Sapporo's subway lines run from the city center in all compass directions. Trains depart frequently and are ideal for sightseeing as there are subway stations at nearly all major sightseeing spots and within easy walking distance.

Each Sapporo subway line is color-coded, and transfer stations are clearly indicated. The line color and route for each are given below.

When transferring from Sapporo Station, you go out once through the yellow transfer ticket gates and can enter within 30 minutes. There is no need to go out through the ticket gates when transferring at Odori Station.

Most sightseeing spots in Sapporo are located along the Namboku subway line.

The Sapporo Station, Odori Station, and Susukino Station on the Namboku Line and the Odori Station, Tozai Line in front of the Bus Center Station on the Namboku, Tozai, and Toho Lines are all connected by underground passageways.

Several exits lead to above ground to be near areas you wish to visit, thus minimizing the distances you need to walk. This is especially convenient when it rains or snows.

The time it takes to get to major Sapporo sightseeing spots from the nearest stations is given below.

1. Sapporo TV Tower
Very close to Exit No. 27 of Odori Station of the Namboku, Tozai, and Toho Lines

2. Odori Park
Close to Odori Station on the Namboku, Tozai, and Toho subway lines. Also close to Odori Nishi 11-chome on the Tozai Line

3. Clock Tower
7-minute walk from Odori Station on the Namboku, Tozai, and Toho Lines

4. Susukino
Close to the Namboku Line Susukino Station. Also accessible from the Toho Line Hosui-Susukino Station

5. Nijo Fish Market
3-minute walk from the Odori Station on the Namboku, Tozai, and Toho Lines

6. Hokkaido University
4-minute walk from the Kita-Juni-jo Station and 8-minute walk from the Kita-Juhachi-jo Station on the Namboku Line

7. Nakajima Park
Close to the No. 3 exit of Nakajima Park Station on the Namboku Line

8. Sapporo Hitsujigaoka Observation Hill
10 minutes by bus from the Fukuzumi Station on the Toho Line

In the case of cash, purchase the ticket from a vending machine.

When using an IC Card for transport that has previously been charged with cash, touch the card to the ticket gate when entering and exiting.

You can also purchase SAPICA IC cards from vending machines in the Sapporo Metropolitan subway stations. The cost of the card is 2,000 yen (500 yen is a deposit on the card; 1,500 yen is available for ticket fares. The deposit is returned when the card is returned).

Note that the SAPICA IC card can only be used within the Sapporo city limits and suburbs.

When using cash
1. Look for a ticket vending machine near the ticket gate of the subway station and check the fare for the place you want to go to on the route map above.

2. You can select English on the ticket vending machines in addition to Japanese. The English button is at the bottom left of the screen.

3. To pay in cash, touch the green "Metro only" button.

4. The screen shows the fare amounts, so touch the fare amount for the place where you want to go; insert the money, and the ticket comes out.

5. Put the ticket with the printed side up into the ticket gate. Remember to retrieve the ticket as you pass through the gate as you will need to use it again when you later exit.

6. When you descend to the platform, verify which side has trains going in the direction you want to go.

One-Day Ticket for Subway Use
The One-Day Ticket for Subway Use can be used for unlimited rides on the subways for one day. As the fares begin at 200 yen, this ticket is good if you plan on riding the subway five or more times. The cost of the ticket is 830 yen for adults and 420 yen for children.

The ticket is sold in Sapporo subway ticket vending machines. The One-Day Ticket / Donichika Pass button is at the top of the left side of the vending machine. After you touch it, a screen will appear saying For Subway Use 830 yen in green. Insert the correct amount, then touch the button and the ticket will come out.

Donichika Pass (One-day subway pass for weekends and holidays)
The Donichika Pass is a one-day unlimited use subway pass limited for use on Saturdays, Sundays, national holidays and at the end of the year (December 29 ~ January 3). It is more reasonably priced that the One-Day Ticket because it is only for weekends and holidays. It costs 520 yen for adults and 260 yen for children.

The pass can be bought in the same way as the One-Day Ticket. Touch the orange colored Donichika Pass 520 yen button on the screen, insert your money, touch the button, and the ticket will come out.