Central Hokkaido to Northern Hokkaido, Eastern Hokkaido to Southern Hokkaido, this 5-day (or longer) grand tour follows Hokkaido’s best railway lines by local train. You will stop off at some of Hokkaido’s most iconic cities. This trip is recommended to use the Seishun 18 Kippu or the Hokkaido and East Japan Pass.
⚫︎ Timetables, business hours and prices are subject to change. Check the latest information.
INDEX
✔️Checklist
⚫︎ Purchase the Seishun 18 Kippu or the Hokkaido and East Japan Pass at the JR Station’s ticket window. Both the rail passes are available in spring, summer or winter.
⚫︎ If you are traveling within 7 days, the Hokkaido and East Japan Pass is cheaper than the Seishun 18 Kippu.
⚫︎ Book the hotels in Sapporo, Wakkanai, Kushiro and Hakodate in advance.
⚫︎ Check online for the train status information.
Rail Passes
DAY 1
Sapporo
→Wakkanai
DISTANCE: 442km
This Seishun 18 Kippu travel starts from Sapporo, the capital of Hokkaido. Departure at 6am in the morning, so if you visit from outside Hokkaido, enter Sapporo by the day before. Japan’s northernmost rail line cutting across Northern Hokkaido, passing through the Nayoro Basin along Teshio-gawa.
d. 6:00
Take the local train for Asahikawa on the JR Hakodate Line. After passing Koshunai (光珠内), the train runs along Japan’s longest straight road (29.2km) on Route 12.
a. 8:51 / d. 9:38
Hokkaido’s second-largest city of Asahikawa is a major rail junction. Have a break at the yoshinori coffee in front of the train station, or the Starbuck in Kitasaito Garden.
Take the local train for Furano.
a. 10:12 / d. 11:48
The charming brick station of Biei is a base of exploring the dramatic countryside on the distinctive undulating hills.
If you only have an hour, take the sightseeing taxi operated by Biei Hire (reservation required). Otherwise, walk to the town hall’s observation tower (四季の塔) and visit the Michi-no-eki Oka-no-Kura (道の駅 丘のくら) from the train station.
Return to Asahikawa by the local train.
a. 12:21 / d. 12:33
Take the local train for Nayoro on the JR Soya Line. On the former border of Teshio and Ishikari provinces, Shiokari (塩狩) sits at 274m and well-known for Miura Ayako’s famous novel.
a. 13:55 / d. 14:59
Take a stroll or have lunch around the train station. You will find convenience stores, a sweet shop, a shokudo and and a supermarket.
Take the local train for Wakkanai.
a. 16:01 / d. 17:02
Otoineppu is Hokkaido’s smallest village by population (around 700). The train number changes, but the car goes to Wakkanai. The station’s small railway gallery (free) has exhibits on the former JR Tenpoku Line’s history and period railway tickets.
Heading north out of Otoineppu, the line follows the meandering course of Teshio-gawa. The best scenery is on the left.
a. 19:53
The JR Soya Line end up at Japan’s northernmost train station of Wakkanai.
Take a moment to see the 427m-long North Breakwater Dome (北防波堤ドーム), then head to local izakaya. We like Yoshioka (よしおか) near the Dormy Inn.
If you stay in Wakkanai for two nights, would you like to go to the cape Soya-misaki and explore the city?
Photo: Jalan.net
HOTEL (SPONSORED)
Dormy Inn Wakkanai
天然温泉 天北の湯 ドーミーイン稚内
▶︎ 2min walk from JR Wakkanai Station
Overlooking the harbor from the ocean-view rooms, this 12-story hotel is Wakkanai’s finest choice. A variety of comfortable rooms furnished in sea ice design. On-site restaurants offer Japanese and Western dishes using local ingredients. It is conveniently attached to the train station.
