Taking the Shinkansen bullet train to Hokkaido
- Published on : 21/01/2026
- by : Mathieu
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Shinkansen
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Explore Northern Japan on the Hokkaido Shinkansen! Where does it go? How do you take it? Japan Experience tells you everything you need to know about taking the train on the island of Hokkaido.
Since 2016, the Hokkaido Shinkansen has provided a rail link between the islands of Honshu and Hokkaido. This has greatly simplified access to northern Japan. The train departs from Aomori and arrives in Hakodate via the Seikan tunnel, which was built for this route. An extension of the line is planned for 2039. It will then run as far as Sapporo.
Discover Hokkaido with our tour!
This trip to Japan will take you from Kyoto to Tokyo and back by boat to the island of Hokkaido! Discover a Japan that's less touristy and closer to nature. Drive around Hokkaido and discover the natural parks of this large northern island. With a variety of accommodation and transport options, a guided tour of Kyoto and Tokyo, and pocket wifi, you'll be able to organize your trip with complete autonomy!
Hokkaido
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The Hokkaido Shinkansen line is an extension of the Tohoku Shinkansen. Shin-Aomori station is the terminus of the Tohoku line. It is also the departure point for access to the island of Hokkaido.
The Hayate Shinkansen serves four stations: Aomori, Imabetsu, Kikonai and Hokuto. The current project to extend the line will add five further stages. This will facilitate access to the whole island.
Line map
Currently, the Hayabusa makes the direct trip from Tokyo to Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto in 3h57. This time should be reduced with the introduction of the new shinkansen with speeds of up to 360 km/h (Alfa X).
Whether you're traveling from Aomori on the Hayate or from Tokyo on the Hayabusa, you'll need to reserve your seat in advance.
Snow festival Sapporo
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As the line extension is not yet complete, access to Sapporo from Tokyo is to take the Hayabusa to Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto (approx. 4 hours). Once at the station, you'll need to take the limited express Hokuto, which will take you to Sapporo in around 3h30. Total travel time from Tokyo is around 7h30.
If you have a Japan Rail Pass, the entire Tokyo/Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto journey is covered by it. You can also purchase a JR East-South Hokkaido Rail Pass, which allows you to use most JR services in Kanto, Tohoku, and southern Hokkaido.
Your JR Pass to travel all over Japan!
The Japan Rail Pass or JR Pass is a single pass giving unlimited access to the JR (Japan Railways) network in Japan for 7, 14 or 21 days. It's the most economical and by far the most practical option for those wishing to travel by train in Japan.
Shinkansen
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What to do along the line
Hakodate: This 19th-century town is famous for its historic district of western houses, the Goryokaku fort and the night view from Mount Hakodate.
Onuma National Park is located 20 kilometers north of Hakodate. It's the perfect place for anyone who enjoys walking or cycling amid lakes, mountains and forests.
Aomori: Located in northern Tohoku, this city is the rail gateway to the island of Hokkaido. It is famous for its Nebuta Festival in August.
Onuma Park
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Hokkaido Shinkansen travel tips
When to go to Hokkaido? in spring, to see the sakuras in Hakodate. But also in winter, which is the best time to discover Hokkaido, with its snow, onsens and winter sports resorts.
Luggage management: When you travel by Shinkansen, you don't have to pay any extra for suitcases up to 160 cm (maximum size allowed on planes). Luggage between 161 and 250 cm in overall dimensions must be reserved in advance. Finally, baggage longer than 250 cm is not allowed on Shinkansens, with a few exceptions.
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