2025/12/16

One of the first “local secrets” you’ll notice when visiting Hokkaido isn’t a famous tourist spot, but a bright orange sign: Seicomart. Alongside 7-Eleven, FamilyMart, and Lawson, convenience stores quietly support your stay in Sapporo, from late-night snacks to winter essentials. This guide introduces Seicomart, Hokkaido’s original convenience store, and explains how to navigate the convenience and drugstores around Sapporo Station, Odori, and Susukino, offering tips to make your winter trip more comfortable and convenient. Seicomart – Hokkaido’s Local Hero Secomart, affectionately known as “Secoma,” is a convenience store chain born in Hokkaido. For Hokkaido residents, it’s as essential to their lives as snow and Sapporo beer. It’s easy to recognize by its orange sign and white bird logo. What makes Seicomart unique compared to other chains? Hokkaido Products Many of the products on the shelves are Hokkaido-themed. For example, Milk, yogurt, and ice cream made with locally produced dairy products Snacks made with Hokkaido wheat and melon Coffee and tea labeled “Hokkaido Exclusive” Just browsing the shelves feels like a little regional gourmet tour. If you’re looking for a quick souvenir, we recommend Seico Mart’s selection of “Hokkaido Exclusive” snacks. “Hot Chef” – Freshly Prepared in-Store Seico Mart’s true strength is its Hot Chef corner. While most convenience stores ship their bento boxes from a central factory, Hot Chef bento boxes are prepared in-store. Popular Hot Chef menu items include: Pork cutlet bowl Fried chicken bento Curry rice and doria Warm rice balls and sandwiches On a freezing Sapporo night, buying a freshly prepared pork cutlet bowl or curry at Seico Mart and taking it back to your hotel is a little luxury. Not all stores carry Hot Chef, but if you see a red “Hot Chef” sign, be sure to check out the menu. Other Major Convenience Stores Of course, Sapporo is also home to the “Big Three” national chains. 7-Eleven FamilyMart Lawson All of these are typically open 24 hours a day and can be easily found near major stations and hotels. While styles vary by brand, you’ll generally find the following: Rice balls, sandwiches, and bento boxes Hot snacks like fried chicken and croquettes Coffee, tea, soft drinks, and alcoholic beverages Desserts, sweets, and bakery items Everyday items like umbrellas, batteries, and cell phone chargers Japanese convenience stores are renowned for their quality and wide selection. New products and seasonal flavors are introduced almost weekly, so even a short visit to the same store during your trip can be a different experience each time. If you’re staying near Sapporo Station or Susukino, it’s common to find one or two of these major chain stores within walking distance, in addition to a Seico Mart, making it very convenient. Winter in Hokkaido is beautiful, but it can also be harsh. The cold air, dry skin, and slippery roads are perfect for relieving fatigue after a long day of sightseeing or skiing. Convenience stores can help you stay comfortable. Here are some items perfect for winter nights: Hot Food Hot Chef Bentos and curry from Seico Mart Microwave-safe bento boxes from 7-Eleven, Family Mart, and Lawson Pour hot water from the in-store dispenser into cup noodles or instant soup Drinks Hot canned coffee or tea from heated shelves Bottled water or sports drinks to stay hydrated in the dry air For a more relaxed feeling, try drinks or flavored lattes made with Hokkaido milk Relaxing Items Sweets and snacks made with Hokkaido milk or butter Easy-to-use gloves and socks in case your feet get wet in the snow Pocket-sized hand warmers Even if restaurants are closed or full, a quick stop at a convenience store can save the night. Enjoy a relaxing “convenience store dinner” in the comfort of your room. For those evenings when you want a calm, private place to relax in Susukino, please have a look at our website during your stay in Sapporo.

