JR PASS: Hokkaido Rail Pass
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JR PASS: Hokkaido Rail Pass
Next available dates
Today
5 Dec
Sat
6 Dec
Sun
7 Dec
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JR Hokkaido Rail Pass (E-Ticket)
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From
AUD 98.34
Highlights
Explore and travel around Hokkaido in Japan with ease! Enjoy unlimited JR train and bus rides for 4, 5 or 7 consecutive days with JR Hokkaido Rail Pass.
About the JR Hokkaido Pass:
The JR Hokkaido Rail Pass offers unlimited travel for 5, 7, or 10 days on all JR Hokkaido train lines, including limited express, special rapid, and rapid trains. Travel at your own pace with access to both reserved and non-reserved seats, and enjoy rides on designated JR buses within the region. Please note that this pass excludes the Hokkaido Shinkansen, South Hokkaido Railway, streetcars, and subways - for example, the Sapporo Subway which requires an IC card.
Suggested Hokkaido Rail Pass Itinerary
Here’s a relaxed and fun 5-day Hokkaido Rail Pass itinerary to get you started:
- Day 1: Explore Sapporo
- Kick off your trip to Sapporo! Wander around the city and check out the Sapporo Clock Tower, Odori Park, and the Sapporo Beer Museum.
- Don’t forget to try Hokkaido’s famous miso ramen for dinner - it’s the perfect welcome meal!
- Day 2: Take a Day Trip to Otaru
- Hop on a quick train to Otaru, a charming spot with a pretty canal, glass workshops, and super fresh seafood.
- Enjoy a peaceful stroll along Otaru Canal and visit the quirky Otaru Music Box Museum.
- Day 3: Head to Furano & Biei for Gorgeous Scenery
- Make your way to Furano for vibrant flower fields (especially beautiful in spring/summer) and epic landscapes.
- Don’t miss Biei’s Blue Pond and Shikisai no Oka - they’re perfect for photos!
- Day 4: Discover Asahikawa
- Head over to Asahikawa to visit the popular Asahiyama Zoo, where you can see penguins and polar bears.
- While you’re there, try Asahikawa’s famous soy sauce ramen at the Ramen Village - it’s a must!
- Day 5: Unwind in Noboribetsu Onsen
- Finish your trip with a relaxing visit to Noboribetsu Onsen.
- Explore the dramatic landscapes of Jigokudani (Hell Valley) and treat yourself to a soothing onsen soak before heading back to Sapporo.
Enjoy all JR Hokkaido Lines:
1. Hokkaido Rail Pass (Green)
- Covers all JR train lines across Hokkaido (except the Hokkaido Shinkansen).
- Best for long-distance travelers exploring multiple cities in Hokkaido.
- Great if you're visiting Sapporo, Hakodate, Asahikawa, Furano, Abashiri, Kushiro, and more.
2. Sapporo–Furano Area Pass (Purple)
- Covers routes between Sapporo, Furano, Biei, Asahikawa, and New Chitose Airport.
- Ideal for central Hokkaido travel and visiting popular sightseeing areas like flower fields in Furano and Biei.
3. Sapporo–Noboribetsu Area Pass (Orange)
- Covers routes from Sapporo to Noboribetsu, including Otaru, New Chitose Airport, Tomakomai, and Shiraoi.
- Perfect for short trips from Sapporo and visiting hot spring towns like Noboribetsu.
- Unlimited rides: Travel freely on trains and buses in Hokkaido.
- Popular locations: Visit Sapporo, Tomamu, Asahikawa and more.
- Flexible travel: Select between five, seven or ten-day pass.
What's included
INCLUDED
All JR Hokkaido train lines
5/7/10 days of unlimited travel
Designated JR buses within Hokkaido
Temporary trains, including limited express, rapid, and local
NOT INCLUDED
Hokkaido Shinkansen
South Hokkaido Railway
Streetcar
Subway
Customer reviews
Review summary
Powered by AIJR PASS: Hokkaido Rail Pass receives positive feedback for its ease of redemption and value for money, especially when purchased via Pelago. Customers appreciate the seamless exchange process at JR stations using QR codes and the helpful staff. The pass is praised for its convenience, allowing unlimited travel to popular destinations like Otaru, Noboribetsu, and Hakodate, with free seat reservations. Overall, users recommend it for hassle-free travel across Hokkaido.
Additional information
Must Know
- We recommend reserving your JR Pass in advance by selecting your preferred travel date on the calendar.
- The pass is non-transferable and registered under the customer’s real name, requiring passport verification upon redemption.
- If trains are delayed or suspended, no refunds or validity extensions are available once the pass is in use.
- The pass cannot be exchanged for other passes or regular train tickets, and the start date or validity period cannot be changed after redemption.
- For reserved seats on limited express trains (e.g., Hokuto, Suzuran, Ōzora, Tokachi), obtain tickets before boarding, as these trains are reserved seating only starting 16 March 2024.
- For Green Car or supplementary ticket trains, additional charges apply.
Child Policy
- Children aged 0-1 are free of charge.
- Up to two children (ages 1-5) travel free with an adult rail pass holder if they don't occupy a seat.
- A child rail pass is needed for each additional child starting from the third.
Eligibility
- This pass is valid only for non-Japanese passport holders.
- Starting 1 April 2025, short-term stay visa confirmation is not required for redemption.
- Passport copies or residence cards are not accepted for redemption.
Recommended Routes
Booking Confirmation
Your booking will be confirmed by the provider instantly.
Cancellation Policy
- A full refund will be processed if cancelled at least 2 days before the date of selection. No refund will be processed if cancelled less than 2 days before the date of selection.
- To cancel or modify after redeeming the physical pass, visit a green counter at a station and pay a 10% processing fee.
