Can you complete the entire JR Hokkaido conventional lines with the Hokkaido Rail Pass? Yes, you can! Hokkaido has 2106km conventional lines across the mountains, forest and wetlands. This 6-day itinerary offers memorable travel experience, as well as tasty seafood, good craft beer and wine.
⚫︎ Last updated: March 2024. Timetables, business hours and prices are subject to change. Check the latest information.
INDEX
✔️Checklist
⚫︎ Purchase the Hokkaido Rail Pass or the Japan Rail Pass at the JR-designated ticket office.
⚫︎ The Hokkaido Shinkansen is not allowed to use with the Hokkaido Rail Pass. If you plan to take the shinkansen, purchase the Japan Rail Pass or pay the regular fares.
⚫︎ If you don’t have a reserved ordinary seat ticket on the limited express train Hokuto, Suzuran, Tokachi or Ozora, you can use vacant ordinary seats (if the seats are fully booked, you will have to stand).
⚫︎ The last day (Day 7) of this travel, you can use the rail pass from Sapporo to New Chitose Airport. Otherwise, you can spend in Hakodate for two nights and take the Hokkaido Shinkansen, if you have the Japan Rail Pass.
⚫︎ Book the hotels in Sapporo, Kushiro, Asahikawa and Hakodate in advance.
⚫︎ Check online for the train status information.
Recommended Rail Passes
DAY 1
DISTANCE: 619.3km
Sapporo
→Kushiro
This grand tour starts from Sapporo, the capital of Hokkaido. If you visit from outside Hokkaido, enter Sapporo by the day before. The JR Sekisho Line ventures deep into the forested Yubari Mountains. Coastal scenery and green pastures feature on the scenic JR Hanasaki Line.
Photo: Jalan.net
HOTEL (SPONSORED)
Super Hotel Kushiro-ekimae
スーパーホテル釧路駅前 天然温泉 白鳥の湯
▶︎ 1min walk from JR Kushiro Station
In a convenient location above the bus terminal next to JR Kushiro Station, this business hotel has reasonably-priced single rooms and a small communal onsen. Complimentary breakfast.
DAY 2
DISTANCE: 406.8km
Kushiro
→Asahikawa
On the second day, take the scenic JR Senmo Line from Kushiro to Abashiri. Discover the beautiful coastlines, wetlands and lakes. Explore the cultural port town of Abashiri and take the limited express train on the JR Sekihoku Line across Daisetsuzan National Park.
Photo: Jalan.net
SPONSORED
JR Inn Asahikawa
JRイン旭川
▶︎ 1min walk from JR Asahikawa Station
The JR Inn is a good sleeping option adjacent to JR Asahikawa Station in the same building of the Aeon shopping mall. It has Western-style rooms with city views, communal baths and a lounge. Reception is on the 5th floor.
DAY 3
Asahikawa
→Asahikawa
DISTANCE: 608.0km
The third day is a day trip from Asahikawa. Take the JR Rumoi Line early in the morning. The JR Soya Line begins at Asahikawa and ends more than 250 lonely kilometers further north at Wakkanai, across the Nayoro Basin.
DAY 4
DISTANCE: 586.9km
Asahikawa
→Sapporo
Complete entire Northern Hokkaido’s JR lines. From Iwamizawa, take the JR Muroran Line, the JR Hidaka Line and the JR Chitose Line in Central Hokkaido. In the evening, have yakitori dinner in Bibai.
Photo: Jalan.net
HOTEL (SPONSORED)
JR East Hotel Mets Sapporo
JR東日本ホテルメッツ札幌
▶︎ 2min walk from Sapporo Station north gate east concourse
This contemporary hotel is a 2-minute walk from Sapporo Station north gate east concourse. There is also a 24-hour convenience store nearby.
DAY 5
DISTANCE: 399.5km
Sapporo
→Hakodate
On the 5th day, take the JR Gakuen-toshi Line, then head south to Hakodate via the JR Muroran Line along the Uchiura Bay. Explore the nostalgic port town of Hakodate at evening.
Photo: Jalan.net
HOTEL (SPONSORED)
JR Inn Hakodate
JRイン函館
▶︎ 1min walk from JR Hakodate Station north gate
The JR Inn is a convenient location next door to JR Hakodate Station north gate. It has Western-style rooms, communal baths and a lounge overlooking the harbor. Breakfast is sushi.
DAY 6
DISTANCE: 286.3km
Hakodate
→Sapporo
Today is the last day of the trip. Take the rare local train on the Fujishiro branch line from Hakodate. Explore Onuma Quasi-National Park and head north to Sapporo via Niseko. Explore the romantic port town Otaru at night.
Photo: Jalan.net
HOTEL (SPONSORED)
Hotel Gracery Sapporo
ホテルグレイスリー札幌
▶︎ 2min walk from Sapporo Station south gate
Directly connected to Sapporo Station’s Apia underground shopping mall, this 16-story glazed chain hotel has 433 contemporary rooms. The Reception is on the 7th floor, and breakfast is served on the ground floor.