Sapporo Apartment Guide: Overview and Rent Prices in the Toyohira, Shiroishi, and Atsubetsu Wards
Sapporo is well-known as a tourist destination. Many people might imagine Odori Park, Sapporo Station, or the bustling Susukino district in the city center, but the appeal of living in Sapporo extends beyond the central ward.
Sapporo has three subway lines, making access to the city center very convenient if you live along these routes. Furthermore, moving slightly away from the center allows for a comfortable life close to nature. This article explores Toyohira, Shiroishi, and Atsubetsu, three wards located on the eastern side of Sapporo. We will discuss the characteristics of these areas, their convenience, and the rent prices for apartments. If you are considering living in Sapporo, this article will provide you with valuable information, so please read on.
Features and Convenience of Toyohira, Shiroishi, and Atsubetsu Wards in Sapporo
Sapporo is divided into ten wards, with Chuo Ward at the center. Toyohira and Shiroishi Wards are located to the east of Chuo Ward. The Toyohira River forms the boundary between these wards and Chuo Ward, and along its banks, you can see people enjoying jogging, baseball, golf, tennis, and other activities. Atsubetsu Ward lies further east, offering a good balance between urban amenities and nature. The southeastern part of Shiroishi Ward borders Kitahiroshima City.
Sapporo’s main public transportation options include JR (Japan’s largest railway group), buses, streetcars, and the subway. The subway has three lines—Tozai, Namboku, and Toho—which cover eight of the city’s wards, making them very convenient. These transportation options form the backbone of daily life in Sapporo.
Please refer to the following city route map for details on Sapporo's transportation network.
Toyohira Ward: Excellent Access to the City Center
Toyohira Ward is close to the city center but also features lush hills and forests, with many rivers running through it. The ward is popular among families because of the large parks like Toyohira Park and Tsukisamu Park. Toyohira Park offers not only playgrounds but also tennis courts and a heated swimming pool, making it a place where people of all ages can relax.
Another famous attraction in Toyohira Ward is the Sapporo Hitsujigaoka Observation Hill, which features a statue of William Smith Clark, known as the “Father of Hokkaido Development.” The hill offers seasonal events like lavender cutting, making it a place you can visit repeatedly without getting bored.
The direct sales market on the grounds of Hokkai Gakuen, an agricultural vocational school, offers fresh local vegetables. The yogurt and soft serve made from the school's fresh milk are also a must-try. Additionally, Toyohira Ward is home to many famous ramen shops frequently featured in gourmet magazines, such as Menya Saimi, Sapporo Junren Sapporo Main Store, and Sumire Sapporo Main Store, making it an excellent area for those who want to experience Hokkaido’s food culture.
Transportation Convenience in Toyohira Ward
Toyohira Ward is served by the Namboku and Toho subway lines.
Stations in Toyohira Ward
- Namboku Line: Nakajima-Koen, Hiragishi, Minami-Hiragishi
- Toho Line: Gakuen-mae, Toyohira-Koen, Misono, Tsukisamu-Chuo, Fukuzumi
The Namboku and Toho lines provide direct access to Sapporo Station and Odori Station without transfers. The travel time between stations on the Sapporo subway is relatively short, around 2-3 minutes per station. From Fukuzumi Station, the terminus of the Toho Line, to Odori Station, there are six stops, taking approximately 12 minutes. Areas not covered by the subway are served by buses, with many routes operating from the Fukuzumi Station bus terminal to Kitahiroshima, where the new Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters baseball stadium "HOKKAIDO BALLPARK F VILLAGE" is located.
Living Convenience in Toyohira Ward
Toyohira Ward has many supermarkets directly connected to subway stations, making life very convenient. The SEIYU Hiragishi store, located a 7-minute walk from Hiragishi Station and Minami-Hiragishi Station, is open 24 hours, so you can stop by after work. Other areas along the subway lines also have large supermarkets like Aeon, drugstores, and convenience stores, ensuring a high level of convenience for daily life. The Branch Sapporo Tsukisamu shopping mall, about an 11-minute walk from Fukuzumi Station, is a great spot for a day out. In addition to being convenient for shopping, it also hosts many events for children, making it a fun place for the whole family.
Around Gakuen-mae Station, you’ll find Hokkai-Gakuen University and Hokkai School of Commerce, along with a wealth of convenience stores, supermarkets, and restaurants, creating an environment that is easy for single residents to live in.
Toyohira Ward also has large hospitals, such as the KKR Sapporo Medical Center and the JCHO Hokkaido Hospital. The JCHO Hokkaido Hospital is registered in the Hokkaido Medical Function Information System as a medical facility that offers services in English, providing peace of mind for international residents.
