Discover the best restaurant and must eat in Asahikawa. This food post includes local specialties, Genghis Khan or Jingisukan Daikokuya in Asahikawa. A great place to enjoy your meal when you are looking for what to eat in Asahikawa.
During our wonderful Hokkaido trip, we visited Asahikawa and stayed in JR Inn Asahikawa for three nights. Firstly, we were wondering where and what to eat in Asahikawa. After some research, we were so surprised that there are so many must eat food in Asahikawa awaiting us to try.
Continue read on our Asahikawa food guide, the tasty lamb specialties in Jingisukan Daikokuya.
Where & What To Eat In Asahikawa?
We highly recommended the Jingisukan Daikokuya Asahikawa for their grilled lamb in Genghis Khan. This is one of the must-eat food when visiting Asahikawa.
Founded in 2002, Jingisukan Daikokuya (成吉思汗大黒屋) is one of the famous and popular restaurants in Asahikawa. Locals and tourists are flowing to this restaurant to try on their lamb specialties. The tasty lamb and mutton are grilled in Mongolian yakiniku style, called Genghis Khan.
Must Eat in Asahikawa: Jingisukan Daikokuya
There are two Jingisukan Daikokuya restaurant in Asahikawa. Both restaurants located nearby in the town area. It is accessible from Asahikawa station with around 11 minutes of walking distance.
Jingisukan Daikokuya (成吉思汗大黒屋)
We reached Daikokuya at around 6 p.m. There were already people were waiting and queuing for the table. A dedicated waiting room is available right across the street. This waiting room will be helpful if you are coming in winter.
While there is only two people, we were lucky and only need to wait for 5 minutes for the table to clean up. Larger group please expected for longer waiting time.
Once we stepped in Jingisukan Daikokuya, we only realized how busy of this tiny restaurant. The whole restaurant was fully occupied and customers enjoyed grilling their lamb. Added, waiters were busy serving the customer order with a happy smile. The dining environment was so joyful and everyone was having good talk here. However, the ventilation is not fast and powerful enough with still much of smoke in the restaurant.
How To Order in Jingisukan Daikokuya
Jingisukan Daikukoya Asahikawa Menu
We were seated at the table in front of the counter and given with English menu. The restaurant served only lamb at a reasonable price. One plate of lamb meat are ranging from ¥700 to ¥900. And it is advised to order at least 2 serving per person.
Vegetables are served free and refillable. Additionally, you may add on the tomato salad, highly recommended from waiter.
Genghis Khan Grill Lamb
Genghis Khan Dinner in Daikokuya Asahikawa
The top three highly recommended from the restaurant are raw lamb, lamb roll and shoulder lamb. After discussion, we ordered beer and all types of lamb dishes to try on.
Without long wait, grilling equipment and food were ready for us to start on.
Enjoy the grill at Jingisukan Daikokuya
There is a black color soy-based dipping sauce come together with the meat. The waiter will help demonstrated on the grilling process with the vegetables and some lamb meat. Soon, we can started our meal.
Juicy and tender lamb in Daikokuya
The lamb was so tender and juicy. Right off the grill and dipped the lamb into the soy-based sauce. We immediately fall in love with this super delicious meal.
The meat does not have the district smell of lamb which we normally dislike it. While it is using charcoal in the grill, so the meat even added with an extra fragrance. We especially like the “raw lamb” and its taste was so amazing!
We enjoyed the grilled lamb in Daikokuya. At the next day, we even returned to the restaurant for one more time. If you happen to be in the area, please come to try on Daikokuya. The Jingisukan Daikokuya is worth a visit! Must eat in Asahikawa.
How To Go To Jingisukan Daikokuya
Jingisukan Daikokuya is easy access from JR Asahikawa station with 11 minutes walking distance. We stayed in JR Inn Asahikawa which located right beside the JR Asahikawa station. From our Asahikawa hotel, we have a pleasant walk to Jingisukan Daikokuya.
Daikokuya Main Store & Jingisukan Daikokuya 5-chomeOpening Hours: From 15:00 to 23:00 Address: Asahikawa-shi, Hokkaido 4jo- dori 5-chome Getting there:11 minutes walk from JR Asahikawa station
If you are interested, you may also read on our travel post on how we plan on 3 days in Asahikawa.
