If you will travel in Hokkaido only, Hokkaido Rail Pass is the best choice for you. But if you travel in other cities and areas, even just staying in Tokyo, you may consider about other passes. You should compare and find which one is more suitable for you.
In this post, I show you the details about Hokkaido Rail Pass. And I will compare Hokkaido Rail Pass and Japan Rail Pass
Covered area by Hokkaido Rail Pass
Hokkaido Rail Pass cover all JR conventional lines in Hokkaido. The Hokkaido Shinkansen is not covered even though a part of the Hokkaido Shinkansen runs in Hokkaido.
Valid trains and bus lines
The rule of Hokkaido Rail Pass is similar to Japan Rail Pass. The only difference is the coverage area. All daytime trains in Hokkaido are covered by this pass. You can book a reserved seat without any extra charge.
Hokkaido Rail Pass covers the bus lines within Sapporo city too. Other inter-city bus services, like Sapporo-Monbetsu, are not covered by Hokkaido Rail Pass. Sapporo-Otaru express bus service is covered by the pass. But on this bus route, two different companies operate the bus. Those are JR Hokkaido Bus and Chuo Bus. Only bus service that is operated by JR Hokkaido Bus is covered by this pass.
Please find the train network in Hokkaido in the link below:
You can find the major train’s timetable in the link below:
Due to COVID-19, it may be operated on a schedule different from the normal timetable. Check the train schedule on Hyperdia.
Hyperdia perfect guide, train timetable and route search engine
Types and prices
Hokkaido Rail Pass have four types, 3-day, 5-day, 7-day and Flex 4-day. I would like to compare these prices and single fare.
*Green pass was terminated on March 31, 2015.
Adult | Child | |
---|---|---|
5-day | 23,480 yen | 11,740 yen |
7-day | 25,710 yen | 12,850 yen |
The passes except Flex 4-day must be used in consecutive days. The validity of a rail pass starts from 12 O’clock at night (midnight to midnight).
e.g.
If you start to use 3-day pass on May 1, the pass is expired at 23:59 on May 3. However if you are on board the train, your pass will cover until you get off the train.
Before I compare the prices, I would like to show you some regular fare standards (Limited Express reserved seat surcharge and basic fare):
- One way trip from New Chitose Airport to Sapporo by Rapid Airport or local — 1,070 yen
- One way trip from Sapporo to Otaru by Rapid Airport or local — 640 yen
- One way trip from Sapporo to Hakodate by Limited Express Hokuto/Super Hokuto — 8,830 yen
- One way trip from Sapporo to Asahikawa by Limited Express Super Kamui — 4,810 yen
- One way trip from Sapporo to Abashiri by Limited Express Okhotsk — 9,910 yen
- One way trip from Sapporo to Kushiro by Limited Express Super Ozora — 9,370 yen
- One way trip from Sapporo to Furano by Limited Express Furano Lavender Express — 4,840 yen
- One way trip from Sapporo to Wakkanai by Limited Express Super Soya/Sarobetsu — 10,450 yen
If you have round trip to Hakodate from Sapporo, you can get the money worth of 3-day pass. Especially if you have a trip from Sapporo to Hakodate, Kushiro, Abashiri or Wakkanai, round trip fare is about 19,000 yen and up. It is almost equal to the price of Flex 4-day and 5-day. It is quite easy to get your money worth of even 7-day pass.
Compare Hokkaido Rail Pass and Japan Rail Pass
If you fly in / out Hokkaido and do not go other than Hokkaido, Hokkaido Rail Pass is the best. If you go to Hokkaido and other spots, you need to think about Japan Rail Pass too. I show you some samples.
Extra fare for round trip to Aomori by Hokkaido Rail Pass
Aomori is the closet city outside of Hokkaido. But you need to pay 4,760 yen for round trip by Limited Express Super Hakucho. The price difference between Japan Rail Pass 7-day and Hokkaido Rail Pass 7-day is 6,300 yen. Hokkaodo Rail Pass + extra fare is still cheaper than Japan Rail Pass 7-day. But the price difference is not such a big amount.
If you think about purchasing Hokkaido Rail Pass 7-day, you should make sure that you don’t go outside of Hokkaido. Otherwise you should purchase Japan Rail Pass 7-day.
In case of staying in Tokyo or Osaka and fly to Hokkaido
You have to estimate how much trains you will take in Tokyo or Osaka. First of all, think about the fare for airport access.
