Walk Through Sapporo Underground Walkways: 2026 City Guide

Sapporo in 2026 offers many ways to travel around the city during the snowy winter season. Learning how to walk through Sapporo underground walkways makes your winter trip much more comfortable and warm. These paths allow you to bypass the freezing temperatures and slippery sidewalks found at the surface level. You can explore the city center without ever needing to step outside into the heavy snow.

The extensive tunnel system connects major transportation hubs, shopping malls, and local government offices across the city center. Most travelers find the network intuitive once they understand the basic layouts of the main corridors. You should consult a Sapporo winter transport guide 2026 to see how these paths integrate with trains. Walking underground is often faster than waiting for buses or taxis during peak morning hours.

Local residents rely on these climate-controlled spaces to maintain their daily routines throughout the harsh Hokkaido winters. You will find cleaners, security guards, and helpful information desks located at various points in the tunnels. The walkways are designed to be accessible for everyone including those with heavy luggage or strollers. This guide provides all the practical details you need for a successful journey through the underground.

Safety is a top priority within the Sapporo underground network during the busy 2026 travel season. Bright lighting and clear emergency exits are installed every few meters for the protection of all pedestrians. You can walk with confidence knowing that the paths are well-maintained and monitored by local city authorities. Prepare to discover a hidden side of the city that exists right beneath the busy surface streets.

Exploring the Main Underground Corridors in Sapporo

To plan your trip, review Sapporo travel info.

You can find the latest updates on Sapporo travel info.

The core of the underground network is divided into three distinct and very well-connected sections. The Chika-ho section acts as the primary spine that runs north and south through the city center. It connects the main Sapporo Station with the bustling Odori Park area located in the middle. You will find this section wide enough to accommodate thousands of walkers during the peak hours.

Joining the Chika-ho are two other famous sections named Aurora Town and the popular Pole Town. Aurora Town runs east to west beneath the famous Odori Park for several city blocks. Pole Town extends further south from Odori to reach the vibrant entertainment district of Susukino. These paths create a seamless pedestrian highway that essentially mirrors the main streets located directly above.

Knowing how to walk through Sapporo underground walkways involves recognizing these three specific named zones. Large maps are posted near every major intersection and stairway to help you find your current location. Directional signs are color-coded to match the different lines of the local subway system for easier navigation. You can easily spend an entire afternoon wandering these paths without seeing a single snowflake fall.

Most sections remain open from early morning until late at night to serve the local commuting public. Specifically, the main Chika-ho corridor usually operates from 5:45 AM until 12:30 AM every single day. Security staff will guide pedestrians toward the nearest surface exits before the gates close for the evening. Planning your late-night walks accordingly will ensure you are never caught behind a closed tunnel gate.

The temperature inside the walkways is kept at a comfortable level throughout the entire winter season. You might find it helpful to review some winter clothing for Sapporo tips before entering. Wearing layers allows you to adjust quickly when moving between the cold outdoors and the warm tunnels. Many locals carry their heavy coats over their arms while walking through the heated underground paths.

Walking the Sapporo Ekimae-dori Underground Walkway

The Sapporo Ekimae-dori Underground Walkway is the formal name for the high-traffic Chika-ho corridor. It stretches for exactly 520 meters between the JR Sapporo Station and the Odori subway station. This path is incredibly spacious and features modern design elements that reflect the city's unique cultural history. It has become a central meeting place for many residents living in the Sapporo metropolitan area.

As you walk, you will notice various "resting spots" equipped with chairs and free wireless internet access. These areas are perfect for checking your digital maps or taking a quick break from your busy walk. Local artists often use the large wall spaces to display interesting photographs and paintings of northern Japan. You can experience a miniature art gallery while traveling from one end of the city to another.

The walkway also features several event spaces where local markets and small concerts are frequently held. In 2026, you can expect to see food stalls promoting agricultural products from all across Hokkaido. This adds a lively atmosphere to an otherwise functional underground passage used for simple daily transit. Walking through this section feels more like visiting a modern mall than just a utility tunnel.

Clear numbering systems are used for the dozens of exits that lead back up to the surface. Each exit number corresponds to a specific building or street corner in the downtown Sapporo area. It is vital to remember your preferred exit number to avoid getting lost in the long corridor. Most major department stores like Daimaru and Mitsukoshi have direct entrances located right inside the walkway.

