What comes to mind when you think of public transportation in Sapporo?
Most people would probably think of the subway.
The Sapporo Municipal Subway, which connects JR Sapporo Station to Odori Park, Susukino, and Maruyama Park, is very convenient and is a popular mode of transportation for both tourists and residents.

On the other hand, the streetcar line is a route that even Sapporo residents rarely have the opportunity to ride, but it has been attracting attention since the streetcar line was made into a loop in December 2015.
What does "looping the streetcar line" mean? What changes will occur as a result of looping the line?
What kind of train is the Sapporo streetcar anyway?
This time, we'll answer those questions for you! (Streetcar heading from Ekimae-dori towards Susukino)

Table of contents
1. What is Sapporo's streetcar system? What will change with the loop line?
2. Attractions and recommended shops along the Sapporo streetcar line
2-1 Nakajima Park
2-2 MARUMI COFFEE STAND NAKAJIMA PARK
2-3 Sapporo Central Library and Genki Cafe Hon no Mori
2-4 Yume Yokochō
2-5 Homemade Cakes, Chamonix
2-6 Ropeway entrance and Mt. Moiwa
Afterword
Basic information about the Sapporo streetcar

Sapporo's streetcar system is the northernmost streetcar system in Japan.
It all began about 100 years ago, in 1918 (Taisho 7), when it opened in conjunction with the major event, the "Hokkaido Grand Exposition."
After its opening, the number of routes was steadily increased, and at its peak, nine routes covered the entire central area of ​​the city.

However, starting in 1964, the number of lines gradually decreased due to the spread of private cars and the opening of subway lines.
The remaining three lines then ran as a single continuous route until recently. The route was shaped like an inverted U. [Figure 1] Sapporo streetcar route map in 2011 (from Wikipedia)

Figure 1 shows the old streetcar route map. Notice that there was no connection between "Nishi-Yonchome" and "Susukino"!

In 24, Sapporo City formulated the "Streetcar Utilization Plan." This plan aims to make the streetcar system more user-friendly and create a more people-friendly and attractive city.
As part of this effort, the aim was to revitalize the area by connecting "Nishi 4-chome" and "Susukino" to create a loop (a circular line).

And this is what the route looked like after the loop was created.

[Figure 2] Route map after the loop line was completed (quoted from "Notice Regarding the Opening of the Loop Line for the City Tram")

By creating a loop line connecting "Nishi-Yonchome" and "Susukino" over a distance of 450m, it has become easier for local residents to use!

The streetcar lines run through a laid-back area with a slightly retro feel. A variety of streetcars operate here, including older trains with a Showa-era aesthetic, colorfully wrapped trains, and the latest "Polaris" model.

(A vehicle with a green color scheme)

The loop takes about 50 minutes, and along the way, you'll pass by the foot of Mt. Moiwa, a popular spot for its night views! How about a leisurely ride on the streetcar?

(A wrapped train that runs every year during the Christmas season)

(A snowplow tram, a familiar winter sight in Sapporo, is engaged in snow removal work.)

2-1 Nakajima Park

Nakajima Park, a popular recreational spot for Sapporo residents, is a 3-minute walk from the "Nakajima Park-dori" or "Gyokei-dori" streetcar stops.

In the mornings and evenings, you can see people walking their pets or jogging. During the day, people relax on benches basking in the sun, painting, or taking photographs, making it a healing spot for the community where people can spend their time as they please.

Also located in the center of Nakajima Park is the Sapporo Concert Hall Kitara. It boasts some of the best acoustics in Hokkaido and frequently hosts concerts by world-renowned artists. The concert hall's entrance has a very open and inviting atmosphere; just being there makes you feel refreshed!

Additionally, there's a restaurant operated by the prestigious Sapporo Park Hotel, so you can grab lunch or tea if you want to take a break!

