JapanTravel Tips

Transportation and Navigation around Hokkaido University Sapporo Campus

1. How do I travel from Sapporo Airport to Hokkaido University?


There are several options for traveling from Sapporo Airport to Hokkaido University:

1. Bus: The most convenient and cost-effective way to get to Hokkaido University from the airport is by taking an airport bus. There are two bus services available – the Hokuto Kotsu Airport Bus and the Chuo Bus Sapporo Shuttle service, both of which make stops at different locations on the university campus.

2. Train: You can also take a train from Sapporo airport to Hokkaido University. The closest station to the university is Kita 24-jo Station, which is about a 10-minute walk away.

3. Taxi: You can also take a taxi from the airport to the university, but this is a more expensive option.

4. Rental Car: If you plan on exploring other parts of Hokkaido during your trip, you may want to rent a car at the airport and drive yourself to the university.

5. Airport Limousine Service: Some hotels and tour companies offer an airport limousine service that will take you directly from the airport to your destination in Sapporo, including Hokkaido University.

Overall, taking an airport bus or train is usually the most convenient and cost-effective way to travel from Sapporo Airport to Hokkaido University.

2. Are there any public transportation options near Hokkaido University?

Yes, there are several public transportation options near Hokkaido University:

– Subway: The closest subway station is Kita 12-jo Station on the Namboku Line, which is about a 5-minute walk from the university.
– Bus: There are several bus stops near the university that can be reached by various bus routes.
– Tram: The Tozai Line tram has a stop about a 10-minute walk from the university at Yobutsu Center-mae Station.
– Taxi: Taxis are also readily available and can take you directly to the university or any other location in Sapporo.

3. How do I get to Hokkaido University from New Chitose Airport?
There are multiple ways to get from New Chitose Airport to Hokkaido University:

– By train: Take the JR Rapid Airport Express train (bound for Sapporo) to Sapporo Station, then transfer to the Tozai Line tram bound for Miyanosawa and get off at Yobutsu Center-mae Station. From there, it is about a 10-minute walk to the university.
– By bus: Take the bus from New Chitose Airport bound for Sapporo Ekimae (Sapporo Station) and get off at Kita 24-jou Nishi Station. From there, it is about a 10-minute walk to the university.
– By taxi: Taxis are readily available at New Chitose Airport and can take you directly to Hokkaido University.

4. Is there parking available at Hokkaido University?
Yes, there is parking available at Hokkaido University for visitors. However, spaces may be limited during peak hours and events. It is recommended to use public transportation if possible.

3. Which train station is closest to Hokkaido University?


The closest train station to Hokkaido University is Sapporo Station.

4. Is there a shuttle service available on campus for students?


This answer may vary depending on the specific college or university in question. Some campuses offer a shuttle service for students that transports them to different locations on campus, while others may provide shuttle services to nearby areas or transportation hubs. It is best to check with your school’s transportation or student services office for more information on the availability and routes of any shuttle services offered.

5. How do I get to the Sapporo city center from Hokkaido University?


There are several ways to get to Sapporo city center from Hokkaido University:

1. Subway: You can take the Tozai Line (orange line) or the Namboku Line (green line) from either Kita 12-Jo Station or Kita 18-Jo Station, both of which are located near Hokkaido University. The trip takes about 10-15 minutes and costs 200 yen.

2. Bus: You can take buses operated by either Chuo Bus or Donan Bus from different bus stops near Hokkaido University to various locations in Sapporo city center, including Sapporo Station, Odori Park, and Susukino. The trip usually takes 15-20 minutes and costs around 210-250 yen.

3. Taxi: Taxis are also available outside of the university campus and can take you directly to your destination in Sapporo city center.
The fare will depend on your destination and traffic conditions but will typically cost around 1200-1500 yen.

4. Bicycle: If you have a rented bicycle or your own bike, you can easily cycle to the city center within 20-30 minutes depending on your destination.

5. Walk: It is also possible to walk from Hokkaido University to Sapporo city center if you are up for a longer stroll (about an hour). This allows you to explore the surroundings on foot and enjoy some of Sapporo’s beautiful streetscapes along the way.

6. What are the operating hours and frequency of buses around the university area?


The operating hours and frequency of buses around the university area vary depending on the specific location and bus routes. Generally, most buses operate from early morning until late at night, with some buses running 24 hours a day. The frequency of buses also varies, but during peak times, there are typically more frequent buses than during off-peak hours.

To get accurate information on the operating hours and frequency of buses in your specific area, it’s best to check with your local transit authority or use a public transportation app that provides real-time updates on bus schedules.

7. Can I rent a bike or scooter on campus for transportation?


It depends on the specific campus. Some universities may have bike rental programs available for students, while others may have designated areas for bike and scooter sharing services to operate. You can check with your university’s transportation department or student services office for more information.

8. Are there any car rental services near Hokkaido University?

Yes, there are several car rental services near Hokkaido University that you can use to explore the surrounding area. Some options include Nippon Rent-A-Car, Times Car Rental, and Toyota Rent-A-Lease Sapporo Chuo Branch.

