More about Hokkaido Sapporo-Noboribetsu Area Pass

Hokkaido Sapporo Noboribetsu Area Pass

Hokkaido, Japan’s second-largest island, is a treasure trove of natural beauty, vibrant cities, and fascinating history. For travelers wanting to experience the best of Hokkaido’s most iconic locations—Sapporo, Noboribetsu, and the surrounding areas—the Hokkaido Sapporo Noboribetsu Area Pass offers an ideal solution. This pass provides convenient and unlimited travel access, allowing you to explore some of the region’s most popular attractions with ease.

In this article, we’ll take a deep dive into the Hokkaido Sapporo Noboribetsu Area Pass, how it works, and the benefits of using it for your next trip. Whether you're planning a short getaway or a longer stay, this pass makes it easy to visit key attractions, travel comfortably, and save on transportation costs.

What is the Hokkaido Sapporo Noboribetsu Area Pass?

The Hokkaido Sapporo Noboribetsu Area Pass is a special rail pass that offers unlimited travel on JR Hokkaido lines within the Sapporo, Noboribetsu, and Otaru areas. It’s designed for tourists who want to explore Hokkaido’s southern region, including the bustling city of Sapporo, the serene hot spring town of Noboribetsu, and the charming coastal city of Otaru.

This pass is ideal for visitors arriving at New Chitose Airport and looking to travel between major destinations like Sapporo and Noboribetsu. By offering unlimited rides on local and express trains, the Hokkaido Sapporo Noboribetsu Area Pass provides flexibility and freedom for travelers to explore at their own pace.

How the Hokkaido Sapporo Noboribetsu Area Pass Works

The Hokkaido Sapporo Noboribetsu Area Pass is easy to use. Once purchased, the pass allows you to board any JR Hokkaido trains operating within the designated areas, which include Sapporo, Noboribetsu, Otaru, and New Chitose Airport. It covers local, limited express, and rapid trains, meaning you can travel comfortably and quickly between cities without the hassle of buying individual tickets.

Here’s how it works:

• Purchase: You can buy the Hokkaido Sapporo Noboribetsu Area Pass online through Traveloka or in Japan at designated JR ticket offices like in the New Chitose Airport.
• Activation: After purchasing the pass, you need to exchange your voucher at one of the JR exchange offices in Hokkaido (typically at major train stations or airports). The pass becomes valid on the day of activation and must be used within its validity period, which is 4 days.
• Unlimited Travel: Once activated, the pass allows unlimited travel on JR Hokkaido lines within the specified area for the duration of the pass.
• Seat Reservations: The pass covers non-reserved seats on local and limited express trains. If you prefer a reserved seat, you can pay an additional fee to secure a spot in advance.

Terms & Conditions

Before purchasing the Hokkaido Sapporo Noboribetsu Area Pass, it’s important to be aware of the following terms and conditions:

• Eligibility: The pass is exclusively available to foreign tourists holding a temporary visitor visa. Japanese residents or those staying in Japan for an extended period are not eligible for this pass.
• Usage: The pass must be used within 4 consecutive days. If you activate it on a Monday, it will be valid for the following 4 days.
• Refunds: If the pass has not yet been activated, refunds may be issued (subject to a cancellation and other fees). However, once the pass is activated, it is non-refundable and non-transferable. Make sure to get a refund at least 1 day before your visit so you can get a 100% refund.
• Limited Area: The pass is only valid for travel within the specified areas, including Sapporo, Noboribetsu, Otaru, and New Chitose Airport. It cannot be used for travel outside this zone.
• Seat Reservations: While the pass covers unlimited rides, it only includes non-reserved seats. If you want to reserve a seat, especially during peak seasons, you will need to pay an additional fee.

Pricing & Validity Period

The Hokkaido Sapporo Noboribetsu Area Pass is available for different durations, depending on how long you plan to stay and travel in the region. The pass offers a cost-effective solution for multiple-day trips, with prices structured to provide savings for longer durations of use.

