How to Save on JR Hokkaido Pass? Map, Pricing & Best Deals Guide

The JR Hokkaido Pass is undoubtedly the most cost-effective and convenient way to explore Japan’s northern island, especially when you secure a 3% off deal through authorized online platforms.

There is everything you need to know about the JR Hokkaido Pass, including route maps, prices, how to buy and issue tickets, and grab a limited-time 3% discount when booking on Trip.com.👍

About JR Hokkaido Pass

JR Hokkaido Pass is best for foreign travelers

JR Hokkaido Pass | Who Can Use

The JR Hokkaido Rail Pass is exclusively available to foreign visitors entering Japan with a non-Japanese passport under the "Temporary Visitor" status. This status is granted upon entry for those visiting Japan for tourism and allows a stay of up to 15 or 90 days. Residents of Japan or those without this specific entry status are not eligible.

JR Hokkaido Pass | Where to Use

This pass offers unlimited rides on all JR Hokkaido Lines, except for the Hokkaido Shinkansen, within the validity period of the pass you choose. It covers reserved and non-reserved seats in ordinary cars on limited express, special rapid, rapid, and local trains operated by JR Hokkaido.

JR Hokkaido Pass | Why Use It👀

With unlimited travel on all JR Hokkaido lines (except the Hokkaido Shinkansen) during your chosen validity period, the 5 day JR Hokkaido Pass pass can save you up to 30% on average compared to buying individual tickets, depending on your travel itinerary. The more you travel, the more you save! It's deal for exploring multiple destinations across Hokkaido.

Beyond the savings, the pass eliminates the inconvenience of buying tickets and making transfers. You can simply show your pass and hop on the next available train.

Where Can You Go? Explore the JR Hokkaido Pass Route Map

Below is a map of major train lines that can be used with the Hokkaido Rail Pass:

Source from japan guide

The main routes covered by the JR Hokkaido Rail Pass:

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How Much Does the JR Hokkaido Pass Cost?

Check pass options for different days

See the table about the different JR Hokkaido Rail Pass options. Prices reflect the 3% discount available through Trip.com when booking between March 5th, 2024, and November 1st, 2024!

Make the most of this limited-time JR Hokkaido Pass offer on Trip.com to explore Hokkaido's wonders at a discounted rate.

Note:

• Adult prices are for travelers aged 12 and above.
• Child prices are for travelers aged 6 to 11. Children under 6 may travel free but may not have a reserved seat.
• The prices listed already include the 3% discount applied by Trip.com.

How to Buy the JR Hokkaido Pass?

Buy your pass at station or online

You can purchase the JR Hokkaido Rail Pass either at a JR station in Japan or conveniently online. While buying at stations like New Chitose Airport, Sapporo, and Hakodate is an option, it can be time-consuming due to potential long queues and language barriers.

To avoid these hassles, it’s highly recommended to book through Trip.com, where you can enjoy a limited-time 3% OFF on any pass option from now until November 1st, 2024. Trip.com provides various pass durations, and booking online means you don’t have to worry about understanding Japanese or waiting at the station. This option is perfect for a seamless and efficient travel experience in Hokkaido.

For station purchases, you can visit JR Ticket Offices (Midori no Madoguchi), where you’ll need your passport with a “Temporary Visitor” status stamp. However, booking online through Trip.com is the easier and more convenient choice.

How to Issue Your JR Hokkaido Pass?

Purchase your pass

To issue the JR Hokkaido Rail Pass, follow these steps:

1. Purchase Online: Select your desired pass duration (4, 5, 7, or 10 days) and complete the purchase on Trip.com.
2. Receive E-Voucher: After booking, you’ll get an e-voucher via email or in the app.
3. To redeem your JR Hokkaido Rail Pass, you can visit specific JR stations like New Chitose Airport, Sapporo Station, and Hakodate Station. At these stations, there are JR Information Desks designed to assist foreign travelers, where you can exchange your e-voucher or purchase the pass directly.

Get help at JR Info Desk

• New Chitose Airport Station: Located in the basement of the airport's domestic terminal, the JR Information Desk operates daily. The typical operating hours are from 6:30 AM to 9:50 PM.
• Sapporo Station: The JR Information Desk here is located at the West Exit and operates during similar hours as New Chitose Airport, also typically 6:30 AM to 9:50 PM.

