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Our travel guides are free to read and explore online. If you want to get your own copy, the full travel guide for this destination is available to you offline* to bring along anywhere or print for your trip.​

*this will be downloaded as a PDF.

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Asia Japan Sapporo Tourist Information Passport/Visa

Passport/Visa

The guide was updated:
Nationals from countries such as the United States, Canada, Australia, Brazil, and many European countries can enter Japan visa-free for short-term stays (usually up to 90 days) for tourism, business, or visiting friends and relatives. However, visitors from countries not on the visa-exempt list must apply for a visa at a Japanese embassy or consulate before travelling. Always check the latest entry requirements as they can change.

Digital Travel Guide Download

Our travel guides are free to read and explore online. If you want to get your own copy, the full travel guide for this destination is available to you offline* to bring along anywhere or print for your trip.​

*this will be downloaded as a PDF.

Price

€4,95

Purchase
New Chitose Airport (CTS)

New Chitose Airport (CTS)

New Chitose Airport, the largest airport in Hokkaido, is located approximately 50 kilometres southeast of Sapporo's city centre. The simplest and most cost-effective way to travel from the airport to Sapporo is by train. The airport's train station, New Chitose Station, is conveniently located in the basement of the domestic terminal building. The train journey typically takes around 37 to 40 minutes. Trains are frequent, departing approximately every 15 minutes. Alternatively, visitors can opt for bus services provided by Chuo Bus, which connects New Chitose Airport to various locations in Sapporo, including Susukino, Odori Park, Sapporo Station, major subway stations, and hotels. The bus journey takes approximately 60 to 70 minutes to reach the city centre. For those preferring a more direct route, taxis are available outside the terminal, with the journey to Sapporo taking about an hour.
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Best Time to Visit

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Sapporo is in winter and summer. In these two seasons, different kinds of events are held. In February, Sapporo hosts the Snow Festival, one of the most awaited events by locals and visitors. Outstanding and massive snow sculptures dominate the city during this period. In summer, the lavender fields of Furano and the cherry blossom attract crowds of travellers. Some interesting events throughout the year: May: Sapporo Lilac Festival June: Hokkaido Shrine Festival September: Sapporo Autumn Fest February: Sapporo Snow Festival
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Post

Post

In Sapporo, post offices typically operate from 9am to 5pm on weekdays, with some larger branches also open on Saturdays from 9am to 12:30pm. Post offices in Japan provide a wide range of services beyond standard mail handling, including domestic and international mailing, parcel delivery, express mail services, and the sale of postage stamps and packaging materials. In addition, many post offices offer banking services such as money transfers. Recognising a post office in Sapporo is straightforward, thanks to the distinctive Japan Post symbol, a stylised red '〒', which is prominently displayed on the building’s exterior. This symbol, along with the words 'Japan Post' or '郵便局' (yūbinkyoku) in Japanese, makes the post offices easily identifiable. The buildings are typically painted in white and red.
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Public Transport

Public Transport

Sapporo boasts an efficient and comprehensive public transport system that is both user-friendly and accessible for travellers. With English-language maps, signs, and announcements, navigating the city is straightforward. The integrated fare system, utilising rechargeable IC cards like the Kitaca card, allows for convenient transfers between buses, trams, and subways. The public transport network in Sapporo includes a subway system with three lines: the Namboku Line, Tozai Line, and Toho Line, connecting key areas and major tourist spots. Buses, operated by Chuo Bus and JR Hokkaido Bus, cover areas not serviced by the subway, making them ideal for reaching attractions like the Mt. Moiwa Ropeway and Moerenuma Park. The Sapporo Streetcar operates on a loop line in the southwestern part of the city, providing access to districts like Susukino and Shiroishi.
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Taxi

Taxi

Taxis in Sapporo are a reliable and safe mode of transportation, readily available around the city centre and at designated taxi waiting areas such as airports and major hotels. Each taxi is equipped with a meter that clearly indicates the fare. If a taxi accepts credit cards, this will be visibly marked on the window. It's advisable to know your destination before stopping a taxi, as the postal address system in Sapporo can be complex. Having the address written down to show the driver is a good practice to avoid confusion. In addition to traditional taxis, several ride-sharing apps are available in Sapporo. Uber, although not as widespread as in some other countries, can still be used. DiDi is another popular ride-hailing service in Japan that operates in the city. For those looking to connect with traditional taxi services through an app, JapanTaxi is one of the largest taxi-hailing apps in Japan and is widely used in Sapporo.
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