JR Rail Pass - Visit Honshu and Hokkaido by Train

  • October 17, 2017

The Shinkansen bullet train, a marvellous feat of engineering and design, is probably one of the most significant symbol of Japan. Hokkaido’s first Shinkansen is named the Hayabusa (Japanese for Peregrine falcon), like Suzuki's famous record-breaking motorcycle. Japan's northern island is now easily and comfortably accessible from Tokyo on a 674km journey that gets cleared in about 4 hours' time. The top speed of the Hayabusa Shinkansen reaches the impressive number 260 km/h.

The one-way fare between Tokyo and Hakodate is about JPY23,000 for a regular reserved seat. But don't fret - since Japan has a comprehensive JR Rail Pass system to enable all tourists to utilize the efficient Shinkansen and other train services on a budget. 

You can enjoy the Hayabusa Shinkansen with either the National JR Pass or the regional JR East-South Hokkaido Rail Pass. In 2017, the prices are as per below:

7-Day National JR Pass:

  • 29,110 JPY / adult (12 years and above)
  • 14,555 JPY / child (6 - 11 years)

6-Day out of 14 days JR East-South Hokkaido 

  • 26,000 JPY / adult (12 years and above)
  • 13,000 JPY / child (6 - 11 years)
    A new addition for this year, an online seat reservation for Aomori - Hakodate system is now available! It is now more convenient than ever for passholders to plan for their trips! In addition, JR Sapporo Station, New Chitose Airport Station, Shin-Hakodate Twinkle Plaza, Noboribetsu Station are some of the newly added stations for ticket pickup as well! 

Depending on your travel plans, you can choose to purchase a JR pass to complete the Honshu - Hokkaido journey. The National JR pass encompasses the whole Japan and passholders can also use all JR Group Railways – Shinkansen (except NOZOMI and MIZUHO trains), express trains, local trains, etc! Passholders are also entitled to board the Tokyo Monorail, local lines of JR Bus as well as JR West Miyajima ferry. However, the pass is of a consecutive days basis and you are allowed 7 straight days of usage rights once it's activated.

The JR East-South Hokkaido pass suffices if you only plan on visiting Tohoku and the southern part of Hokkaido. It offers great flexibility for pass holders as one can choose any 6 days out of a 14-day time frame. This will be a great option for travelers who would like to disembark on a journey to discover the numerous ski resorts in the northern and eastern part of Japan. 

As Niseko is located on the southern part of Hokkaido, you can access this famous ski resort by using the JR East-South Hokkaido pass on a sample itinerary such as the one below:

Day 1: 

  • Tokyo -> Shin Hakodate Hokuto via Hayabusa Shinkansen (approximately 4 hours)
  • Shin Hakodate -> Hakodate via Hakodate Liner (approximately 15 minutes)
  • Spend a night at Hakodate to check out the Motomachi disctric and the night scenery at the top of Mount Hakodate
mt hakodate ropeway
It is definitely worth it to visit the ''Million Dollar'' night view at Mount Hakodate. Mount Hakodate is of a total height of 334 meters. It is easily accessible via Hakodateyama Ropeway which departs from Motomachi district or direct buses.

Day 2:

  • Wake up early and visit the popular morning market where you can find lots of fresh seafood at great price! 
  • Spend an afternoon to check out Fort Goryokaku and the Red Brick Warehouses
  • Catch an evening train to Hakodate to Kutchan (approximately 3 hours). This is a local train service and requires an interchange at Oshamambe. You can catch a taxi, a scheduled bus or a hotel transfer to get to Hirafu afterwards. 
hakodate morning seafood fish market
Wake up early to enjoy the delicious kaisen-don (seafood bowl) for breakfast at the popular Hakodate Morning Market.
gort goryokaku hakodate
Fort Goryokaku is a gargantuan star-shaped fortress built in 1864 to defense against the western powers. Unfortunately the fort turned into a battleground in the Battle of Hakodate during 1868 - 1869. It was rebuilt as a park using the remaining star-shaped setting and it is now a popular sightseeing attraction in Hakodate. 
Picture: kosublog.com

Catching the evening train from Hakodate will bring you to Niseko around 9 to 10 pm at night. Once you are in Hirafu, we recommend spending at least 5 days to enjoy our venerable champagne powder snow. In addition, we have also a wide range of activities such as ice fishing, snowmobiling and many more for families to enjoy this fairy-tale silvery world. Refer to our previous blog entry to find out the off-ski activities available in this region

niseko winter activities
Niseko is the winter paradise for everyone - whether you like skiing or just want to experience a white winter with various off-ski activities.

On your departure, you could again go to Kutchan to catch the JR train to Sapporo and spend a night or two to enjoy the capital of Hokkaido. Great sightseeing spots are not to be missed and hundreds of shopping venues will let you head back home with luggage full!

From Sapporo, you can easily complete your getaway in Japan's north by heading back to the New Chitose International Airport and fly back home from there! We look foward to seeing you in Niseko this winter.

Are you interested in visting the wonders that await in Japan's best northern destinations? Don't hesitate to contact us if you need any assistance with your holiday planning! Our staff will be delighted to craft a tailor-made vacation package that will ensure you don't miss out on any must-do!

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