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Exclusions
Traverse Hokkaido on a budget with unlimited rides on JR Hokkaido trains (excluding Hokkaido Shinkansen) for your chosen validity period (5, 7, or 10 days). Skip purchasing individual tickets for each journey, saving you time and money, especially for longer trips with multiple destinations.
Experience Hokkaido's must-sees, like Hakodate, Sapporo, Otaru, Furano, Asahikawa, and Wakkanai, in a flash! This pass is ideal for travelers with a shorter itinerary who want to experience the highlights of Hokkaido without sacrificing efficiency.
Explore Hokkaido at your own pace with the 7-Day JR Hokkaido Rail Pass! Witness the playful antics of the red pandas at Asahikawa's Asahiyama Zoo, then journey deeper into Hokkaido's natural wonders. The pass grants you access to JR Hokkaido trains, making it a breeze to reach the inner corners of Hakodate, Sapporo, Otaru, Furano, Asahikawa, and Wakkanai.
Unwind and truly soak yourself in the magic of Hokkaido, with options like Hakodate, Sapporo, Otaru, Furano, Asahikawa, and Wakkanai, with the 10-Day JR Hokkaido Rail Pass! This extended pass grants a full 10 consecutive days of JR Hokkaido train travel, the perfect amount of time to delve into hidden gems. You’ll leave knowing Hokkaido like the back of your hand.
Hakodate's historic district dates back to the late 19th century, when it was a major trading port. Today, you can wander the gaslit streets and imagine the bustling port activity of the past. Savor fresh seafood and take in views from Mount Hakodate.
Hokkaido's dynamic capital, Sapporo, pulsates with energy. Explore Susukino's neon-lit streets, indulge in world-class ramen, and visit the iconic Sapporo Beer Museum.
Discover the picturesque charm of Otaru, a port city famed for its historic canals lined with charming shops and delicious seafood restaurants. Take a romantic stroll or a scenic gondola ride through this enchanting port city.
Walk amongst sprawling lavender fields in bloom during summer. Did you know? Furano is not only famous for lavender, but it's also the carrot capital of Japan, producing more carrots than anywhere else in the country!
Home to the acclaimed Asahiyama Zoo, you can observe polar bears and a plethora of arctic animals. The zoo is also home to a plethora of arctic animals like Amur tigers, snow owls, and penguins.
Journey to the remote charm of Wakkanai, Hokkaido's northernmost city. Explore its pristine coastlines, spot playful seals basking on the shores, and delve into its rich maritime heritage.
The Japan Rail Hokkaido Pass opens the door to an unforgettable exploration of Hokkaido. Here's a breakdown of the process to acquire and activate your pass:
Complete your JR Hokkaido Pass purchase online, selecting your desired validity period (5, 7, or 10 days). You will receive an exchange order (voucher) via email after your purchase is complete.
Locate a JR Information Desk or JR Travel Service Center at any major JR Hokkaido Station (e.g., Sapporo Station).
Present your passport, exchange order, and other necessary documents. The JR staff will verify your documents and activate your pass for your chosen validity period.
Once your pass is activated, you can begin your adventure.
While reservation isn’t necessary, should you wish to opt for it, here are the necessary steps:
Arrive in Sapporo, check into your hotel, and explore the lively Susukino district for dinner.
Visit the Sapporo Beer Museum and Odori Park. In the afternoon, take the train to Hakodate, which takes around 1 hour and 30 minutes. Explore the Motomachi district and enjoy the Hakodate Millions Night View from Mount Hakodate.
In the morning, take a train back to Sapporo (1 hour, 30 minutes) and head to Otaru (30 minutes). Stroll along the picturesque Otaru Canal, shop for local crafts on Sakaimachi Street, and visit the Otaru Music Box Museum.
Go on a 1 hour 15 minutes train ride to Noboribetsu and spend the day relaxing in the onsens, or therapeutic hot springs. Explore the dramatic Jigokudani geothermal landscape.
