Sapporo City Area Guide
Sapporo City is the capital of Hokkaido and the fourth largest city in Japan, with a population of approximately 1.97 million. Located about 830 kilometers north-northwest of Tokyo, it offers convenient access via JR Rapid Airport Express (about 35 minutes) or by bus (around 1 hour) from New Chitose Airport, the main gateway to Sapporo. Sapporo is known for its distinct four seasons—attracting skiers and tourists in winter, while offering a cool, comfortable climate in summer. The city center features landmarks like Odori Park and the vibrant Susukino area, serving as business, commercial, and tourism hubs. Seasonal highlights include the panoramic night view from Mt. Moiwa and the world-famous Sapporo Snow Festival. With a well-developed transportation network including subway, JR, and buses, it is easy to travel within the city. Renowned as a gourmet paradise, Sapporo offers fresh seafood, ramen, and soup curry unique to Hokkaido. Thanks to its excellent safety, urban conveniences, and proximity to nature, Sapporo provides a comfortable living environment for foreign residents.
Sapporo City Key Data
- Area
- 1,121.26 km²
- Population
- 1,964,894
- Population Density
- 1,742 people / km²
- Foreign Residents
- 20,665
Major Stations and Access to Key Areas in Sapporo
Major Train Stations in Sapporo City
- Sapporo Station (JR Hakodate Line, Chitose Line, Gakuentoshi Line, Sapporo Municipal Subway Namboku Line)
- Odori Station (Sapporo Municipal Subway Namboku Line, Tozai Line, Toho Line)
- Susukino Station (Sapporo Municipal Subway Namboku Line)
- Shin-Sapporo Station (JR Chitose Line, Sapporo Municipal Subway Tozai Line)
- Kotoni Station (JR Hakodate Line, Sapporo Municipal Subway Tozai Line)
Average Travel Time from Major Stations to Key Sapporo Areas
| Departure Station | Sapporo Station | Odori Station | Susukino Station | Shin-Sapporo Station | Kotoni Station |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sapporo Station | - | About 2 min | About 4 min | About 10 min | About 8 min |
| Odori Station | About 2 min | - | About 2 min | About 12 min | About 10 min |
| Susukino Station | About 4 min | About 2 min | - | About 15 min | About 12 min |
Living Convenience for Foreign Residents
International Schools
- Hokkaido International School (HIS): Located in Toyohira Ward, it is the only international school in Sapporo offering education from kindergarten to high school.
Medical Facilities with Foreign Language Support
- Sapporo Medical University Hospital: Located in Chuo Ward, this hospital offers English-language medical services and accepts international patients.
Popular Supermarkets and Restaurants Among Foreign Residents
- Costco Sapporo Warehouse: A large-scale supermarket popular among foreign residents, offering imported foods and international products.
- International Restaurants in Tanukikoji Area: A district filled with various international cuisine restaurants.
Public Support Services for Foreign Residents
- Sapporo International Communication Plaza: Offers living information services and Japanese language learning support for foreign residents.
Popular Neighborhoods in Sapporo City
- Sapporo Station Area: A highly convenient commercial area with excellent transport connections.
- Odori Area: The heart of Sapporo, lined with office buildings and shopping malls.
- Susukino Area: Hokkaido's largest entertainment district, famous for nightlife.
- Shin-Sapporo Area: A transportation hub with access to both JR and subway lines.
- Maruyama Area: A quiet residential district known for its high-end housing and greenery.
Housing Market in Sapporo
Sapporo City combines urban convenience with natural beauty, making it a highly livable city. Housing prices and living costs are relatively affordable compared to other major cities, attracting families and foreign residents. In the sales market, demand for pre-owned condominiums has increased due to the rising prices of new constructions and population influx into central areas, pushing prices upward. Particularly in Chuo Ward, average pre-owned condominium prices have risen by about 22.9% compared to three years ago due to redevelopment and population growth. The rental market is also attractive—offering excellent cost performance compared to Tokyo and Osaka. Young people, singles, and foreigners find Sapporo highly livable, thanks to the variety of urban and suburban lifestyle choices.
Average Rent by Floor Plan
| STUDIO | 1Bedroom | 2Bedrooms | 3Bedrooms | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent (JPY) | 45,000–65,000 | 65,000–90,000 | 85,000–120,000 | 110,000–160,000 |
Average Prices for Pre-Owned Homes
| Area | Apartment (70m²) | Single-Family Home (100m²) |
|---|---|---|
| Chuo Ward | 22,030,000 JPY | 33,340,000 JPY |
| Kita Ward | 20,760,000 JPY | 20,240,000 JPY |
| Higashi Ward | 20,030,000 JPY | 21,390,000 JPY |
| Shiroishi Ward | 20,570,000 JPY | 21,310,000 JPY |
| Toyohira Ward | 17,890,000 JPY | 20,730,000 JPY |
| Minami Ward | 11,690,000 JPY | 13,770,000 JPY |
| Nishi Ward | 18,340,000 JPY | 20,230,000 JPY |
| Atsubetsu Ward | 26,860,000 JPY | 28,690,000 JPY |
| Teine Ward | 18,610,000 JPY | 21,070,000 JPY |
| Kiyota Ward | 16,990,000 JPY | 20,780,000 JPY |