9. Are there any parking facilities available at the university for student use?

It depends on the specific university. Some universities may provide parking facilities for students, while others may not have designated student parking areas. It is best to check with the university’s transportation or parking office for information about availability and regulations for student parking.

10. Can I use my international driver’s license in Japan to drive around the university area?


Yes, you can use your international driver’s license to drive around the university area in Japan. However, you may need to obtain an International Driving Permit (IDP) from your country beforehand, which serves as a translation of your foreign license into Japanese. Additionally, you must also carry your original driver’s license with you while driving.

11. How long does it take to walk from one end of the campus to the other?


The length of time it takes to walk from one end of a campus to the other can vary depending on the size and layout of the campus. On average, it may take anywhere from 5-15 minutes to walk from one end to the other. However, this can also depend on factors such as walking speed, obstacles in the way, and physical ability.

12. Are there any boat tours available near Lake Nakajima, which is close by the university?


Yes, there are several boat tours available near Lake Nakajima. Some popular options include:

1. Sapporo Mini-Yacht Club: This club offers 15-minute motorboat tours of Lake Nakajima for 300 yen per person.

2. Nishinokyokusha Boathouse: This boathouse rents out rowboats and canoes for exploring the lake on your own or offers guided tours for an additional fee.

3. Boat Tours Sapporo: This company offers a variety of boat tours around Lake Nakajima, including sunset and stargazing cruises.

4. Lake View Annex: Located on the shore of the lake, this hotel offers boat rides as part of its package deals.

5. Star Marina: This marina offers short pleasure boat rides around the lake, as well as longer charter trips for fishing or sightseeing.

Be sure to check with each tour operator for availability and prices.

13. Does the university offer any boat rentals for recreational purposes on Lake Nakajima?


The answer to this question will vary depending on the specific university in question. It is recommended to contact the university directly to inquire about boat rental options for recreational purposes on Lake Nakajima.

14. Is it possible to take public transportation directly to Niseko ski resort from the university during winter season?

It is not possible to take public transportation directly from the university to Niseko ski resort during winter season. However, you can take a bus or train to Sapporo Station, then transfer to a bus or train bound for Niseko ski resort. This journey will take about 2-3 hours. It is recommended to check the bus or train schedules beforehand and plan your trip accordingly. You can also consider taking a taxi or renting a car for more convenience and flexibility.

15. Are there any river cruises available near Sapporo Botanical Garden, which is a short distance from Hokkaido University campus?


Yes, there are river cruises available near Sapporo Botanical Garden. One option is the Otaru Canal Cruise, which departs from Otaru Port and takes passengers along the scenic Otaru Canal. This cruise is located about 25 kilometers from Sapporo Botanical Garden and can be reached by train or bus. Another option is the Niseko River Rafting Tour, which takes visitors on a thrilling rafting excursion down the Shiobetsu River in the Niseko area. This tour is located about 60 kilometers from Sapporo Botanical Garden and can be reached by train or bus.

16. How far is it from Hakodate city and what are the transportation options available from Sapporo?


Hakodate city is approximately 325 kilometers (202 miles) from Sapporo, the capital city of Hokkaido. There are several transportation options available to travel from Sapporo to Hakodate:

1. Train: The most convenient and popular way to reach Hakodate is by taking the Hokkaido Shinkansen bullet train from Sapporo Station to Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto Station. The journey takes about 3 hours and costs around 9,000 yen.

2. Bus: There are direct buses operated by JR Hokkaido and other bus companies that run between Sapporo and Hakodate. The journey takes around 4-5 hours and costs approximately 6,500-8,000 yen.

3. Car: Driving from Sapporo to Hakodate takes about 4-5 hours along the Hokkaido Expressway (toll road).

4. Airplane: There are several daily flights from New Chitose Airport in Sapporo to Hakodate Airport, which take around 50 minutes and cost around 10,000-20,000 yen.

Most travelers choose to take the train or bus for their convenience and scenic views of the Hokkaido countryside.

17. Can I conveniently access other cities such as Otaru and Asahikawa by public transportation from Sapporo Station, which is nearby Hokkaido University?


Yes, you can conveniently access other cities such as Otaru and Asahikawa by public transportation from Sapporo Station. From Sapporo Station, you can take the JR Hokkaido Limited Express trains or local trains to Otaru and Asahikawa. The trip to Otaru takes around 30 minutes by Limited Express and 1 hour by local train, while the trip to Asahikawa takes around 1 hour and 20 minutes by Limited Express and 2 hours by local train. Additionally, there are also highway buses available from Sapporo Station that can take you directly to Otaru and Asahikawa.

18. Do taxis accept credit cards as payment in this area?


Yes, most taxis in this area accept credit cards as a form of payment. However, it is always best to confirm with the taxi driver before starting the trip.

19. At what times do trains stop running in case of late night classes on campus?


It depends on the specific train and its schedule. You will need to check with the train service or train station for exact departure times. Some trains may continue running late into the night, while others may have a cut-off time in the evening. It is best to plan your transportation ahead of time and consider alternate forms of transportation in case trains are not available at the desired time.

20. Is it possible to go ice skating on the campus lake during winter?


No, it is not possible to go ice skating on the campus lake during winter. The lake does not freeze over enough to support ice skating.