It's recommended to redeem your pass at these manned counters, as some automated ticket machines may not support pass issuance. Booking in advance online (e.g., via Trip.com) saves time and ensures you avoid the long queues

Which Trains Can You Ride with a JR Hokkaido Pass?

Learn the multiple types of JR Train

Checking the different train types in Hokkaido will help you make the most of your JR Hokkaido Rail Pass and ensure a smooth journey.

How to Choose the Right JR Pass for Your Tokyo to Hokkaido Journey?

Choosing the Right JR Pass for Traveling from Tokyo/Kyoto to Hokkaido

If you're planning to travel from Tokyo or Kyoto to Hokkaido and wish to use JR trains within Hokkaido, selecting the right rail pass can save you time and money.

Recommended JR Pass

Popular Itineraries with JR Pass

• Japan Tour Including Hokkaido
• • Itinerary: Tokyo → Kyoto → Tokyo → Sapporo → Hakodate → Tokyo
  • Recommended Pass: JR Pass (National)
  • Benefits: Unlimited travel across all these destinations, including Shinkansen and limited express trains.

• Eastern Japan & Southern Hokkaido Tour
• • Itinerary: Tokyo → Sendai → Aomori → Hakodate → Sapporo
  • Recommended Pass: JR East-South Hokkaido Rail Pass
  • Benefits: Cost-effective for the covered areas, flexible days of use.

• Fly to Hokkaido Tour
• • Itinerary: Fly from Tokyo/Kyoto to Sapporo → Explore Hokkaido
  • Recommended Passes:
  • • Flight: Use Japan Explorer Pass for discounted flights.
    • Within Hokkaido: JR Hokkaido Rail Pass

• • Benefits: Saves time by flying; the rail pass covers extensive travel within Hokkaido.

JR Hokkaido Pass: Should You Book Reserved or Non-Reserved Seats?

Get a reserved seat for your JR tour

Reserved Seats

Reserved seats are pre-assigned seats that you book before boarding the train. Holding a reserved seat ticket guarantees you a specific seat on a particular train at a set time. This is especially important in Hokkaido, where many of the major limited express trains require reservations due to all-reserved seating arrangements.

On trains like the Limited Express Hokuto, Suzuran, Ozora, and Tokachi, all seats are reserved. You must obtain a reserved seat ticket before boarding these trains, regardless of the season or how crowded the train might be. Failing to have a reserved seat ticket means you cannot board these trains.

Local and Rapid Trains generally offer non-reserved seating. Reservations are typically not possible, and you can board with your JR Hokkaido Rail Pass without additional arrangements.

Reserving a seat offers peace of mind, ensuring that you have a comfortable place to sit throughout your journey. This is highly advisable for long-distance travel, such as trips from Sapporo to Hakodate or Kushiro. It is also beneficial during peak travel seasons—like Golden Week, Obon, or New Year's holidays—when trains are more crowded.

Car Formation (Example) Source from jr hokkaido

Non-Reserved Seats

Non-reserved seats are unassigned seats available on a first-come, first-served basis. You do not need to make a prior reservation to occupy these seats. However, in Hokkaido, the availability of non-reserved seating is very limited. While local and rapid trains typically offer non-reserved seats, major limited express trains do not.

For short journeys or when traveling on local trains between smaller towns, non-reserved seating can be convenient. During off-peak seasons, these trains are less crowded, increasing the likelihood of finding an available seat. However, be prepared for the possibility of standing if all seats are occupied, as non-reserved seating does not guarantee a seat.

How to Book Free Reserved Seats with a JR Hokkaido Pass?

Buy your ticket at JR Ticket counter

At Ticket Counters (Recommended)

The most reliable way to reserve seats is by visiting a JR Ticket Office or JR Information Desk at any major station. Present your JR Hokkaido Rail Pass and request seat reservations for your desired trains and times. The staff will assist you in booking and provide you with reserved seat tickets.

Online Reservations

Reservations can be made online through the JR-EAST Train Reservation website. However, availability for JR Hokkaido trains may be limited, and not all trains are included in the online system. It's advisable to check the website for the most current information and make reservations well in advance.

