Guide to Navigating the Sapporo Subway in Winter 2026

Travelers visiting Hokkaido must learn how to use Sapporo subway during winter months to stay warm. The city experiences heavy snowfall throughout the 2026 season. Riding the subway is the most reliable way to travel quickly. This guide helps you navigate the system efficiently and safely.

Sapporo features three main subway lines that cover most major districts. These lines are the Nanboku, Tozai, and Toho lines. Each line connects to the central hub at Odori Station. Using the subway allows you to avoid the icy streets above.

The trains are frequent and very punctual during the cold winter weeks. You never have to wait long on the heated platforms. Most major tourist spots are just a short walk from station exits. Let us explore the best ways to navigate this underground network.

Buying Tickets and IC Cards in 2026

To plan your trip, review Sapporo travel info.

For practical details and last-minute changes, use Sapporo travel info.

Ticketing machines are located near the entrance of every subway station. These machines feature an English language button for international travelers. You can pay for single trips using Japanese Yen coins or bills. Adult fares start at around 210 Yen for short distances.

Most visitors prefer using a pre-paid SAPICA or Kitaca card for convenience. You simply tap the card on the ticket gate to enter. It automatically calculates the correct fare when you exit at your destination. This saves you time during busy commuting hours.

You can refill these cards at any automated ticket machine inside the station. The machines accept 1,000, 5,000, and 10,000 Yen banknotes. Many machines now also accept major international credit cards in 2026. Keep your card in an easy-to-reach pocket during your winter travels.

Daily passes are available for those planning multiple trips in one day. The One-day Ticket for Subway costs about 830 Yen for adults. On weekends, you should look for the Donichika Ticket discount. This special weekend pass only costs around 520 Yen for unlimited rides.

Identifying Subway Lines and Routes

The Nanboku Line is represented by the color green on all maps. It runs from Asabu in the north to Makomanai in the south. This line is perfect for visiting Susukino and Nakajima Park. Most central hotels are located along this popular green line.

The Tozai Line uses the color orange to distinguish its route. It travels from east to west through the center of Sapporo. Use this line to reach the beautiful Maruyama Park or Shiroi Koibito Park. It intersects with other lines at the bustling Odori Station.

The Toho Line is marked with blue and serves the eastern areas. It connects Sakaemachi in the north to Fukuzumi in the south. This line is useful for reaching the Sapporo Dome for sports events. It also provides access to the historic Sapporo Beer Museum.

Transferring between these three lines is simple and well-marked with signs. Follow the colored floor markings to find your next platform. Most transfers at Odori Station take about five minutes of walking. Always check the digital displays for the next train destination.

Navigating Sapporo Underground Walkways

Sapporo features an extensive system of heated Sapporo underground walkways for winter. These paths connect Sapporo Station, Odori Station, and Susukino Station. You can walk nearly two kilometers completely shielded from the snow. These walkways are lined with shops, cafes, and restrooms.

The main path is called the Pole Town and Aurora Town malls. You will find many exits that lead directly into major department stores. This is the best way to travel between stations without wearing heavy coats. Look for the large street maps located near every exit.

Digital signage provides real-time updates on train departures along the walkways. You can monitor your schedule while enjoying a hot coffee. The floors are kept dry to prevent slipping on melted snow. It is the safest way to navigate the city center in January.

Most walkways remain open from early morning until late at night. They generally follow the same operating hours as the subway system itself. Elevators and escalators are available at all major junction points. This makes the underground network accessible for travelers with heavy luggage.

Locating Stations in Heavy Snow

Finding subway entrances can be tricky when snow piles are high. Look for the distinctive Sapporo City Subway logo on street corners. These signs are often illuminated with bright lights during the dark winter days. Most entrances feature heavy doors to keep the cold air out.

Some station entrances are located inside the basement of large buildings. Check the building directory signs near the ground floor elevators. These entrances are often much warmer than the standalone street kiosks. You can enter through department stores like Mitsukoshi or Daimaru.

Major stations have multiple exits numbered from one to thirty. Using the correct exit number can save you a long walk outside. Check the local area maps posted near the ticket gates before leaving. These maps show exactly which exit is closest to your hotel.

Elevators for strollers or wheelchairs are clearly marked on every station map. Many street-level elevators are located inside small glass enclosures. These pods protect you from the wind while you wait for the lift. Always clear the snow from your boots before entering the elevator.

Reaching Festivals and Attractions by Train

The subway is the primary transport for the Sapporo Snow Festival 2026 events. Odori Station serves as the main gateway to the giant ice sculptures. The station becomes very crowded during the festival week in February. Staff members are stationed throughout the halls to help direct traffic.

For the Tsudome site, you must take the Toho Line to Sakaemachi. Shuttle buses run from the station to the festival grounds frequently. The subway provides a much faster journey than taking a taxi in traffic. Always allow extra time for travel during these peak festival periods.

Visit the Nakajima Park site via the Nanboku Line at Nakajima Koen Station. The park looks stunning with its night-time illumination displays in the snow. The station exit leads you directly to the entrance of the park grounds. Wear sturdy boots as the paths can be slippery near the stairs.

Shopping at the Nijo Market is easy using the Tozai Line at Bus Center-mae. This location is famous for fresh Hokkaido seafood and winter morning breakfasts. The station is only a three-minute walk from the market stalls. Most vendors open early around seven or eight in the morning.

Subway Etiquette and Safety Tips

Japanese subway etiquette is very important for all travelers to follow. Please keep your mobile phone on silent mode during the entire ride. Avoid talking loudly as most local passengers prefer a quiet environment. You should also remove your backpack and hold it in front.

Wait for passengers to exit the train before you attempt to board. Stand behind the yellow tactile tiles on the platform floor for safety. Many platforms now feature automatic glass gates to prevent falls. These gates only open once the train has come to a stop.

Be careful of slippery floors near the station entrances and ticket gates. Melted snow can make the tiled surfaces very hazardous for walking. Use the provided umbrella wrappers to keep the station floors dry. Most stations provide these plastic sleeves for free near the doors.

Priority seats are available for the elderly and those with physical disabilities. You should offer your seat to anyone who might need it more. These seats are usually located at the ends of each train car. Following these rules ensures a pleasant journey for everyone in 2026.

Frequently Asked Questions

Knowing how to use Sapporo subway during winter months makes your trip easier. It helps you avoid the cold temperatures of the 2026 winter season. The system is clean, fast, and very easy to navigate. Start planning your Sapporo itinerary today and enjoy the snowy city sights.

Key Takeaways

• Use a SAPICA or Kitaca card for faster entry at gates.
• Utilize the heated underground walkways between central stations.
• Follow the color-coded signs to transfer between the three lines.
• Buy a Donichika pass for cheaper travel on weekend days.

Related reads: polarcityguide.com, sapporo winter travel guide 2026, sapporo winter transport guide 2026.