Sapporo Apartment Guide: Overview and Rent Prices in the Chuo, Nishi, Kita, and Higashi Wards
Surrounded by rich natural beauty and offering seasonal landscapes and fresh, local foods, Sapporo City in Hokkaido is a popular destination for tourists from both Japan and abroad. In recent years, real estate in Hokkaido, including Sapporo, Niseko, and Furano, has gained significant popularity among foreign investors. Additionally, the number of foreigners working in inbound-related jobs has been increasing, which has led to a rapid rise in foreigners renting apartments in Sapporo. In this article, we will introduce recommended areas for renting apartments in Sapporo and the unique features of each area.
Sapporo City was ranked 3rd in the 2024 "Top 100 Most Livable Cities in Japan," published annually by the local support website "Seikatsu Guide.COM." This ranking highlights Sapporo's appeal not only as a tourist destination but also as a great place to live.
This article focuses on the popular areas of Chuo, Kita, and the adjacent Nishi and Higashi Wards within Sapporo City. We will explore the features, convenience, and rental prices of each area to help you choose your first residence in Japan (Sapporo).
Features and Convenience of Chuo, Nishi, Kita, and Higashi Wards in Sapporo City
Sapporo City consists of 10 wards, with Chuo Ward, which stretches from east to west in the city center. The Chuo, Nishi, Kita, and Higashi Wards covered in this article are located in the northern part of Sapporo City.
Sapporo City's public transportation network includes JR trains, buses, streetcars, and subways. Among these, the subway system's three lines (Tozai Line, Namboku Line, and Toho Line) cover eight of the city's wards, excluding Teine and Kiyota Wards. Many residents in Chuo, Nishi, Kita, and Higashi Wards use these subway lines as major public transportation options. Refer to the subway map below for more details. The travel time between subway stations is generally within 2-3 minutes.
Let's take a closer look at the features and conveniences of Chuo, Nishi, Kita, and Higashi Wards.
Chuo Ward: The Central Area of Sapporo City
Chuo Ward is home to major facilities like Sapporo City Hall and the Hokkaido Prefectural Office, making it the administrative and economic center of Sapporo City. The area around Sapporo Station and Odori Station is bustling with offices and commercial facilities, creating a vibrant economic hub. Events such as the "Sapporo Snow Festival" and "YOSAKOI Soran Festival" held in Odori Park attract many visitors from Japan and abroad.
Susukino, the area with the most restaurants in Hokkaido, is also located in Chuo Ward. A famous local restaurant, "Sapporo Jingisukan Daruma," established in 1954, is popular among locals.
Moving slightly west from the city center, the Maruyama area features Hokkaido Shrine and Maruyama Zoo. Known for its quiet residential neighborhoods, Maruyama also boasts many specialty sweet shops and stylish cafes, making it an enjoyable area for strolling.
Transportation Convenience in Chuo Ward, Sapporo City
Chuo Ward in Sapporo City is well-served by three subway lines, three JR lines, buses, and streetcars, offering excellent transportation convenience.
Stations in Chuo Ward
- JR Line Stations: Soen, Naebo
- Subway Namboku Line Stations: Sapporo, Odori, Susukino, Nakajima Park, Horohira-bashi
- Subway Tozai Line Stations: Nishi 28-chome, Maruyama Park, Nishi 18-chome, Nishi 11-chome, Odori, Bus Center-mae
- Subway Toho Line Stations: Sapporo, Odori, Hosui Susukino
Both the Namboku and Toho lines provide direct access to Sapporo Station without transfers. Although JR Sapporo Station is located in Kita Ward, it is connected directly to Sapporo Subway Station, making transfers easy. Additionally, the three stations on the Namboku Line—Sapporo, Odori, and Susukino—are connected underground, allowing easy access regardless of the weather. It takes approximately 10 minutes to walk from Sapporo Station to Odori Station (commonly referred to as Chika-ho) and from Odori Station to Susukino Station.
The streetcar line runs along the southern side of Odori Park, with stops at Odori and Susukino, providing convenient transfers to the subway. It is also a convenient way to reach the entrance to the ropeway on Mt. Moiwa, a popular spot for night views.
Living Convenience in Chuo Ward, Sapporo City
Maruyama Park and Nishi 28-chome Stations on the Tozai Subway Line are within walking distance of supermarkets like "Tokou Store." The Maruyama Park area also features the large commercial facility "Maruyama Class," which offers ample shopping opportunities.
Around Nishi 11-chome and Nishi 18-chome stations, there are small supermarkets and convenience stores like "My Basket." The Odori area has department stores such as "Marui Imai" and "Sapporo Mitsukoshi," and the famous "Tanukikoji Shopping Street" offers numerous drugstores, supermarkets, and convenience stores, making daily shopping convenient.
Additionally, the "Sapporo International Plaza Multicultural Exchange Department," located near Odori Station, offers consultation services and hosts events and seminars for foreigners. This makes it a comfortable place for those new to living in Sapporo.
