How to Get from Tokyo to Sapporo: A Friendly Guide to Hokkaido Travel | Hokkaigo Blog

Hey! Planning a trip from Tokyo to Sapporo? You’re in for a treat. Whether you’re starting in Asakusa, Shibuya, or Shinjuku, this guide will help you get to Hokkaido’s capital by Shinkansen, plane, bus, or ferry. We’ll cover costs, travel times, and tips to make your journey smooth. Plus, Sapporo’s worth it—think mouthwatering miso ramen, fresh seafood, late-blooming sakura in spring, and the world-famous Sapporo Snow Festival in winter. Let’s go!

Why Visit Sapporo? Top Reasons to Go

Before we get into the travel details, here’s why Sapporo should be on your radar. Hokkaido’s capital offers a unique blend of urban charm and natural beauty, making it a must-visit destination from Tokyo.

• Foodie Heaven: Sapporo is famous for its rich miso ramen, fresh seafood (crab, uni, and scallops), and creamy soft-serve ice cream made with Hokkaido dairy. Don’t miss the Sapporo Beer Museum for a taste of local brews.
• Late-Blooming Sakura: Unlike Tokyo’s early cherry blossoms, Sapporo’s sakura bloom in late April to early May (e.g., May 1–10, 2025), offering a stunning spring escape. Check out Maruyama Park or Nakajima Park for the best views.
• Sapporo Snow Festival: Held every February (e.g., February 4–11, 2025), this iconic event features massive snow and ice sculptures, drawing millions of visitors. It’s a winter wonderland!
• Nature and Outdoor Fun: From skiing in Niseko to hiking in Jozankei’s hot spring area, Sapporo is a gateway to Hokkaido’s natural beauty. Summer brings flower fields, while autumn offers vibrant foliage.

What to Expect When Traveling from Tokyo to Sapporo

Starting in Tokyo—whether you’re in Asakusa, Shibuya, or Shinjuku—you’re about 830 kilometers from Sapporo. Japan’s top-notch transportation makes this Hokkaido travel adventure easy. Here’s the rundown:

• Distance: It’s a trek, but options like the Tokyo to Sapporo Shinkansen make it manageable.
• Starting Points: Asakusa, Shibuya, and Shinjuku are well-connected to departure hubs like Tokyo Station or Haneda Airport.
• Arrival in Sapporo: You’ll arrive at Sapporo Station (train) or New Chitose Airport (plane), both with easy access to the city center and Sapporo attractions.

Your Options for Getting to Sapporo

Ready to plan your Tokyo to Sapporo trip? Here are your travel options—each with its own vibe, cost, and time:

1. Train (Shinkansen + Limited Express)

• What It’s Like: Take the Tokyo to Sapporo Shinkansen from Tokyo Station to Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto (4 hours), then switch to the Hokuto limited express to Sapporo (3.5 hours). Total time: ~8 hours.
• Cost: ¥25,000–¥30,000 one-way. With a Japan Rail Pass (¥29,000 for 7 days), it’s covered—great if you’re exploring more of Japan, but individual tickets might be cheaper for a single trip.
• How to Do It: From Asakusa (20–30 mins, ¥200–300), Shibuya (15–20 mins, ¥150–200), or Shinjuku (15–20 mins, ¥150–200) to Tokyo Station. Book via JR East.
• Best For: Japan Rail Pass holders, scenery lovers, or those who enjoy a relaxing train ride to Hokkaido.

2. Plane (Haneda or Narita to New Chitose)

• What It’s Like: A quick 1.5-hour flight, plus travel to/from airports (45–60 mins to Haneda, 1–2 hours to Narita, 37–45 mins from New Chitose to Sapporo). Total time: 3–4 hours.
• Cost: ¥15,000–¥25,000 one-way, or as low as ¥9,500 round-trip if booked early. From New Chitose, take the JR Airport Express (¥1,150, 37 mins) or bus (¥1,100, 60–70 mins) to Sapporo.
• How to Do It: Travel to Haneda from Asakusa/Shibuya/Shinjuku (45–60 mins, ¥500–1,000) or Narita (1–2 hours). Book flights on Skyscanner.
• Best For: Time-crunched travelers eager to explore Sapporo attractions quickly.

3. Bus

• What It’s Like: An 18-hour overnight bus from Tokyo to Sapporo—budget-friendly but slow.
• Cost: ¥13,000–¥28,000 one-way.
• How to Do It: Check schedules on Rome2Rio.
• Best For: Budget travelers who don’t mind the long haul to reach Sapporo.

4. Ferry

• What It’s Like: A 19-hour scenic ferry from Oarai Port (100 km from Tokyo) to Tomakomai Port (50 km from Sapporo)—slow but unique.
• Cost: ¥11,500 one-way, plus travel to/from ports.
• How to Do It: More info at Japan Guide.
• Best For: Maritime fans or ultra-budget travelers with time to spare.

Starting from Asakusa, Shibuya, or Shinjuku

No matter where you are in Tokyo, getting to your departure point for Sapporo is straightforward. Here’s how:

From Asakusa

• To Tokyo Station (Train): 20–30 mins via subway or JR Sobu Line, ¥200–300.
• To Haneda (Plane): 45–60 mins by subway or bus, ¥500–1,000.

From Shibuya

• To Tokyo Station (Train): 15–20 mins via JR Yamanote Line, ¥150–200.
• To Haneda (Plane): 45–60 mins by subway or bus, ¥500–1,000.

From Shinjuku

• To Tokyo Station (Train): 15–20 mins via JR lines, ¥150–200.
• To Haneda (Plane): 45–60 mins by subway or bus, ¥500–1,000.

Quick Tips for Your Tokyo to Sapporo Trip

• Book Early: Secure train seats or flights early for the best deals. Check JR East for trains and Skyscanner for flights.
• Avoid Peak Times: Skip Golden Week (April 29–May 5, 2025) and Obon (August 13–15, 2025) to avoid crowds and higher prices.
• Pack Light: Shinkansen trains have overhead storage, and low-cost airlines enforce strict baggage limits.
• Use Google Maps: It’s a reliable, free tool for train schedules, routes, and real-time updates across Japan.

Ready for Sapporo?

There you go—everything you need to travel from Tokyo to Sapporo, whether you’re starting in Asakusa, Shibuya, or Shinjuku. The Shinkansen is perfect for scenery and Japan Rail Pass holders, while flying gets you to Sapporo’s attractions fast. Once there, indulge in miso ramen, catch the late-blooming sakura, or plan a winter visit for the Sapporo Snow Festival. Pick what suits your vibe, and enjoy Hokkaido!

Got questions? Reach out at contact@hokkaigo.com or on WhatsApp. Explore our Hokkaido day trip tours for more adventure ideas. Can’t wait to help you enjoy Hokkaido travel!