The JR Hokkaido Rail Pass is a convenient and cost-effective travel pass that allows unlimited travel across the Japan Rail (JR) network throughout Hokkaido, Japan’s northernmost prefecture. With this pass, travellers can easily explore the prefecture, from the northern city of Wakkanai, Japan’s northernmost train station, down through Asahikawa and Sapporo, and onward to Hakodate in the south. The pass also covers access to New Chitose Airport, making it an excellent option for visitors flying in or out of Hokkaido.
Service Area & Validity
The JR Hokkaido Rail Pass covers all JR train lines throughout Hokkaido, excluding the Tohoku Shinkansen. The pass also covers reserved seats on Limited Express trains: Hokuto, Suzuran, Ozora, and Tokachi. Seat reservations are required for these lines, but are free with the Hokkaido Pass. The pass also covers JR Hokkaido buses in Sapporo (More details).
The pass comes in a convenient five, seven and ten consecutive day options.
Hokkaido Rail Pass Cost
| Pass Length | Adult Cost | Child (Ages 6-11) Cost |
| 5-Day | ￥22,000 | ￥11,000 |
| 7-Day | ￥28,000 | ￥14,000 |
| 10-Day | ￥37,000 | ￥18,500 |
Purchase the JR Hokkaido Pass ->
Before you purchase the Hokkaido Rail Pass, it’s important to know whether or not it makes sense with your itinerary. Here are the one-way and return journey costs for many of the popular Hokkaido itineraries to help inform your decision;
Sapporo -> Asahikawa: ￥4,910 One way / ￥9,820 Return
Sapporo -> Otaru: ￥800 One way / 1,600 Return
Sapporo -> Noboribetsu: ￥4,210 One way / ￥8,420
Sapporo -> Hakodate: ￥9,770 One way / 19,540 Return
New Chitose Airport -> Sapporo: ￥2,070 One way / ￥4,140 Return
Noboribetsu -> Hakodate: ￥7,260 One way / ￥14,520
Asahikawa -> Wakkanai: ￥9,220 One way /18,440 Return
*Prices may fluctuate slightly depending on the type of train, origin & destination station, and other factors. While the prices may change slightly, the prices listed are a good indication of the expected cost.
Eligibility
All non-Japanese passport holders can use the pass. Be sure to bring your passport with you when you collect your JR Pass, as it will be checked to ensure eligibility.
Explore Hokkaido
Top Attractions
Hokkaido Shrine
Popular shrine in Sapporo City
Lake Toya
Caldera lake with scenic views, islands, hot springs, and volcano.
Jigokudani Hell Valley
Steam-filled volcanic valley with sulfur vents, hot springs, and trails
Cape Soya
Japan's northernmost cape
Shirahige Waterfalls
Cascading waterfalls with stunning blue water
Purchasing the Hokkaido Pass
The Hokkaido Rail Pass can be pre-purchased online for the best price. The pass can also be purchased at the train station while in Japan for an extra 1000JPY.