Here’s a breakdown of the Hokkaido Sapporo Noboribetsu Area Pass price and validity periods:

• Price: Rp950.065
• Validity: The pass is valid for 4 consecutive days. The validity period starts from the first day of activation.
• Where to Purchase: The pass can be bought at JR ticket offices in Hokkaido or conveniently purchased Hokkaido Sapporo Noboribetsu Area Pass online via Traveloka.

Benefits for Buyers

Travelers who purchase the Hokkaido Sapporo Noboribetsu Area Pass enjoy numerous benefits that make their trip smoother, more affordable, and hassle-free:

• Cost Savings: One of the most significant advantages is the potential for major savings on transportation costs. Single journeys between key destinations, such as from New Chitose Airport to Sapporo or Noboribetsu, can be quite expensive when purchased individually. The pass allows unlimited travel for a fixed fee, making it an economical option for those planning to visit multiple locations.
• Unlimited Travel: Once you activate the pass, you can enjoy unlimited train rides within the designated areas. This means you can explore more of Hokkaido without worrying about transportation costs.
• Convenience: The pass eliminates the need to purchase individual tickets for each journey, saving time and effort. Simply board the train and show your pass when requested.

Popular Attractions Covered by the Hokkaido Sapporo Noboribetsu Area Pass

One of the best features of the Hokkaido Sapporo Noboribetsu Area Pass is the access it provides to some of Hokkaido’s most popular and beautiful destinations. Here are a few must-visit spots that are covered by the pass:

1. New Chitose Airport

New Chitose Airport is the gateway to Hokkaido, offering flights from major cities in Japan and international destinations. The pass allows you to travel directly from the airport to your destination, whether it's Sapporo, Otaru, or Noboribetsu.

2. Sapporo

The capital city of Hokkaido, Sapporo, is famous for its vibrant city life, delicious food, and the annual Sapporo Snow Festival. Sapporo offers a perfect blend of modern attractions and natural beauty, with easy access to nearby mountains and parks. Key attractions include Odori Park, the historic Sapporo Clock Tower, and Susukino, the city's entertainment district.

3. Otaru

Located just a short train ride from Sapporo, Otaru is a charming port town known for its beautifully preserved canal area, historical buildings, and delicious seafood. The Otaru Canal, lined with old warehouses, is a must-see, especially when lit up in the evening.

4. Noboribetsu

Noboribetsu is famous for its hot springs, specifically the steaming, mineral-rich waters of Jigokudani (Hell Valley). It’s a great spot for relaxation and rejuvenation, with various hot spring resorts and natural hot springs open to visitors. Noboribetsu Date Jidaimura, a historical theme park, is also located nearby and offers a glimpse into Japan's Edo period.

Which Types of Transportation Can Be Used with the Pass?

The Hokkaido Sapporo Noboribetsu Area Pass covers a range of transportation options, ensuring that travelers can move freely and efficiently between cities. Here are the types of transportation available:

• JR Hokkaido Trains: The pass covers local, limited express, and rapid trains operated by JR Hokkaido, including connections between New Chitose Airport, Sapporo, Otaru, and Noboribetsu.
• Not eligible for Hokkaido Shinkansen, Hayabusa, and Hayate. Also not eligible for the South Hokkaido Train, you need to get a different ticket.

The Hokkaido Sapporo Noboribetsu Area Pass is an excellent option for travelers looking to explore southern Hokkaido at their own pace. Offering unlimited travel on JR trains, the pass is a cost-effective and convenient way to experience everything from the bustling city of Sapporo to the relaxing hot springs of Noboribetsu. Whether you're planning a weekend trip or a longer stay, this pass ensures that your travels are smooth, flexible, and budget-friendly.

Unlock the beauty of Japan’s northern wonders with the Hokkaido Sapporo Noboribetsu Area Pass, available on Traveloka! Book your JR Pass on Traveloka for a seamless, hassle-free travel experience, and enjoy the flexibility of discovering Japan’s breathtaking Hokkaido region easily!