The Top 5 flower fields nearby Asahikawa that you shouldn’t be missed! Be sure adding Hokkaido flower field itinerary if you are visiting during the blossom season.
Asahikawa is Hokkaido’s second-largest city and best known for its zoo and ramen. It is very convenient to get from Sapporo to Asahikawa with train depart every 30 minutes. The location is also close to the lovely rolling hills of Biei and Furano.
Start from April until the end of October, several flower fields brighten up the vast land of Hokkaido. Moreover, a few famous flower fields are located nearby Asahikawa.
For example, enjoy the beautiful sea of flower including lavender at Furano. There is also sunflower at Hokuryu Town, canola flower at Takikawa and flower field at Biei. Most of the flower viewing time is seasonal. It is always best to visit during spring and summer.
From Asahikawa To Flower Field Nearby
That is to say, it is not easy to travel around when planning on flower field itinerary in Hokkaido. It is even more challenging if you are getting around by public transport. However, staying around at different places may time and energy-consuming. Therefore, we would suggest you stayed in Asahikawa and getting to different places nearby.
Below are the top 5 Hokkaido flower fields which accessible from Asahikawa.
Situated between Sapporo and Asahikawa, Takikawa is known for its biggest canola flower plantation in Japan. In spring, endless of bright yellow canola sea stretching on as far as eyes can see. During the blooming season in late May, Takikawa will held the Canola Flower Festival. The flower field will open to the public to mesmerize the beauty of flower. Thousand of tourists from all over the world are joining this flower festival.
Getting there: Get off at JR Takikawa station and take the bus to “Ebeotsu Chuo dori”. A special shuttle taxi will bring you to the Canola Festival.
Takinoue Park Shibazakura Festival
Shibazakura Blossom in Takinoue Park
Shibazakura or pink moss phlox is one of the popular spring flowers in Hokkaido. The impressive landscape view of pink Moss Phlox can be mesmerized in Takinoue Park. From early May to June, Shibazakura start flourish along the mountain slope. The hillside will be covered by pink carpet, spreading as far as eyes can see.
Best time to visit Shibazakura: mid-May to early June
Getting there: 2 hours north from Asahikawa. Dohoku bus is the only direct bus service. Buses depart from Sapporo/Asahikawa to Takinoue Park during the blossom season. Alternative, consider visiting Higashi Mokoto Shibazakura Park (ひがしもこと芝桜公園) in Ozora, Hokkaido.
Hokkaido is world-famous by its lavender season. Every year, millions of visitors come to Farm Tomita to visit the lavender flower field. Farm Tomita is also the largest lavender field in Japan. The eye-catching lavender starts blooming from early July to mid-October.
Best time to visit lavender: mid of July
Getting there: Farm Furano is hard to access with public transport. Normally, visitors need to get off at Nakafurano station and walk for 25 minutes to the park. During summer, the special Norokko-Train will stop at a temporary Lavender-Batake Station. Walk for 5-10 minutes to the farm.
From Sapporo to Furano and Tomita Farm Day Tour: Convenient and affordable for a hassle-free arrangement with a professional, polite, and knowledgeable guide. Lunch included with free flow of fresh melon which is extremely worth money. Highly recommended.
Next, Shikisai Hill or Shikisai no Oka (色彩の丘) is well-known for its colorful flower field in Biei town. This 7 hectares farm will be filled with different colors of flowers for viewing. Lavender, dahlias, tulips, sunflower, lupine, salvia, cosmos and more are planted at the rolling hill. Together all, created patterned row and panoramic view of flower field in the park.
Best time to visit Shikisai no Oka: mid-June to October
Getting there: 30 mins walk from JR Bibaushi station. Alternative, rent a bicycle to get there.
Hokuryu Town Sunflower Field
Hokuryu Town Sunflower Field | credit: https://good-hokkaido.info
Himarwari-no-Sato (ひまわりの里) in Hokurye town is famous sunflower field in Hokkaido. Started from July to August, there will be stretches of sunflowers are available for viewing. The sunflower field is approximately 23.1 hectares. This expansive sunflower maze definitely will take your breath away.