DAY 2
Wakkanai
→Abashiri
DISTANCE: 497km
On the second day, return to Asahikawa by train early in the morning. Explore around Asahikawa Station and take the rapid train on the JR Sekihoku Line across Daisetsuzan National Park. Enjoy yakiniku and craft beer in Kitami.
d. 5:12
Good morning. There are no 24-hour convenience stores around the train station, so buy breakfast by the previous day.
Take the local train for Nayoro. For the ocean and river views, sit on the right side.
a. 8:46 / d. 10:08
If you just have an hours, makes a beeline for Nayoro City Museum (名寄市北国博物館) about a 15-minute walk south of the station near the Kimaroki steam loco. The museum focuses on cold region’s lifestyle, culture and nature.
Take the rapid Nayoro 4 for Asahikawa.
a. 11:28 / d. 14:40
At first, have lunch at Taisetsu Ji-Beer-Kan (大雪地ビール館) or the ramen shop inside the Michi-no-eki Asahikawa (道の駅あさひかわ)。Then explore the city, such as Asahikawa City Museum, Kamikawa Jinja and Takasago Sake Brewery.
Take the rapid for Kitami on the JR Sekihoku Line. The landscape climbs into the mountains in the northern part of Daisetsuzan National Park.
a. 18:01 / d. 20:13
Okhotsk Region’s largest city. Have dinner at the Okhotsk Beer Factory (オホーツクビアファクトリー) about a 13-minute walk from the train station.
Take the local train for Abashiri.
a. 21:11
Abashiri serves as a transport hub for travel on the JR Senmo Line.
If you stay in Abashiri for two nights, would you like to go to the Abashiri Prison Museum and the Hokkaido Museum of Northern Peoples?
Photo: Jalan.net
HOTEL (SPONSORED)
Toyoko Inn Okhotsk Abashiri-ekimae
東横INNオホーツク・網走駅前
▶︎ 1min walk from JR Abashiri Station
Right opposite JR Abashiri Station, this popular chain hotel offers basic Western-style rooms and free breakfast.
DAY 3
Abashiri
→Kushiro
DISTANCE: 440km
On the third day, take the scenic JR Senmo Line from Abashiri to Kushiro, as well as the coastal JR Hanasaki Line from Kushiro to Nemuro. Discover the beautiful coastlines, wetlands and lakes.
d. 6:39
Good morning! Take the local train for Kushiro. The scenic JR Senmo Line from sea to sea takes you through the highlights of Eastern Hokkaido, cutting across Akan-Mashu and Kushiro Shitsugen national parks. For the best view, sit on the left side.
a. 10:00 / d. 11:15
Eastern Hokkaido’s largest port town is an attractive riverside setting. A few minutes’ walk west of the station, Washo Ichiba (和商市場) is best known for its katte-don (勝手丼: seafood bowl topped with a wide range of sashimi as you like it). Take-away also available.
Take the rapid Nosappu for Nemuro. Coastal scenery and green pastures feature on the scenic JR Hanasaki Line. For the ocean and wetland views, sit on the right side.
a. 13:26 / d. 13:35
Japan’s most eastern mainland city, Nemuro is in the closest position to the 1150km-long Chishima Islands.
Take the bus for Nosappu-misaki.
a. 14:19 / d. 15:10
Nosappu-misaki is mainland Japan’s easternmost point. On a clear day, you can see Kaigara-jima (just 3.7km east) and Suisho-to (7km east) belonging to the islands across the strait. There are several seafood restaurants.
Take the return bus for Nemuro Station.
a. 15:54 / d. 16:08
Take the local train for Kushiro. For the ocean and wetland views, sit on the left side.
a. 18:50
Spend for a night in Kushiro. Summer is cool and grey, but a foggy night is fantastic.
The best place to see the stunning sunset or wandering at night is Nusamai-bashi (幣舞橋) bridge over the river, a 10-minute walk south of the station.
The riverfront Ganpeki Robata (mid Jun-Oct) tent or Suehiro-cho (末広町) nightlife district is a perfect place to eat seafood.