If you need extra help, look for the digital signage kiosks that offer interactive navigation in multiple languages. These screens provide real-time updates on weather conditions and subway schedules for all three main lines. You can also find information about nearby tourist attractions and historical sites within walking distance above. Technology makes navigating the Chika-ho a stress-free experience for visitors from all over the world.

Navigating Aurora Town and Pole Town Underground

Aurora Town is a vibrant shopping corridor that connects Odori Station to the TV Tower and Bus Center. It is filled with small boutiques, cozy cafes, and specialty shops selling unique Japanese goods and souvenirs. The path is slightly narrower than Chika-ho but offers a more intimate and traditional shopping experience. You will find many locals grabbing a quick coffee here before heading to their office jobs.

Pole Town begins at the Odori intersection and heads southward toward the famous Susukino neon lights. It is approximately 400 meters long and is lined with popular fashion retailers and drugstore chains. This is the busiest shopping section of the entire underground network during the cold weekend afternoons. Many people choose to walk Pole Town to avoid the slippery ice on the sidewalks above.

Learning how to walk through Sapporo underground walkways means mastering the junction where these two paths meet. The Odori subway station serves as the central hub where all three major tunnel systems naturally converge. You will find the largest concentration of signs and maps near the subway ticketing gates in this area. It is a perfect spot to reorient yourself before continuing your journey south or east.

Both Aurora Town and Pole Town are surrounded by underground entrances to major food courts and restaurants. You can find everything from quick ramen bowls to high-end sushi without leaving the climate-controlled environment. Prices are generally comparable to what you would find at many surface-level establishments throughout the city. Most places accept IC cards, which you can learn about in our how to use Sapporo subway during winter months guide.

Detailed floor plans are available at the entrance of each town to show you the shop locations. You should look for the "You Are Here" star to determine which direction you are facing. Most corridors have distinct flooring patterns or ceiling lights to help you distinguish between the different underground zones. Walking through these areas provides a great look into the daily commercial life of Sapporo residents.

Practical Tips for Walking Efficiently Underground

Walking in Japan follows a specific set of unwritten social rules that you should try to follow. Generally, you should stay to the left side of the walkway to allow faster pedestrians to pass. Avoid stopping suddenly in the middle of a busy corridor to check your phone or a map. Step to the side or near a pillar if you need to pause for any reason.

The floor can sometimes become damp near the exits due to melting snow from people entering. Be careful when transitioning from the dry center of the tunnel to the areas near the stairs. Most surfaces are made of non-slip material, but caution is still advised during the snowy 2026 season. Wear shoes with good grip even though you will be spending a lot of time indoors.

Use the maps! You will find detailed maps at every major branching point in the tunnel system. These maps show the distance in meters to the next station or major exit for your convenience. They also pinpoint the locations of public restrooms and coin-operated lockers for your heavy winter bags. Using these tools will save you from walking in the wrong direction and wasting energy.

Pay attention to the overhead signs which indicate the name of the street located directly above you. This feature is incredibly helpful for finding specific shops or restaurants that are not directly connected. If you know the street address, you can find the closest exit number using the handy directories. This system makes the massive underground world feel much more organized and easy to understand.

Keep a small digital or paper map of the underground network in your pocket during your trip. Mobile signal and data connections are typically very strong throughout the entire Sapporo tunnel system in 2026. You can use translation apps to read signs or menus that might only be written in Japanese. Having these tools ready will make your underground commute much more efficient and enjoyable.

Frequently Asked Questions

Learning how to walk through Sapporo underground walkways is the best way to enjoy the city in 2026. These tunnels provide a warm, safe, and engaging environment that connects the heart of Hokkaido's capital. From shopping in Aurora Town to commuting via Chika-ho, the underground system offers endless convenience for every traveler. We hope this guide helps you navigate the city with the confidence of a local resident.

Key Takeaways

• Navigate between Sapporo Station and Susukino entirely indoors to stay warm.
• Stay to the left while walking to respect local Japanese social etiquette.
• Use color-coded signs and exit numbers to find specific surface-level buildings easily.

Related reads: polarcityguide.com, sapporo winter travel guide 2026, buying a sapporo ic card for winter travel.