Kitahiroshima

Kitahiroshima is a suburban city in central Hokkaido, between Sapporo and Chitose. Many residents commute to Sapporo for work or study, giving the city its character as a “bed town” for the region’s capital.

The city is surrounded by gentle hills and farmland, reflecting its roots as an agricultural settlement. Kitahiroshima has developed rapidly, most notably with large-scale sports and commercial facilities connected to the Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters.

History:

Kitahiroshima’s origins go back to the Meiji period, when settlers from Hiroshima Prefecture moved north in search of new lands. In 1884, about 25 families (107 people) migrated and laid the groundwork for what eventually became the village of Hiroshima in central Hokkaido.

In 1894, Hiroshima Village was officially founded. Over time the population and infrastructure grew, and in 1968, the village was renamed Hiroshima Town.

Finally, on September 1, 1996, Hiroshima Town was promoted to city status. Because there was already another city named Hiroshima in Hiroshima Prefecture (on the other side of Japan), the new city was renamed Kitahiroshima (literally “North Hiroshima”).

Climate:

Kitahiroshima has a humid continental climate with four distinct seasons with warm, humid summers and cold, snowy winters. Snow usually starts in November and lasts until March.

Daylight hours vary greatly through the year — summer days are long and bright, while winter days are short, with sunsets before 17:00.

Kitahiroshima is just east of Sapporo.

By train:

JR Chitose Line trains run frequently to Kita‑Hiroshima Station from both Sapporo and New Chitose Airport; Rapid Airport services take about 18–21 minutes and run every 15–20 minutes in daytime hours.¥1420.

From Sapporo. Board a Rapid Airport or local JR train from Sapporo Station to Kita‑Hiroshima; typical journey time is around 18 minutes, with departures several times per hour.

From New Chitose Airport. Take the JR Rapid Airport from the airport station directly to Kita‑Hiroshima in roughly 21 minutes; trains operate all day at regular intervals.​

To ES CON Field. From Kita‑Hiroshima Station, walk along the signposted Elfin Road or use the short shuttle bus from the West Exit; the shuttle takes about 5 minutes and runs on game and event days with a small fare.​

1 JR Kita-Hiroshima Station (北広島駅), ☏ +81 11-372-3156. 7:00 - 17:30. is the main railway station of Kita-hiroshima. (updated Oct 2025)

By bus:

Event shuttles also operate from hubs such as Shin‑Sapporo and sometimes from New Chitose Airport on game days; check current timetables before traveling.

On Fighters game days or during large-scale events, dedicated shuttle buses operate between Kitahiroshima Station and F Village, offering a direct, crowd-friendly option for travelers.

Hokkaido Chuo Bus: Runs regular services between Sapporo Station, Fukuzumi, and Kitahiroshima Station. Seasonal and event-day buses also serve Es Con Field HOKKAIDO.

Airport Limousine Bus (seasonal): Operates during major games or large-scale events, providing direct access between New Chitose Airport and F Village.

By car:

Kita-hiroshima is 44 minutes away from Sapporo by car with using route 12.

Driving from central Sapporo or New Chitose Airport takes roughly 20–25 minutes in normal traffic; parking at ES CON Field may require advance reservation and can be congested on game days.