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How to Travel Hokkaido by trains: JR Rail Pass itineraries

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If you plan to travel around Hokkaido by train, JR Hokkaido Rail Pass will be your best friend. It will allow you to…

  • Save money on transportation

  • Take unlimited train rides across Hokkaido

  • Reserve a seat for free

In this post, I will give you budget-friendly itineraries using the JR Hokkaido Rail Pass as well as two regional passes; Sapporo-Noboribetsu and Sapporo-Furano Area Passes. You will learn the ticket prices and how to book them too.

Traveling by train is a great way to enjoy Hokkaido…

  • For non-drivers

  • For those who want to travel on a budget

  • In winter when driving is not necessarily safe

Let’s dive in!

✨TRAVEL TIP

Want to visit Hokkaido's best places wihtout driving? Join Guided One-Day Tours! They offer transportation from/to Sapporo. The popular destinations include Furano, Biei, Asahikawa, Otaru, Lake Toya, Noboribetsu and many more.

This post contains affiliate links that at no additional cost to you, I may earn a small commission to enjoy a cup of coffee on my next trip☕

What is JR Hokkaido Rail Pass?

JR Hokkaido Rail Pass allows you to travel freely by train in Hokkaido! This is a convenient and cost-effective way for international travelers like you to explore the beautiful Hokkaido. With this pass, you can take unlimited rides within specific areas.

There are three types of Rail Passes with different area coverages.

These passes are only available for foreign visitors holding a non-Japanese passport - so be sure to take advantage of it! If you are traveling to other places in Japan, Japan Rail Pass which covers all JR lines across Japan, including Hokkaido of course, might be a better option.

What is included?

  • All train lines, except Hokkaido Shinkansen. You can take limited express, rapid and local trains in designated areas by your pass.

  • Booking reserved seats so that you can travel hassle-free, without worrying if you get a seat.

  • JR Hokkaido bus within Sapporo (only for Hokkaido Rail Pass, not Area Passes)

✨Travel Tip

🚅Want to take Shinkansen (bullet train) to/from Hokkaido? Book a ticket online, or get Japan Rail Pass which covers all train lines, including Shinkansen across Japan.

For details, check out this blog post on how to take Shinkans to/from Hokkaido.

Is it Worth it for Your Trip?: Train Fee Comparison

Now you know there are different types of rail passes - It’s time to choose which one is the best for you! We also have to think about if it is really worth getting a pass for your planned itinerary. So I made it easy for you to compare the fees here.

If it’s cheaper to purchase a Rail Pass than take regular trains without it, then definitely consider booking a Rail Pass for your trip! I will also share with you some travel itineraries making the most value of the Rail Passes later in this post. So follow along!

Rail Pass Price Comparison

*A half-price discount applies to children over 6 years old and under 12 years old.

Pass Type Duration Price Cost per day
Hokkaido Rail Pass 5 days 20,000 yen 4,000 yen
Hokkaido Rail Pass 7 days 26,000 yen 3,700 yen
Hokkaido Rail Pass 10 days 32,000 yen 3,200 yen
Sapporo-Noboribetsu Area Pass 4 days 9,000 yen 2,250 yen
Sapporo-Furano Area Pass 4 days 10,000 yen 2,500 yen

Regular Train Fees on Major Routes

(without a Rail Pass & with a reserved seat when applicable)

  • From New Chitose to Sapporo: 1,990 yen (3,980 yen for a round trip)

  • From Sapporo to Noboribetsu: 4,780 yen (9,560 yen)

  • From Sapporo to Otaru: 1,590 yen (3,180 yen)

  • From Sapporo to Asahikawat: 5,220 yen (10,440 yen)

  • From Sapporo to Furano: 4,540 yen (9,080 yen)

  • From Sapporo to Hakodate: 9,440 yen (18,880 yen)

  • From Sapporo to Abashiri: 10,540 yen (21,080 yen)

  • From Abashiri to Shiretoko Shari: 970 yen (1,940 yen)

  • From Abashiri to Kushiro: 4,070 yen (8,140 yen)

  • From Kushiro to Obihiro: 5,220 yen (10,440 yen)

  • From Obihiro to Sapporo: 7,790 yen (15,580 yen)

If you want to check fees for other routes of your choice, use this calculator.

