JR Hokkaido Pass

JR Hokkaido History

Officially named the Hokkaido Railway Company (in Japanese called Hokkaido Ryokaku Tetsudo Kabushiki-gaisha), JR Hokkaido is a subsidiary of the Japan Railways Group (JR Group). The company with the green logo controls the operation of commuter and high-speed trains specifically for the Hokkaido region.

JR Hokkaido also became part of the disruption of the government company, Japan National Railways (JNR), which took place in early April 1987. Seven years earlier, JNR had carried out rehabilitation by closing 15 of the 22 rail lines in Hokkaido and turning them into bus services.

During the privatization period, JR Hokkaido took full control of the remaining seven JNR lines, namely Horonai, Matsumae, Utashinai, Shibetsu, Nayoro, Tempoku, and Chihoku. In further developments, the length of the JR Hokkaido line is compacted to under 2,500 kilometers. JR Hokkaido launches its first Hokkaido Shinkansen service on March 26, 2016. This service connects Shin-Aomori Station with Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto Station.

JR Hokkaido's head office is currently in Chuo-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido-Japan. Its branch offices are spread across three regions in Japan, namely Asahikawa, Hakodate, and Kushiro. The total JR lines that are still active now is around 17 lines. The Hokkaido Shinkansen Line for Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto - Sapporo is planned to be operational from 2031

Policy

Travelers need a JR Hokkaido Pass ticket to be able to enjoy sightseeing around Hokkaido while still saving costs and time. When using a JR Hokkaido Pass ticket, there are a number of important policies to know, namely:

1. JR Hokkaido Pass ticket can only be used by a person whose name is printed on the ticket.
2. JR Hokkaido Pass tickets are available in 3 (three), 4 (four), 5 (five), and 7 (seven) days validity periods. You can use the ticket to board various transportation services from JR Hokkaido within the time period for the ticket you are buying. The validity period starts from the date of the trip you selected when buying the ticket, successively for the next several days.
3. Exchanging Japan Rail Hokkaido Pass requires an Exchange Order (temporary ticket), passport, and a temporary visitor stamp. For Traveloka users, an Exchange Order can be taken at the Traveloka counter at Soekarno Hatta International Airport by showing proof of purchasing a JR Hokkaido Pass ticket. Meanwhile, a temporary visitor stamp can be requested from the immigration officer on duty at the Japanese airport.
4. JR Hokkaido Pass ticket exchange locations are available at Sapporo Station and New Chitose Airport Station.
5. Seat reservations can be made (generally free) at the JR Group customer service office.

Services & Facilities

In addition to connecting Sapporo with various cities in Hokkaido and Honshu Island, Japan Rail Hokkaido also provides transportation services in urban areas of Sapporo and local transportation services in several surrounding villages.

JR Hokkaido offers main services such as Limited Express trains, fast trains, and Shinkansen. The Express Limited train type offers two fleet options, namely a Regular Car as a standard class and a Green Car with wider and more comfortable seats. In terms of fleet, JR Hokkaido facilities are complete and modern with air conditioning, sofa-style seating, power outlets, free WiFi connections, folding tables, toilets, and luggage storage.

As a complement, JR Hokkaido facilities are also available to help users, especially tourists from outside Japan. The JR Information Desk is located at the west exit of JR Sapporo Station and New Chitose Airport Station to serve your travel needs, including exchanging and buying a Japan Rail Hokkaido Pass. Users can also enjoy free fast WiFi connections at various JR Hokkaido operational stations.

Tickets on JR Hokkaido are known as the Japan Rail Hokkaido Pass. JR Hokkaido provides tickets for riding JR Hokkaido through various official ticket sales networks. Not only buying at the JR Hokkaido office or through a vending machine that only exists in Japan but at this time passengers can also buy tickets more easily at online travel agents, such as Traveloka.

Explore Japan With JR Hokkaido

No need to hesitate when choosing destinations with JR Hokkaido. It is because, you can visit the best destinations on the northernmost island of Japan by riding a variety of convenient transportation, without having to pay repeatedly. Prepare yourself to visit the following mandatory tourist destination recommendations!

Sapporo

Sapporo is the capital of Hokkaido. The fifth largest city in Japan is a paradise for anyone who wants to get used to the fun of Japanese style ramen, beer, and winter. The best time to visit Sapporo is of course during the winter, precisely when Sapporo Yuki Matsuri (Sakura's most popular winter festival). The annual festival is generally held for one week every early February.

In addition, to enjoy the winter atmosphere by playing snow, make sure you do not miss the chance to try fresh seafood at the Curb Market Sapporo. Do not forget to make a stop by the Sapporo Beer Museum to get a special "warmth".

Hakodate

The third largest island in Hokkaido offers spectacular natural scenery. One of the best panoramas you can get from Mount Hakodate which directly overlooks the city. There is also the Goryokaku Fort as the first European-style Japanese fortress that looks impressive.

Judging from its history, Hakodate was one of the first port cities in Japan to open access to international trade. As a port city, the quality of seafood in this city certainly does not need to be questioned again. Take a moment to taste the freshness of seafood in Hakodate by visiting the Hakodate Asaichi morning market near JR Hakodate Station.

Otaru

The taste of European Japan is a clear designation to describe Otaru. This small port city showcases the beauty of the canal area that has existed since the 1800s and is still very sustainable to this day. The view of the canal area which is similar to the typical panorama of the Netherlands and Venice looks even more perfect when winter arrives.

When exploring Otaru, do not miss the opportunity to see the City Museum and Herring Mansion to recognize the city's popular herring fish history. Get to know Otaru better by walking on Sakaimachi Street in the city center to find interesting places to eat, souvenir shops, museums, and beautiful boutiques.

The best way to get the cheapest JR Hokkaido Pass ticket prices is to buy it online. Find the easy way on the Traveloka platform now.