A must-read for anyone planning to attend a concert or sporting event at Sapporo's major venue, Hokkai Kitayell (Hokkaido Prefectural Sports Center)! This complete guide details everything from access via subway and bus to recommended hotels in the convenient Sapporo Station, Odori, and Susukino areas, perfect for those traveling for events. It's the perfect resource, even for first-time visitors.

Hokkai Kitayell, officially known as the Hokkaido Prefectural Sports Center, is a sports facility located in Toyohira Ward, Sapporo, adjacent to Toyohira Park. The facility includes a main arena, a sub-arena, a martial arts hall, and an archery range, hosting a wide variety of events from sports competitions to live concerts. It is also the home arena for the B.LEAGUE's Levanga Hokkaido and the F.LEAGUE's Espolada Hokkaido.

While Hokkai Kitayell is slightly outside Sapporo's city center, it is relatively easy to access compared to other large event venues in the city, thanks to a direct underground connection to Toyohira-Koen Station on the Subway Toho Line. The most common way to get there via public transport is the Toho Line, but local buses also run from Sapporo Station and Shiroishi Station on the Subway Tozai Line. An airport limousine bus connecting New Chitose Airport and downtown Sapporo is also an option. Here's a detailed look at each access method.

The underground passage from Toyohira-Koen Station

Hokkai Kitayell is about a 5-minute walk from its nearest station, Toyohira-Koen Station on the Subway Toho Line. After exiting the ticket gates, turn left and follow the underground passage, which leads directly to the venue's basement entrance. This makes it convenient to get there without worrying about rain or snow. Toyohira-Koen Station has only one set of ticket gates, and there are signs directing you to Kitayell, so even first-time visitors should have no trouble finding their way.

The basement entrance to Hokkai Kitayell

Toyohira-Koen Station is 4 stops (about 8 minutes) from Sapporo Station, 3 stops (about 6 minutes) from Odori Station, and 2 stops (about 4 minutes) from Hosui-Susukino Station on the Toho Line. From any of these stations, take the train bound for Fukuzumi. If you're traveling from outside Hokkaido, you'll likely take the JR train from New Chitose Airport to Sapporo Station. When transferring to the Subway Toho Line at Sapporo Station, using the east ticket gates of the JR station makes the transfer relatively smooth.

Toyohira-Koen Station has few ticket machines, so it's a good idea to buy your return ticket in advance or ensure your IC card (like SUICA) is charged beforehand. The Toho Line also serves the Daiwa House Premist Dome (Sapporo Dome), another major event venue. If events are held at both venues on the same day, the subway line can get extremely crowded on both the outbound and return journeys. Be sure to charge your IC card with plenty of funds in advance.

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

Several local bus routes stop near Hokkai Kitayell, with services departing from Sapporo Station and Shiroishi Station on the Subway Tozai Line, among others. The nearest bus stop is "Toyohira 3-jo 10-chome," which is about a 5-minute walk from the venue. The bus from Sapporo Station takes about 16 minutes from the "Sapporo Ekimae" bus stop. This stop is located on the south side of the Sapporo Tokyu Department Store, a short distance from Sapporo Station itself. It takes about 10 minutes to walk from the JR ticket gates to the bus stop. Considering the transfer and travel time, taking the subway is faster and more frequent. The local bus is a better option for those coming from areas like Shiroishi Station or living nearby.

Many of the airport limousine buses connecting New Chitose Airport and downtown Sapporo stop at "Toyohira 3-jo 10-chome." Service is relatively frequent, with buses running roughly every 10 minutes during the day. This is a convenient option for those traveling from outside Hokkaido to support their favorite artists. However, Hokkai Kitayell does not have coin lockers for storing large luggage like carry-on suitcases, so this option is best for those traveling light and heading straight to the venue. Also, the last bus stopping at "Toyohira 3-jo 10-chome" departs in the 18:00 hour (6 PM), making it unsuitable for returning after evening events. Furthermore, since this bus comes from downtown Sapporo and makes several stops, there's a risk it might be full. While it's a good option for getting from the airport, you'll need to consider the event's end time for your return trip.

While there are a few vacation rentals within walking distance of Hokkai Kitayell, there aren't many conventional hotels. The most common approach is to take the Toho Line and stay at a hotel near Sapporo, Odori, or Hosui-Susukino stations. Be aware that the passage to Toyohira-Koen Station becomes extremely crowded after events. If you want to avoid the crowds, it's possible to walk to hotels near Hosui-Susukino Station in about 30 minutes.

JR Sapporo Station

With excellent transportation links and a large number of hotels, the area around JR Sapporo Station is the first place to look. Trains from New Chitose Airport arrive here roughly every 10 minutes during the day, and it's a hub for limited express trains from all over Hokkaido. The convenience of being able to store your large luggage at the hotel right before or after your JR journey is a major plus. Here are four recommended hotels in this area.

This high-rise hotel is adjacent to JR Sapporo Station, offering unbeatable access. It features high-quality guest rooms and restaurants, with some floors offering stunning night views of Sapporo. For convenience and comfort, it's a top-tier choice.

While it's about a 4-minute walk from the east ticket gates of JR Sapporo Station, this hotel is exceptionally convenient, being just a 1-minute walk from the Toho Line's Sapporo Station. A direct connection from the underground passage means you can get there without worrying about the weather. Its breakfast buffet is highly praised for its wide variety.