The Ultimate Hokkaido Travel Guidebooks

Your trip planning made easy! Save weeks of research and get the perfect itineraries for your Hokkaido trip.

Instant download in PDF.

How to choose your JR Rail Pass

You can choose from three types of rail passes for Hokkaido, or Japan Rail Pass if you are traveling to other parts of Japan as well by train. Each pass offers different area coverage and duration of validity, so it's important to select the one that best fits your travel plan. Here’s the detail of each pass for your comparison.

1. Hokkaido Rail Pass

Hokkaido Rail Pass covers all the train lines except for Shinkansen (bullet train) and is valid for 5 days (20,000 yen), 7 days (26,000 yen), or 10 days (32,000 yen). If you plan to travel to different areas of Hokkaido by train, this is the best option for you.

Want to know an itinerary using this pass? Jump to the itinerary.

JR Sapporo-Noboribetsu Area Pass

2. Sapporo-Noboribetsu Area Pass

Sapporo-Noboribetsu Area Pass covers the area around Sapporo and Noboribetsu for 4 days (9,000 yen). You can take all the lines between the following major stations.

  • Sapporo

  • Otaru

  • Shiroishi

  • Iwamizawa

  • New Chitose Airport

  • Tomakomai

  • Shiraoi

  • Noboribetsu

Want to know an itinerary using this pass? Jump to the itinerary.

JR Sapporo-Noboribetsu Area Pass

3. Sapporo-Furano Area Pass

Sapporo-Furano Area Pass covers the area around Sapporo and Furano for 4 days (10,000 yen). You can take all the lines between the following major stations.

  • Sapporo

  • Otaru

  • New Chitose Airport

  • Shiroishi

  • Takikawa

  • Asahikawa

  • Biei

  • Furano

Want to know an itinerary using this pass? Jump to the itinerary.

4. Japan Rail Pass

Japan Rail Pass covers all the JR lines across Japan for 7 days (70,000 yen), 14 days (110,000 yen), or 21 days (140,000 yen). One major advantage of using this pass is that you can also take the Shinkansen (bullet train), which of course includes Hokkaido Shinkansen linking the mainland of Japan and Hakodate in Hokkaido! With Shinkansen, you can reach Tokyo from Hakodate in 4.5 hours while enjoying the views.

How to book your JR Rail Pass

I suggest purchasing a Rail Pass online prior to your trip, so that you can start your train trip right away once you arrive. It is also cheaper to book online before your trip than to buy one at a ticket counter after you arrive in Japan.

There are several online websites for booking JR Rail Passes, but I recommend Klook - the world’s leading travel booking platform. Here’s how the booking works on Klook.

  1. Choose a pass type on Klook and book your rail pass.

  2. Once your booking is confirmed, you will receive a voucher via email or physical mail, depending on your preference.

  3. After you arrive in Japan, visit any JR office ticketing booth located at an airport or train station and present your voucher with your passport to get your JR Rail Pass.

NOTE: Remember that you have 90 days from the day you booked the pass to exchange for the Rail Pass in Japan.

How to use your JR Rail Pass

You can use the Rail Pass just like a regular train ticket - insert it into a ticketing gate at a station. It’s easy!

If you want to take a rapid train with a reserved seat, you will need a separate ticket for your seat reservation. You can reserve a seat at a ticketing machine or a ticketing office for free by presenting your Rail Pass. When you go through a gate, just insert both your Rail Pass and seat ticket together and go!

