The limited express Hokuto runs between Hakodate and Sapporo. This train connects to the Hokkaido Shinkansen at Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto. So if you move from Tokyo to Sapporo, take the Tohoku-Hokkaido Shinkansen and transfer to this train for Sapporo at Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto station. Japan Rail Pass covers all these trains from Tokyo to Sapporo.
Route, schedule and trip time
The Hokuto runs more than 10 trips a day. It takes 3 hours 10 minutes by the fastest Hokuto between Sapporo and Hakodate.
You can find the 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
I traveled from Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto to Sapporo by this train. Please find my trip report in my Youtube channel:
But the trip between Sapporo and Tokyo is quite long trip. Please refer the link below to learn more:
Seat and facilities
The limitede express Hokuto operates on KIHA-261 or 283 series. The seat layout on Ordinary car is 2+2 and Green seat is 2+1. These two fleets are very similar. The biggest difference is a material of the seat on Green car. 283 series has ordinary fablic seats and 261 series has leather seats.
*Sonic Rail Garden has copyright for all images of accommodations below.
Train formation
Train formation by 281 series
1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 |
R | R | G | R | R | NR | NR |
*Some more cars are added in the peak season.
Train formation (261 series)
1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 |
G | R | R | R | R | NR | NR |
Images – KIHA-281 series
Green seat
Ordinary seat
Sanitary space
Images – KIHA-261 series
Green seat
Ordinary seat
Sanitary space
Comments
Our family of 4 will arrive Tokyo Dec 29 and exchange our JR Pass and make seat reservations at Haneda for our Dec 30 trip to Sapporo. Is there a way to check seat occupancy for Hayabusa 1 that leaves Omiya Station 0658H and Super Hokuto 9 that leaves Shin-Hakodate 1109H (both on Dec 30)?
Hi Sam,
The chance to get a seat is very very slim. I think most of seats are booked out at this point. Please see the link below. You may find the info how to check the seat availability:
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/basic-informations/timetable-and-reservation/how-to-find-seat-availability-of-trains-jr-cyber-station-guide.html
If you cannot find a seat, try to find the seat by separated segments, like Omiya to Sendai, Sendai to Shin-Aomori, Shin-Aomori to Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto. If you still cannot find it, try to book after you arrive in Japan. There may be some last minutes cancellations. If you still cannot find it, unfortunately you cannot get a seat on December 30th. All trains to Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto have reserved seat only. You cannot get there without reservation.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Dear Takeshi,
According to Cyber Station I think most seats on this train are full on Dec 30th, but I see there are NR seat sections on this train. Is access to these sections guaranteed?
Many thanks,
Moritz
Hi Moritz,
You can access to non reserved seat even if it’s full. There are lots of standing passengers in busy period. You may have to stand all the way to Sapporo.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hello Takeshi-san,
I’ll be going to Hakodate from New Chitose Airport on 28th December. Is it possible to use Kitaca card for LTD EXP Super Hakuto from airport to Hakodate?
Hi Pinat san,
Unfortunately not. Kitaca covers Sapporo and New Chitose airport area only. You cannot use it for long distance express trains.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
dear Takeshi San
iam planning to use Super Hokuto 9 from Hakodate to Sapporo on Dec 30. Can i buy the ticket online or when I arrive in Tokyo on dec 27? if can where can I buy it?
THX
Hi Budiman san,
Online is not basically available. Please see the link below to find the detailed info:
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/basic-informations/timetable-and-reservation/how-to-reserve-seat.html
You can book it at any major JR stations in advance. If you arrive in Narita airport or Haneda airport, you can book and purchase a ticket there.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Many thanks takeshi san. Will buy it once arrive in Narita.
No worries, Budiman san.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Takeshi san
Considering the peak season on Dec. Based on your experience can i get the ticket only 2 or 3 days in advance? We need 4 tickets.
Hi Budiman san,
It will be very tough. December 30th is the busiest day in the year. But there is no online booking available.
I wrote some tips in the link below. Hope you will be able to make it.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/basic-informations/timetable-and-reservation/2016-busiest-period-to-travel-by-train-tips-to-book-your-seat-in-even-busy-period.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Thank you very much Takeshi san.
