Major Train Stations in Sapporo, Japan

As a part of our guide for visitors to Sapporo City, we present this information about the major train stations in Sapporo, Japan.

Sapporo City, the capital of Hokkaido, is a city where convenience and culture meet. It’s train stations are not just transit points, but also gateways to shopping, dining, and entertainment. Among the many stations in the city, Sapporo Station, Odori Station, Susukino Station, and Shin-Sapporo Station stand out as important train stations that connect locals and travelers to Sapporo’s vibrant lifestyle.

Most Important Train Stations in Sapporo

— Sapporo Station
— Odori Station
— Susukino Station
— Bus Center Mae Station
— Notes about the Underground Passage
— Shin-Sapporo Station (in Atsubetsu Ward, between Sapporo and New Chitose Airport)

Sapporo Station (札幌駅, Sapporo-eki)

— Location: 4 Chome Kita 6 Jonishi, Kita Ward, Sapporo

Sapporo Station is the city’s main transportation hub, and the busiest station in Hokkaido. It serves as the gateway to the region, connecting local JR trains, limited express trains, and subway stations. The station is also home to several major shopping complexes, including Daimaru, Esta, Stellar Place, as well as the JR Tower Sapporo that has the observation decks with panoramic views of the city, as well a a whole floor of restaurants (on the 6th floor).

Sapporo Station (札幌駅, Sapporo-eki)

From Sapporo Station, travelers can easily reach New Chitose Airport, Otaru, Asahikawa, and other parts of Hokkaido.

Train Service at Sapporo Station

Sapporo Station provides access to multiple train systems, including the JR Line and the Subway lines. Beginning in 2033, the station will also provide service for the new Hokkaido shinkansen system.

JR Hakodate Main Line
— Okhotsk limited express (Sapporo – Abashiri)
— Soya limited express (Sapporo – Wakkanai)
— Kamui limited express (Sapporo – Asahikawa)
— Lilac limited express (Sapporo – Asahikawa)
— Niseko Liner rapid (Rankoshi, Kutchan – Sapporo)

JR Chitose Line
— Hokuto limited express (Hakodate – Sapporo)
— Ōzora limited express (Sapporo – Kushiro)
— Tokachi limited express (Sapporo – Obihiro)
— Suzuran limited express (Muroran – Sapporo)
— Airport semi-rapid (New Chitose Airport – Sapporo)
— Airport rapid (New Chitose Airport – Sapporo – Otaru)
— Airport special rapid (New Chitose Airport – Sapporo – Otaru)
— Sassho Line (Gakuen Toshi Line)

Subway Lines at Sapporo Station
— Namboku Subway Line
— Toho Subway Line

Both the Namboku line and the Toho line also connect to Odori station, where you can transfer to the Tozai line.

Bus Service at Sapporo Station

Sapporo Station is served by numerous local and long-distance buses. The main bus terminals are located on the north and south sides of the station, providing convenient connections to city routes, suburban areas, and airports.

Shopping & Dining at Sapporo Station

— Stellar Place shopping mall
— JR Tower (shopping + observatory)
— Daimaru Department Store
— Esta (Bic Camera, UNIQLO, food court)
— Underground shopping malls (Apia, Paseo)

Odori Station (大通駅, Odōri-eki)

— Location: Nishi 1-chome, Chuo-ku, Sapporo

Odori Station receives trains on the Namboku Line, the Tozai Line, and the Toho Line. This station is part of the underground passage that connects Sapporo Station, Odori Station, and Susukino Station.

Train Service at Odori Station

Odori Station is a major hub served by the Namboku, Tozai, and Toho subway lines, offering easy transfers across Sapporo.

Bus Service at Odori Station

Several nearby bus stops provide convenient access to local routes and regional destinations.

For more bus options in this neighborhood, see our listing below for Bus Center Mae Station.