✨TRAVEL TIP

Want to visit Hokkaido's best places wihtout driving? Join Guided One-Day Tours! They offer transportation from/to Sapporo. The popular destinations include Furano, Biei, Asahikawa, Otaru, Lake Toya, Noboribetsu and many more.

Sapporo city view and Otaru Canal

Hokkaido Travel Itineraries with JR Rail Pass

Here are itineraries using the three Rail Passes. You will see how much money you will get to save by using a Rail Pass in each suggested itinerary below.

JR Hokkaido Rail Pass Itinerary

This itinerary is a great example of how you can maximize the value of JR Hokkaido Rail Pass! With unlimited rides, you can explore from the Sapporo area to Eastern Hokkaido, where there are many nature spots you don’t want to miss.

You can save 11,850 yen with JR Hokkaido Rail Pass, following this itinerary!

  • Regular train fees without the Area Pass - 37,850 yen

  • The Rail Pass cost - 26,000 yen

Hokkaido train trip 7-day itinerary

DAY 1

🍶 Local Izakaya Hopping

Want to enjoy the night like a local? Join Sapporo Bar Hopping Food Tour with MagicalTrip! Their local guides have been carefully selected to give you an authentic experience. They are friendly and outgoing, and enjoy meeting international travelers. A small group tour makes your experience much more personal.

DAY 2

  • Noboribetsu day trip - Take a limited express train from Sapporo to Noboribetsu (Regular ticket price: 9,560 yen for a round trip with a reserved seat) - 1h20min

  • Change to a local bus to Noboribetsu Onsen (350 yen for one way *Not included in the Area Pass)

  • Places to visit in Noboribetsu - Jigokudani (Hell Valley), Oyunumagawa Natural Foodbath, Date Jidai Village

  • Head back to Sapporo

DAY 3

DAY 4

  • Take a rapid train from Abashiri to Shiretoko Shari (Regular ticket price: 970 yen) - 50 min

  • Change to a local bus to Utoro (1,650 yen *Not included in the Rail Pass) - 1 hour

  • Things to do in Utoro, Shiretoko - Five Lake Hike, nature cruise, drift ice walk (winter), snowshoeing

  • Stay in Utoro

    • Kita Kobushi Shiretoko Hotel & Resort
      ⭐4 stars, ♨️Hot Spring, 👀 Beautiful View
      Located right in front of Utoro Port, offering deluxe room options with a private open-air hot spring.

    • Shiretoko Dai Ichi Hotel
      ⭐4 stars, 🍴Great Buffet, ♨️Hot Spring
      Offering the massive 80-dish buffet featuring Japanese and international cuisine and the gorgeous public hot spring made with natural jade.

    • Route Inn Grantia Shiretoko Shari Ekimae
      ⭐3 stars, ♨️Hot Spring, 🍴Breakfast Buffet Available
      An affordable stay near JR Shari station with a natural hot spring and free breakfast.

DAY 5

DAY 6

  • Take a limited express train to Obihiro (Regular ticket price: 5,220 yen with a reserved seat) - 1.5h

  • Places to visit in Obihiro - Manabe Garden, Banei Horse Race, Rokkatei sweets shop, Ryugetsu Sweetpia Garden

  • Stay in Obihiro

    • Sanyoan
      ⭐4 stars, ♨️Hot Spring, 🧡Amazing Hospitality
      A luxury spa resort offering a relaxing stay and excellent services in Tokachigawa Onsen

    • Hotel Grand Terrace Obihiro
      ⭐3 stars, 🏢Excellent Location,🍴Breakfast Buffet
      A convenient city hotel located near JR Obihiro Station

    • Hotel Nupka
      ⭐2 stars, 🏢Excellent Location, ✨Modern Design
      A simple, budget hotel with complimentary breakfast, located near the station.

DAY 7

  • Take a limited express train from New Chitose Airport (Regular ticket price: 6,380 yen with a reserved seat) - 2.5h

Sapporo-Noboribetsu Area Pass Itinerary

Follow along with this itinerary if you are looking for a city trip and a cozy onsen experience. With this itinerary, you can save 7,720 yen with the Area Pass!