Make a reservation online for you train pass

Using Ticket Machines

Some stations are equipped with green ticket machines that allow seat reservations. These machines may have English language options and can be convenient if you're familiar with the reservation process. However, they might not recognize the JR Hokkaido Rail Pass, and assistance from station staff may be necessary.

Learn how to use the ticket machine

How to Board with JR Hokkaido Pass?

Keep both your JR Hokkaido Pass and your Reserved Seat Ticket handy

JR Hokkaido | How to Board

Boarding with the JR Hokkaido Rail Pass is simple and efficient. To pass through the automatic ticket gate, insert only your rail pass into the gate. Once you pass through, make sure to retrieve your pass, as it cannot be reissued if lost or stolen. Reserved seat tickets are not used to pass through the gate; you only need to present them on board.

If your station doesn’t have an automatic gate, or if you're unsure, head to the manned gate and show your pass to the staff. They will assist you in entering the platform.

Once through the gates, wait at the appropriate boarding position on the platform. Signs and screens will show the car numbers and seating types (reserved or non-reserved). For Limited Express trains, all seats are reserved, so board the car that matches your reserved seat ticket. If you're on a non-reserved train, simply board and find a seat in the designated non-reserved cars.

*All seats on the Ltd. Exp. Hokuto, Ltd. Exp. Suzuran, Ltd. Exp. Ozora, and Ltd. Exp. Tokachi are reserved. Passengers without a seat number may need to move to another seat.

Lastly, for some trains like the Series 737 or H100 series, you may need to press a button (see picture below) to open the train doors when boarding or alighting.

Source from jr hokkaido

Source from jr hokkaido

JR Hokkaido | How to Read Ticket

Boarding ticket (Source from japan travel)

1. Boarding station
2. Destination station
3. Validity period

Limited express ticket (Source from japan travel)

1. Boarding station
2. Destination station
3. Boarding date and time
4. Train name
5. Car number
6. Seat number

*4 to 6 are not listed on Unreserved seat limited express tickets.

JR Hokkaido | How to Read Departure Info Screens

Departure Info Screens

Where to Stay with a JR Hokkaido Pass?

Stay in hotels within a 3-minute walk of the main JR stations

JR Hokkaido Pass | Sapporo

Sapporo is a popular stop for travelers in Hokkaido. Every winter, the Sapporo Snow Festival draws crowds with its massive ice sculptures, making the city a winter wonderland. Food lovers can enjoy some of Japan’s best fresh seafood at places like the Nijo Market. If you’re a fan of beer, don’t miss the Sapporo Beer Museum, where you can sample the city’s famous brew.

Check top hotels in Sapporo below ~👀

JR Hokkaido Pass | Hakodate

Hakodate is known for its spectacular night views from Mount Hakodate, often called one of Japan’s best cityscapes. The city has a rich history with attractions like Goryokaku Fort, a unique star-shaped fort, and Motomachi, a neighborhood filled with old Western-style buildings. Start your day at the Hakodate Morning Market, where you can enjoy fresh seafood like squid and sea urchin.

JR Hokkaido Pass | Asahikawa

Asahikawa is the gateway to Hokkaido’s wilderness. It’s a great base for visiting Daisetsuzan National Park, where you can hike, ski, and explore hot springs. The city is also home to the famous Asahiyama Zoo, where the penguin walk is a favorite with visitors. Don’t leave without trying Asahikawa’s ramen, often considered some of the best in Hokkaido.

What to Do If You Arrive Late at New Chitose Airport?

The last train from New Chitose Airport to Sapporo on the JR Rapid Airport line departs at approximately 11:00 PM, with a travel time of about 37 minutes to Sapporo. For Otaru, the last train departs slightly earlier, at around 10:30 PM

If you miss the last train, staying overnight at the airport is a convenient option. Two hotels are directly connected to New Chitose Airport:

Air Terminal Hotel

Located 240m from the airport, it’s just a 3 minute walk from the domestic terminal. The hotel offers free breakfast and has rooms with simple, comfortable amenities. It's perfect for short overnight stays.

Portom International Hokkaido

This luxury hotel is close to the airport (~1km), about 6-7 minutes from the terminal. It has elegant rooms, a spa, and several dining options. Ideal for travelers looking for more comfort and upscale facilities.