(Sapporo Concert Hall "Kitara" - Entrance)
(Terrace restaurant "Kitara")

[Access information] Address:1 Nakajima Park, Chuo-ku, Sapporo City Nearest station: Take the streetcar to "Nakajima Park Street" or "Gyokei Street," both a 3-minute walk away. Terrace restaurant "Kitara" Opening hours: 11:30 AM - 21:00 PM
※ただし、5月～11月の公演の無い日は17：30まで、12月～4月の公演の無い日は15：30まで。 メニュー：ランチコース　￥1,950～／ディナーコース　￥1,804～、喫茶メニューもあり 電話：011-520-1189
home page:http://www.park1964.com/n_restaurant/kitara/

2-2 MARUMI COFFEE STAND NAKAJIMA PARK

Every coffee connoisseur in Sapporo knows "丸美珈琲店" Their meticulously crafted, high-quality, home-roasted coffee has garnered many fans both within and outside Hokkaido, and their second store, following the main store on Odori, is located near Gyokei-dori.

Located on the first floor of a building, this cafe's garden-inspired layout makes you feel as if you're in a corner of Nakajima Park. The tables are spaced comfortably apart, making it the perfect place to relax, read a book, or simply daydream.

While the coffee is reliably delicious, the cafe's real highlight is its waffles. You can enjoy waffles in a variety of flavors. Why not stop by for a break while strolling through Nakajima Park?
(Two waffles: 670 yen, Cafe latte: 432 yen *Prices include tax)

[Access information] Address:KC Maple Court 1F, Minami 14-jo Nishi 6-chome, Chuo-ku, Sapporo City 最寄駅：市電「行啓通」徒歩1分 電話：011-513-8338 営業時間：月〜金　9:00〜19:00、土日祝　8:00〜19:00 定休日：なし

2-3 Sapporo Central Library and Genki Cafe Hon no Mori

The Sapporo Central Library, which is also the name of the train station "Chuo Toshokan-mae" (in front of the Central Library), is a place of relaxation for citizens where they can study or spend time reading books and magazines. It also has a cafe that tourists can easily use.

This is "Genki Cafe Hon no Mori" (Genki Cafe Book Forest). Located in the open atrium of the 1st-floor lobby, it has a spacious and airy feel. The tables and other furnishings are made from wood from Hokkaido, allowing you to relax and unwind. Orders are placed at the counter. Staff with disabilities provide heartfelt service♪

(The coffee and cake set is a reasonable 600 yen (tax included))

While enjoying a cup of tea and gazing out the large window at the greenery of the park adjacent to the library, you could easily lose track of time.

[Access information] Address:Sapporo Central Library, 1F, 1-1, Minami 22-jo Nishi 13-chome, Chuo-ku, Sapporo City 最寄駅：市電「中央図書館前」徒歩1分 電話：011-513-0260 営業時間：10:00～17:00 定休日：第2・4水曜（図書館の休館日に準じます）

2-4 Yume Yokochō

Next, I'd like to introduce "Yume Yokochō," a unique general store that's rare even along the railway line. Stepping inside through the entrance, which has a cosmopolitan feel, you'll find yourself surrounded by items that exude an ethnic aroma.

The shop mainly sells clothing, bags, and accessories, but it also has incense, Asian-style objects, power stones, and for some reason, macrobiotic sweets, making it feel like a bazaar.

If you wander around the store, you're likely to find some hidden gems. In addition to general merchandise, you can also enjoy chai! (Chai 400 yen *tax included) This chai, made with authentic spices, is renowned for its delicious taste. Why not stop by on your way back from sightseeing at Mt. Moiwa?

[Access information]
Address:19-15 Minami 1-jo Nishi 5-chome, Chuo-ku, Sapporo
Nearest station: 1-minute walk from the "Ropeway Entrance" tram stop.
Phone: 011-552-1716
Hours: 11: 00 ~ 20: 00
Regular holiday: Wednesday

2-5 Homemade Cakes, Chamonix

Next up is Chamonix, a famous restaurant known to everyone who lives along the railway line.

This shop has been featured in the media countless times, and its recent looping project has already been covered by numerous local media outlets. It's always a hot topic, but I'd like to introduce it here as well! That's because they have sweets that feature the streetcar.

