Stream - Snow Season

JR Rail Pass – Visit Honshu and Hokkaido by Train

Thanks to a new Shinkansen bullet train, Japan's Honshu Island is now connected by ground transportation with the southern tip of Hokkaido.
SeanEvan WilcoxOctober 17, 2017November 17th, 20253 min read

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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