JR PASS: Hokkaido Rail Pass
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JR PASS: Hokkaido Rail Pass
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JR Hokkaido Rail Pass (E-Ticket)
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USD 69.17
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 is praised for its ease of use, seamless ticket exchange, and value for money, especially when purchased through Pelago. Customers appreciate the convenience of redeeming the pass using a QR code at JR stations and the ability to reserve seats for free. The pass is highly recommended for traveling to popular destinations like Otaru, Noboribetsu, and Hakodate, offering significant savings for frequent train travelers.
Additional information
Pass Eligiblity
- The JR Pass is valid only for non-Japanese travellers.
- JR Passes are not valid for Japanese residents.
Good to Know
Booking your JR Pass:
- We suggest booking your JR Pass in advance, choosing your intended travel date on the calendar
Exchanging for physical JR Pass:
- After purchasing the JR Pass on Pelago, you’ll receive the confirmation email with QR code. Remember that you have 90 days from the purchase date to exchange for the physical JR Pass in Japan at an Official Exchange Office
- When redeeming the pass, the name on the passport will be checked whether it is the same as the name entered during the application, so please be sure to enter it correctly. If the name is not the same, the ticket cannot be exchanged.
- You can book a reserved seat at designated JR stations or online via the JR East Train Reservation website. Please note that after making your seat reservation, you must pick up your physical passes at the official pass exchange locations.
Activation and travel:
- Following the exchange, you have 30 days to activate your JR Pass and commence your train travel adventures in Japan
Redemption Point Details:
- Here's a list of counters.
Child Policy
- Free for children aged 0-1.
- 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.
Pass Validity
Validity:
- The voucher is valid for 90 day(s) from the booking confirmation date. It expires at 23:59 on the last day
- Hokkaido Rail Pass is valid for five, seven or ten consecutive days from after the first use.
Valid on:
- All JR Hokkaido Lines (except Hokkaido Shinkansen) .
- Reserved seats in ordinary car of limited express trains on JR Hokkaido Line.
- Reserved seats of special rapid and rapid trains on JR Hokkaido Line.
- Local trains on JR Hokkaido Line.
- Reserved seats of temporary trains (limited express/ rapid/ local) on JR Hokkaido Line.
- The Hokkaido Rail Pass can be used on all JR Hokkaido train lines, except the Shinkansen. The rail pass cannot be used on lines operated by other companies, such as the South Hokkaido Railway, Sapporo Municipal Subway, etc.
Exclusions:
- Hokkaido Rail Pass holders cannot ride the Shinkansen Hayabusa and Hayate trains. If you wish to ride the Shinkansen, you will need to purchase a separate basic fare ticket, limited express ticket, etc.
- Rail pass holders cannot use the South Hokkaido Railway. A separate ticket will be required to travel on this train.
- Hokkaido Rail Pass holders cannot take the reserved seats of SL Paleo Express. A separate ticket will be required when taking the train.
Recommended Routes
Booking Confirmation
- Your booking will be confirmed instantly.
Cancellation Policy
- A full refund will be issued if cancelled at least 1 day before your selected booking date.
- No refund can be processed if cancelled less than 24 hours before your booking date.
Voucher Use
Please present your E-voucher on mobile and passport at a redemption machine and fill out an application with necessary details, and exchange for Hokkaido Rail Pass.
Voucher Redemption Address
Please check the list of redemption counters available.
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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Easy to book. And collect at JR station
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.
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
Great, price is attractive on pelago, with responsive customer service. Just show QR code at the JR ticket counter with your passport. Counter staff will ask for your passport to process, and ask you which date you want to start your pass on. Request to reserve the train to the destination you're headed to, i managed to get my reserved seating to Otaru and catch the train departs 7 min after I got my ticket. Recommend this pass to anyone traveling to Otaru, Noboribetsu and Hakodate.
Seamless exchange at New Chitose Airport JR Station using the QR code provided. I got a good discount for my Hokkaido Pass. Highly recommended.