Sapporo Toshikaihatsu Kosha Co., Ltd.
Sapporo Toshikaihatsu Kosha is the company that manages and operates Sapporo's underground shopping streets, Aurora Town and Pole Town, along with the Sapporo Odori Underground Parking Lot.
Last updated September 27, 2026
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Overview
Sapporo Toshikaihatsu Kosha Co., Ltd. (株式会社札幌都市開発公社) is a Japanese company headquartered in Chuo-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido. It was established on May 31, 1969, and is primarily engaged in the management and operation of the Sapporo underground shopping streets known as Aurora Town (オーロラタウン) and Pole Town (ポールタウン), as well as the Sapporo Odori Underground Parking Lot. The company's business purposes include the construction, management, and leasing of underground passages and attached shops; construction, management, and leasing of buildings; construction, management, and leasing of automobile parking lots; and the sale of lottery tickets and tobacco. The underground shopping streets were built in conjunction with the construction of the Sapporo Municipal Subway in preparation for the 1972 Sapporo Winter Olympics. Aurora Town extends 310 meters east from Odori Station under Odori Park to the Sapporo TV Tower, while Pole Town extends 400 meters south from Odori Station along Sapporo Ekimae-dori to Susukino Station. Together with the connecting Sapporo Ekimae-dori Underground Walkway (Chikaho), they form what is said to be the longest straight underground pedestrian passage in Japan, stretching about 1,900 meters from north of JR Sapporo Station to Susukino Station. The shopping streets serve over 150,000 visitors per day and are a vital urban space in a snowy, cold region. The company was founded with public funds, and its major shareholders include the City of Sapporo (23.6%), the Sapporo Chamber of Commerce and Industry (10.1%), the Development Bank of Japan (9.6%), Sapporo TV Tower (6.1%), Hokkaido Prefecture (5.7%), Hokuyo Bank (5.0%), and Taisei Corporation (3.4%). Its capital is 520 million yen with 1.04 million shares issued. As of June 2025 (Reiwa 8), it has 45 employees. The representative director and president is Toshinari Tanaka. The company manages the underground streets with a focus on safety, comfort, and accessibility, aiming to create a "people-friendly underground street" and a "underground street loved by citizens." It has implemented various initiatives, including the Sapporo Chikagai POINT CLUB loyalty program, the introduction of emergency earthquake early warning systems, and renovations for anniversaries. The underground streets host events such as the Sapporo Chrysanthemum Festival and feature large LED vision screens for advertising and information.
History
The origin of Sapporo's underground shopping streets dates back to 1964, when the widening of Sapporo Ekimae-dori was decided. Concerns arose that elderly people and children would not be able to cross Tanukikoji 3-chome to 4-chome in a single green light, leading to discussions about building an underground passage for safe crossing. Initially, a bridge-type crossing was also considered. The underground passage concept gained momentum as the construction of the subway progressed following the decision to hold the 1972 Sapporo Winter Olympics. In 1968, local shopping streets formed the "Underground Pedestrian Passage Construction Promotion Committee" and began petitioning the Ministry of Construction. The following year, the "Sapporo Underground Passage Development Promotion Council" was established, and planning proceeded under the guidance of the Ministry of Construction. The Ministry's policy was that the construction and operation of underground streets should be carried out by a public corporation considering public interest, and that a large underground parking lot should be attached. On May 31, 1969, "Sapporo Toshikaihatsu Kosha" was established with public funds, and Imai Tamotsu, managing director of Marui Imai, became its president. The overall plan was to build Pole Town above the subway and Aurora Town above the Odori underground parking lot. Construction began in 1970, and the underground streets were completed and opened in 1971, the year before the Sapporo Olympics, in just one and a half years. On November 16, 1971, Aurora Town, Pole Town, and the Sapporo Odori Underground Parking Lot opened, with business starting at 11:16 AM to commemorate the date. The Sapporo Municipal Subway Namboku Line opened on December 16, 1971. At the time of establishment, the underground street operating company was required to have at least 51% public capital. Local small businesses held shares, and the Sapporo Chamber of Commerce and Industry invested 51 million yen, representing 51%, using nominee shares with voting rights held by the Chamber. Since then, the company has managed and operated the underground streets and parking lot. Key milestones include the first Sapporo Chrysanthemum Festival held in the underground street in 1974, the opening of the Tozai Subway Line in 1976, the 10th anniversary refreshment work in 1981 (which removed the "River of Joy" waterway in Aurora Town), the 20th anniversary refreshment in 1991, the introduction of the Sapporo Chikagai POINT CLUB in 2006, the direct management of the Sapporo Odori Underground Parking Lot in 2007, the introduction of an earthquake early warning system in 2008 (first among commercial facilities in Hokkaido), the 40th anniversary renovation of public passages and restrooms in 2011, the renovation of the parking lot in 2013, and the installation of a large LED vision screen in Aurora Town in 2021 to commemorate the 50th anniversary, later named "AUMIRU" in 2022. The company continues to operate the underground streets, focusing on safety, comfort, and community engagement, with the aim of creating a "people-friendly underground street" and a "underground street loved by citizens."
- 2022
LED vision screen named 'AUMIRU'.
- 2021
50th anniversary: large LED vision screen installed in Aurora Town on November 16.
- 2013
Sapporo Odori Underground Parking Lot renovation completed.
- 2011
40th anniversary project: renovation of public passages and restrooms completed.
- 2008
Emergency earthquake early warning system introduced for the first time in a Hokkaido commercial facility.
- 2007
Sapporo Odori Underground Parking Lot brought under direct management; POINT CLUB mascot 'Chikapii' named.
- 2006
Sapporo Chikagai POINT CLUB loyalty program introduced.
- 2001
30th anniversary refreshment work; automatic payment introduced at Sapporo Odori Underground Parking Lot.
- 1991
20th anniversary refreshment work.
- 1981
10th anniversary refreshment work; 'River of Joy' removed from Aurora Town.
Products and positioning
A public-private company dedicated to operating Sapporo's underground urban spaces, emphasizing safety, comfort, and community service.
Aurora Town
Underground shopping street extending 310 meters from Odori Station to Sapporo TV Tower.
Pole Town
Underground shopping street extending 400 meters from Odori Station to Susukino Station.
Sapporo Odori Underground Parking Lot
Underground parking lot with 366 spaces, located under Odori Park.
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