- Single fare for one way trip to Tokyo from Narita Airport by Narita Express — 3,220 yen
- N’ex Tokyo round trip ticket — 4,000 yen
- Single fare for one way trip to Shinagawa from Haneda Airport by Keihin Kyuko — 410 yen
- Single fare for one way trip to Hamamatsucho from Haneda Airport by Tokyo Monorail — 490 yen
- Single fare for one way trip to Shin-Osaka from Kansai Airport by Limited Express Haruka — 2,850 yen
- Round trip ICOCA and Haruka — 4,060 yen
If you arrive at Haneda and depart from Haneda for Hokkaido, you don’t spend much for access. But you need to spend at least 1,000 yen. And also you need to think about the fare for sightseeing. If you arrive at Narita and depart from Narita, you may spend about 5,000 to 6,000 yen.
If you arrive at Kansai and depart from Kansai, ICOCA and Haruka includes round trip by Haruka and 1,500 yen preloaded e-money.
These above samples show you about airport access. Even though some deals include e-money, you may spend more. So even if you fly to Hokkaido, you may think about Japan Rail Pass 7-day for both Tokyo/Osaka and Hokkaido as long as you complete travel in 7-day. If you travel Hokkaido for 5 days, you can purchase Hokkaido Rail Pass 5-day and some deals in Tokyo or Osaka. It may be cheaper than Japan Rail Pass 7-day.
I hope you will enjoy your trip in Hokkaido by Hokkaido Rail Pass.
Comments
Hello Mr. Takeshi
My husband and I are planning to visit Hokkaido for the sapporo festivals but airfares are skyrocketing.we will be arriving/departing narita airport and have plans of visiting mt Fuji and shirakawago also if still possible..should we get the jr east -south Hokkaido or jr pass?thanks!
Hi Queenie,
You need JR pass. When you go to Shirakawago, you need to get Kanazawa and/or Takayama. Only JR pass covers these cities. JR East South Hokkaido Pass does not cover these.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Sorry for follow up question..if we will cancel shirakawago will the jr east -south Hokkaido pass our best bet?since we are planning of 10 days vacation only including some days in Tokyo,, is it ok if we will get pass taking into consideration the time travel to/from sapporo?or we should just go by plane even if expensive already for the festival
Hi Queenie,
In this case, you can use JR East South Hokkaido Rail Pass. But Sapporo is quite fare from Tokyo by train. Please see the link below:
https://jprail.com/destinations/hokkaido-area/how-to-get-sapporo.html
As long as you are okay, you can use this pass to take train to Sapporo. Advanced reservation for train is highly recommended. Train will be super busy too. You can book a seat in the link below:
https://www.eki-net.com/pc/jreast-shinkansen-reservation/English/wb/common/Menu/Menu.aspx?_ga=1.4778995.1325107855.1421419524
Ticket is on sale one month prior to departure date.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi,
We will arrive at New Chitose Airport late afternoon and do not plan to use our Hokkaido rail pass until 2 days later. We will buy a single ticket to Sapporo Station. Do we need to reserve seats and how much is the fare please? Thank you.
Hi James,
You can reserve if you want, but not required. Please check the fare at hyperdia:
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/basic-informations/timetable-and-reservation/hyperdia-perfect-guide-train-timetable-and-route-search-engine.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi,
I have the following up coming itinerary and would like you advise on the best mode of travel as i have 2 kids with me.
21 Dec – Haneda Airport to Nishi-Shinjuku station ( HND Airport Limousine Bus?)
22 Dec – Free & Easy Tokyo (Tokyo Metro Pass?)
23 Dec – Free & Easy Tokyo (Tokyo Metro Pass?)
24 Dec – Shinjuku station to Kawaguchiko Train Station
25 Dec – Free & Easy Hakone ( Hakone Pass?)
26 Dec – Kawaguchiko Train Station to Niseko (Kutchan)
27 Dec to 30 Dec Kutchan Free & Easy
31 Dec Kutchan to New Chitose Airport
Thank you.