Nishi Ward: Where Nature and City Life Coexist
Nishi Ward, located west of Chuo Ward, is accessible to the city center (Odori Station) via a single subway ride. Nishi Ward has a serene atmosphere and abundant nature, featuring expansive parks such as the 25-hectare Gotenyama Park and the multipurpose Noshi Park, making it a popular area for families with children. The discount supermarket "Mambo," known for its low prices, is also popular in Nishi Ward.
"Shiroi Koibito Park," the theme park of Ishiya Co., Ltd.'s famous "Shiroi Koibito" confectionery, is a popular destination for foreign tourists. While Nishi Ward boasts a lot of nature, the area around Kotoni Subway Station is bustling with restaurants and is known as a lively nightlife district.
Transportation Convenience in Nishi Ward, Sapporo City
Nishi Ward is served by the Tozai Subway Line, the JR Hakodate Main Line, and the JR Gakuen Toshi Line. The JR Hakodate Main Line runs parallel to the Tozai Subway Line, providing easy access to Maruyama Park and Odori Station without transfers on the subway. The JR offers good access to Sapporo Station.
Stations in Nishi Ward
- Subway Tozai Line Stations: Miyanosawa (terminus), Hassamu Minami, Kotoni, Nijuyonken
- JR Hakodate Main Line Stations: Hassamu, Hassamu Chuo, Kotoni
- JR Gakuen Toshi Line Stations: Hachiken
Miyanosawa and Kotoni stations have bus terminals, with many buses departing from the Miyanosawa Bus Terminal, which is directly connected to Miyanosawa Subway Station.
Living Convenience in Nishi Ward, Sapporo City
Nishi Ward offers high living convenience with numerous supermarkets and drugstores. Near JR Hassamu Station, "Aeon Mall" and the adjacent "Hassamu Nishi Park" are popular among families.
The area around Kotoni Station has many restaurants, and supermarkets such as "Aeon" make everyday shopping convenient. It is also a suitable area for single residents who frequently dine out. Nishi Ward also has international kindergartens, making it an attractive option for foreigners considering moving to Sapporo with young children.
Kita Ward: Diverse Characteristics Across Different Areas
Kita Ward in Sapporo City is an area where urban and natural environments coexist. The area around JR Sapporo Station is lined with office and commercial buildings. Kita 12-jo and Kita 18-jo stations are home to Hokkaido University, Hokkaido University Hospital, and Fuji Women's University, attracting many students and healthcare professionals. The area is also home to many international students from Hokkaido University. The ginkgo and poplar avenues of Hokkaido University are famous nationwide and are popular photo spots.
Kita 24-jo Station is a vibrant area known for its array of restaurants, offering a variety of cuisines from different countries. On the outskirts of Kita Ward, Yurigahara Park, home to over 3,500 plant species, is a popular spot for families and a frequent destination for kindergarten and elementary school field trips.
Transportation Convenience in Kita Ward, Sapporo City
Kita Ward is well-served by three lines: the Namboku Subway Line, the JR Gakuen Toshi Line, and the JR Hakodate Main Line, offering excellent transportation convenience. Transfers to the Namboku and Toho Subway Lines are available from JR Sapporo Station.
Stations in Kita Ward
- Subway Namboku Line Stations: Asabu (terminus), Kita 34-jo, Kita 24-jo, Kita 18-jo, Kita 12-jo
- JR Gakuen Toshi Line Stations: Shinkawa, Shinkotoni, Taihei, Yurigahara, Shinoro, Takuhoku, Ainosato Kyoikudai, Ainosato Koen
- JR Hakodate Main Line Station: Sapporo
Kita 12-jo Station is within walking distance of Sapporo Station (approximately a 7-minute walk). Kita 24-jo and Asabu stations have bus terminals, with many buses departing from these stations. Kita 34-jo Station is located near the Kita Interchange on the expressway, providing convenient access for long-distance car travel.
Living Convenience in Kita Ward, Sapporo City
The area along the Namboku Subway Line in Kita Ward is home to many supermarkets, drugstores, and convenience stores, providing high living convenience. The area around Sapporo Station boasts numerous large electronics retailers and department stores such as "Daimaru Sapporo," offering plenty of shopping opportunities.
Near Kita 12-jo and Kita 18-jo stations, "Asia Shokuhin Rakuichi Kita-ku" offers a wide variety of Asian foods, while "Beika China Product Exhibition Kita Odori" specializes in Chinese foods. This allows residents to enjoy familiar local ingredients from their home countries. Asabu Station is conveniently connected to drugstores and supermarkets like "Aeon" and "Tokou Store," making shopping easy.
The area around JR stations is largely residential, with large parks and shopping malls, making it a family-friendly area. Even if you live in the suburbs, the JR line provides easy access to the city center, which is a characteristic of Kita Ward.