Best time to visit sunflower field: early August
Getting there: take a train to JR Takikawa station or JR Fukagawa station. Next, board the bus and get off at Himawarinosato-Hokuryu Chugakko” bus stop.
My Hokkaido Flower Field Itinerary
Biking Trip in Patchwork Road
In short, we visited Hokkaido during the end of May. Well, it is not the best time for famous lavender, sunflower and massive flower field in Shikisai no Oka. However, we were so lucky to join the flower full bloom season for canola flower and Shibazakura.
Most importantly, Asahikawa is our great base to travel around. We fully utilized the Furano-Biei Rail Ticket and visited places nearby. However, the visit to Shibazakura Takinoue Park required additional bus fare. Detail can be referred to our travel blog with itinerary and transport arrangements include. Happy travel to Hokkaido!
Planning to visit Hokkaido and would like to have suggestions and recommendations on your Hokkaido itinerary? See how we visit Hokkaido leisurely with public transport.
Hokkaido is beautiful almost every season. The best time to visit Hokkaido can be all year round, from spring, summer, autumn even until winter. Our visit to Hokkaido is during the end of spring or the beginning of summer. It is a great season that we can see the beauty of two seasons at the same time. We have summarized the places to go, what to eat, and things to do when you are getting around in Hokkaido. It depends on your budget. Many top attractions are awaiting you to discover. Most importantly, free entrance!
Hopefully, my Hokkaido travel blog with perfect 10 days itinerary can give you some idea of your coming trip. Learn from my mistakes, and you can save some time and money.
It depends on the season and how many days for your Hokkaido trip. There is always no perfect and complete Hokkaido itinerary. Below is the suggested travel route for the 9 to 10 days Hokkaido itinerary. Mostly covered in the south to the central region. It is best to visit all year round, especially from Spring to Summer. Places visited include Hakodate, Lake Toya, Noboribetsu, Otaru, Shakotan, and Sapporo.
Here is the summary of My 10 Days Hokkaido Itinerary:
Day 1: Arrive in Hokkaido and head to Hakodate.
Day 2: Hakodate.
Day 3: Lake Toya.
Day 4 and Day 5: Noboribetsu and spend time in the onsen hotel.
Day 6: Otaru.
Day 7: [Seasonal Trip] Shimamui Coast and Cape Kamui.
Day 8 and Day 9: Sapporo City.
Day 10: Goodbye to Hokkaido.
For more detail on what to do and see in Hokkaido, check out our Hokkaido travel guide blog below!
Hokkaido Travel Tips: When looking for the best price and biggest selection of hotels in Hokkaido check prices for Hokkaido Best Hotel from Booking.com. We found they are the best option and have a great cancelation policy.
We highly recommended to stay nearby Sapporo station or Tanukikoji Shopping street. Hotel MyStay Sapporo Station is one of the great options. The hotel located close to JR station with a bigger and clean room.
Pre-Trip Essential
Generally, there are two best ways for getting around in Hokkaido; either by self-driving or relying on public transport (bus or railway). If you love to travel at your own pace or travel in a group, especially with kids and the elderly, consider self-driving in Hokkaido. The charming Hokkaido is best for having road adventures and plan for self-driving itinerary. But there are various rental car companies in Japan. Make sure to compare various rental cars to get the best deal from RentalCars.com.
We did not go for the self-driving option as we were traveling with two people only. So we opted to travel to Hokkaido by using public transport. If you are planning for a long travel journey like us, we highly recommended get the JR Hokkaido Rail Pass. Choose from consecutive 3-Days, 5-Days, 7-Days, or flexible 4-Days for traveling around Hokkaido. This pass can be purchased by foreign visitors (Check out for detail) and is required to exchange for an actual ticket at JR Station in Hokkaido. Remember to reserve your seat for free by using the JR Hokkaido Pass.
Save with JR Pass if you’re traveling from Tokyo to Hakodate by Shinkansen:
Use Promo Code “BUZZG10” to Get 10% from Ninja Wifi
Day 1: Arrive Hokkaido – Hakodate
Landed at New Chitose Airport; getting to Hakodate.
International flights normally will land at Sapporo New Chitose Airport. Depending on your Hokkaido itinerary, you can choose to stay one night in Sapporo or directly proceed to the city as per plan.