Hi Charlene,
If you take a train from Kawaguchiko to Kutchan, JR East South Hokkaido Rail Pass is required.
https://jprail.com/destinations/hokkaido-area/jr-east-south-hokkaido-rail-pass-user-guide-perfect-deal-for-the-travelers-who-visit-tokyo-and-sapporo-by-train.html
But it is quite far from Kawaguchiko to Kutchan. You need to go back to Tokyo anyway. And then take Shinkansen to Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto, limited express train to Oshamambe and take a local train to Kutchan. Those following links give you some idea about this trip:
http://www2.jrhokkaido.co.jp/global/english/ttable/index.html
https://jprail.com/destinations/hokkaido-area/how-to-get-sapporo.html
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/trip-report/2017-hokkaido/trip-to-hokkaido-in-2017-winter-part-2-from-sendai-to-oshamanbe.html
If you don’t want to take a train, you need to take a flight from either Narita or Haneda to New Chitose. In this case, you need Haneda airport access + subway pass deal, Fuji Hakone Pass and single ticket in Hokkaido:
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/how-to-access-from-haneda-airport-to-downtown-tokyo.html
https://jprail.com/destinations/chubu-area/fuji-hakone-access-guide-by-train-and-bus-from-both-tokyo-and-osaka-kyoto-nagoya.html
http://www.odakyu.jp/english/deels/freepass/fujihakone/
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi,
I’m planning Hokkaido and Tokyo trip from 13 Dec to 26 Dec, this is my planned itinerary:
Day 1 – New Chitose Airport to Hakodate
Day 2 – Hakodate
Day 3 – Hakodate to Noboribetsu
Day 4 – Noboribetsu to Sapporo
Day 5 – Sapporo to Otaru to Sapporo
Day 6 – Sapporo
Day 7 – Sapporo to Tokyo (by air)
Day 8 – Tokyo
Day 9 – Tokyo to Lake Kawaguchiko to Tokyo
Day 10 – Tokyo to Yutanaka to Tokyo
Day 11 – Tokyo to Nikko to Tokyo
Day 12 to 14 – Tokyo
Please could you adv. which JR pass should I consider and do you’ve any recommendation on my itinerary? Many thanks and I looking forward receiving your reply.
Hi Angela,
You may use Hokkaido Rail Pass Flex 4 days pass for day 1, 3, 4 and 5. Single fare is okay for other days before you leave for Tokyo.
And add JR East Pass Nagano Niigata for day 9, 10 and 11.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-visitors/jr-east-pass-niigata-and-nagano-flex-5-days-pass-in-14-days-period-to-cover-kanto-region-nagano-and-niigata.html
But you need to add extra fare for Otsuki-Kawaguchiko on day 9.
https://jprail.com/destinations/chubu-area/fuji-hakone-access-guide-by-train-and-bus-from-both-tokyo-and-osaka-kyoto-nagoya.html#Access_to_Lake_Kawaguchi_Kawaguchiko
You will have two more days of JR East Pass. If you arrive in Narita, you can use it for Narita to Tokyo. Otherwise you can pick up for other date in Tokyo. You may add subway pass in Tokyo.
https://jprail.com/destinations/kanto-area/tokyo-kanto-area/guide-to-take-trains-in-tokyo-how-to-choose-the-best-deal-and-the-best-route-by-train-to-get-the-major-spots.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Many thanks Takeshi-San, appreciate this.
No worries, Angela san.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi- san,
I’m wondering what type of train is covered under JR Hokkaido Rail Pass. Does it cover Hokuto and Super Hokuto train?
Hi Eira san,
All JR trains in Hokkaido other than Hokkaido Shinkansen are covered by Hokkaido Rail Pass. Of course, Hokuto and Super Hokuto are covered.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi san! Should I get a 5 day Hokkaido JR pass? My plan is below.
Mid January:
Day 1: Arrive at CTS airport afternoon, train to Hakodate
Day 2: Travel within Hakodate (bay area, fish market, Goryokaku, Mt. Hakodate)
Day 3: Hakodate train to Sapporo
Day 4: Sapporo train to Asahikawa (for Asahiyama Zoo, Asahiyama Station and the surroundings only), train back to Sapporo
Day 5: Sapporo to Otaru, Otaru train back to Sapporo
Day 6: Sapporo to CTS, bye bye
Thank you 🙂
Hi Ying san,
You may use Hokkaido rail pass 5 days for the first 5 days. Just add single fare for the last day to CTS.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi,
I am hoping you would be able to assist us in getting the right pass.
our itinerary is as follow:
– 10/10 arrive in Tokyo
– 12/10 -14/10 Tokyo – Sapporo – Furano
(we are planning to hire a car to drive to Furano and stay for 2 nights before driving back to Sapporo)
– 14/10 -17/10 Sapporo (Lake Toya, Otaru, Odori Park, Mount Moiwa)
– 17/10 – 21/10 Kyoto
– 21/10 Kyoto – Tokyo
– 21/10-24/10 Tokyo
Would we require both JR Pass and JR East South Hokkaido RailPass if we decided to catch the train from Tokyo to Sapporo? We are not planning to stay in Hakodate, and for that reason we are considering if it would be cheaper for us to fly rather than taking train.