Higashi Ward: Where Agriculture and Industry Meet in a Natural Setting
In the Okadama area of Sapporo's Higashi Ward, nestled between residential neighborhoods, "Sapporo Yellow," a local variety of onions, is cultivated. It is considered the progenitor of Japanese onions and has become a representative branded vegetable of Sapporo.
Higashi Ward also boasts the Sapporo Beer Garden, where you can enjoy beer and Jingisukan (grilled mutton). The historic red brick building "Kaitaku Shikan," built in 1980, is also a highlight on the premises. The Snow Brand Megmilk factory is also located in Higashi Ward. "Le Patissier Furuta," a popular local cake shop, uses plenty of local ingredients sourced from the factory.
Transportation Convenience in Higashi Ward, Sapporo City
Higashi Ward is served by six stations on the Toho Subway Line. From Kita 13-jo Station, Sapporo Station is just one stop away, and the Toho Line provides direct access to Odori and Hosui Susukino stations, allowing for easy travel to the city center without transfers.
Stations in Higashi Ward
- Subway Toho Line Stations: Sakaemachi (terminus), Shindo Higashi, Motomachi, Kanjodorihigashi, Higashi Kuyakusho-mae, Kita 13-jo Higashi
Higashi Ward also has Okadama Airport, which provides access to destinations within Hokkaido (Rishiri, Kushiro, Hakodate), Aomori (Misawa), and Shizuoka. Sakaemachi Station offers convenient access to the airport, just a 5-minute bus ride away.
Living Convenience in Higashi Ward, Sapporo City
Despite being rich in nature, Higashi Ward has many supermarkets, convenience stores, and drugstores near subway stations, providing high living convenience. The area around Sakaemachi and Shindo Higashi stations is convenient for shopping, with "Aeon" nearby.
Kita 13-jo Higashi Station is close to Hokkaido University, Hokkaido University Hospital, and Tenshi Hospital, attracting many students and healthcare professionals. The area is suitable for singles, with many supermarkets and convenience stores nearby. "Motomachi" and "Higashi Kuyakusho-mae" stations are surrounded by numerous restaurants, making it easy to enjoy dining out after work.
Rental Apartment Prices in Chuo, Nishi, Kita, and Higashi Wards of Sapporo City
Here are the average rental prices for apartments in Chuo, Nishi, Kita, and Higashi Wards of Sapporo City. The approximate rental prices by ward are as follows:
Chuo Ward has the highest rental prices across all apartment layouts among the four wards, while Higashi Ward tends to have relatively lower rents. However, rental prices can vary even within the same ward, so let's take a look at the rental prices around subway stations in each ward (only some stations are listed for wards with many stations).
Rental Apartment Prices Along the Subway Lines in Chuo Ward, Sapporo City
Chuo Ward's Sapporo Station and Odori Station have significantly higher rental prices compared to other areas. There is little difference between Nishi 18-chome Station and Maruyama Park Station. Generally, the further from the city center, the lower the rental prices, but the Maruyama Park Station area, known as the "Maruyama Area," has a premium reputation, resulting in slightly higher rents.
Rental Apartment Prices Along the Subway Lines in Nishi Ward, Sapporo City
In Nishi Ward, there is little variation in rental prices for STUDIO to 1-bedroom apartments. However, for 2-bedroom and larger apartments, rents decrease the further from the city center. Miyanosawa Station, with its low rent prices, is not far from the JR Hakodate Main Line's Hassamu Station and Hassamu Chuo Station. As it is the terminus of the subway line, it's easier to find a seat even during peak hours, making it a good option for those looking for lower rents.
Rental Apartment Prices Along the Subway Lines in Kita Ward, Sapporo City
In Kita Ward, rental prices are higher closer to the city center, regardless of the room layout. As the Namboku Subway Line passes through Sapporo Station, it is presumed that nearby stations like Kita 12-jo and Kita 18-jo have higher rent settings.
Rental Apartment Prices Along the Subway Lines in Higashi Ward, Sapporo City
In Higashi Ward, Kita 13-jo Higashi and Higashi Kuyakusho-mae stations, just one and two stops away from Sapporo Station on the Toho Line, have particularly high rental prices. For 2-bedrooms and larger, there is nearly a 10,000 yen difference compared to stations like Motomachi and Sakaemachi, indicating their popularity.
Chuo, Nishi, Kita, and Higashi Wards in Sapporo City: A Blend of Rich Nature and Urban Convenience!
The Chuo, Nishi, Kita, and Higashi wards of Sapporo City each have their own unique atmospheres, but all offer good access to the city center, making them popular areas.
Even in Chuo Ward, the administrative and economic center of the city, you can feel close to nature, avoiding the stifling feeling that can sometimes accompany urban life.
In areas with relatively lower rents, you can still reach the city center quickly without changing subway lines, making Chuo, Nishi, Kita, and Higashi wards, especially those within walking distance of subway or JR stations, comfortable places to live.
Aug 1, 2024