JRPass

Hi there,

I don't think a Rail Pass is suitable for a trip like this that is centered around internal flights. That said, here are some general thoughts:

1. Re: Castles. As always, it very much depends on how much time you linger as to whether you can do all these castles in 1 day. I'd advise you pick 2 rather than 4.
2. You can use the JR overnight dream buses from Osaka to Tokyo, and can find out more information here. An alternative to the night bus is to use the JR Sunrise Seto or Izumo sleeper services.
3. For your travel around Tokyo, if you're leaving from Haneda and are on a budget I recommend you stay in Shinjuku, however if you want to be closest to the majority of the areas you list Tokyo station would be a little more convenient. In the end, provided you have a metro pass or JR Pass, you can get around Tokyo very easily so convenience shouldn't be a problem whichever you choose.

Hope this helps!

Hi there,

Just going by the basic locations you list in Hokkaido, your ticket costs will be:

1. Sapporo(jr) > Otaru: ¥920, (45mins, 33km)
2. Otaru > Sapporo(jr): ¥620, (46mins, 33km)
3. Sapporo(jr) > Biei: ¥5410, (128mins, 160km)
4. Biei > Sapporo(jr): ¥5410, (137mins, 160km)
5. Sapporo(jr) > Noboribetsu: ¥4360, (66mins, 111km)
6. Noboribetsu > Sapporo(jr): ¥4360, (65mins, 111km)
7. Sapporo(jr) > Toya(jr-kushiro): ¥9120, (268mins, 358km)
8. Toya(jr-kushiro) > Sapporo(jr): ¥9120, (320mins, 358km)

TOTAL: ¥39320 for 8 legs

Digging deeper into the Hokkaido costs (which I didn't do initially - apologies), you stand to make very big savings by opting for the JR Pass option as you will be doing so much travel in Hokkaido. Now I know more about your costs I have no hesitation in recommending the rail pass option.

You can look up precise train timetables and costs at the Hyperdia travel planning website and learn how to use Hyperdia through our video blog.

Hope this helps!