14 Day Pass Hokkaido

Hi there,

Nice Hokkaido trip, I don't see a lot of forum visitors who explore Hokkaido this much.

1.) There are indeed some long trips here but travelling part of the fun if you ask me. Just sitting in the train and see the beautiful landscape pass by is quite nice.

2.) I think the itinerary looks good as it is. However, you could consider dropping Kushiro if you would like more time somewhere else. It would involve the most travel and I am not completely sure what to do there.

3.) You could take the train via Furono or Sappporo.

4.) It depends a little on the available train connections but in general you'd travel to Sapporo to get on the ltd. express there to Shin-Hakodate.

Asahidake and Rishirin/Rebun islands are very nice to visit. However I am not sure how you'd plan them in. The route circle trip by rail that you have planned now is also very nice and you will visit most of the island.

Hope this helps,
Daniel

Hope this helps,
Daniel

Thank you Daniel-san.

Knowing there is a JR Pass makes the planning fun actually. A few more questions please:

1) Regarding my question #4 above: Is Hypderdia the best site to check train timetables? I'm getting used to it, but I just want to know if there are other sources. There are quite a number of routes, but I found one via Minamichitose straight thru Shin-Hakodate Hokuto. This does not go thru Sapporo, correct?

2) Also using Hyperdia, do I check or uncheck the section of Nozomi / Mizuho / Hayabusa? I know the first 2 are not covered by the JR Pass, but the Hayabusa is, right?

3) Given our itinerary this seems like our fares would surpass even the cost of a Green Pass, correct? I looked at Hyperdia where the cost of Ordinary pass is quite clear. However, I'm not sure how to factor in the additional Green Pass fare.

4) Lastly, can you tell me which trains are unique JR Hokkaido trains? Our son has been collecting them and is interested in riding those special to Hokkaido. He bought quite a number from Shin-Osaka station last year. I'm assuming Sapporo station & Shin-Hakodate Hokuto will have stores that sell?

Once again thank you,
Gloria

Hi Gloria,

I agree, planning is half the fun!

1.) Hyperdia is by far the best, you can also use others like Google Maps or [Jorudan])http://www.jorudan.co.jp/english/norikae/ (also knows as Norikae Annai). Traveling from Minami Chitose may indeed not go via Sapporo, the best route sometimes depend on what time you travel.

2.) Correct as well, the Hayabusa option is included and you can leave this on when travelling north of Tokyo to Tohoku and Hokkaido but disable it when going south of Tokyo, for instance to Kyoto/Osaka.

3.) Yes, traveling to Hokkaido is very expancive without a JR Pass. A one way Tokyo - Sapporo alone is almost the price of a 7 day JR Pass alone. You can see the Green Fare (1st class) by selecting it on the right side in Hyperdia. I do recommend Green Seats for Tohoku and Hokkaido, as the trains are very nice and you get complimentary drinks in Green Class (Coffee, tea and water), in addition to a Oshibori.

4.) For Hokkaido trains, see this page. The Asahiyama Zoo train also comes to mind time table here. You can buy them for sure on the stations and sometimes on board as well.

Hope this helps,
Daniel