Sasara Tram — Sapporo’s Snow-Sweeping Streetcar That Keeps the City Moving in Winter

Sasara Tram — Sapporo’s Snow-Sweeping Streetcar

The “Sasara Tram” is a special snow-removal streetcar operated by the Sapporo City Tram during winter. It’s designed to clear snow from the tram tracks, ensuring safe and reliable operation throughout the snowy season.

History and Role

In service since the Taisho era (early 20th century), the Sasara Tram has been an essential part of Sapporo’s winter operations. It runs late at night or early in the morning, removing snow from the tracks to keep the first morning trams running on time. In a city like Sapporo, where heavy snowfall is the norm, clearing the tracks quickly is vital to maintaining the tram schedule.

Structure and Snow-Removal Method

The name “Sasara” refers to the bamboo brushes mounted on the front and rear of the tram. These rotating brushes sweep snow off the rails as the tram moves along the tracks. Unlike metal blades, the bamboo brushes prevent damage to the rails and are highly effective even with wet, heavy snow. The Sapporo City Transportation Museum displays historical and modern versions of these snow-removal trams.

Operation Timing

The Sasara Tram usually operates from late November to around March. Depending on snowfall conditions, it is dispatched late at night or early in the morning. When there is little snow, it may run in standby mode without rotating the brushes.

A Winter Symbol of Sapporo

Sapporo streetcar’s snow removal train “Sasara Densha” — the snow sweeper tram that keeps the city moving through winter. pic.twitter.com/VCrlLDSj7G

— Hokkaido Kurashi no Yomimono (@hokkaidodo_jp) September 3, 2024

The sight of the Sasara Tram sweeping through snowy streets has become one of Sapporo’s iconic winter scenes, often featured in travel media as a symbol of the city’s resilience and beauty in the snow.

Viewing Tips and Safety

• Watch from sidewalks or other safe areas. Snow may scatter as the tram passes, so avoid standing close to the tracks.
• Operating times vary depending on snowfall and tram schedules, making it difficult to predict exactly when it will appear.
• The best time to see it in action is just after a fresh snowfall, when the brushes are most active.

The Sasara Tram is one of the unsung heroes that keeps life in Sapporo running smoothly during the long winter months. When you visit Sapporo in winter, take a moment to appreciate this hardworking tram and the people who operate it behind the scenes.