Regional Rail Passes for Hokkaido
Explore Hokkaido by train!
Japan's northernmost island, Hokkaido, is a land of many treasures, from gorgeous natural parks to majestic mountains, with world-famous ski stations and picturesque onsen towns. Get around the snowy landscapes of Hokkaido aboard the region's many local trains with these convenient regional rail passes!
Hokkaido is the largest prefecture in Japan, covering the whole island-region of the same name.
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.
How to buy a Regional Pass for Hokkaido
Hokkaido: Japan's northern island, a nature-rich region
Hokkaido is the northernmost 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 compared to 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 City skyline
@Wikimedia
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.
View of Hakodate from Mount Hakodate
@Wikimedia
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 lavendar and other flowers. The rural setting of Furano also make 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 short 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.
Lavender fields of Furano
@flickr/ sodai gomi
A Culinary Hot Spot 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 much 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 from Hokkaido
Why book your regional pass with Japan Experience?
Why get a regional pass?
Those visiting Japan have undoubtedly heard about the rail pass options available for traveling around Japan via train. As opposed to getting individual tickets, regional and Japan Rail Pass options allow for unlimited rides on certain train lines, removing the need for strict itineraries and planning and oftentimes saving holders money on their commuting expenses. The most wide-ranging and popular option for these passes is the National Japan Rail Pass, which allows for unlimited rides on Japan Railway-operated train lines throughout the country. This includes high-speed Shinkansen bullet trains as well as many express trains and local lines within cities.
However, for those who are concentrating their travels primarily in one region or location, regional pass options also offer great value and convenience! Many of these regional passes operate in the same way as the National Japan Rail Pass, however, they incorporate public transportation options in a designated area. There are regional passes for many locations throughout Japan, such as Kansai, Hakone, Kyushu, Shikoku, Tohoku, and more! Depending on your itinerary and what you plan to see, a regional pass may be best for you, for stress-free, all-encompassing transit to and throughout your favorite destinations in Japan!
Frequently Asked Questions about Regional Rail Passes in Japan