The hotel is directly connected to the APIA underground shopping mall, which lies between JR Sapporo Station and the Namboku Line's Sapporo Station, allowing for weather-proof access. Its prime location near the station and underground mall, lined with restaurants and souvenir shops, makes it incredibly convenient. The breakfast, featuring dishes like soup curry and seafood bowls, is also highly rated.

This hotel is about an 8-minute walk from the east ticket gates of JR Sapporo Station, but only a 1-minute walk from Exit 21 of the Toho Line's Sapporo Station. It's also convenient for sightseeing, with the Sapporo Clock Tower and Sapporo TV Tower just a 7-minute walk away. The hotel features a large public bath, making it a great choice for those looking to relax.

Odori Park

The area around Odori Subway Station is another convenient choice when visiting Hokkai Kitayell. It's close to Odori Park and the Tanukikoji Shopping Arcade, making it great for sightseeing and shopping. Both Sapporo Station and the Susukino entertainment district are within walking distance. While it's about a 10-minute walk from Sapporo Station, those with heavy luggage may prefer to take the subway. It's just one stop (about 1 minute) from Sapporo to Odori on either the Toho or Namboku lines. Here are five recommended hotels in the Odori area.

Facing Odori Park with the Sapporo TV Tower right in front, this hotel boasts an unbeatable location. An entrance to the underground passage is right in front of the hotel, offering maximum convenience. The lounge and rooftop wooden deck, which overlook Odori Park, sometimes host bonfires, outdoor movie screenings, and music events, making the stay itself an enjoyable experience.

Located about a 2-minute walk from Exit 35, which is close to the Toho Line platform at Odori Station, this hotel is easily accessible. It's a 2-3 minute walk to Tanukikoji Shopping Arcade and Nijo Market, and about 3-5 minutes to Susukino, where numerous restaurants are open late. Its appeal lies in its convenient location and relatively reasonable prices.

Just a 1-minute walk from Exit 34, near the Toho Line platform at Odori Station. It's close to Odori Park, Nijo Market, and Tanukikoji Shopping Arcade, making it a great choice for those who want to enjoy Sapporo sightseeing along with their visit to Hokkai Kitayell.

A 4-minute walk from Odori Station and even closer to Hosui-Susukino Station (2-3 minutes), this hotel offers great subway access. Tanukikoji Shopping Arcade and Susukino are just a 2-minute walk away, perfect for enjoying Sapporo's unique dining, shopping, and nightlife. The hotel also has a large public bath on the top floor.

While it's about a 7-minute walk from the exit near the Toho Line platform, this hotel is easily accessible, being a 3-5 minute walk from the Namboku Line's Odori and Susukino stations. Moreover, you can reach it from Sapporo Station without getting wet from rain or snow by using the underground passage and taking an escalator up to ground level. As it faces the Tanukikoji Shopping Arcade, you'll have no trouble finding places to eat or shop.

Susukino

For those who want to enjoy Sapporo's gourmet food and nightlife, the area around Hokkaido's largest entertainment district, Susukino, is highly recommended. The area around Hosui-Susukino Station on the Toho Line is not only convenient for subway access but also allows you to walk to Hokkai Kitayell in about 30 minutes, depending on the hotel's location. Here are five recommended hotels that offer both subway and walking access.

Conveniently located about a 2-minute walk from Hosui-Susukino Station on the Toho Line. It's also one of the closest hotels in the Susukino area to Hokkai Kitayell, at just under a 30-minute walk. While slightly removed from the main hustle and bustle of Susukino, the heart of the entertainment district is still just a 5-6 minute walk away. The hotel features separate saunas for men and women where you can enjoy self-löyly, as well as private saunas.

Although a bit farther from the main entertainment district, this hotel is about a 3-minute walk from Hosui-Susukino Station. It's one of the best choices in the Susukino area for budget-conscious travelers, offering affordable rates.

Surrounded by the entertainment district, this hotel is easily accessible, being a 3-5 minute walk from both Hosui-Susukino and Susukino stations. It's part of a well-known hotel chain famous for providing a good night's sleep at a relatively affordable price.

This hotel features a large natural hot spring bath that feels like a resort. It offers excellent access, being about a 2-minute walk from Hosui-Susukino Station on the Toho Line and a 3-minute walk from Nakajima-Koen Station on the Namboku Line. The heart of the Susukino entertainment district is also just a 3-minute walk away, making it perfect for those who want to enjoy convenient access, nightlife, and relaxation at the hotel.

Located right in the middle of the entertainment district, this hotel is extremely accessible, being about a 1-minute walk from Hosui-Susukino Station on the Toho Line and a 3-minute walk from Susukino Station on the Namboku Line. A major draw is its large public bath and open-air bath, despite its central location.

When major events like sports tournaments or concerts are held at Hokkai Kitayell, accommodation in and around Sapporo gets very crowded. Once an event is announced, it's crucial to check hotel availability and book as early as possible, considering location and public transport access. Ensure a smooth trip and a comfortable stay to fully enjoy your much-anticipated event!

※All information is current as of July 2025.
※Events may be changed or canceled. Please check the official websites before attending.

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