Japan Guide
Hokkaidō
Getting around
Most of Sapporo's sights are within easy walking distance of each other, but the efficient network of subways and buses can be useful if you get tired. There are three subway lines: the green Namboku line and the blue Tōhō line run from north to south through Sapporo Station, while the orange Tozai line intersects them both, running east to west under Ōdōri-kōen. The lowest fare is ¥200, which covers all the stops in the city centre. There's also one tram line (in purple on the tourist map), which for a flat fare of ¥170 runs from Nishi-Yon-Chōme, just south of Ōdōri-kōen, out to Mount Moiwa, south of the city, and back to Susukino.
There are all-day passes for the subway (¥800) or a combined all-day pass covering the subway, tram and the city routes of the JR, Jotetsu and Chūō bus lines for ¥1000 (¥500 on Sat, Sun and holidays). If you're going to be in the city for a while, consider investing in the "Withyou" travel card, which gives ten percent extra travel for free and is valid on all types of transport.
Buses depart from in front of the Esta building next to Sapporo Station. The most useful service is the Factory bus (look for the word in stylish English lettering on the side of the white bus), which runs to the Sapporo Museum and Beer Garden via the Factory shopping centre. Bus fares start at ¥200.
Public transport stops running at around 11.30pm, after which you'll probably be glad of the many taxis that roam Sapporo's streets.