Travelling is part of our daily routine. We commute by different ways to reach our destiny. It may be office, bank, company, school, university etc; we use different ways of transport like motor bike, bus, car, taxi and so on. In my country, India we use bus as major means of transport. While in Japan train is a major commuting tool. Subway plays very important means of transport in Japan. In Sapporo it is a main channel of transportation. We have a beautiful subway system which is accessible from most part of the city. And punctuality of subways is highly appreciable. I never saw a delay of subway train in Sapporo.

Subway lines

The Sapporo subway system has 3 lines.

1)Namboku Line, 2)Toho Line, 3)Tozai Line.

• Namboku Line– It is a north-south line. It is marked as green line. It operates from Asabu to Makomanai. This line has 16 stations.
• Toho line– Toho line is marked as blue line. It operates between Sakaemachi to Fukuzumi. This line has 14 stations.
• Tozai Line– Tozai line is marked as orange line. It operates between Miyanosawa to Shin Sapporo. This line has 19 stations.

Fare

The minimum fare of subway is 200 yen. The maximum fare is 450. There will be fare table on each station. You can check the fare for your destination. The good thing is it’s written in Japanese and English.

How to use Subways

It’s quite simple. Just go to the nearest subway station. You can find ticket counters. First, search for the fare to your destination (Fig.1). Then buy your ticket at the ticket vending machine (Fig.2). Enter the Fare Gate. Insert your ticket into the slot located above the green arrow on the fare gate (Fig.3). Collect your ticket as you pass through. Find your platform by looking for your train line and your destiny (Fig.4). Line up behind the yellow line on the platform (Fig.5). After the train arrival the automated doors will open (Fig.6). Wait for the alighting passengers to get off before boarding the train (Fig.7). Then board inside. You can see the upcoming stations on a screen. It is displayed in both Japanese and English accompanied by announcement in both languages (Fig.8). Get down on your station.

(Photo by Prashant)

Main Stations-Change of lines

Sapporo subway station and Odori subway stations are main stations. This is a junction where you can change subway lines. If you want to change to Toho line or Namboku line or to JR line you have to get down in Sapporo station. In Odori you can change to any subway lines. It is crowded station where you can change to Toho line or Tozai line or Namboku line. After getting down just follow your line color on the floor. It’s easy to change your line without any hassle. Even the names of lines are indicated on floor.

(Photo by Prashant)

Beneficial Pass

One-Day Ticket for Subway

This is a money-saving pass that allows unlimited rides on subway trains for the whole day.

Adults: 830 yen; children: 420 yen.

Donichika Ticket

This is a one-day pass that can be used for the subway on Saturdays, Sundays, national holidays and year-end/New Year holidays (Dec. 29 – Jan. 3).

Adults: 520 yen; children: 260 yen

Pass sales points: subway ticket-vending machines, commuter pass sales.

Sapporo also has smart card called SAPICA, which is valid on the Sapporo subway.

Subway line map

(Reference: City of Sapporo)

Have a nice ride!!

PG

India