A must-read for those planning to attend a live concert or watch a sporting event at the large venue in Sapporo, "Hokkai Kitaeru" (Hokkaido Prefectural Sports Center)! We will introduce not only how to get there by subway and bus, but also recommended hotels around Sapporo Station, Odori, and Susukino, which are convenient for trips and accommodation, by area. This is a complete guide that is safe for first-time visitors.

"Hokkai Kitaeru" is a sports facility adjacent to Toyohira Park in Toyohira Ward, Sapporo, Hokkaido, and its official name is Hokkaido Prefectural Sports Center. The facility has multiple spaces, including a main arena, sub-arena, martial arts hall, and archery hall, and hosts a variety of events, including live shows and concerts, in addition to various sporting events. As a sports facility, it is also the home ground of Levanga Hokkaido of the B.LEAGUE and Espolada Hokkaido of the F.LEAGUE.

Although Hokkai Kitaeru is a little far from downtown Sapporo, it is directly connected to the underground passage of Toyohira Koen Station on the Toho Subway Line, so it is relatively easy to access compared to other large event facilities in Sapporo. The most common way to access it by public transportation is the Toho Subway Line, but there are also local buses from Sapporo Station and Shiroishi Station on the Tozai Subway Line, as well as an airport shuttle bus that connects New Chitose Airport with downtown Sapporo. We will provide detailed information on each access method.

Underground passage leading from Toyohira Park Station

Hokkai Kitaeru is about a 5-minute walk from Toyohira Koen Station on the Toho Subway Line, the nearest station. After exiting the ticket gate, go left and follow the underground passage to the underground entrance of Hokkai Kitaeru. It is convenient because you can walk there without worrying about rain or snow. There is only one ticket gate at Toyohira Koen Station, and there are signs directing you to Kitaeru, so even first-time visitors will be able to find their way there without getting lost.

Underground entrance of Kita-Kitaeru

It takes about 8 minutes and 4 stops to get to Toyohira Koen Station on the Toho Line from Sapporo Station, which is a transfer station for the JR Line, about 6 minutes and 3 stops from Odori Station, and about 4 minutes and 2 stops from Hosui-Susukino Station. Take the train bound for Fukuzumi from any of these stations. Many people coming from far away, such as outside of Hokkaido, will likely take the JR train from New Chitose Airport to Sapporo Station. When heading to Sapporo Station on the Toho Line from JR Sapporo Station, it is relatively convenient to transfer using the ticket gate on the east side of the JR line.

Toyohira Koen Station has few ticket machines, so you should buy your return ticket in advance or charge your transportation IC card such as SUICA in advance. In addition, along the Toho Line, there is also the Daiwa House Premist Dome (Sapporo Dome), which often holds large events like Hokkai Kitaeru. If the dates of the event overlap with those of the Daiwa House Premist Dome, the Toho Line will be very crowded on both the way there and the way back. It is best to charge your IC card in advance and allow plenty of time.

"Sapporo Station" bus stop on the south side of "Sapporo Tokyu Department Store"

There are several bus routes that stop near Kita-Kitaeru. They depart from Sapporo Station, as well as Shiroishi Station on the Tozai Subway Line. The nearest bus stop is Toyohira 3-jo 10-chome, which is about a 5-minute walk from there. Buses departing from Sapporo Station are about 16 minutes from the Sapporo Ekimae bus stop. The Sapporo Ekimae bus stop is located a little way from Sapporo Station, south of the Sapporo Tokyu Department Store. If you are transferring from the JR line, it is about a 10-minute walk from the ticket gate to the Sapporo Ekimae bus stop. However, considering the transfer and boarding times, it is faster and more convenient to use the subway. Access by bus route is recommended for those who use Shiroishi Station on the Tozai Line or those living in the neighborhood.

Many of the airport shuttle buses that connect New Chitose Airport and Sapporo city stop at Toyohira 3-jo 10-chome. There are a relatively large number of buses, and they run roughly every 10 minutes during the day. It is convenient for those who are visiting the Dome from far away, such as outside Hokkaido, for activities such as fan activities. However, there are no coin lockers at Kitaeru to store suitcases, so if you are going directly from the airport to the venue, it is recommended for those who have very little luggage. Also, since the last bus that stops at Toyohira 3-jo 10-chome is at 6 p.m., it cannot be used on the way back from evening or night events. Also, since this bus comes from Sapporo city and passes through various stops in the city, there is a risk that it may be full and you may not be able to get on. It may be easy to use when going from the airport, but on the way back, consider the end time of the event.

There are several private lodging facilities within walking distance of Hokkai Kitaeru, but not many regular hotels. The most common way to get off at Sapporo Station, Odori Station, or Hosui Susukino Station on the Toho Line is to stay at a hotel near the station. However, after the event ends, the passage to Toyohira Koen Station becomes very crowded. If you want to avoid the crowds, you can walk for about 30 minutes to a hotel near Hosui Susukino Station.

JR Sapporo Station

The area around JR Sapporo Station is the first place you should look for, as it has good transport access and a large number of hotels. Trains from New Chitose Airport arrive at JR Sapporo Station every 10 minutes during the day, and express trains from all over Hokkaido also depart here. It is very convenient, as you can leave your large luggage at the hotel until just before or after you board or disembark from the JR line. Here are four recommended hotels in this area.

This high-rise hotel is adjacent to JR Sapporo Station and has excellent access from the JR line. It has high-quality rooms and a restaurant, and depending on the floor you can enjoy the night view of Sapporo. It is a top-class hotel when it comes to convenience and comfort.