2025/12/12

A Simple Transportation Guide for Foreign Visitors When you first arrive in Sapporo, the complex web of subways, JR lines, trams, and various bus routes can be a little overwhelming, even when looking at a map. However, once you understand the basics, Sapporo’s public transportation system is actually very simple and easy for travelers to use. This article explains how to ride Sapporo’s subways, trams, and buses in simple English. Even if you’re visiting Hokkaido for the first time, this guide will help you navigate the city with confidence, from Sapporo Station to Susukino and beyond. Overview of Sapporo’s Public Transportation System Sapporo has three main types of public transportation: Subway (Metro) – The fastest way to travel around central Sapporo. With only three lines, it’s easy to use. Tram – A circular line that circles the southwest part of the city, including the Susukino area. Buses – Used for travel to areas not served by the subway or to suburban areas. Three Subway Lines Sapporo has only three subway lines. Namboku Line (Green) – Runs north-south. Tozai Line (Orange) – Runs east-west. Toho Line (Blue) – Runs northeast. All three lines converge at Odori Station in the city center. Sapporo Station, Odori Station, and Susukino Station are connected by subway and underground malls, so you can often get around on foot without going outside. IC Cards and Tickets: SAPICA, Kitaca, etc. The easiest way to use public transportation in Sapporo is with a rechargeable IC card. Simply tap the card on the reader when boarding and exiting. Main IC Cards Accepted in Sapporo SAPICA – Sapporo’s transportation card. Valid on the Sapporo subway, trams, and many buses. Earn automatic transfer discounts and accumulate points that can be used to pay future fares. Kitaca – JR Hokkaido’s IC card. It can be used not only on JR lines but also on Sapporo’s municipal transportation (subway, trams, and major buses). Other IC Cards – Many IC cards from across Japan, such as Suica, PASMO, and ICOCA, can also be used on Sapporo’s subway and buses. If you already have an IC card issued in Tokyo, Osaka, or another region, you can usually use it in Sapporo without purchasing a new one. If not, a SAPICA or Kitaca card is convenient. Where to Purchase and Charge an IC Card You can purchase one at the following locations: SAPICA can be purchased at subway stations (ticket machines or ticket counters) and some bus offices. Kitaca can be purchased at JR Hokkaido stations. Both cards typically cost ¥2,000 for the first purchase (¥500 deposit + ¥1,500 available balance). Where you can top up your card: Ticket machines at subway stations JR stations (Kitaca only) Some bus terminals and convenience stores One-Day Passes: Convenient for Tourists If you plan to ride the subway multiple times a day, purchasing a one-day pass is a good deal. Popular options (prices are subject to change, so check the ticket machine or the official website for the latest information): One-Day Subway Pass – Allows unlimited use of the subway for one day. Donichika Ticket – A discounted one-day subway pass valid on weekends, holidays, and the New Year holidays. Combined passes that include the subway, tram, and some buses are also available. If you’re staying in the city for a short time, a one-day subway pass and an IC card are all you need. How to Use the Subway Here’s a simple step-by-step guide to using the subway in Sapporo. Step 1: Check your route Look at the route map above the ticket machine or on the wall. Check your current and destination stations. Note: Stations are numbered (e.g., N07, T09, H08), making it easy to navigate even if you can’t read Japanese. Step 2: Buy a ticket or use an IC card If you have a SAPICA, Kitaca, or other IC card, simply tap your card on the reader at the ticket gate. If using a paper ticket: Check the fare table for your destination. Select the fare at the ticket machine. Insert coins or bills and receive your ticket. Step 3: Enter the ticket gate Tap your IC card or insert your ticket. If you have an IC card, the balance will be displayed and the ticket gate will open. Step 4: Find the correct platform Follow the signs indicating your line (Namboku Line, Tozai Line, Toho Line) and direction (e.g., “To Susukino” or “To Sapporo”). Signs are usually written in Japanese and English, but may also be written in Chinese and Korean. Step 5: On the Train Wait for passengers getting off before boarding the train. Stand or sit quietly and avoid talking on the phone. When the train is crowded, carry your backpack in front of you to save space. Step 6: Get off at your destination Once you arrive, follow the signs for the exit you need (e.g., Odori Park, Susukino Crossing, Sapporo Station Underground Mall). Swipe your IC card or insert your ticket at the exit gate. How to Use Sapporo City Tram (Streetcar) Sapporo’s streetcars travel in a circular loop around the southwestern part of the city, passing through the Susukino area and surrounding areas. They’re a great way to see places the subway can’t reach and get a glimpse of everyday life. Basic Rules: In most cases, board through the rear door. Swipe your IC card or receive a numbered ticket (if paying with cash). When exiting at the front door, swipe your IC card again or pay cash at the fare box next to the driver. Fares are usually flat (one fare per ride) within the loop line. SAPICA, Kitaca, and many other IC cards are also accepted on the streetcars, making it a convenient option for tourists. Using Buses in Sapporo Buses connect central Sapporo with many residential areas, suburbs, and neighboring towns. Key Points: There are several bus companies, including Hokkaido Chuo Bus, JR Hokkaido Bus, and Jotetsu Bus. Most accept IC cards such as SAPICA and Kitaca. Boarding: On most routes, board through the rear door and tap your IC card or receive a numbered ticket. When disembarking at the front, tap your IC card again or pay in cash according to the fare displayed. Check the screen at the front of the bus. On many major routes, the next stop is displayed in both Japanese and English. If you’re unsure, you can show the driver the stop name on your mobile phone screen. Most drivers aren’t fluent in English, but they’ll accommodate simple tourist requests. Travel Smoothly and Local Etiquette To enjoy Sapporo like a local, remember these simple rules: Line calmly: Form a line at the platform or bus stop and wait your turn. Stay quiet on the bus: Keep your voice low and use headphones when listening to music or watching videos. No talking on the train: Sending and receiving messages is fine, but long phone calls are considered rude. Winter Tips: Platforms and stairs can be slippery due to snow and ice. During heavy snowfall, allow extra space when moving between stations. Go with the flow on escalators: In most parts of Japan, you stand on one side and leave space on the other, but the rules are changing. The easiest way to do this is to imitate what the locals do on escalators. Unknown Japan Sapporo Feels Small Sapporo may seem large and spacious at first glance. However, once you learn how to use the subway, trams, and buses, it becomes much smaller and more comfortable. For easy access to most places, try to stay near Sapporo Station or Susukino. Using an IC card means you don’t have to calculate your fare each time. If you plan to visit multiple areas in one day, consider purchasing a one-day pass. With a little practice, you’ll be able to navigate stress-free, from the parks of Odori to the neon-lit streets of Susukino, and from the shopping malls at Sapporo Station to the quiet residential areas. We hope this guide helps you navigate smoothly, stay safe in the winter, and make the most of what Sapporo has to offer during your stay.