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 4
Kushiro
→Hakodate
DISTANCE: 570km
The longest travel distance on this trip, from Eastern Hokkaido to Southern Hokkaido across the Yubari Mountains. The highlight includes take the limited express train from Shintoku to Shin-Yubari on the JR Sekisho Line.
d. 5:58
Take the local train for Shintoku on the JR Nemuro Line. For the ocean view, sit on the left side. A few kilometers west of Shiranuka, the train passes into the brackish marsh of Pashikuru-numa.
a. 9:59 / d. 11:50
Western Tokachi’s refreshing highland town, Shintoku is famed for its tasty soba. It is worth a stopover for lunch and discovering the idyllic landscapes. The train station has free rental bikes (May-Oct).
Take the limited express Tokachi 6 for Sapporo. Sit on the ordinary car seat (Seishun 18 Kippu is available to Shin-Yubari).
a. 13:06 / d. 13:12
Take the local train for Chitose. The train follows the scenic gorge of Ryusenkyo.
a. 13:39 / d. 14:09
The junction with the JR Muroran Line, Oiwake was founded as a railway town.
Take the local train for Tomakomai on the JR Muroran Line.
a. 14:45 / d. 15:10
Hokkaido’s fourth-largest city, Tomakomai has one of Japan’s vital commercial ports facing the Pacific Ocean. Look out for the Oji Paper Mill from the platform. It has 200m-high chimneys.
Take the local train for Muroran.
a. 16:06 / d. 16:17
Take the local train for Oshamanbe. For the ocean view, sit on the left side.
After passing through some tunnels, look south to see the Hakucho-ohashi, Eastern Japan’s longest suspension bridge. The train travels along the Uchiura Bay.
a. 17:55 / d. 18:34
You have about 40 minutes waiting time. Purchase side dishes at the supermarket Ralse Mart.
Take the local train for Hakodate. The train runs along the scenic shoreline of the Uchiura Bay.
a. 21:27
Hakodate is Southern Hokkaido’s largest port town, with an East-meets-West culture and historic buildings. If you want to eat something, head to the food stalls complex of Daimon Yokocho (大門横丁).
If you stay in Hakodate for two nights, would you like to go to Motomachi district, Hakodate-yama and Goryokaku Park?
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 5
Hakodate
→Sapporo
DISTANCE: 286km
On the 5th day, head north to Sapporo from Hakodate via Otaru. In the JNR times several express trains ran on this mountain-meet-ocean route. Explore the historic port town Otaru at evening.
d. 8:18
Get up early and go to Hakodate Morning Market (函館朝市) in front of the train station.
Take the local train for Oshamanbe. For the mountain and ocean views, sit on the right side.
a. 11:09 / d. 13:29
Oshamanbe is a launch point for trains to Otaru. The town is famous for its kani-meshi (crab meat and rice), which is sold as an ekiben (railway boxed meal).
At the north side of the station, Oshamanbe Onsen has a cluster of ryokan and open their baths for nonguests.
Take the local train for Kutchan on the JR Hakodate Line, also called the ‘Mountain Line’.
a. 15:02 / d. 15:16
Look east to see the stratovolcano Yotei-zan (1898m) from the platform.
Take the local train for Otaru.
a. 16:26 / d. 19:00
The train arrives at the romantic port town of Otaru, making the end of the ‘Mountain Line’. The historic attractions are dotted around Otaru Canal, a 10-minute walk down the main street from the train station.
Take the rapid Airport 170 for New Chitose Airport. The last train for Sapporo is at around 11pm.
a. 19:34
Congratulations! Finally you arrived at Sapporo. Would you like to drink beer or coffee on the JR Tower Observation Deck T38 or the legendary nightlife district Susukino?
The rapid train runs continue to New Chitose Airport.
a. 20:13
If you are heading to Tokyo today, you can take an airplane to Haneda departing at around 9pm.
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.