For visitors who landed at Sapporo New Chitose Airport by flight, it is best to pick up your travel essentials at the airport:
Wifi router or 4G Sim Card at the airport. It is important to stay connected to check on transportation, location, and travel information.
Kitaca IC Card: Similar to SUICA or other Japan IC cards, Kitaca is the Hokkaido version of electronic cash cards. This card can be used at all railroads, buses, and IC electronics nationwide.
Once everything is ready, let’s kick-start your Hokkaido itinerary.
Day 2: Hakodate
Goryokaku Fort
Things To Do in Hakodate: Morning Market, Goryokaku Fort, Kanemori Redbrick Warehouse, Mt. Hakodate
Day trip in Hakodate is full of fun and excitement. Firstly, kick start your day with a bowl of seafood donburi at Hakodate Morning Market. It is the best place to taste the freshly caught seafood in Hokkaido. Next, purchase the one-day tram ticket at ¥600 and we are ready to explore this charming Hakodate city.
Night View from Mt Hakodate
Visit the Goryokaku Fort and get to Goryokaku Tower Observatory for the entire perfect star-shaped Goryakaku Park from above. Next, proceed to Kanemori Redbrick Warehouse for a relaxing stroll along the bay. At night, make your way up to Mt Hakodate by the Hakodateyama Ropeway for the best night view in Hokkaido.
Goryokaku Fort is the most popular and best place for sakura viewing in Hokkaido. The star-shaped park will be full of pinky sakura and very beautiful. Normally the blossom peak season is early May.
What to eat in Hakodate: Lucky Pierrot Hamburger, Shio Ramen.
Where to stay in Hakodate: Four Point By Sheraton Hakodate and FAV Hotel Hakodate are strategically located close to JR Station. Many eateries nearby and Hakodate Morning Market is within walking distance.
Day 3: Lake Toya
Usuzan Ropeway
Getting to Lake Toya from Hakodate. Things To Do in Lake Toya: Mt Usu, fireworks show, onsen bath
Hakodate to Lake Toya is about 2 hours. Get down at TOYA (JR-MURORAN station and take the connecting bus to Onsen town.
Spend your afternoon at Mt. Usu in Shikotsu-Toya National Park. Mt. Usu is a UNESCO Global Geopark and one of the most active volcanoes in the world. You get to reach the summit by Usuzan ropeway for a stunning view from above. There is two observatory deck at the summit: Toyako Viewing Platform and Usu Crater Basin Observation Deck. A little hike is required if you want to get to Usu Crater Basin Observation Deck.
At night, the fantastic fireworks show will be alluring the entire Lake Toya at 20:40 for about 20 minutes every night. This summer event will start from the end of April to the end of October.
Where to Stay in Lake Toya: We highly recommended Toya Sun Palace Resort And Spa. The onsen was one of the best in Toyoko with an infinity pool that overlooked Lake Toya. An incredible way to enjoy your onsen bath during the evening firework.
Day 4 and Day 5: Noboribetsu
Jigokudani aka Hell Valley
Day#4: Getting from Lake Toya to Noboribetsu; Day#5: from Noboribetsu to Otaru.
Things to do in Noboribetsu: Jigokudani, Oyunumand Okunoyu Pond, Oyunuma Natural Footbath, Demon’s Fireworks (Seasonal Festival).
Next, proceed for 2-Days 1-Night Stay in Noboribetsu, the best therapeutic onsen in Japan. The express train journey took about 40 minutes from Lake Toya to Noboribetsu. The local train will be double the traveling time but at a cheaper fare. Next, take the Donan bus to get to onsen town.
Headed to Jigokudani, aka Hell valley for the geothermal adventure. Have a closer look at Tessen Ike, geyser point at Jigokudani. Next, take a little hike to Oyunuma and Okunoyu Pond, the two crater lake created by volcano activities.
If you have more time, consider proceeding to Oyunuma River Natural Footbath with natural hot spring water in the forest. Lastly, spend the rest of your day at the traditional hot spring bath in your resort.
Firework Show in Noboribetsu
Don’t forget to join the Demon’s fireworks in Hell Valley at night if you are coming to Noboribetsu on Thursday or Friday. This event will start from early June to the end of July. We enjoyed our hot spring bath in Noboribetsu until check-out time on the second day. Next, we took the hotel shuttle back to Sapporo and then took the local train to Otaru.