Shiroishi Ward: Where You Can Experience the Four Seasons Up Close
Shiroishi Ward is nestled between the Toyohira and Atsubetsu Rivers, offering a setting where you can experience the beauty of all four seasons. The area around Higashi-Sapporo Station features the LaSorA Sapporo shopping mall, providing a convenient living environment. The "Shiroishi Kokorodo," a bicycle and pedestrian path, is a popular spot for strolling, with cherry blossoms and lilacs in the spring, lush greenery in the summer, and beautiful autumn foliage from birch and ginkgo trees, allowing you to feel the changing seasons even within the city.
In the northern part of Shiroishi Ward, Kawashimo Park offers tennis courts and playgrounds, with a heated swimming pool and indoor play equipment available in its facilities. In the summer, children can enjoy playing in the outdoor water areas, while in winter, the park is perfect for practicing skiing on the snowy hills.
Higashi-Sapporo Station is also close to the LaSorA Sapporo shopping mall, which is filled with various stores including fashion, dining, and healthcare, making it a lively spot for both locals and visitors. The historic Hongo Shopping Street near Nango 7-Chome Station is another must-see in Shiroishi Ward. With over 100 shops offering everything from food to fashion and eyewear, it's an excellent place for a leisurely stroll. The generously portioned yakitori and handmade tsukune (meatballs) at "Jumbo Yakitori Tsukasa Main Store" are also local favorites.
Transportation Convenience in Shiroishi Ward
Shiroishi Ward is served by six stations on the Tozai subway line and two JR stations.
Stations in Shiroishi Ward
- Tozai Line: Kikusui, Higashi-Sapporo, Shiroishi, Nango 7-Chome, Nango 13-Chome, Nango 18-Chome
- JR Chitose Line: Shiroishi (also connected to the JR Hakodate Line), Heiwa
Kikusui Station on the Tozai Line is just one stop away from Bus Center Station in Chuo Ward, and it’s close enough to walk to the bustling Susukino area. This excellent access to the city center means you don’t have to worry about missing the last train when enjoying a night out in Susukino. Shiroishi and Nango 7-Chome Stations also have bus terminals, providing easy access to the northern parts of Shiroishi Ward, which are not served by the subway or JR lines. Additionally, Shiroishi Ward is conveniently located near the Doo Expressway, making it easy to travel by car for longer trips.
Living Convenience in Shiroishi Ward
The southern areas of Shiroishi Ward along the subway line have plenty of supermarkets, drugstores, and hospitals, making it easy to live without a car. Kikusui Station has a Maxvalu supermarket directly connected to it, Higashi-Sapporo Station is close to Aeon, and Nango 13-Chome Station has a Toko Store that is open 24 hours, ensuring that shopping is very convenient.
Additionally, Shiroishi Station is home to the "Ehonto Library," a children’s library directly connected to the station. This library is dedicated to picture books, offering a wide selection for preschoolers and even allowing children to read books aloud. It is a space designed specifically for children, making it an excellent resource for families. Residents of Sapporo or those commuting to school or work in the city can use this library, including international residents. The area around Shiroishi Station also has elementary and junior high schools within walking distance, making it a popular area for families.
Atsubetsu Ward: Where Urban Life and Nature Coexist
Atsubetsu Ward is centered around Shin-Sapporo Station, which functions as a secondary city center in Sapporo. The area around the Shin-Sapporo subway station is undergoing development, including the Shin-Sapporo Arc City complex, which features three shopping centers housing a variety of specialty stores and large supermarkets. Nearby attractions include the Sunpiazza Aquarium and the newly renovated Youth Science Center, making it an area with plenty of options for outings.
In the eastern part of Atsubetsu Ward, away from the city center, you’ll find the Historical Village of Hokkaido, an open-air museum that showcases the history and culture of Hokkaido. This museum is a reconstruction of historical buildings from the Meiji to early Showa periods, allowing visitors to step back in time and experience Hokkaido's past.
Atsubetsu Ward is also known for its abundance of parks. The Aoba Central Park, which covers about 8.4 hectares, features a water play area with a waterslide, combination playground equipment, and tennis courts. The park’s walking trails are perfect for observing seasonal plants and wildlife, making it enjoyable for people of all ages.
Transportation Convenience in Atsubetsu Ward
Atsubetsu Ward is served by the Tozai subway line and the JR Hakodate and Chitose lines. Shin-Sapporo Station on the subway line connects directly with JR Shin-Sapporo Station, offering excellent access to both subway and JR lines.