The hotel is about a 4-minute walk from the East ticket gate of JR Sapporo Station, but only a 1-minute walk from Sapporo Station on the Toho Subway Line, making it easily accessible. The hotel is directly connected to the underground passage, so you can get there regardless of the weather. The breakfast is popular for its wide selection of items.

The hotel is directly connected to the basement of APIA, an underground shopping mall between JR Sapporo Station and Sapporo Station on the Namboku Subway Line, so you can move around without worrying about the weather. It is also very convenient as it is close to the underground shopping mall with restaurants and souvenir shops. The breakfast, which includes soup curry and seafood bowls, is also highly rated.

It is about an 8-minute walk from the East ticket gate of JR Sapporo Station, but only a 1-minute walk from Exit 21 of the Toho Subway Line's Sapporo Station. It is also about a 7-minute walk from the Sapporo Clock Tower and Sapporo TV Tower, making it convenient for those who want to enjoy sightseeing in Sapporo. This hotel also has a large public bath, so it is recommended for those who want to relax.

Odori Park

The area around Odori Subway Station is also convenient for those using Hokkai Kitaeru. It is close to Odori Park and Tanukikoji Shopping Street, making it convenient for sightseeing and shopping, and is within walking distance of Sapporo Station and the downtown area of Susukino. It is about a 10-minute walk from Sapporo Station, but if you have trouble traveling with large luggage, it is better to use the subway. It is one stop and takes about one minute from Sapporo Station to Odori Station on the Toho Line or Namboku Line of the subway. Here are 5 recommended hotels around Odori Station.

Facing Odori Park, the hotel is in a great location with the Sapporo TV Tower right in front of you. The hotel is also extremely convenient, with the entrance to the underground mall leading to the subway right in front of the hotel. The lounge overlooking Odori Park and the wooden deck on the rooftop are often used for bonfires, outdoor theaters, and music events, making the stay itself an enjoyable experience.

The hotel is easily accessible, about a 2-minute walk from Exit 35, close to the Toho Line platform at Odori Subway Station. It is a 2-3 minute walk from Tanukikoji Shopping Street and Nijo Market, and a 3-5 minute walk from Susukino, where there are many restaurants that are open at night. The hotel's convenient location and relatively reasonable prices make it an attractive choice.

It is about a 1-minute walk from Exit 34, close to the Toho Line platform at Odori Subway Station. It is also close to Odori Park, Nijo Market, Tanukikoji Shopping Street, and other attractions, making it a recommended hotel for those who want to enjoy sightseeing in Sapporo while visiting Hokkai Kitaeru.

It is a 4-minute walk from Odori Station on the subway, and 2-3 minutes from Hosui-Susukino Station, so it is convenient to access the subway. Tanukikoji Shopping Street and Susukino are also about a 2-minute walk away, so you can enjoy Sapporo's unique dining, shopping, and nightlife. There is also a large public bath on the top floor of the hotel.

It is about a 7-minute walk from the exit closest to the Toho Line subway platform, but it is easily accessible with a 3-5 minute walk from Odori Station or Susukino Station on the Namboku Line. What's more, it is located just above ground level, just a short escalator away from the underground passage and shopping mall from Sapporo Station to Susukino Station, so you can get there without getting wet even in the rain or snow. It faces the Tanukikoji Shopping Street, so you won't have any trouble finding places to shop or eat.

Susukino

For those who want to enjoy Sapporo's gourmet food and nightlife, we recommend the area around Susukino, Hokkaido's largest downtown area. In particular, the area around Hosui-Susukino Station on the Toho Subway Line is not only conveniently accessible by subway, but also allows you to walk to Hokkai Kitaere in about 30 minutes. Here are five recommended hotels that are both within walking distance and by subway.

It is about a 2-minute walk from Hosui Susukino Station on the Toho Subway Line, making it easily accessible by subway. It is also less than 30 minutes on foot to Hokkai Kitaer, making it one of the closest hotels in the Susukino area. Although it is a little far from the downtown area of Susukino, you can still reach the downtown area in a 5-6 minute walk. There are separate saunas for men and women and private saunas where you can enjoy self-loyly.

Although it is a little far from downtown Susukino, it is only a 3-minute walk from Hosui Susukino Station. With reasonable prices in the Susukino area, it is the perfect hotel for those who want to keep accommodation costs down.

Located in the heart of downtown Tokyo, this hotel is easily accessible, just a 3-5 minute walk from the subway's Hosui Susukino Station and Susukino Station. This hotel chain is famous for offering good quality sleep at a relatively reasonable price.

This hotel has a large natural hot spring bath like a resort hotel. It is conveniently located just a 2-minute walk from Hosui Susukino Station on the Toho Subway Line, and a 3-minute walk from Nakajima Koen Station on the Namboku Subway Line. It is also just a 3-minute walk from a corner of downtown Susukino, so it is recommended for those who want to enjoy access, nightlife, and relaxation at the hotel.

It is located in the middle of the downtown area and is easily accessible, about a 1-minute walk from Hosui Susukino Station on the Toho Subway Line and about a 3-minute walk from Susukino Station on the Namboku Subway Line. Another appealing feature is that even though it is in the downtown area, it has a large communal bath and an open-air bath.

When large events such as sporting events or concerts are held at Hokkai Kitaeru, accommodations in Sapporo and the surrounding area become very crowded. Once the event is decided, it is important to check hotel availability and make reservations as early as possible, taking into consideration the location and public transportation. Enjoy the event to the fullest with smooth travel and a comfortable hotel stay!

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