Where to Stay in Noboribetsu: Dai-ichi Takimotokan is one of the best onsen resorts in Japan. This family-run resort has a total of 27 indoor and outdoor onsen baths for guests (15 for men and 12 for women) to enjoy the natural hot spring water. Definitely will fall in love when you’re soaking in the hot spring water.
Day 6: Otaru
Otaru Canal
Things To do in Otaru: Nikka Whisky Distiller, Otaru Canal, Sakaimachi Street, and Mt. Tenguyama.
It’s always good to kick start your day with a marvelous seafood donburi at Sankaku market. Next, have a half-day trip to Nikka Whisky Distiller to know more about Japan’s best whiskey. Nikka Whisky Distiller is located nearby within 25 minutes by local train from Otaru.
Seafood rice bowl in Ajidokoro Takeda Otaru
Back to Otaru city and continue to explore this charming town. Take the scenic stroll at Otaru Canal and continue to Sakaimachi street. There are many pastry and dessert shops on Sakaimachi street, including the famous LeTao, Kitakaro. Lastly, proceed to Mt. Tenguyama to see the panoramic view of Otaru city, especially the night view.
Where to stay in Otaru: Smile Hotel Otaru is located within a 3-minute walk from Otaru JR station. It is a budget three-star accommodation in Otaru, providing western and Japanese style rooms for selection.
Hokkaido Travel Tips: Otaru is easily accessible from Sapporo within 30 to 45 minutes by train. You can also stay at Sapporo and plan for a day trip to Otaru.
Day 7: Shakotan Peninsula (Seasonal Trip)
“Shatokan Blue” Sea Water at Shimamui Coast
Things to do in Shakotan Peninsula: Shimamui Coast, Cape Kamui
Seasonal Trip: Shakotan Peninsula is only open for a visit during summer. Chuo bus is the only way to get to the Shakotan Peninsula by public transport. From Otaru, board the bus to Shimamui Coast and Cape Kamui to get a closer look at Shakotan-Blue seawater
The view at Cape Kamui
Don’t forget to taste the mouth-watering supreme uni-don when you are visiting Shakotan. Osokujidokoro Misaki and Oshokujidokoro Naramuraya served the best sea urchin in Shakotan. Dropped by the restaurant for freshness sea urchin, freshly caught from the sea.
Things to do in Sapporo: Shiroi Koibito Park, Hitsujigaoka Observation Hill, Sapporo Beer Museum. Odori Park And Sapporo TV Tower, Tanukikoji Shopping street, Hokkaido Shrine
There are many things to do and see in Sapporo. Spend your day in Shiroi Koibito Park, the famous Shiroi Koibito cookie factory with a beautifully decorated garden. Have a look at the famous bronze statue of Dr. William S. Clark at Hitsujigaoka Observation Hill. Next, have a beer tasting of the famous Sapporo beer at the Sapporo Beer Museum.
Hokkaido Shrine
If you have more time, spend your time visiting Hokkaido Shrine in the city center. Sapporo Clock Tower, Odori Park, and Sapporo TV Tower.
The Sapporo itinerary can be done within 1 fulfilling day. But we advise spacing some time for the delicious local delicacies. Fresh seafood (King crab, snow crab, hairy crab), soup curry, Genghis Khan, miso ramen, and more. Just visit the attraction that you would like to see in Sapporo.
If you still have some time before leaving Hokkaido, head to Nijo Market for last minutes shopping for souvenirs and dried seafood back to the home country.
How To Plan For 10 Days Hokkaido Trip
Overall this Hokkaido travel blog for 10 days is more focused on the Southern and Central regions. For first-time visitors and limited time, this area is the best place to get a look at the beauty of Hokkaido. Day trip to Cape Kamui in Shakotan Peninsular is one of the seasonal travel trips in Summer. The remaining places can be traveled in Spring, Autumn, and even winter.
Below are some quick Hokkaido travel tips when you are planning on your itinerary.
What is the best time to visit Hokkaido?
Hokkaido is best to visit all year round, especially from Spring to Summer. Places visited include Hakodate, