Hokkaido Japan Rail Passes to travel smoothly around Hokkaido!
Whenever we think of Japan, the top destinations that always come to mind are Tokyo and Osaka. But did you know there’s more to Japan than these cities? It’s also brimming with nature! Besides Mount Fuji, there’s also the magnificent island of Hokkaido.
In the northern isle lies a treasure trove of nature. Hokkaido is jam-packed with snow-capped mountains in winter, lavender fields in summer, and natural hot springs all year round. Nature lovers can enjoy skiing, trekking, and many other activities in the great outdoors!
Sounds like your kind of vacation? Then it's time to plan a trip to Hokkaido! Similar to many other regions in Japan, there are dedicated Japan Rail Passes for you to travel across Hokkaido with ease. Besides the traditional JR Hokkaido Rail Pass, there are also two new themed-rail passes that may better fit your travel plan:
🚨Important Klook Tip🚨: Prices for the Whole Japan JR Pass and many JR Regional Passes have increased since 1 October 2023. Beat the price hike by booking single-journey Shinkansen and Limited Express train tickets now on Klook!
What is the JR Hokkaido Pass & Area Passes?
With a JR Pass, you’ll not only get to enjoy unlimited rides on the JR Hokkaido trains but also some designated JR buses within Hokkaido. Each JR Pass caters specifically to different regions in Hokkaido and comes with varying entitlements.
Therefore, it is important to plan your itinerary carefully before deciding which JR Hokkaido Pass to purchase for traveling around Hokkaido and beyond.
How do I book a JR Hokkaido Pass on Klook?
Book your JR Hokkaido Pass on Klook with these easy steps! Any non-Japanese passport holders can purchase the pass by visiting this page, and select your desired pass and the intended redemption date (i.e. the date you are planning to redeem for the actual pass).
Then input your English passport name on the booking form; please make sure you are putting the correct information for a smooth redemption as the staff might check the information against your passport.
How do I redeem my JR Hokkaido Pass?
You should receive a confirmation email with a QR code shortly after successful payment. You just have to present the QR code with your valid passport to the redemption counter to exchange for the actual pass ticket.
Where can I redeem my JR Hokkaido Pass?
The Sapporo-Furano Area Pass and Sapporo-Noboribetsu Area Pass can both be redeemed at New Chitose Airport Station and Sapporo Station.
For redemption in New Chitose Airport Station, you will be greeted by a cute Doraemon figure upon arrival. Then follow the sign "JR TRAIN" behind it, keep walking in the direction and you will find yourself arriving at the domestic terminal.
From there, take the elevator to reach New Chitos Airport Station on the first basement level.
Look for the gate, go to the right and you will arrive at the foreign information desk. You can exchange rail passes here. The counters & machines here support foreign languages so there's no need to worry. You may refer to this video as a guide.
As a summary, please refer to the table below on where you can redeem your JR Hokkaido Pass:
Station | Which Hokkaido rail pass can be redeemed? |
|---|---|
- Sapporo-Noboribetsu Area Pass - Sapporo-Furano Area Pass - Hokkaido Rail Pass - JR East-South Hokkaido Rail Pass - JR Tohoku-South Hokkaido Rail Pass | |
- Sapporo-Noboribetsu Area Pass - Sapporo-Furano Area Pass - Hokkaido Rail Pass - JR East-South Hokkaido Rail Pass - JR Tohoku-South Hokkaido Rail Pass | |
- Sapporo-Noboribetsu Area Pass - Hokkaido Rail Pass - JR East-South Hokkaido Rail Pass - JR Tohoku-South Hokkaido Rail Pass | |
- Sapporo-Furano Area Pass - Hokkaido Rail Pass |
New Chitose Airport Station Map:
Sapporo Station Map:
Noboribetsu Station Map:
Asahikawa Station Map:
About the JR Hokkaido Sapporo-Furano Area Pass (4 Days)
This pass covers the most scenic and natural points of interest in the Hokkaido area - it allows unlimited rides between New Chitose Airport, Sapporo, Otaru, Furano, Biei, and Asahikawa for 4 days on non-reserved seat trains.
Furano & Biei are famous areas for flower fields & views of hills. The peak season for travel is summer from July - August when the lavender fields are in full bloom.
#KlookTip: Travelers will need to purchase separate tickets for traveling on reserved seats.
Recommended locations to visit with JR Hokkaido Sapporo-Furano Area Pass
Suggested 4-day itinerary - Save up to ￥15,000 per person with JR Hokkaido Sapporo-Furano Area Pass!
Itinerary | Individual Transportation Cost (Per Person) | JR Hokkaido Sapporo-Furano Area Pass(Per Person) | |
|---|---|---|---|
Day 1 | New Chitose Airport > Sapporo | ￥1,150 JPY | ￥10,000 JPY |
Day 2 | Sapporo > Furano > Biei (Aoi Pond) > Furano > Sapporo | ￥10,900 JPY | |
Day 3 | Sapporo > Asahikawa (Asahiyama Zoo) > Sapporo | ￥9,380 JPY | |
Day 4 | Sapporo > Otaru > New Chitose Airport | ￥2,660 JPY | |
Total Savings | ￥14,090 JPY | ||
*Bus fare between Asahikawa Station and Asahiyama Zoo, and between Biei Station and Blue Pond is not included.
1. Farm Tomita, Furano
Possibly one of the most iconic places in Hokkaido. Farm Tomita is famous for its wide variety of flower fields and ever-changing scenes in different seasons. Their Lavender soft-serve ice cream is always well-known for its refreshing, unique flavor, and creaminess.
