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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.