Hokkaido Rail Pass

Hokkaido is big, empty and slow to cross, which is exactly why a regional pass makes sense here. The Hokkaido Rail Pass gives unlimited travel on JR Hokkaido lines for five, seven or ten consecutive days, covering Sapporo, Otaru, Furano, Asahikawa, Hakodate and the far east of the island.

What the Hokkaido Rail Pass covers

Unlimited travel on JR Hokkaido conventional lines, with ordinary car seating either reserved or non-reserved, plus some JR Hokkaido bus routes.

• Limited express services including the Hokuto, Kamui, Lilac, Okhotsk and Ozora
• Rapid and local trains across the network, including the Airport Rapid to New Chitose
• Sapporo, Otaru, Asahikawa, Furano, Biei, Hakodate, Kushiro, Abashiri and Obihiro all inside the zone
• Selected JR Hokkaido buses

The exclusion that catches people out

The pass does not cover the Hokkaido Shinkansen. That means you cannot use it to travel between Honshu and Hokkaido, and it will not get you from Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto to Hakodate on the Shinkansen.

It also excludes the South Hokkaido Railway, and Sapporo’s subway, streetcars and city buses. Getting around Sapporo itself needs separate tickets or an IC card.

Worth knowing more broadly: the Hokkaido Shinkansen still terminates at Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto. The extension to Sapporo has been pushed back to FY2038 after tunnelling problems, so anyone expecting a through bullet train to Sapporo should plan around a limited express connection or a flight.

Is it worth it?

Distances in Hokkaido are long enough that this pass usually pays off quickly. Sapporo to Hakodate, or Sapporo across to Kushiro or Abashiri, are each substantial fares on their own. Two long limited express journeys will generally cover the five day pass.

It is less compelling if you are staying around Sapporo and Otaru, where distances are short. Buying ahead of arrival is also worth a moment, since station prices are ¥1,000 higher on both the five and seven day versions.

Highlights across the island

Furano and Biei are the summer draw, with lavender fields and rolling farmland through July. Otaru is a short hop from Sapporo for its canal and glassworks. Hakodate has the night view from Mount Hakodate and a morning seafood market.

Further out, Abashiri sits on the drift ice coast, and Kushiro is the gateway to the marshlands and the red-crowned cranes. The long limited express runs to reach them are a large part of why the pass earns its keep.

How to buy and activate

Buy before arrival through an overseas agent for the lower price, then exchange for the pass at a JR Hokkaido station. It can also be bought directly at major stations including Sapporo and New Chitose Airport, at the higher rate.

Unlike most JR passes, foreign residents of Japan are eligible, not just Temporary Visitor holders. You need a non-Japanese passport.

Frequently asked questions

Does it cover the Shinkansen to Hokkaido?

No. The Hokkaido Shinkansen is excluded entirely, so it cannot be used for travel between Honshu and Hokkaido.

Does it cover the Sapporo subway?

No. Subway, streetcars and city buses in Sapporo need separate tickets or an IC card.

Can foreign residents of Japan use it?

Yes. This pass is open to any non-Japanese passport holder, which is more generous than most JR regional passes.

Is it cheaper to buy before arriving?

Yes, by ¥1,000 on the five and seven day versions. Pre-purchase and exchange on arrival.

Check Hokkaido Rail Pass prices