There are two ways to get to Farm Tomita, and both are covered by the JR Hokkaido Sapporo-Furano Area Pass:
1. Take a train from Furano Station on the JR Furano Line to Lavender Farm Station*. The farm is a 7-minute walk away from the station.
*The Lavender-Farm Station is a seasonal station. Trains stop here from Jun-Sep.
2. Take a train to Haka Furano Station on the JR Furano Line. The farm is a 25-minute walk away from the station.
2. Aoi Pond, Biei
The Aoi Pond is also well-known as The Blue Pond, the deep blue color is due to natural minerals dissolving in the water. The view is particularly breathtaking in Winter, with the illuminations highlighting the blue pond in the snow.
To get to Aoi Pond with the JR Hokkaido Sapporo-Furano Area Pass, you may travel on the Furano Line to Biei Station and then switch to the tour buses* to the Aoi Pond running daily from the Biei Tourist Information Center (i.e. bus fare not covered by the pass).
3. Hinode Park Lavender Garden, Kami Furano
Another famous flower park in the area, Hinode Park Lavender Garden is known for its colorful flower fields especially in the Summer season.
To get there with the JR Hokkaido Sapporo-Furano Area Pass, travel to the Kami Furano Station on the Furano Line then walk for approximately 15 minutes.
4. Asahiyama Zoo, Asahikawa
Asahiyama Zoo is one of the most prominent zoos on the island, offering visitors spectacular views of the animals from different angles. Get to see majestic polar bears, wolves, big cats, apes, and more inside - don’t miss the chance to pass through the glass tunnel of the penguin pool to see these cute little birds dance underwater!
Travel to Asahikawa Station with your JR Hokkaido Sapporo-Furano Area Pass, then switch to a local bus to get to Asahiyama Zoo (bus fare not covered by the pass).
5. Sapporo
Sapporo is the capital city of the Hokkaido prefecture. Immerse yourself in splendid local gourmets, unlimited shopping & extraordinary cultural experiences, visiting Sapporo is a must for every traveler going to Hokkaido.
Travel to Sapporo station on any major lines with your JR Hokkaido Sapporo-Furano Area Pass to start exploring the city.
6. Otaru
Being another major city in the area, Otaru is well-known for its canal and some of its historical and signature buildings. The city is also famous for its crafts, namely glasses and music boxes. Otaru is a perfect place to relax for a day enjoy the scenery and get unique souvenirs for your family and friends.
Travel to Otaru station on any major lines with your JR Hokkaido Sapporo-Furano Area Pass to start exploring the city.
About the JR Hokkaido Sapporo-Noboribetsu Area Pass (4 Days)
This pass covers the famous onsen area in Hokkaido. Explore Sapporo, Otaru, and Noboribetsu on 4 consecutive days with a single rail pass!
Kindly note this pass only applies to non-reserved seats. Travelers will need to purchase separate tickets for traveling on reserved seats.
Recommended locations to visit with JR Hokkaido Sapporo-Noboribetsu Area Pass
Suggested 4-day itinerary - save up to ￥4,000 JPY per person with JR Hokkaido Sapporo-Noboribetsu Area Pass
Itinerary | Individual Transportation Cost (Per Person) | JR Hokkaido Sapporo- Noboribetsu Area Pass(Per Person) | |
|---|---|---|---|
Day 1 | New Chitose Airport > Sapporo | ￥1,150 JPY | ￥9,000 JPY |
Day 2 | Sapporo > Otaru > Sapporo | ￥1,500 JPY | |
Day 3 | Sapporo > Noboribetsu | ￥4,010 JPY | |
Day 4 | Noboribetsu > Sapporo > Chitose Airport | ￥5,400 JPY | |
Total Saving | ￥3,060 JPY | ||
1. Jigokudani (Hell Valley), Noboribetsu
Also known as the Hell Valley, the area is famous for its ferocious steam and streams from volcanic activities. The prime season to visit is Autumn/Fall to enjoy the breathtaking scenes with the red leaves surrounding the area. There are also natural hot spring resorts around the area for you to relax to the stunning scenery.
To visit Jigokudani with JR Hokkaido Sapporo-Noboribetsu Area Pass, travel to Noboribetsu Station and switch to the local bus (bus fare not covered by the pass).
2. River Oyunuma Natural Footbath, Noboribetsu
Located in the Oyunuma Onsen area, you can enjoy a natural footbath with the hot spring water flowing from the Oyunuma River. There is a trail nearby the footbath area, what is better than taking a break after a short hike to enjoy the spectacular natural landscape?
To visit Oyunuma Natural Footbath with JR Hokkaido Sapporo-Noboribetsu Area Pass, travel to Noboribetsu Station and switch to the local bus (bus fare not covered by the pass).
3. Sapporo
Sapporo is the capital city of the Hokkaido prefecture. Immerse yourself in splendid local gourmets, unlimited shopping & extraordinary cultural experiences, visiting Sapporo is a must for every traveler going to Hokkaido.
Travel to Sapporo station on any major lines with your JR Hokkaido Sapporo-Noboribetsu Area Pass to start exploring the city.
4. Otaru
Being another major city in the area, Otaru is well-known for its canal and some of its historical and signature buildings. The city is also famous for its crafts, namely glasses and music boxes. Otaru is a perfect place to relax for a day to enjoy the scenery and get unique souvenirs for your family and friends.
Travel to Otaru station on any major lines with your JR Hokkaido Sapporo-Noboribetsu Area Pass to start exploring the city.
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