport-area hotels for early morning train departures.

Luggage Tips

JR Airport Express trains have overhead luggage racks and space behind the last row of seats. For large bags, the reserved-seat Green Car offers more room. Sapporo Station has coin lockers of all sizes (¥300–700). The underground shopping passages have smooth floors perfect for wheeled luggage.

Accessibility

JR Sapporo Station is fully accessible with elevators, wide ticket gates, tactile floor guides, and accessible restrooms. The Airport Express has designated wheelchair spaces (reserve at JR ticket counter). Sapporo's underground passages are wheelchair-accessible and useful for avoiding winter snow. The station area is flat once above ground.