JR Hokkaido Area Pass Validity Map
©Japan Experience
Mt Yotei Hokkaido
Image by swissbanana from Pixabay
JR Hokkaido Area Pass Validity Map
©Japan Experience
Mt Yotei Hokkaido
Image by swissbanana from Pixabay
JR HOKKAIDO Pass
- Economic and simple
- Unlimited travel
The Hokkaido Rail Pass is a discounted pass that covers the entire area of Hokkaido, Japan's most northern island. From Hakodate in the south the most northern town of Wakkanai, as well as Hokkaido's main city Sapporo and New Chitose Airport, using a Hokkaido Rail Pass you can access one of the most unique and scenic regions Japan has to offer.
Pass Usage
The rail pass is only available to international tourists to Japan, and offers unlimited access to JR Hokkaido conventional rail lines (except JR Hokkaido Shinkansen), as well as some buses for 5, or 7 consecutive days. This pass offers great value for those who want to explore Hokkaido. Travel within Hokkaido is not by Shinkansen, and is mainly through local and express trains, as well as bus services.
Why choose the JR HOKKAIDO Pass?
For tourists hoping to experience the untamed splendor and distinct charm of Hokkaido, Japan's northernmost island, the JR Hokkaido Pass is essential. This pass is ideal for travelers who want to explore all of Hokkaido's attractions, from bustling towns to pristine wilderness, as it provides unlimited access to JR local and express trains throughout the island.
Hokkaido is well known for its stunning scenery, which includes snow-capped mountains, vast flower fields, glistening lakes, and well-known national parks like Shiretoko and Daisetsuzan. With its fresh seafood, dairy products, and local delicacies like soup curry and miso ramen, it's also a paradise for foodies.
Highlights of the JR HOKKAIDO Pass
How to use the JR Hokkaido Pass?
Delivery
We will send the paper voucher to your home address (the paper voucher is NOT the ticket, you cannot use it without exchanging it first). Please be sure to allow sufficient time for delivery.
Exchange
The voucher needs to be exchanged within 3 months of the voucher issue date. Your passport must be presented at the time of exchange.
You can redeem your voucher for the pass in these locations:
Validity
This pass is usable for a period of 5 or 7 days, starting from the day of activation to the end of the final day of the usage period. Only one pass is usable per person.
These Trains can be used with the JR Hokkaido Pass:
✅JR Hokkaido Limited Express lines
✅Seat reservation for the Ltd Express, Special rapid and Rapid trains
The seat reservation for these Limited Express trains is mandatory: Hokuto, Suzuran, Ozora, and Tokachi. You can not ride these trains without reserving a seat prior to boarding!
✅JR Hokkaido regional lines
✅JR Hokkaido buses within Sapporo
Find details on recommended routes here
These Trains can NOT be used with the JR Hokkaido Pass:
❌JR Hokkaido Shinkansen between Shin-Aomori and Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto
❌South Hokkaido Railway
❌Local public transport, like tram and subway.
❌JR Hokkaido buses between cities in Hokkaido
Sapporo to Asahikawa/ Monbetsu/ Hiroo/ Obihiro/ Erimo, Tomakomai to Erimo, JR Shin-Sapporo Station to Atsubetsu Stadium, JR Shiroishi Station to Sapporo Dome, JR Teine Station to Teine Highland and temporary bus.
Cancellation and Modification
- The voucher can be refunded if it has never been exchanged in Japan.
- A cancellation fee of 15% of the purchase price will be applied.
- An unused voucher is refundable for one year from the date of issue.
- No refund is possible for a voucher received by us more than one year from the date of issue.
- No refund is possible for a lost or stolen rail pass.
Eligibility
- ✅ Tourists or Business travelers who have a Temporary Visitor entry status are eligible for this pass.
- ❌ Japanese passport holders and foreigners living in Japan can’t use this pass.
You must present your passport to exchange the pass. Individual customers are not allowed to purchase or exchange more than one of the same passes for the same use period.
The Hokkaido Region: Japan's Northern Island
Hokkaido, Japan's second-largest island, and the largest prefecture, is famous for its unspoiled natural beauty. With numerous national parks, coastal plains, volcanic plateaus and unique wildlife, this region has a remarkable number of natural treasures.
