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The route at a glance
- Tokyo to Shin Hakodate Hokuto on Hayabusa: around 4 hours 10 minutes.
- Stops include Omiya, Sendai, Morioka, Shin Aomori and Shin Hakodate Hokuto.
- Hayabusa runs require a reserved seat, free with the JR Pass.
Route guide
Hokkaido shinkansen guide for JR Pass holders
The Hokkaido shinkansen extends the Tohoku line under the Tsugaru Strait to Shin Hakodate Hokuto. With a JR Pass you can travel from Tokyo all the way to Hokkaido on the Hayabusa, no extra fare required.
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Continuing to Sapporo
The shinkansen ends at Shin Hakodate Hokuto. To reach Sapporo, transfer to the Hokuto limited express on the JR Hakodate line, around 3 hours 30 minutes more. Both the shinkansen leg and the Hokuto are included in the JR Pass.
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What to see along the way
- Hakodate for night views from Mount Hakodate and the morning market.
- Onuma Park, a few stops from Shin Hakodate Hokuto.
- Sapporo for ramen, Odori Park and the snow festival in February.
- Otaru and Furano via further JR lines.
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Booking and tips
- Reserve Hayabusa seats early in summer and during snow festival.
- Pack warm clothes between November and March.
- A 7 day pass works for Tokyo to Sapporo and back with two nights at each end.
Frequently asked questions
Quick answers to common questions.
Does the JR Pass cover the Hokkaido shinkansen?
Yes. Hayabusa trains from Tokyo to Shin Hakodate Hokuto are covered with a reserved seat.
Is there a direct shinkansen to Sapporo?
Not yet. You change at Shin Hakodate Hokuto to the Hokuto limited express, both included in the pass.
How long does Tokyo to Sapporo take?
Around 7 hours 30 minutes total including the transfer at Shin Hakodate Hokuto.
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