I checked the jr cyber station website. Its still available for dec 30. Hopefully is still available for dec 30.
Hope you will make it Budiman san.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi,
I’m planning to take either the SUPER HOKUTO 7, 9 or 11 from Hakodate to Sapporo in December. Is there any way I can check which trains are being used for those timing? I would love to experience the Kiha 283.
Kind regards,
John
Hi John,
Basically Super Hokuto 7 is operated by KIHA 283 and, 9 and 11 are operated by KIHA 261. KIHA 183 are not used for these trains.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi
So super hokuto is covered by the hokkaido pass right? I’d like to ask where i can the timings from hakodate to onuma koen station and then to noboribetsu. Planning to do a half day trip to the national park.
Also, do we have to make seats reservations prior to taking the train? are there any place on the train for us to place our huge luggage?
thank you.
Hi Gchan,
Super Hokuto is covered by Hokkaido Rail Pass fully. Please see the link below to find the timetable:
http://www2.jrhokkaido.co.jp/global/english/ttable/03.pdf
Reservation is highly recommended. If not, you have to take non reserved seat but it’s busy in many days.
Luggage space is very very small and basically you have to keep your luggage at your space.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/travel-tips/baggage/managing-luggage-how-to-carry-your-baggage-on-board-and-how-to-store-your-baggage-at-the-station.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Is any substitute transportation service provided for people travelling from Sapporo to Hakodate? I was hoping to travel on September 6 and have a JR Pass.
Hi J.C.,
This segment is expected to open in the evening on September 3. You will be okay.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
May I know how much for a round trip from New Chitose-Hakodate? And I will drop by Toya and Noboribetsu for sight-seeing. Are those fastest train stop at these stations? Which do you recommand? Thank you.
Hi Elaine,
Please find the fare at Hyperdia:
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/basic-informations/timetable-and-reservation/hyperdia-perfect-guide-train-timetable-and-route-search-engine.html
This train stops at both stations. You may find the timetable at the link below:
http://www2.jrhokkaido.co.jp/global/english/ttable/index.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
I like Lake Toya more than Noboribetsu. But both places are recommended.
Hi,
Just a question. Are meals offered on board the Super Hokuto trains bound for Hakodate? Thank you.
Hi Carlo,
No, it doesn’t. I recommend you to prepare something to eat and drink before on board.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Eh? As far as I check on the website, it says they provide wagon service, right? However, looking at the menu, all of them seem not to be a meal, but more as snack and drinks of Hokkaidō, desuka?
I have read a review saying the Hokutos passing Oshamambe offer a bento of the Hairy Crab (I forgot its Japanese name, and not sure if it is instead a Suwai Crab?), but we have to order an hour before the train reaches Oshamambe, is it still available these days?
Arigatou gozaimasu.
Hi Independencer,
You are right. Only Super Hokuto/Hokuto and Super Ozora/Ozora still have wagon service. But Super Hokuto/Hokuto #1, #2, #23 and #24 do not have this service.
Crab bento (not Zuwai) is available. JR Hokkaido says they will accept order by phone 2 days before. Please find more info at the link below:
http://www.jrhokkaido.co.jp/network/syahan/pdf/syahan201604.pdf
In my understanding, you still may be able to buy without order if they have enough. And also sandwich and ordinary bento (Makunouchi Bento) is always available in my understanding, but not 100% sure.
If you really want to buy it, make a call 2 days before to order. You need to tell them travel date, train name, train number, car number and your seat number.
ex) May 11, Super Hokuto 4, car 5, seat 11A
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Arigatou gozaimasu, Takeshi san.
That helps a lot! We are going in July on green pass.
No problem, Independencer san.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hello JP Rail.
Would like to know fastest to Hakodate from New Airport is via using Super Hokuto or Hokuto Trains fr Minami Chitose > Muroran Line>Hakodate ?? and we plan back fr Hakodate> Sapporo.
Is this all covered by Hokkaido Rail Pass Pass ??
Hi KK Wong,
That’s right. Those routes are the fastest.
Hokkaido Rail Pass covers these routes.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com