  • Regular train fees without the Area Pass - 16,720 yen

  • The Area Pass cost - 9,000 yen

DAY 1

DAY 2

  • Take a rapid train from Sapporo to Otaru (Regular ticket price: 3,180 yen for a round trip with a reserved seat) - 40 min

  • Places to visit in Otaru - Otaru Canal, Mount Tengu, Otaru Museum, local sushi restaurants

  • Head back to Sapporo

DAY 3

  • Take a limited express train from Sapporo to Noboribetsu (Regular ticket price: 4,780 yen with a reserved seat) - 1h20min

  • Change to a local bus to Noboribetsu Onsen (350 yen *Not included in the Area Pass)

  • Places to visit in Noboribetsu - Jigokudani (Hell Valley), Oyunumagawa Natural Foodbath, Date Jidai Village

  • Stay in Noboribetsu

    • Takimotokan
      ⭐4 stars, ♨️Hot spring, 🏢Convnenient Location
      Located right next to Jugokudani, making it easy to get around the town.

    • Hotel Mahoroba
      ⭐3 stars, ♨️Hot spring, 👨‍👩‍👧For Family
      A family-friendly hotel with many different kinds of hot springs. Located right in front of the bus station.

    • Noboribetsu Grand Hotel
      ⭐4 stars, ♨️Private Onsen Available, 🧖Sauna
      A long-established onsen resort hotel offering dinner and breakfast buffets.

DAY 4

  • Head back to Sapporo (Regular ticket price: 4,780 yen with a reserved seat)

  • Enjoy in Sapporo until the last minute! There are many shopping spots and department stores around the station.

  • Take a train from Sapporo to New Chitose Airport (Regular ticket price: 1,990 yen) - 40 min

*If you don’t have enough time to go back to Sapporo, you can head to the airport directly from Noboribetsu.

✨TRAVEL TIP

Want to visit Hokkaido's best places wihtout driving? Join Guided One-Day Tours! They offer transportation from/to Sapporo. The popular destinations include Furano, Biei, Asahikawa, Otaru, Lake Toya, Noboribetsu and many more.

Sapporo-Furano Area Pass Itiinerary

This is a perfect itinerary for you if you want to visit popular tourist destinations of Hokkaido efficiently and enjoy the beautiful nature that Hokkaido has to offer. With this itinerary, you can save 8,980 yen with the Area Pass!

  • Regular train fees without the Area Pass - 18,980 yen

  • The Area Pass cost - 10,000 yen

DAY 1

DAY 2

DAY 3

  • Take a local train from Furano to Biei (Regular ticket price: 1,500 yen for a round trip) - 40 min

  • Places to visit in Biei - Blue Pond, Shirahige Waterfalls, Shikisai no Oka

  • Take a local train from Biei to Asahikawa (Regular ticket price: 640 yen) - 40 min

  • Places to visit in Asahikawa - Asahiyama Zoo, Asahikawa Ramen Village

  • Take a rapid train to Sapporo (Regular ticket price: 5,220 yen with a reserved seat) - 1.5 hours

  • Stay in Sapporo

DAY 4

  • Take a rapid train from Sapporo to Otaru (Regular ticket price: 3,180 yen for a round trip with a reserved seat) - 40 min

  • Places to visit in Otaru - Otaru Canal, Mount Tengu, Otaru Museum, local sushi restaurants

  • Take a train from Otaru to New Chitose Airport (Regular ticket price: 1,910 yen) - 1h20min

 

NEED ADVICE ON YOUR TRIP PLAN?

I’M HERE TO HELP YOU!

I’ve been helping international travelers plan their dream trips to Hokkaido for many years. I’d be happy to plan your itinerary with you for Eastern Hokkaido as well as other regions.

Check out what you can ask me & why you should plan with a local expert like me.

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