Where to Stay in Sapporo: Station vs Susukino
Sapporo's central hotels sit on one north-south axis: Sapporo Station, Odori and Susukino, linked by the Namboku subway line and, between the station and Odori, the Chi-Ka-Ho underground walkway.
Areas at a glance
JR terminal for airport trains and Hokkaido day trips, beside JR Tower.
Odori
Between the station and Susukino; the southern end of Chi-Ka-Ho.
Entertainment district with restaurants, bars and Ganso Ramen Yokocho.
Noboribetsu Onsen
Hot spring town with 9 spring types and Jigokudani.
Getting there
JR Rapid Airport from New Chitose Airport to Sapporo Station takes about 37 minutes at the fastest. Susukino is two subway stops south of Sapporo Station.
Good for
- Airport and day trips: Sapporo Station
- Food and nightlife: Susukino
- Onsen add-on: Noboribetsu, about 1 hour 10 minutes by limited express plus a bus
Watch out for
- Snow Festival (February) raises prices and fills rooms early.
- Winter walking is easier with underground connections; not every hotel has one.
Booking tips
- Book early for Snow Festival dates.
- In winter, check whether the hotel connects to Chi-Ka-Ho or the subway underground.
- Several Japanese cities charge an accommodation tax per person per night on top of the room rate. Check whether the listed price includes it.
FAQ
Sapporo Station or Susukino?
Sapporo Station for trains and the airport; Susukino for evenings out. They are two subway stops apart.
How do I get from the airport?
JR Rapid Airport to Sapporo Station, about 37 minutes at the fastest.