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JR Hokkaido Working Holiday Pass

wendy7474
wendy7474
about 10 years ago
8 responses

Hi

I am wondering if anyone can help me with this:

I currently have 3 years working VISA in Japan. I also have a residence card issued by Okinawa as I am working as an assistant language teacher in Okinawa.

I plan to travel around Hokkaido and would like to purchase the JR Hokkaido Working Holiday Pass. The website states this:

Eligibility (http://www2.jrhokkaido.co.jp/global/english/railpass/workingholiday.html)

The JR Hokkaido Working Holiday Pass is available for purchase only to those with a "Special Activities Visa Alien Registration Card" and Working Holiday Permit (or copy) "Resident Card" or persons with a passport with the permit stamped inside. Please present all or one of the above mentioned when you purchase your pass. Purchases by a proxy are not allowed. Only the person who's name is written on the pass may use it. The pass cannot be used if when at the time of use the holder's visa status is not a "Special Activities (Working Holiday) visa. Also, please be sure to present your Alien Registration Card, Resident Card or Passport when asked by the staff to do so.

Can I check if I quality for this pass? Thanks!

avatar
Daniel-san
18835 posts
about 10 years ago
Expert

Hi there,

This is a special pass from JR Hokkaido and it's new for me as well.
From looking at the requirements I don't think that a normal working visa would qualify for this pass, as it seems to be aimed at Working Holiday visitors that generally only have a 1 year visa.

The best thing may be to inquire directly at JR Hokkaido to confirm whether you could use it or not. You could also give the Tourst Information at Sapporo station a call, they work closely with JR Hokkaido and have an English phone service.

I hope this helps!
Daniel

wendy7474
wendy7474
8 posts
about 10 years ago

Hi Daniel

Thanks for your help. I think I can only purchase the Hokkaido Round Tour Pass. But I will still try my luck and enquire at JR Hokkaido.

Next, can I check if I can purchase/redeem my reserved seat train tickets in advance with my Hokkaido Round Tour Pass once I am in Hokkaido (when I have received my Hokkaido Round Tour Pass)? I planned to visit places like Asahikawa/Abashiri/Kushiro. Since my schedule is rather tight, I am wondering if I can just get all my train tickets with reserved seats ready in advance in order to save time. Thanks!

avatar
Daniel-san
18835 posts
about 10 years ago
Expert

Hi Wendy,

Good question, I've not used a Hokkaido Round Tour Pass myself so I can't give you a very good answer. With the JR Pass it is possible to reserve all your seats in advance - so it is a good guess that it may be possible for you as well. Again, asking JR Hokkaido is the best option. I have done some extensive traveling in Hokkaido and never seen a full train, so I think that you'll be fine even if you can't reserve all your tickets in one go.

Hope this helps!
Daniel


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