Voucher Use
- Upon purchasing your JR Pass through Pelago, you will receive a confirmation email containing a QR code. Please note that you must exchange this QR code for the physical JR Pass within 90 days from the purchase date at an official JR Pass Exchange Office in Japan.
- During the exchange process, the name on your passport will be verified against the name provided during the purchase. Ensure the name is entered accurately, as discrepancies will prevent the issuance of the JR Pass.
- Present your passport at all times for identity verification.
- Following the exchange, you have 30 days to activate your JR Pass and commence your train travel adventures in Japan.
- Seat reservations can be made at designated JR stations or online via the JR East Train Reservation website. After reserving your seat, you must collect your physical JR Pass at an official exchange office.
Voucher Redemption Address
- For Sapporo-Noboribetsu Area Pass: Redeem at New Chitose Airport (CTS) Station, Sapporo Station, or Noboribetsu Station.
- For Sapporo-Furano Area Pass: Redeem at New Chitose Airport (CTS) Station, Sapporo Station, or Asahikawa Station.
- For JR Hokkaido Rail Pass: Please note that this information is subject to change. Refer to the official website for detailed redemption locations and hours.
Voucher Validity
- Redeem your e-voucher within 90 days from the date of issue at the designated ticket counter.
- Hokkaido Rail Pass is valid for five, seven or ten consecutive days from after the first use.
Location
Address
Sapporo Station, 3 Chome-4 Chome Kita 6 Jonishi, Kita Ward, Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan
Provider
Sapporo Station
Frequently asked questions
What is the JR Hokkaido Rail Pass?
The JR Hokkaido Rail Pass is a special pass that allows unlimited travel on JR Hokkaido trains for 5, 7, or 10 consecutive days.
Where can I use the JR Hokkaido Rail Pass?
The JR Hokkaido Rail Pass can be used on select JR lines, including local, rapid, and limited express trains.
Can I use the JR Hokkaido Rail Pass on buses or other transportation?
Yes, the rail pass can be used for rides on designated JR buses within Hokkaido.
Do I need to make reservations for trains with the JR Hokkaido Rail Pass?
Yes, reservations are required for certain limited express trains, but not for routes like Sapporo to Otaru.
Can I use the Hokkaido Rail Pass on the Shinkansen?
No, the Shinkansen is operated by JR East, and the Hokkaido Rail Pass is only valid for JR Hokkaido trains. However, you can use the pass to travel to Shinkansen stations in Hokkaido, such as Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto Station. If you're planning to take the Shinkansen, you can purchase the JR Whole Japan Pass instead and still enjoy savings.
Is the JR Rail Pass for Hokkaido worth it?
Yes, the Hokkaido JR Pass is worth it for foreign visitors exploring the region extensively. It offers unlimited travel on all JR Hokkaido lines, providing convenient access to popular destinations like Sapporo, Hakodate, Noboribetsu, Niseko, Asahikawa, and the Otaru area, saving both time and transportation costs. You can also easily travel to New Chitose Airport from Sapporo Station or take certain buses. With the rail pass, you can also hop on sightseeing trains like the Furano Biei Norokko Train and the Kushiro Shitsugen Norokko Train.
Can you use the Hokkaido Rail Pass on the Shinkansen?
The Hokkaido Rail Pass is specially designed for foreign visitors entering Japan, offering travel on JR lines (excluding the Shinkansen) and most JR Hokkaido buses for five, seven, or ten consecutive days. However, while you can't use the Hokkaido Rail Pass on the Shinkansen, you can use the Japan Rail Pass to travel on the bullet train from Tokyo to Hakodate.
How do I insert a JR pass ticket?
To get through, simply insert both your Rail Pass and your JR ticket for your destination into the automatic ticket gate slot. Once you're through, don't forget to grab your pass as it comes out on the other side.
Can you travel around Hokkaido without a car?
Yes, you can definitely travel around without a car! With the JR Hokkaido Rail Pass, you'll enjoy unlimited rides on JR trains and certain JR buses, making it easy to explore the region. Whether you're visiting popular cities or more remote areas, the pass offers flexibility and a cost-effective way to travel at your own pace, without the hassle of driving or purchasing multiple tickets.
Is the Hokkaido rail pass free for kids?
Children under one can travel for free when accompanied by an adult, and two children between 1-5 years old can also travel for free with each adult. Children aged 6-11 pay half the adult fare, while children 12 and older need to pay the full adult fare
Can local Japanese people use the Hokkaido Rail Pass?
This rail pass is just for foreign visitors entering Japan with a non-Japanese passport under the “Temporary Visitor” status. You can use it for 5, 7, or 10 consecutive days, starting from the date you choose.
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Amazing guide J99 陈梅芳 definitely made the journey interesting and engaging. She’s knowledgeable and really delights her customers with her personal entices and experience. Thank you!
超便宜，比隔壁便宜了50人民币，那可不得了啊
Very easy to redeem at the ticket office and offer great value if planning to travel around during the 4 days period
It has been an easy exchange of tickets n reserved the seats to destinations. Purchasing with Pelago is simple n everything is in order. Tho I bought 5-Day Hokkaido rai at $190 (20% discount) , I didn’t use to travel a lot but because to/fro Hakodate is already $175, so plus Otaru n a few famous area, the ticket is already worth it
Easy exchange at JR Office (clearly marked line telling you where to go), staff friendly and seamless process though not as easy as other JR Passes which are just a QR scan at the machine. Great value if heading return to Asahikawa/Furano, will recoup the cost and free booked tickets
It’s very convenient n worth it to use the pass. Especially the reserve seat. Collect my ticket at New Chitose airport JR station n she is very helpful. Big thumb for here.