Explore Hokkaido hassle-free with the JR Hokkaido Rail Pass!
Clean air, blue skies, undulating hills and majestic mountains – these are some of the things you can expect in Hokkaido! No matter what season you visit, you can definitely expect to return home with memories of beautiful sights and full bellies.
If you plan to visit the many regions in Hokkaido but don’t want the trouble of driving across cities, you’ll need the JR Hokkaido Rail Pass! You’ll not only get to enjoy unlimited rides on the JR Hokkaido trains but also some designated JR buses within Hokkaido.
Read on to find out how you can maximise your JR Hokkaido Rail Pass on your next holiday to Hokkaido!
1. Types of JR Passes to travel around Hokkaido
Each JR Pass caters specifically to different regions in Japan and comes with varying entitlements. Therefore, it is important to plan your itinerary carefully before deciding which JR Pass to purchase for travelling around Hokkaido and beyond.
Types of Rail Pass | Areas Covered | What's Included | What's Not Included |
|---|---|---|---|
Whole Hokkaido | 1. Reserved and non-reserved seats in ordinary car of limited express trains on JR Hokkaido Line 2. Reserved and non-reserved seats of special rapid and rapid trains on JR Hokkaido Line 3. Local trains on JR Hokkaido Line 4. Reserved and non-reserved seats of temporary trains (limited express/rapid/local) on JR Hokkaido Line 5. JR Hokkaido Buses in Sapporo (See here for details) | 1. Hokkaido Shinkansen 2. South Hokkaido Railway 3. Streetcar and subway 5. SL Fuyu-no-Shitsugen Train | |
Sapporo, Otaru, and Noboribetsu | 1. Non-reserved seat on the limited express, rapid and local trains within the valid area | 1. JR Hokkaido Buses 2. Streetcar and subway | |
Sapporo, Otaru, Furano, Biei, and Asahikawa | 1. Non-reserved seat on the limited express, rapid and local trains within the valid area | 1. JR Hokkaido Buses 2. Streetcar and subway | |
Sapporo, Otaru, Noboribetsu, Tohoku, and Tokyo | 1. Reserved seats and non-reserved in ordinary car of seats on all Shinkansen, limited express trains, express trains and local trains on JR Hokkaido lines, JR East lines, Izu Kyuko Line, Aoimori Railway Line, Iwate Galaxy Railway Line within the valid area 2. Tokyo Monorail Line and Sendai Airport Transit 3. Ordinary cars on limited express trains served by both JR East and Tobu Railway (Nikko, Kinugawa, SPACIA Kinugawa, etc.) 4. Local trains between Shimo-imaichi and Tobu-nikko/Kinugawa-onsen on Tobu Railway lines | 1. Tokaido Shinkansen 2. JR Buses |
2. Cities covered by the JR Hokkaido Rail Pass
Photo credit: JR Hokkaido
This JR Hokkaido Rail Pass is great if you plan on travelling to multiple cities in Hokkaido. As compared to buying multiple single-trip tickets, the rail pass is definitely a more cost-efficient option.
For example, a two-way trip from Wakkanai to Kushiro would already amount to more than the cost of the rail pass itself. Save your money for more awesome food and opt for the JR Hokkaido Rail Pass for a more cost-efficient way of travelling!
3. Types of seats on the Japan Rail
Photo credit: Tennen-Gas
There are reserved seatings available for the Shinkansen, Limited Express Trains, Express Trains, and Rapid Airport Trains. Do note that Special and Sightseeing Trains are not eligible for reserved seating.
All you have to do is present your JR Hokkaido Rail Pass at a JR Information Desk, JR Ticket Counter or the reserved seat ticket vending machine in major JR Hokkaido stations. You will then be issued a Reserved Seat Ticket at no extra charge. Alternatively, you may reserve a seat up to a month in advance using JR-EAST Train Reservation.
When boarding, be sure to present both your rail pass and reserved seat ticket to the conductor.
#KlookTip: We encourage you to make reservations ahead of time especially if you're travelling in a group. You can always change your reserved tickets at the JR Ticket Counter should you wish after receiving your Reserved Seat Ticket.
4. JR Pass Exchange Points
Photo credit: JR Hokkaido
Once your booking is confirmed, you’ll receive an Electronic Exchange Order directly on your email and Klook app. You will need this to exchange for your actual JR Pass when in Japan.
