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The Neighborhoods in Sapporo, Japan

As part of our list of resources for visitors to Sapporo, Japan, below is a list of the neighborhoods, or wards, in Sapporo City.

Sapporo is divided into 10 wards, each with its own character and key features — from downtown urban centers to family-friendly residential districts and nature-oriented areas. Below is a brief profile of each ward in Sapporo City.

List of the Neighborhoods in Sapporo

— Chuo-ku, in Sapporo
— Kita-ku, in Sapporo
— Higashi-ku, in Sapporo
— Toyohira-ku, in Sapporo
— Nishi-ku, in Sapporo
— Shiroishi-ku, in Sapporo
— Teine-ku, in Sapporo
— Minami-ku, in Sapporo
— Atsubetsu-ku, in Sapporo
— Kiyota-ku, in Sapporo

We provide more details on each of these Sapporo neighborhoods below.

Chuo-ku, in Sapporo, Japan

Population: ~255,294
Major Train Stations: Sapporo Station, Odori Station, Susukino Station
Popular Attractions: Odori Park, Sapporo TV Tower, Susukino nightlife district, Maruyama Zoo
Popular Shopping Areas: Tanukikoji Shopping Street, Odori Shopping Area, Sapporo Station Shopping Complexes (Stellar Place, Tokyu Department Store, Daimaru Sapporo), Susukino Shopping Streets

Chuo-ku is the vibrant heart of Sapporo and the city’s main commercial, cultural, and entertainment center. It is a transportation hub, with most of Sapporo’s biggest train stations, including the intersections of multiple subway lines in Sapporo, and direct access to Hokkaido’s Chitose Airport. It is where most visitors stay, offering easy access to shopping, dining, nightlife, festivals, and major landmarks. The area blends modern city life with historic buildings and large green spaces, making it both lively and walkable throughout the year.

Chuo-ku is where most of the best shopping in Sapporo is located. Major shopping areas include… our guide to Sapporo Shopping.

The Susukino district is in Chuo-ku; known for restaurants, bars, and serves as Sapporo’s “red light” district.

Chuo-ku also has some of Sapporo’s most popular parks, including Odori Park and Maruyama Park. These parks serve as the location for many of the events and festivals in Sapporo, including the Sapporo Snow Festival, summer beer gardens, and winter illuminations.

Kita-ku, in Sapporo

Population: ~287,563
Major Train Stations: Sapporo Station, Hassamu Station, Ainosato-Kyoikudai Station
Popular Attractions: Hokkaido University campus
Kita-ku is the most populous ward in Sapporo and is strongly associated with education and research. It combines large residential areas with major universities in Sapporo and excellent transportation access, making it popular with students, families, and professionals.

The expansive Hokkaido University campus adds a strong academic atmosphere and greenery to the ward, while the area around Sapporo Station connects Kita-ku directly to downtown and regional travel hubs.

Higashi-ku, in Sapporo

Population: ~263,735
Major Train Stations: Shintotsukawa Station, Kanjodori-Higashi Station
Popular Attractions: Sapporo Brewery, Sapporo Beer Museum, Moerenuma Park (unique park designed by Isamu Noguchi), Sapporo Satoland (agricultural theme park)

Higashi-ku is known for its wide open spaces, large parks, and family-friendly residential neighborhoods. The Sapporo Factory is located in Higashi-ku, attracting local and foreign visitors with it’s popular shopping mall and Sapporo Beer Museum.

Moerenuma Park, designed by sculptor Isamu Noguchi, is one of Sapporo’s most iconic outdoor attractions and gives Higashi-ku a strong identity centered on art, nature, and recreation.

Generally, Higashi ward has a quieter atmosphere compared to central Sapporo, while still offering convenient access to the city.

Toyohira-ku, in Sapporo

Population: ~228,873
Major Train Stations: Hiragishi Station, Misono Station
Popular Attractions: Sapporo Dome

Toyohira-ku is a balanced ward combining residential neighborhoods with major sports and event venues. It played an important role during the 1972 Sapporo Winter Olympics and continues to host large-scale sporting and entertainment events at Sapporo Dome.

Toyohira-ku is popular with local families. Some international residents like Toyohira ward due to the presence of Sapporo’s only international school, called Hokkaido International School (the only K-12 international school in Hokkaido).

Nishi-ku, in Sapporo

Population: ~217,990
Major Train Stations: Kotoni Station, Hassamu-Chūō Station
Popular Attractions: Shiroi Koibito Park

Nishi-ku offers a mix of suburban living and popular tourist attractions. The Kotoni area functions as a local commercial hub with shopping, dining, and transportation access.

Shiroi Koibito Park, a themed confectionery park, attracts both tourists and locals, while the western edge of the ward provides easy access to hills and natural walking areas. For more information, see our list of tourist attractions in Sapporo.

Shiroishi-ku, in Sapporo

Population: ~212,003
Major Train Stations: Shiroishi Station, Heiwa Station

Shiroishi-ku blends older neighborhoods with newer residential developments. It has a strong local community feel and is known for its convenient living environment rather than major tourist landmarks.

The ward’s transport connections and affordable housing make it a practical choice for families and commuters working in central Sapporo.

Teine-ku, in Sapporo

Population: ~139,995
Major Train Stations: Teine Station, Inaho Station
Popular Attractions: Sapporo Teine Ski Resort

Teine-ku is a suburban ward west of central Sapporo, known for its outdoor recreation and winter sports.

The Sapporo Teine Ski Resort in Teine-ku is a the areas largest destination for skiing and snowboarding, with it’s Olympia area featuring beginner-friendly slopes, and Highland offering intermediate and advanced runs. For more information, see our guide to Sapporo Teine Ski Area.

Minami-ku, in Sapporo

Population: ~132,916
Major Train Stations: Makomanai Station, Inaho Station
Popular Attractions: Makomanai Park, Sapporo Art Park

Minami-ku is the largest ward in Sapporo by area and is defined by mountains, forests, and natural scenery. It is a gateway to hot springs, hiking trails, and outdoor leisure areas.

Despite its size, residential zones are well organized, and the ward is ideal for those seeking a slower pace of life close to nature while remaining connected to the city. Minami-ku is the location for Sapporo Art Museum located in Sapporo Art Park.

Atsubetsu-ku, in Sapporo

Population: ~121,487
Major Train Stations: Shin-Sapporo Station (airport access and JR lines)
Shopping: Shin-Sapporo commercial districts

Atsubetsu-ku is a compact ward centered around Shin-Sapporo Station, a major transportation hub linking JR lines, subways, and airport access.

The area combines convenience with suburban comfort, making it popular for commuters and families who value accessibility and everyday amenities.

Kiyota-ku, in Sapporo

Population: ~108,017
Major Train Stations: (no direct train lines)

Kiyota-ku is unique among Sapporo’s wards for its lack of direct rail service, resulting in a spacious, car-friendly environment. It features wide residential areas, open landscapes, and a strong suburban character. The ward appeals to residents who prefer quieter neighborhoods, larger homes, and proximity to nature rather than urban density.

Sapporo International University is also located in Kiyota Ward (Kiyota-ku), a quieter residential area in southeastern Sapporo. The university contributes to the area’s international atmosphere and is known for attracting both Japanese and overseas students.

The Neighborhoods in Sapporo, Japan

List of the Neighborhoods in Sapporo

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