Shopping & Dining Near Odori Station

— Tanukikoji Shopping Street (covered arcade)
— Aurora Town & Pole Town underground malls
— Many cafés, local restaurants, souvenir shops

Attractions Near Odori Station

— Odori Park (events year-round, Snow Festival in Feb)
— Sapporo TV Tower (observation deck, city views)
— Close to government offices & business centers

Susukino Station (Entertainment District)

— Location: Minami 4 Jonishi area of Chuo-ku, Sapporo

The Susukino Station is the entry point to the Susukino disctrict; and area of Sapporo that is a popular nightlife and entertainment area, sometimes known as the “redlight district.”

Train Service at Susukino Station

Served by the Namboku Subway Line, with easy transfer to streetcars at Susukino Stop.

Bus Service at Susukino Station

Nearby bus stops connect to local routes and major city destinations.

Shopping & Dining Near Susukino Station

— Famous for ramen alleys, izakayas, sushi bars
— Karaoke, pachinko, nightlife spots
— Shopping at Lafiler & local boutiques
— Cocono Susukino (Shopping Mall with theater)

Bus Center Mae Station

Bus Center Mae Station, located near Sapporo’s downtown, is a convenient subway stop on the Tozai Line. It provides easy access to the Sapporo Factory shopping complex, the TV Tower, and major bus terminals for local and regional travel.

Location: Minami 1-jo Higashi 4-chome, Chuo-ku, Sapporo

Train Service at Bus Center Mae Station

Tozai Subway Line, just one stop from Odori Station.

Bus Service at Bus Center Mae Station

Bus Center Mae Station is connected to the Odori Bus Center bus terminal which is right above the subway station.

There are many highway / intercity (express) buses from the bus terminal. Destinations include far-north (Wakkanai), Nemuro, Hakodate, Kushiro, Setana, and more.

Underground Passage that Connects Sapporo, Odori, and Susukino Stations

There is a long underground walkway that connects Sapporo Station with Odori Station and Susukino Susukino Station. Filled with shops and food stores, it’s very convenient for getting around on rainy days or during winter snowstorms. You can also catch live music and art exhibitions in the tunnel throughout the year.

Shin-Sapporo Station (新札幌駅, Shin-Sapporo-eki)

— Location: 5 Chome-6-1 Atsubetsuchuo 2 Jo, Atsubetsu Ward, Sapporo

Shin-Sapporo (about 10 minutes by train from central Sapporo) is a key hub connecting JR and the subway lines. Linked to shopping malls, an aquarium, and a science museum, it’s convenient for commuters, families, and travelers heading to Asahikawa or Obihiro.

Train Service at Shin-Sapporo Station

Shin-Sapporo Station is a major hub in Sapporo’s eastern area, served by the JR Hokkaido Chitose Line and the Tozai Subway Line. It offers direct access to New Chitose Airport, Sapporo Station, and other parts of Hokkaido.

Bus Service at Shin-Sapporo Station

The station is connected to a large bus terminal with local buses serving neighborhoods across Sapporo, as well as intercity buses to destinations such as Asahikawa, Obihiro, and Tomakomai.

Shopping & Dining Near Shin-Sapporo

— Sunpiazza & Duo shopping malls
— Family restaurants, supermarkets

Attractions Near Shin-Sapporo

— Sunpiazza Aquarium (great for kids)
— Sapporo Science Center
— Easy base for day trips east of Sapporo

Navigating Sapporo becomes much easier once you understand the role of its key stations. From the bustling Sapporo Station with its shopping towers and JR connections, to the central hub of Odori Station, and the nightlife of Susukino, each station offers its own unique gateway into the city’s culture, lifestyle, and attractions.

Travel Tip: Take advantage of Sapporo’s underground walkways, especially in winter, to move comfortably between stations while enjoying shopping, dining, and seasonal events.

Whether you’re here for sightseeing, shopping, or daily commuting, these stations are more than just transit points, they are part of the Sapporo experience itself.

See Also

Okadama Airport in Hagashi-ku, Sapporo, Japan
Temples and Shrines in Sapporo, Japan
New Chitose International Airport in Hokkaido, Japan

And also:
Major Train Stations in Nagoya, Japan
Major Train Stations in Kobe, Japan