Relax and enjoy the onsen experience in Noboribetsu. In the afternoon, return to Sapporo by train and depart from Hokkaido.
(Days 1-3) You can follow the same itinerary for Sapporo, Hakodate, and Otaru as before.
Travel to Asahikawa, which takes around 2 hours and 40 minutes, and visit the renowned Asahiyama Zoo, known for its innovative animal enclosures.
It takes 1 hour 40 minutes to get to Biei by train. Explore the picturesque Biei and Furano region, known for its stunning lavender fields in summer (timing permitting), and visit the Blue Pond. In the afternoon, travel to Furano (30 minutes).
Enjoy scenic hikes or other outdoor activities in the Furano area. In the afternoon, return to Sapporo by train via Asahikawa; the total travel time is 4 hours and 10 minutes.
Spend the morning exploring additional sights in Sapporo or visit the nearby Jozankei Hot Springs for a final soak before departing Hokkaido.
Take the itinerary for Sapporo, Hakodate, Otaru, and Asahikawa listed for days 1-4.
Take the train to Lake Toya, a stunning caldera lake home to hot spring resorts.
Embark on a thrilling hike up Mount Toya Usu, Hokkaido's youngest peak with an active crater, or relax and soak in the onsen at your hotel.
Travel for 4 hours and 30 minutes to Shiretoko National Park, where you can pick up your adventure. Go wildlife watching via boat tour or embark on a challenging yet rewarding hike through the pristine wilderness. Consider staying overnight at Shiretoko National Park.
Relax and enjoy the natural beauty of Shiretoko National Park. Travel back to Sapporo by train in the afternoon, approximately 7 hours total, which includes transfers.
Spend the morning exploring additional sights in Sapporo or visit the nearby Jozankei Hot Springs for a final soak before departing Hokkaido.
The Hokkaido JR Pass is a special rail pass designed for foreign visitors to Japan that grants unlimited travel on JR Hokkaido trains (excluding Shinkansen bullet trains) throughout Hokkaido for a set period (5, 7, or 10 consecutive days). It's a fantastic way to explore Hokkaido's cities, towns, and natural wonders conveniently and cost-effectively.
The Hokkaido JR Pass comes in 3 durations: 5-day, 7-day, and 10-day passes to suit your exploration timeframe.
Absolutely! If you plan on exploring multiple destinations within Hokkaido using JR Hokkaido trains, the JR Pass offers significant savings compared to purchasing individual train tickets. It's especially worthwhile for longer trips or those covering wider areas.
The Hokkaido JR Pass is a perfect fit for budget travelers, adventurers, and independent explorers. Budget travelers can maximize their travel expenses with unlimited rides. Adventurers can explore Hokkaido's diverse landscapes seamlessly using JR trains. Independent travelers can design their itinerary and travel freely, hopping on and off trains as they explore.
The JR Hokkaido Pass lets you explore Hokkaido's bustling cities, charming towns, picturesque canals, and beautiful natural attractions. Relax and enjoy rejuvenating hot spring resorts, encounter diverse wildlife at Asahiyama Zoo, and witness the vibrant tapestry of Biei and Furano.
While the JR Pass grants unlimited rides, seat reservations are recommended, especially on popular routes or during peak travel times. This ensures a comfortable journey with a guaranteed seat. Reservations can be made at JR Hokkaido stations, online (for specific JR Hokkaido trains with some passes), or through designated reservation machines at major stations.
The JR Hokkaido Pass excludes travel on Shinkansen bullet trains (e.g., between Sapporo and Hakodate) and non-JR Hokkaido bus routes or local transportation options. Consider these additional costs when planning your trip.
Unfortunately, lost JR Passes cannot be replaced or refunded. Be sure to keep your pass safe and readily accessible during your travels.
Absolutely! The Hokkaido JR Pass is designed for ease of use. Once activated, simply present your pass to train staff whenever requested during your travels across Hokkaido. With clear signage and helpful staff at stations, navigating the JR Hokkaido network is a breeze.
