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Useful tips

Small things that make the trip easier

Airport

New Chitose (CTS)

Currency

Japanese yen (¥)

Emergency

Police 110 · Ambulance & fire 119

Hospital

Sapporo City General Hospital

August is peak season

The Summer Festival and Odori beer garden (late July–August) fill hotels. Book lodging and sought-after dinners early.

Restaurants keep odd hours

Many close roughly 14:00–17:00, and some shut around Obon (mid-August).

Get a Kitaca IC card

Covers subway, JR, buses and most convenience stores. (SAPICA does not work on JR.)

Skip passes unless the maths works

Combo passes only pay off if your itinerary uses them.

Watch for bike lanes on pavements

Look before stepping onto the marked bike side, and don’t stand on it.

Use the underground walkway

It links Sapporo Station to Susukino — handy in any season.

Check bear notices before hiking

Trails near Moiwa, Maruyama and Shikotsu-Toya post current warnings.

No tipping

Not customary; leaving one can confuse staff.

Tap water is safe

Bring a refillable bottle.

Public toilets are free and common

Stations, parks and convenience stores all have them.

Carry some cash

Central areas take cards, but not everywhere does.

Car rental at New Chitose

Major companies operate here; cars are usually collected by shuttle from an off-terminal office. Book ahead, especially in winter.

Connectivity

Pocket Wi-Fi or a local SIM/eSIM is easy to arrange at the airport.

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