When you're in Hokkaido, you can exchange for your JR Pass at any of the above major JR Stations or at New Chitose Airport. You will need to collect it in person and do have your original passport ready as well.
During collection, you will be asked to choose a date for which you would like to activate your JR Pass as well. You may choose a date up to 30 days ahead. This means you don't have to wait till the day of use to exchange for your JR Pass.
#KlookTip: Do note that if you have purchased the regional JR Passes, the Sapporo-Noboribetsu Area Pass can be exchanged only at New Chitose Airport, Sapporo and Noboribetsu Stations. The Sapporo-Furano Area Pass can be exchanged at New Chitose Airport, Sapporo and Asahikawa Stations.
5. Places to visit in Hokkaido with your JR Pass
There is every reason to purchase the JR Hokkaido Rail Pass to make the most of your next holiday there. Sapporo beer aside, the region is popular and loved for its beautiful Insta-worthy landscapes and many hidden gems waiting to be uncovered and explored!
Witness the beauty of Hokkaido for yourself with the following Klook-approved activities!
Sapporo
1. Learn the secrets behind your favourite Japanese beers
Photo Credit: Ruth Hartnup on Flickr (Attribution 2.0 Generic (CC BY 2.0))
Learn the secrets behind everyone’s favourite Hokkaido-produced Pale Ale Lager at the Sapporo Beer Museum, a Hokkaido Heritage destination, which showcases its brewing process that dates back to the Meiji era. The best part... you’ll get to sample their beers!
If you prefer Kirin beer instead, head over to the Kirin Beer Garden for some delicious wagyu beef! The King Crab & Genghis Khan Grilled Lamb Course is a must-try for its unbeatable mix of tender lamb and fresh Hokkaido seafood, sure to satisfy the foodie in you.
Be sure to walk off all that food with a stroll in the Nakajima Park nearby!
2. Get one of the best views from the Sapporo TV Tower
Built in 1957, the Sapporo TV Tower is one of the city's iconic landmarks. Get unobstructed 360° views of the Sea of Japan, Ishikari Heigen, and Odori Park (where flowers bloom in the four seasons!) from the Sapporo TV Tower. This experience is a must-do when in Hokkaido's biggest and most vibrant city.
3. Have tea the Japanese way
Your trip to Hokkaido would not be complete without learning the REAL art of serving tea. Take an inside look into the intricate Japanese tea culture as you savour authentic Japanese tea and sample Japanese desserts.
Upgrade your experience and experience brewing tea in a traditional kimono! You’ll have over a thousand dazzling designs to choose from, and you can even take it up a notch by purchasing the traditional hairstyling package.
Otaru
1. Cruise through the city on the Otaru Rickshaw Tour
One of the best ways to explore the quaint harbour city of Otaru is by rickshaw. Learn about the rich history and iconic streets of the city as your local guide takes you on a customised tour! All you need to do is flash your Klook mobile voucher to the rickshaw driver with Otaru’/’小樽 on his back and you’re all set!
#Klook Fun Fact: The Japanese film, “Love Letter” was shot mainly in the beautiful streets of Otaru. Follow the exact spots where the fantasy love story was filmed and recreate your own version of the love story with your loved ones.
Furano
1. Munch on cheese at the Furano Cheese Factory
Furano is synonymous with its picturesque landscapes and blooming lavender seasons. But, apart from the flowers, did you know the most delicious cheese is produced in Furano?
You’ll be in for an interesting experience at The Furano Cheese Factory where you can observe the production process of local camembert cheese. All ingredients used in their products are sourced locally gifting it with a distinct Furano taste!
Yes, you’ll be able to enjoy some cheese samples during the tasting session!
Hakodate
1. Feast on seafood at the Hakodate morning market
Hakodate is the third largest city in Hokkaido located in the South, and best known for its delicious and fresh seafood!
The Hakodate Morning Market boasts a huge area spanning about four city blocks. So open your eyes wide, socks up and be ready to delve into the wide array of fresh seafood available. Think crabs, salmon eggs, sea urchins and squids!
Try your hand at catching an unlucky (or lucky for you) squid swimming vigorously in fish tanks. All it takes is a basic rod with a hook on the end and some arm skills…easy right? Achef will transform your fresh catch into a delectable squid sashimi!
HakodateRemember not to leave Hakodate without gobbling down the famous Seafood Rice Bowl at Donburi Yokocho Ichiba located along the Morning Market.
Explore the best of Hokkaido now with Klook!