It's called "Nishisen Roll." It's a roll cake made with rice flour. (Photo from Chamonix's website, West Line Roll 190 yen *tax included)

This cake embodies the passionate feelings of the owner, who has woven the history of the area along the streetcar line alongside the streetcar itself. And of course, it has a simple yet delicious taste. In addition to the "Nishisen Roll," the series of sweets filled with love for the streetcar, such as "Streetcar Face Cookies," "Strap Chocolates," and "Yamahana/Nishisen Butter Castella," are highly recommended as souvenirs!

[Access information]
Address:9-15 Minami 1-jo Nishi 1-chome, Chuo-ku, Sapporo
Nearest station: 1-minute walk from the Nishisen 9-jo Asahiyama Park-dori streetcar stop.
Phone: 011-561-5408
Hours: 10: 00 ~ 18: 00
Closed on: Sundays, Mondays, and public holidays
home page:http://chamonix-cakes.com/

2-6 Ropeway entrance and Mt. Moiwa

And the biggest attraction along the streetcar line is Mt. Moiwa, a familiar sight to Hokkaido fans!

Sapporo was selected as one of Japan's "New Top Three Night View Cities" in October 2015. The night view from Mt. Moiwa, in particular, now boasts world-class beauty. Not only are the lights of downtown Sapporo visible, but the lights of the entire Ishikari Plain stretch out, creating a fantastical spectacle.

It's fascinating to think that a village with only a handful of inhabitants about 150 years ago has now become a bustling metropolis with glittering night views! There are several routes to the summit of Mt. Moiwa, but if you're using the tram, get off at "Ropeway Entrance."

The free shuttle bus stop for the Moiwa Mountain Ropeway is located about a 1-minute walk from the "Ropeway Entrance."

Take the free shuttle bus, transfer to the ropeway, then transfer to the cable car at the mid-mountain station to reach the mountaintop observation deck!

The mid-mountain station and the mountaintop observation deck are designed to be convenient even in bad weather. With barrier-free facilities in place, even those who are not confident in their physical strength or health can easily enjoy the experience! If you're in Sapporo, be sure to enjoy the night view from Mt. Moiwa!

[Access information by streetcar]
Access and Travel Time: Take the tram to the "Ropeway Entrance" stop, then take the free shuttle bus to Moiwa Mountain Base Station (runs every 15 minutes, approximately 5 minutes) → Take the ropeway to "Moiwa Mountain Base Station" (approximately 5 minutes) → Take the Morris Car (mini cable car) to "Moiwa Mid-Mountain Station" (approximately 2 minutes) → Moiwa Mountain Summit Station (observation deck)
営業時間： 夏季 ：10:30～22:00（上り最終21:30） 冬季 ：11:00～22:00（上り最終21:30）
※12/31は11:00～17:00、1/1は5:00～17:00
*There is a 10-day maintenance closure period in late November every year. Please check the website for details.
home page:http://moiwa.sapporo-dc.co.jp/index.html

Afterword

That concludes my introduction to the area along the streetcar line. What did you think? There are still many hidden gems of sweets and gourmet food along this line, but their true extent remains unknown, and even I cannot introduce them all.

During this interview, there were several spots that we reluctantly had to leave out. However, this time we've deliberately chosen to introduce some relatively well-known and easily accessible spots!

I hope to introduce you to the many unique shops on another occasion ♪ How about a relaxing train journey along a slightly retro railway line?

Basic information about the Sapporo streetcar

Regular fare: 170 yen for all lines (90 yen for children)
Dosanko Pass (One-day pass valid on Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays): 310 yen per ticket (1 adult and 1 child)
*On Saturdays, Sundays, public holidays, and during the New Year period, one adult and one child can ride the streetcar as many times as they like throughout the day.
[Reference Information: Access from JR Sapporo Station to the "Nishi 4-chome" streetcar stop]
・Approximately 800m (about 10 minutes on foot) from JR Sapporo Station to Odori Subway Station.
Take the subway Namboku Line from Sapporo Station and get off at Odori Station (approximately 2 minutes).
○From Odori Station to the streetcar stop "Nishi 4-chome": Exit Odori Station from Exit 10 and it's right above ground.

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