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.
It’s often recommended to get around Hokkaido via car rental — but if you just want to sit back in relax, or aren’t that confident to drive in a foreign country, why not travel around Hokkaido by train? Contrary to popular misconception, yes, it’s possible, and yes, it’s really quite easy to do! Even better: for greater bang for your buck, arm yourself with the handy 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!
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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 |
All About JR Hokkaido Rail Pass
The Hokkaido Rail Pass is a consecutive train pass that gives you unlimited rides on the JR Hokkaido train lines (and select JR Hokkaido buses) over a consecutive 5-, 7-, or 10-day period. Other options include the 4-day Sapporo-Furano Area Pass and the 4-day Sapporo-Noboribetsu Area Pass.
Getting your rail pass is simple! Simply book your pass via Klook, and receive your exchange order via mail. Bring your exchange order to Japan, where you can redeem your rail pass at New Chitose Airport; or the Sapporo, Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto, Hakodate, Noboribetsu, Obihiro, Kushiro, Abashiri, and Asahikawa stations.
2. Cities covered by the JR Hokkaido Rail Pass
北海道JR Pass 路線圖
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
Start your Hokkaido adventure from Sapporo, which can be reached via the JR Hokkaido Airport Express (covered by the Hokkaido Rail Pass) from New Chitose Airport’s, or via a 3.5-hour train from Tokyo (covered by the Whole Japan Rail Pass).
#KlookTip: If you want to travel light, check out this efficient luggage delivery service.
There are plenty of things to do in Sapporo: Visit the Sapporo TV Tower, take the Mt. Moiwa ropeway, say bottoms up at the Sapporo Beer Museum, indulge your sweet tooth at Shiroi Koibito Park, take a stroll at Maruyama Park, see the winter snow festival at Odori Park, feast at Sapporo Ramen Yokocho, experience the night vibes of Susukino, and go shopping at Tanukikoji Shopping Street.
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!
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.
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
Travelling time from Biei to Sapporo: around 2 hours 47 minutes via JR Furano line and Limited Express train
Travelling time from Sapporo to Otaru: around 48 minutes via JR Hakodate Main Line
Otaru is one of the most popular day trips to take from Sapporo. Take a relaxing rickshaw tour around the city, stroll along the idyllic canal, visit the Otaru Art Base Stained Glass Museum or Otaru Music Box Museum, or have some retail therapy at Sakaimachi-dori.
If you have the time, go on a tour of the gorgeous Shakotan Peninsula, where you can visit Cape Kamui, view the famous “Shakotan Blue’, and, in the summer, dine on premium purple sea urchin.
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 and Biei
Travelling time from Noboribetsu to Sapporo: around one hour 15 minutes via Limited Express train
Travelling time from Sapporo to Furano: around two hours via the direct Furano Lavender Express in summer; otherwise around two hours 15 minutes via Limited Express train and JR Nemuro Main Line
Travelling time from Furano to Biei: around 30 minutes via the JR Furano line
Known as Hokkaido’s belly button (due to its central position), Furano and Biei are often visited together. The area is known for its rainbow flower fields, the scenic Patchwork Road, and the lavender fields at Farm Tomita. Go cherry-picking, visit the Furano Cheese Factory, marvel at the Shirogane Blue Pond and Shirahige Waterfall, and wander around the magical Ningle Terrace.
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!
Lake Toya
Travelling time from Hakodate to Lake Toya (Toya on the Muroran Line): around 1 hour 50 minutes via Limited Express train
Relaxation is the name of the game at Lake Toya, a scenic caldera lake nestled in the Shikotsu-Toya National Park. Embark on a pleasure boat cruise across the lake, go hiking on Oshima Island, rent a cute swan boat, see the 58 sculptures at Toyako Gurutto Chokoku Koen Sculpture Park that line the lake’s circumference, visit Mt. Usu, and go on a helicopter tour from Silo Observatory.
Pamper yourself by staying at a lake-facing hotel or ryokan; and, if you’re visiting between end-April to end-October, watch as the skies light up with a magnificent nightly fireworks display.
Noboribetsu
Travelling time from Lake Toya to Noboribetsu: around 45 minutes via Limited Express train
The hot spring resort of Noboribetsu supposedly has some of Japan’s best thermal water, which flows down from Jigokudani. Also known as Hell Valley, Jigokudani is said to be the home of Japanese demons — see if you can spot the 11 demon statues all around town!
Experience Jigokudani’s other-worldly landscape, soak in one of the onsens, plus visit the Noboribetsu Marine Park and Noboribetsu Bear Park.
Hakodate
Travelling time from Sapporo to Hakodate: around 4 hours via Limited Express train
Next, make your way down south to Hakodate, one of Hokkaido’s most picturesque cities. Start the day at Hakodate Morning Market, where you can fish for — and eat! — a live squid, squirming tentacles and all. Snag unique souvenirs at Kanemori Red Brick House, try the famous Lucky Pierrot burgers, enjoy the scenery at Hakodate Bay, see one of Japan’s three best night views from Mt. Hakodate (included in this night view sightseeing bus tour), see the star-shaped Fort Goryokaku from Goryokaku Tower, and more.
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.
Places to visit with the Hokkaido Rail Pass: In Winter
If you’re visiting Hokkaido in winter, the region transforms into a magnificent white wonderland! Put these places on your Hokkaido winter #bucketlist.
Asahikawa
Travelling time from Sapporo to Asahikawa: around 1.5 hours via Limited Express train
Asahikawa is great to visit all year round but come winter, it’s famous for the adorable Penguin Parade (to give the creatures some much-needed exercise!) at Asahiyama Zoo. Refuel at the Ramen Village, go on a snowshoeing tour, and shop at Heiwa-dori Shopping Park — which is Japan’s very first pedestrianised street.
Kushiro
Travelling time from Sapporo to Kushiro: around 4.5 hours via Limited Express train
Have you heard of the Tancho red-crowned cranes? The indigenous Ainu people call them the ‘Spirits of the Marshlands’; and they’re mostly found in Kushiro. If you’re lucky, you might even be able to watch them dance! You’ll be able to find them at the Tancho Crane Reserve, where they’re lovingly cared for.
#KlookTip: To see these cranes in the wild, ride through the Kushiro Wetland onboard the SL Fuyu-no-Shitsugen train, which runs from January and February; or the Kushiro Shitsugen Norokko train, which runs from April to October.
Shiretoko
Travelling time from Kushiro to Shiretoko: around 2.5 hours via JR Senmo Main Line
Don’t miss out on this one-of-a-kind winter activity: get up close and personal with Ryuhyo drift ice by going for a cool ice walk, or cruise along onboard an icebreaker ship.
BONUS: Skiing
Image credit: Niseko Tourism
Experience Hokkaido’s quality pow at one of the many ski resorts, such as the renowned Niseko. Hoshino Resorts Tomamu’s ice village is a definite highlight and, from mid-May to mid-October, its Unkai Terrace boasts a fantastic view of a sea of clouds. If you have little ones in tow, they’ll love Bibai Snow Land or Chitose North Snow Land, which has lots of snow activities like tubing and snowmobiling.
If you’re not keen on staying a night at the ski resorts, grab Club Med Sahoro’s All-Inclusive Pass! Seize the chance to enjoy all of the resort’s facilities and experiences for a day, including a ski or snowboard lesson.
Can’t wait to get started? Either D.I.Y. your trip, or hop on any of these comprehensive Hokkaido tours.
Explore the best of Hokkaido now with Klook!
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