Thank you for your help.
Hi Lii,
If you use train for both Tokyo to Sapporo and Sapporo to Kyoto, you can use 14 days JR pass. It’s cheaper than JR Pass 7 days and JR East South Hokkaido Rail Pass. JR pass covers most part of the coverage area of JR East South Hokkaido Rail Pass. In your trip plan, JR Pass is okay.
However Tokyo to Sapporo is quite far. Sapporo to Kyoto is much more than that. Please see the link below:
https://jprail.com/destinations/hokkaido-area/how-to-get-sapporo.html
As long as you are okay with this travel time, you can go for JR Pass.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi,
Thank you for your helpful response, I think we are not keen on taking 10 hours train ride from Sapporo to Kyoto or Osaka.
We decided to fly in from Tokyo to Sapporo and fly out from Sapporo to Osaka. But we will still need to take Shinkansen from Osaka back to Tokyo. Is is still cheaper to purchase a 7 day JR Pass to use from Osaka (from 17-24 Oct).
Our revised itinerary is as follow:
– 10/10 arrive in Tokyo
– 12/10 -14/10 Fly from Tokyo to Sapporo and hire car to drive to Furano and around
– 14/10 -17/10 Sapporo (driving around Lake Toya, Otaru, Odori Park, Mount Moiwa)
– 17/10 fly from Sapporo to Osaka
– 17/10 – 21/10 Osaka – Kyoto
– 21/10 Kyoto – Tokyo via Shinkansen (need JR pass here?)
– 21/10-24/10 Tokyo (I assume mostly require subway card within Tokyo?)
Much appreciated.
Hi Lil,
JR pass is not required. One way fare plus Shinkansen surcharge is almost half amount of JR Pass 7 days. Single ticket or Platt Kodama is your choice.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-residents/platt-kodama-one-way-deal-among-tokyo-nagoya-kyoto-and-shin-osaka-by-shinkansen.html
There are two airports in Osaka. If you arrive at Kansai, you can use ICOCA and Haruka from Kansai to Kyoto. But if you arrive in Itami, you can take a bus and there is no deals.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-visitors/icoca-and-haruka-ticket-very-flexible-and-good-deal-for-tourist-who-stay-in-kansai.html
http://www.okkbus.co.jp/en/timetable/itm/f_kyt.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Thank you Takeshi (and Elise Ang) for the advices. Much appreciated.
No worries, Lil.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
I would suggest Li fly direct to Hokkaido then fly out to Osaka and then take bullet train to Kyoto and end his jounery with bullet train to Tokyo.
Hi, hope you can advise if it’s worth to buy Hokkaido JR pass for my family of 4 adults:
5 Jan: New Chitose Airport to Noboribetsu
6 Jan: Noboribetsu to Hakodate
8 Jan: Hakodate to Toyako
9 Jan: Toyako to Otaru
11 Jan: Otaru to Sapporo
14 Jan: Sapporo to New Chitose Airport
Hi Fong,
You may use Flex 4 days for the first 4 trips. You may add single fare ticket for 11th and 14th.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi,
I have the following up coming itinerary:-
20th July – Arrive at New chitose airport, travel to Tomamu
21st July – leave for furano and bei for two nights
23rd July- leave for sapporo and stay for anite and explore the place
24rd July – leave for home from new chitose airport.
In this itinerary, I do expect to travel by trains and occasional taxi when required.
Do you recommend Hokkaido rail pass. Look forward to your recommendation as I am not sure if I should go for it or not. Thanks
Hi Anand,
Hokkaido Rail Pass 5 days is okay for your trip. It does not offer a big saving for your trip actually. But there is no deals available other than this.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Thanks so much Takeshi.
No worries, Anand.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi,
This is my itinerary:
June 23: New Chitose Airport to Sapporo
June 24: Sapporo to Otaru and then Otaru back to Sapporo
June 25: Sapporo to Noboribetsu
June 26: Noboribetsu back to Sapporo
June 27: Sapporo to Furano on Lavender express and then Furano back to Sapporo
June 28: Sapporo to New Chitose Airport
Is it more economical to purchase individual JR rail tickets for to purchase a multiple-day pass, and if so, which pass is best?
Thank you,
Paul (from Hawaii)
Hi Paul,
5 days pass may be okay for the first or last 5 days. But total fare is not much different from this pass price. So you get just convenience.
New Chitose to Sapporo single fare is 1590 yen, so 7 days pass is not better choice than 5 days + single fare.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com