Sapporo’s streetcar depot (Densha-Jigyosho) is where the trams on the Sapporo Streetcar network are stored when not in service. Public visits are suspended during building work at the depot, which the operator expects to finish in 2028. The photographs below record the depot and its tours before the suspension. During the staff-led tours, visitors learned about the network’s history and saw vehicles such as the retro M101 and the low-floor Sirius and Polaris. M101 was built in 1961 and ended passenger service on October 31, 2021.
Sapporo’s streetcar depot
M101, built in 1961 and retired in 2021
Sapporo Streetcar History
The network’s roots lie in a horse-drawn railway opened in 1909 to carry stone from Ishiyama. It carried passengers as well as freight. Electric trams began running in 1918 under the private Sapporo Denki Kido (Sapporo Electric Railway), and Sapporo City took over in 1927.
As Sapporo’s population increased, the tramlines were expanded. Diesel-powered trams were introduced in 1958. At its height in 1964, the streetcar network extended for about 25 kilometers. However, many lines were closed after the introduction of the Sapporo Subway in 1971.
Historic images of Sapporo’s trams displayed at the depot before the suspension
Unlike the streetcar, the subway was not affected by Sapporo’s winter weather conditions and so it quickly became Sapporo’s main form of public transportation. The remaining streetcar lines were consolidated into a loop in 2015 by extending a line between the Nishi-Yon-Chome and Susukino stations. The fleet includes traditional trams and modern low-floor vehicles, together with five Sasara snow plow trams. Sapporo Streetcar introduced the low-floor Polaris tram in 2013, and in 2018 the low-floor Sirius was introduced, just in time for the Sapporo Streetcar’s 100th anniversary. Polaris II entered service in December 2024.
A close-up of the Polaris and Sirius streetcars
The Polaris on the street
The Sasara tram clears snow from the lines with rotating bamboo brushes
The standard color of Sapporo’s trams is green, but some have colorful advertising
Tour Details
Ordinary public tours are suspended during the depot construction. For enquiries, call 011-551-3944 in Japanese.
The shelter used as a meeting point for depot tours before the suspension
A guide leading a depot tour before the suspension
Access
The tram depot is located beside Densha-Jigyosho-Mae Station on the Sapporo Streetcar tramline. Here is a map of the location. The depot is not open for ordinary public visits during construction.
A tram at Densha-Jigyosho-Mae Station
Article and original photos by Michael Lambe. All rights reserved. Last updated 30-Aug-2026.
