So, you've decided to travel up north to the massive and jaw-droppingly gorgeous region that is Hokkaido.
Awesome.
But you're still unsure about where to go and how to get around, especially if driving isn’t your thing or you’d rather skip the hassle of figuring out roads and routes. No worries - the Hokkaido Rail Pass makes it easy to travel around without any stress.
First Up, Though, What is the JR Hokkaido Rail Pass?
Well, the Hokkaido Rail Pass is a special deal for foreign visitors to Japan's second-largest island.
It offers unlimited travel on all JR Hokkaido train lines, including local, rapid, and limited express services (excluding the Shinkansen). The pass also covers JR Hokkaido bus services, giving you more options for getting around.
Depending on how long you're visiting, you can choose between 5, 7, or 10 consecutive days, making it a convenient way to explore Hokkaido without the hassle of buying individual tickets, all while saving money.
It’s a stress-free way to enjoy everything Japan’s northernmost gem has to offer, especially in winter when driving conditions may be tricky due to snow.
JR Pass Options for Exploring Hokkaido
Rail Pass Options | Where You Can Go | Best For: |
|---|---|---|
The Entire Hokkaido Region | Travellers looking to deep dive into Hokkaido | |
Sapporo, Shiraoi, Otaru, Tomakomai, Noboribetsu | Exploring Otaru and the hot spring town of Noboribetsu while saving money by not purchasing the full pass | |
Sapporo, Otaru, Takikawa, Shiroishi, Furano, Biei, and Asahikawa | Visiting Otaru, the flower fields of Furano, Biei, and Asahikawa while saving money by not purchasing the full pass | |
Sapporo, Hakodate, Aomori, Morioka, Fukushima, and Tokyo | Travellers who want to travel from Tokyo Station to Sapporo Station |
Rail Pass Options | What's Included in the Pass | What's Not Covered |
|---|---|---|
- Reserved and non-reserved seats in ordinary cars on JR Hokkaido's limited express services. - Reserved and non-reserved seats on JR Hokkaido's special rapid and rapid trains. - Local trains across the JR Hokkaido network. - Reserved and non-reserved seats on temporary trains (limited express, rapid, and local) operated by JR Hokkaido. - JR Hokkaido buses within Sapporo. | - The Hokkaido Shinkansen - South Hokkaido Railway - Streetcars and subways - SL Fuyu-no-Shitsugen Train | |
- Non-reserved seats on any limited express, rapid, and local train within the covered area | - JR Hokkaido bus services - Streetcars and subways | |
- Non-reserved seats on any limited express, rapid, and local train within the covered area. | - JR Hokkaido bus services - Streetcars and subways | |
- Reserved and non-reserved seats in ordinary cars on all Shinkansen, limited express services, express trains, and local trains operating on JR Hokkaido lines, JR East lines, Izu Kyuko Line, Aoimori Railway Line, and Iwate Galaxy Railway Line within the valid area. - Access to the Tokyo Monorail Line and Sendai Airport Transit. - Ordinary cars on limited express services by JR East and Tobu Railway, including services like Nikko, Kinugawa, and SPACIA Kinugawa. - Local trains between Shimo-Imaichi and Tobu-Nikko/Kinugawa-Onsen on Tobu Railway lines. | - The Tokaido Shinkansen - JR bus services |
Cities Included in the JR Hokkaido Rail Pass
If it’s your first time visiting Hokkaido or you’re just keen to explore and see as much as you can on a vacation lasting more than a week, the Hokkaido Rail Pass is a fantastic option and seriously great value for money.
Case in point: a single round-trip ticket from Sapporo to Kushiro costs roughly 9,900 yen (SGD 172) per person. If you’re travelling as a pair, that would already cost more than the price of a single rail pass.
And to really drive the point home, a round trip from Wakkanai to Kushiro - an even longer journey and way more expensive - would easily cost more than the entire pass.
Not only does the rail pass save you money, but it also gets you to all the stunning, hard-to-reach spots you might otherwise spend hours driving to.
That said, if you’re only planning to stick to cities closer to Sapporo, like Otaru, Furano, or the Noboribetsu area, it might make more sense to go for one of the regional passes instead, like the Sapporo-Furano Area Pass or the Sapporo-Noboribetsu Area Pass.
Why? Well, for starters, you’ll save money. A journey from Sapporo to Otaru, for example, only costs 750 yen (SGD 6.50), so getting the full rail pass just wouldn’t be worth it.
The key is to know where you’re headed and figure out if the pass makes sense for your budget.
Seat Options with the JR Hokkaido Rail Pass
A reserved seat is great, but you need to know which JR lines require them. For example, seat reservations are available for Limited Express Trains, Express Trains, and Rapid Airport Trains.
Specifically, for the Limited Express Hokuto, Limited Express Suzuran, Limited Express Ozora, and Limited Express Tokachi, all seats must be reserved before your trip.
