Getting around in Hokkaido

Would like to check on the following as we will arrive Hokkaido next Monday. We can use our ICOCA cards for subways and buses within Sapporo & Otaru? Can ICOCA be used on the streetcar to Ropeway Iriguchi Station? We will buy one-way train tickets to Norboribetsu Station at the Sapporo Station ticket counter/ticket machines? We will travel to Biei for the day. Do we buy the to and fro train tickets at Sapporo Station or buy the return trip at Biei Station? We can't get the Hokkaido Pass as we will visit these 2 places on a Tuesday and Sunday and the Flexi 4 day Pass doesn't seem worthwhile. Can ICOCA be used from Sapporo to Otaru? Our itinerary is 2 nights Sapporo, 1 night Noboribetsu, 2 nights Otaru, 2 nights Sapporo.

Also, what is the best way to get to Sapporo Factory Shop from Susukino, where our hotel is?

Thank you.

We can use our ICOCA cards for subways and buses within Sapporo & Otaru?

Yes.

Can ICOCA be used on the streetcar to Ropeway Iriguchi Station?

Yes.

We will buy one-way train tickets to Norboribetsu Station at the Sapporo Station ticket counter/ticket machines?

That should be possible. Making seat reservations is possible only at selected machines. Alternatively, you can use the manned ticket offices.

Do we buy the to and fro train tickets at Sapporo Station or buy the return trip at Biei Station?

Either is possible. But if you know your itinerary in advance, I recommend to buy everything in advance.

Can ICOCA be used from Sapporo to Otaru?

Yes

Also, what is the best way to get to Sapporo Factory Shop from Susukino, where our hotel is?

It is a 20-30 minute walk (1.7 kilometers). A little longer in winter. Or a short taxi ride. Google Maps doesn't find any convenient bus connection.

1 night Noboribetsu
Before purchasing train ticket, check with the hotel you are staying in Noboribetsu if they have free pick up from Sapporo.

Thank you! Yes, I couldn't find any bus collection to Sapporo Factory Shop too. There is a hotel shuttle and bus from Sapporo to Noboribetsu but their departures are in the afternoon. Hence, we'll reach Noboribetsu 3.30pm or 4pm. It'll be dark by then so we decided to take the train to arrive in the morning to maximise our time in Noboribetsu. Thanks again.