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Sapporo is Hokkaido's capital, known for miso ramen, the February snow festival and the beer garden of the old Sapporo brewery. It lies across the Tsugaru Strait from Honshu, so the choice is between a short flight and a long, scenic day by train.
Tokyo to Sapporo by Flight
The flight from Tokyo Haneda to Sapporo New Chitose takes approximately 1 hour 30 minutes.[1] Haneda is the closest of Tokyo's airports to the city center, so it is the natural choice for this route.
From New Chitose Airport to Sapporo
Trains run from the airport station to Sapporo, and the fastest takes 33 minutes. Suica and other IC cards work, and non-reserved seats need no reservation.[2]
Tokyo to Sapporo by Train
The Hokkaido Shinkansen takes about 4 hours from Tokyo to Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto. From there the Hokuto limited express takes about 3.5 hours to Sapporo.[3] A reserved ordinary seat on the Hayabusa from Tokyo to Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto costs 24,000 yen in the normal season.[4] The Hokuto, with all seats reserved, costs 9,770 yen from Hakodate to Sapporo.[5] The Hokuto passes views of Mount Komagatake and Funka Bay.[6]
Comparing Your Options
| Mode | Duration | Comfort |
|---|---|---|
| Flight (Haneda to New Chitose) | About 1h 30min plus the airport train | High |
| Hokkaido Shinkansen and Hokuto | About 4h plus about 3h 30min | High |
Tips for Traveling from Tokyo to Sapporo
- Dress for the north: Sapporo is much colder than Tokyo. Pack layers in your carry-on, even in spring.
- Book early for February: Flights and hotels fill up around the Snow Festival.
- Allow for snow: In midwinter, check your flight status before leaving for the airport.
- Eat at the airport: New Chitose Airport has a floor of ramen shops, so you can have your first bowl before you reach the city.
Timetable
| Flight Tokyo - New Chitose Airport $ 85.77โ208.22 1h 30m โ 1h 45m | |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Use the booking tool on this page to compare the transport options currently available from Tokyo to Sapporo, including current prices and schedules.
The flight from Haneda to New Chitose takes approximately 1 hour 30 minutes.
Take the JR train from the airport station to Sapporo. The fastest trains take 33 minutes, and IC cards such as Suica are accepted.
Yes. The Hokkaido Shinkansen takes about 4 hours from Tokyo to Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto, and the Hokuto limited express takes about 3.5 hours from Hakodate to Sapporo.
A reserved ordinary seat on the Hayabusa from Tokyo to Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto costs 24,000 yen in the normal season. The Hokuto from Hakodate to Sapporo costs 9,770 yen.
Haneda, which is the closest to central Tokyo.
Yes. Flights and hotels fill up around the Sapporo Snow Festival.
Sources and background
Numbers in the text such as [1] refer to these sources.
- [1] All Nippon Airways (ANA): Japan Snow Guide - Japan Travel Planner. Retrieved November 3, 2026.
- [2] Hokkaido Railway Company (JR Hokkaido): New Chitose Airport - Sapporo - Otaru. Retrieved October 28, 2026.
- [3] Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO): Sapporo & Around. Retrieved October 20, 2026.
- [4] East Japan Railway Company (JR East), Eki-net: Shinkansen e-ticket prices (normal season): Hayabusa ordinary car (from 14 March 2026). Retrieved October 27, 2026.
- [5] Hokkaido Railway Company (JR Hokkaido): Regular Tickets. Retrieved October 20, 2026.
- [6] Hokkaido Railway Company (JR Hokkaido): Trains bound for Hakodate: Limited Express Hokuto. Retrieved October 20, 2026.
Guide prices and journey times are indicative, not live quotes. A booked package may include transfers and waiting time as well as the main journey. Check the selected offer, pickup point and current conditions before booking.