Hokkaido is the most northern of Japan's main island of Honshu and is connected via the underground Seikan Tunnel that allows access to the area via Shinkansen that travels underneath the Tsurugu Strait.
With a different climate from the rest of Japan, Hokkaido has various activities and attractions depending on the season. During the cold winter months, visitors to the region can experience the famous Sapporo Snow Festival, go skiing or snowboarding at one of the many ski resorts, or see the Japanese red-crowned cranes at Kushiro marshland. In the summer, the area is less humid than other parts of Japan, ideal for those who enjoy outdoor activities, cycling, camping and hiking. Due to the cooler climate, this is the last region in Japan to see the cherry blossoms in spring, usually the during the first week of May.
Sapporo: The Capital of Hokkaido
The capital and largest city of Hokkaido is Sapporo, home to the aforementioned Snow Festival that attracts domestic and international travelers alike. Here, impressive and detailed snow sculptures are on display, often found in the shape of international landmarks and pop culture characters of international fame.
The distinctive Tanukikoji Shopping Street is found in here as well, an excellent location for local retail as well as a fantastic photo opportunity with its bright and colorful lights.
Also admire the unique and gorgeous architecture that Sapporo has to offer. It's proximity to Russia and geographic separation from the rest of Japan gives much of Hokkaido a bit more of a Western feel, although still distinctly Japanese. Large, European influenced buildings and wider roads compared to the rest of Japan give Hokkaido, and especially Sapporo, a feel all its own.
Sapporo, the Capital of Hokkaido, Japan
@flickr/ David McKelvey
The Hakodate Area
Also often visited is the town of Hakodate, home to the mountain of the same name. The view of the city from Mount Hakodate is stunning, especially at night with the city lights illuminating. Much of the city is situated on a strip of land on the Peninsula, sandwiched between two prominent bodies of water lending to its beauty.
Hakodate also hosts a prominent morning market during the day and beautiful historic district around the bay area. With the access granted by the Hokkaido Rail Pass, a trip out to this area can serve as an excellent day trip or a nice overnight venture to see one of the island's most charming destinations. Hakodate is located on the South area of the island, near Aomori, and is accessible from Sapporo via train that can be ridden and reserved using the Hokkaido Rail Pass.
The Peninsula of Hakodate, Hokkaido
@flickr/ sam.naylor
The Furano Area
Another popular destination is that of Furano, found right in the center of the island. Furano offers some of the best natural scenery to be seen in Japan, with wide-open fields that are synonymous with Hokkaido along with splashes of vibrant colors brought on by plots of lavender and other flowers. The rural setting of Furano also makes it a popular destination for winter sports with its abundance of ski resorts and slopes.
The aptly named Furano Ski Resort features 28 different ski trails and is separated into the "Furano Zone" and "Kitanomine Zone." It is one of the most popular ski resorts in all of Hokkaido. Travel to Furano can be done via a 2 hours train ride from Hokkaido's capital, accessible and able to be reserved via the Hokkaido Rail Pass, and makes for a great day of outdoor fun.
Panoramic Flower Gardens in Biei, close to Furano
@Wallpaper Flare
A Culinary Capital of Japan
Hokkaido is also often cited as a major culinary destination for gourmets. The wide, open area of the island is perfect not just for nature, but agriculture. Some of the most luxurious of Japan's revered melons are grown in Hokkaido, and the area is world-famous for its dairy produce like milk, cream, and cheese. The northern area of the large island also boasts cold and nutrient-rich waters for cultivating amazing seafood.
Much of Japan's most luxurious eateries source ingredients such as fish and shellfish from this region. Through the Hokkaido Rail Pass, you'll have access to many of the island's most revered culinary destinations, to try some of the best gastronomic experiences Japan has to offer.
Explore the north area of Japan with a JR Hokkaido Pass and discover the region's cultural heritage, where travelers will experience a distinct culture with stark differences compared to mainland Japan.
Seafood and Miso Soup from Hokkaido
@Wikimedia
