Stevie Wong: 2025

[TRAVEL]: Our Smooth Ride from Sapporo City to New Chitose Airport

Hokkaido Friday, April 18, 2025

How we got there comfortably, stress-free, and on time

Travel days can feel chaotic, especially when you're heading to the airport in a foreign country. But our journey from Sapporo's Susukino area to New Chitose Airport turned out to be surprisingly smooth with a little surprise and we owe it all to one comfy, on-time airport limousine bus.

If you're staying around Susukino, here’s exactly how we got to the airport without dragging luggage across train stations or dealing with transfers. Plus, I’ve included some helpful airport tips at the end to make your departure even easier!

The Airport Bus from Susukino: A Hidden Gem

Instead of taking the train (which often requires a transfer and a lot of walking with luggage), we opted for either the Chuo Bus or Hokuto Koutsu Bus airport limousine service, highly recommended for travelers who value ease and comfort. Check this for bus schedules.

Here's how it works:

• Departure Point: Find Susukino Station– It’s centrally located & super easy to find.
• Bus Name: Airport Limousine Bus / Chuo Bus
• Cost: Around ¥1,300 per person , payment is available in cash or credit cards
• Travel Time: About 70–90 minutes, depending on traffic
• Tickets: Can be purchased by on the spot
• Luggage: The driver stores large suitcases underneath

The bus was clean, warm, and quiet such a peaceful goodbye to snowy Sapporo.

Hot tip: Get to the bus stop at least 30–40 minutes early, especially during peak travel seasons the queue can get tremendously long. You wouldn’t want to gamble on missing flights right?

Why We Loved the Bus over the Train

• No stairs, transfers, or ticket machines

• Door-to-door convenience if your hotel is nearby

• Scenic ride through the countryside before reaching the airport

• No stress about missing the train schedule

If you’ve got luggage, trust me this is the smoothest way to go.

Verdict

Our decision to take the airport limousine bus from Susukino to New Chitose Airport was such a win. It was warm, direct, and effortless, especially after a chilly Sapporo stay.

If you're planning your return from Hokkaido, I highly recommend ditching the train stress and just hopping on the bus. It gave us one last relaxing moment to soak in the snowy views—and honestly, that’s the kind of travel energy we love ✨

Our smooth ride to the airport 🚌❄️

Instead of dragging our luggage through stations, we took the comfy airport limousine bus from Susukino straight to New Chitose Airport. So, easy, warm, and stress-free!

Saved us time and our energy 😌

📍Tip: If you’re flying out from Sapporo, this bus is a game changer.

Love, Stevie

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[TRAVEL]: Sapporo Streetcar (札幌市電 tram) Service - Things you need to know for first timer

Hokkaido Wednesday, March 26, 2025

The Sapporo Streetcar 札幌市電, also known as the "shiden," is a convenient and scenic way to explore Sapporo, Hokkaido. This tram system forms a loop around the city's central and western districts, making it an accessible mode of transportation for both tourists and locals. With its retro charm and modern convenience, the streetcar allows passengers to experience Sapporo from a unique perspective while offering easy access to various touristy attractions, shopping areas, and local eateries.

Navigating the Sapporo Streetcar is fairly simple, especially if you have a map or a navigation app to guide you. The trams operate at regular intervals, ensuring that passengers don’t have to wait too long for their ride. While they can get crowded, particularly during rush hours and peak tourist seasons, the Japanese are well-accustomed to packed public transport. If you find yourself in a full tram, simply squeeze in and follow the unspoken etiquette of making space for others. However if you're lucky you can also get an empty tram like mine and you can get seats right by the window to enjoy the view throughout the ride.

The tram gives off a retro vibe

Fares and Passes

As of 2025, a single ride on the streetcar costs ¥230 for adults and ¥120 for children. For unlimited rides within a 24-hour period, consider purchasing the One-Day Streetcar Pass, priced at ¥500 for adults and ¥250 for children. You can even pay for Sapporo’s tram with cash but you’ll need to pay upon disembarkation and there are no change machines on the tram, so ensure you have the exact fare.

The SAPICA card, a prepaid IC card, is also accepted on the streetcar, subway, and local buses. The card costs ¥2,000, with ¥1,500 available for fare use and a refundable ¥500 deposit. SAPICA cards can be purchased at subway stations, commuter pass sales offices, and bus terminals.

Areas Covered and Tourist Information

The streetcar's loop encompasses 21 stops, connecting key areas such as:

• Nishi 4 Chome: Located near the Odori Shopping District, it's a hub for shopping and dining.

• Ropeway Iriguchi: This stop provides access to the Mount Moiwa Ropeway, offering panoramic city views.

• Chuo Toshokan Mae: Adjacent to the Sapporo Chuo Library, ideal for those interested in local literature and architecture.

• Nakajima Koen Dori: Close to Nakajima Park, a serene spot featuring a Japanese garden, pond, and the historic Hoheikan building.

• Susukino: Sapporo's entertainment district, renowned for its vibrant nightlife, restaurants, and the famous Ramen Alley.

Tips for First-Time Visitors to Sapporo

1. Utilize Public Transportation: Sapporo's public transit, including the streetcar and subway, is efficient and tourist-friendly. Consider getting a prepaid IC card like SAPICA for seamless travel.

2. Explore Seasonal Attractions: If visiting in winter, don't miss the Sapporo Snow Festival, showcasing massive snow sculptures. In warmer months, festivals and events highlight local culture and cuisine.

3. Experience Local Cuisine: Indulge in Sapporo's culinary delights, such as miso ramen, fresh seafood, and jingisukan (grilled mutton). Visiting the Nijo Market offers a taste of local seafood delicacies.

4. Visit Historical Sites: Explore landmarks like the Former Hokkaido Government Office and the Sapporo Clock Tower to delve into the city's history.

5. Enjoy Natural Landscapes: Take advantage of Sapporo's parks and nearby mountains. The Mount Moiwa Ropeway offers stunning city views, especially at night.

Don't forget to ring the bell to get off the tram, to notify the driver that you're hopping off on the next stop

Operation Hours and Frequency

Trams operate daily from around 6:00 AM to approximately 11:00 PM.

During daytime hours, services run at intervals of roughly 7 to 8 minutes, with increased frequency during weekday peak periods.

Hop on the Sapporo Streetcar for a ride that blends historical charm with modern convenience, making it a delightful way to explore the city while experiencing local daily life. Sapporo is a compact and walkable city, with bright, clean underground passageways that offer decent shopping, so the tram isn’t a necessity for getting around.

However, if you’ve got time to spare, why not take a scenic ride to the end of the line and back to Susukino? Incorporating the streetcar into your travel plans allows for a relaxed and enjoyable way to soak in the city’s diverse attractions while adding a touch of nostalgia to your journey.