Pro tip: You might want to plan ahead and visit the nearest JR office at least two days before your trip to secure your preferred seat.
You can also make a reservation online through the JR-East Train Reservation website, but you’ll still need to go to the station to pick up your ticket, so you might as well visit the station in the first place.
Getting a ticket is simple.
Show your Hokkaido Rail Pass at a JR ticket counter or JR Information Desk, or use the reserved seat vending machine at any major JR Hokkaido station.
And then, voila!
You’ll be given a Reserved Seat Ticket at no extra cost. Remember, when you board the train, present both your rail pass and reserved seat ticket to the conductor, just to be safe.
Exchange Points for the Hokkaido Rail Pass
How you get your pass is straightforward. Once you purchase your pass on Pelago (preferably in advance, outside of Japan), you'll receive an Exchange Order via email.
This is important because you'll need it to exchange for the actual rail pass once you're in Japan. When you arrive in Hokkaido, you can collect your pass at any major JR stations or New Chitose Airport. You must collect your pass in person, and also have your passport ready.
Once you collect your pass, the JR staff member will scan a QR code and ask you when you'd like the pass to start. You'll then select a specific date. You can also choose a date up to 30 days ahead of time, so you don’t necessarily have to use your pass on the first day you exchange it.
For example, if you're in Hokkaido for two weeks and your journey begins in Sapporo, you can simply use the SAPICA card to get around the city's subways, streetcars, and buses. If you'd prefer to use your pass starting on the 4th day of your trip before moving on to other cities, that works too.
Remember, if you get one of the regional JR passes, you can only exchange them at specific locations.
For example, the Sapporo-Furano Area Pass can only be exchanged at Sapporo, New Chitose Airport, or Asahikawa stations. The Sapporo-Noboribetsu Area Pass, however, can only be exchanged at Sapporo, New Chitose Airport, and Noboribetsu.
Exploring Hokkaido with the Rail Pass
A Hokkaido Rail Pass Itinerary If You're Planning to Go Car-Free
If you’re planning a holiday to Hokkaido and want to explore without the need for a car, you’re in for a treat. The Hokkaido Rail Pass makes it easy to hop from one amazing spot to another, all by train.
Sapporo
Sapporo is a great place to start. It’s the lively capital of Hokkaido, and there’s so much to see. You can take a stroll through Odori Park, enjoy the view from the Sapporo TV Tower, or head to the peaceful Nakajima Park for some romantic First Love vibes. The city’s subway and buses make it super easy to get around, too.
Otaru
A short, scenic train ride will take you to Otaru, a picturesque town full of character and perfect for a day trip from Sapporo.
Walk along the Otaru canal, visit the Music Box Museum, and admire the stunning old-world architecture - it’s like stepping back in time.
Noboribetsu
If you’re looking for a place to relax, Noboribetsu is a perfect choice. Known for its Hell Valley (Jigokudani) and hot springs, it’s the ideal spot to unwind in an onsen and take in the beautiful volcanic landscape.
Furano
In Furano, the lavender fields are a must-see in summer, especially at places like Farm Tomita, while in winter, it’s a fantastic spot for skiing. The surrounding countryside is equally breathtaking, so it’s worth taking some time to explore beyond the town. Be sure to set aside time for the stunning Shirogane Blue Pond.
Kushiro
For nature lovers, Kushiro is a true gem. The Kushiro Shitsugen Marsh, Japan’s largest wetland, offers a tranquil paradise for wildlife spotting and hiking. It’s an ideal place to connect with nature and see the iconic Japanese red-crowned cranes.
Wakkanai
Next, take a trip up to Wakkanai, the northernmost point of Japan. The views from Wakkanai Park are incredible - you can see the Sea of Japan and even catch sight of Sakhalin Island on clear days.
Hakodate
Lastly, Hakodate offers a bit of everything - history, fantastic food, breathtaking views, and even quirky activities like photoshoots with retro suits and dresses. The morning market is a must-visit, and the night view from Mount Hakodate is among the best in Japan.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take the Hokkaido Shinkansen with the Hokkaido Rail Pass?
No, the Hokkaido Rail Pass doesn’t include the Hokkaido Shinkansen. It covers unlimited rides on JR Hokkaido Lines, but the Shinkansen is excluded - something to keep in mind when you enter Japan!
Is it worth getting a Hokkaido rail pass?
Absolutely! The Hokkaido Rail Pass is great for foreign visitors with a non-Japanese passport. It covers top destinations like Sapporo, Otaru, Niseko, and Asahikawa, and it’s way cheaper than buying a separate ticket every time. It also saves on transportation costs and even includes seat reservation options to make your trip hassle-free.
Can I use a JR Pass for Sapporo Subway?
No, the JR Pass cannot be used for the Sapporo Subway. It only works on JR trains and buses, not on the subway, streetcars, or the South Hokkaido Railway.