Stations in Atsubetsu Ward
- Tozai Line: Oyachi, Hibarigaoka, Shin-Sapporo
- JR Hakodate Line: Atsubetsu, Shinrin-Koen
- JR Chitose Line: Shin-Sapporo, Uenohara
JR Shin-Sapporo Station provides access to Sapporo Station in about 10 minutes. The subway's Shin-Sapporo Station offers a direct route to Odori Station in about 20 minutes, with no need to transfer. As the terminal station on the Tozai Line, Shin-Sapporo Station often allows commuters to secure a seat even during rush hour. Oyachi and Shin-Sapporo Stations also have bus terminals, making it easy to travel by bus. Atsubetsu Ward is also conveniently located near the Doo Expressway, ensuring ease of travel by car.
Living Convenience in Atsubetsu Ward
Atsubetsu Ward offers a high level of convenience for daily life, with many supermarkets, drugstores, and other essential services available. Living near the subway line allows residents to live comfortably without a car.
In Oyachi, the Capo Oyachi shopping center is directly connected to the station, featuring supermarkets, restaurants, dry cleaners, 100-yen shops, and more, supporting the daily lives of local residents. The area around Hibarigaoka Station features a variety of affordable apparel and home furnishing stores, such as Fashion Center Shimamura, Uniqlo, and Nitori, making it easy to find everything you need when starting a new life.
Near Oyachi Station, there's also "Cafe COEN," an English conversation school with a café run by an American owner. Students, local residents, and international visitors frequently gather here, creating a lively atmosphere. You can relax in a setting where English is naturally spoken around you.
Rent Prices for Apartments in Toyohira, Shiroishi, and Atsubetsu Wards
The table below shows the average rent prices for apartments in Toyohira, Shiroishi, and Atsubetsu Wards in Sapporo.
Atsubetsu Ward, where Shin-Sapporo Station is located, tends to have relatively higher rent prices. The demand for single-person apartments appears to be higher, as smaller units tend to have higher rent. On the other hand, Shiroishi and Toyohira Wards are popular among families, and their 3-bedroom apartment rents tend to be higher than those in Atsubetsu Ward. However, rent prices can vary within each ward, so below we have selected a few subway stations in Toyohira, Shiroishi, and Atsubetsu Wards and provided their rent prices.
Rent Prices for Apartments Along the Subway Line in Toyohira Ward
Among these four stations, Gakuen-mae Station tends to have higher rent prices for all room types. The presence of several universities around Gakuen-mae Station makes it a popular area for single residents, which likely contributes to the higher rents. On the other hand, Tsukisamu-Chuo Station has relatively lower rent prices. While there aren’t many large shopping centers or restaurants nearby, there are supermarkets, convenience stores, and drugstores directly connected to the station, so you won’t find it inconvenient to live here.
Rent Prices for Apartments Along the Subway Line in Shiroishi Ward
Kikusui Station, the closest to the city center, has relatively high rent prices. However, compared to Chuo Ward, rent is about 2,000 to 8,000 yen cheaper, making it a good option for those who want to prioritize access to the city center while keeping rent costs down. There isn’t a significant difference in rent prices among Shiroishi, Nango 7-Chome, and Nango 13-Chome Stations.
Rent Prices for Apartments Along the Subway Line in Atsubetsu Ward
The Hibarigaoka and Shin-Sapporo Stations tend to have higher rent prices in Atsubetsu Ward. Hibarigaoka Station is popular among students attending Hokusei Gakuen University, which is located near the neighboring Oyachi Station. This popularity is reflected in the higher rents for single-person apartments. The ongoing development around Shin-Sapporo Station also contributes to its higher rent prices.
Enjoy a Fulfilling Life Surrounded by Nature in Toyohira, Shiroishi, and Atsubetsu Wards
The areas around the stations in Toyohira, Shiroishi, and Atsubetsu Wards have all the essentials for daily life, including supermarkets and drugstores. These areas also offer excellent access to the rapidly developing parts of Sapporo, such as Sapporo Station, and the rents are more affordable than in the popular Chuo Ward. For those who work or study in the city center, these wards are ideal places to consider living.
In addition to the convenience of transportation and daily life, Toyohira, Shiroishi, and Atsubetsu Wards also offer plenty of opportunities to enjoy the natural beauty of Hokkaido. With large parks, rivers, and walking paths, you can experience the changing seasons of Japan without needing to travel far. Consider these wards when searching for a rental apartment in Sapporo.
Aug 29, 2024