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Hokkaido crane sighseeing

20jrp1504
20jrp1504
about 9 years ago
8 responses

Can we travel by Japan Rail system to Hokkaido for crane viewing? If yes, then how long the trip will be from Tokyo?
Thank you.

avatar
Daniel-san
18835 posts
about 9 years ago
Expert

Hello there,

I have never been crane viewing myself in Hokkaido, so I can't tell you exactly how useful the JR Pass will be for you.

What I can tell you is that the JR Pass both coves travel to Hokkaido and around the island using the JR.

The trip from Tokyo to Hakodate takes about 420minutes and the trip from Tokyo to Sapporo around 600 minutes.

Hope this helps,
Daniel

20jrp1504
20jrp1504
8 posts
about 9 years ago

Thank you, Daniel-san.

Now, how/where do we find the specific train schedule, Tokyo to Sapporo, and Sapporo to Kushiro? Can we get then when we buy JRP, before landing in Narita? Thanks again!

avatar
Daniel-san
18835 posts
about 9 years ago
Expert

Hi there,

You can find trains schedules, route information and ticket fares using www.hyperdia.com.

Also see our guide on how to plan with Hyperdia.

Tickets can be reserved once you are in Japan.

Hope this helps,
Daniel

20jrp1504
20jrp1504
8 posts
about 9 years ago

Thank you! You have been very helpful, Daneil-san

20jrp1504
20jrp1504
8 posts
about 9 years ago

I have a bigger problem now : We intend to go to Hokkaido by Cassiopeia train the 3rd day after we arrive in Tokyo. VERY SHORT time to male reservation for a popular train. Any solution?

avatar
Daniel-san
18835 posts
about 9 years ago
Expert

I am afraid there is little to be done here, the only way to secure tickets in advance would be to have someone in Japan buy them for you. Best way is to ask a friend or relative living in Japan (if you know any).

Sorry for the bad news!

20jrp1504
20jrp1504
8 posts
about 9 years ago

We do have relative in Tokyo. She was the one who told us about reservation problem. But if she buys tickets for us, we do not get jrpass then?
We can fly also. But I have been interested in Cassiopeia...
No one in jrpass can help? How about if I email and ask Cassiopeia direct?

avatar
Daniel-san
18835 posts
about 9 years ago
Expert

Hi again!

The Cassiopeia is best traveled with normal tickets (as only the base fare is covered by the JR Pass).

The best option would be to ask your relative in Tokyo if they can purchase the tickets in advance for you.

The JR Pass is the best option if you want to use the hyper fast Shinkansen to Hokkaido.

Hope this helps,
Daniel

20jrp1504
20jrp1504
8 posts
about 9 years ago

Thank you, Daniel-san! I did not know we can go by Shinkansen. I will look into Shinkansen.
Our relative is over 80 yrs. old and we try not to ask her help...

Thanks, again!

S.W.


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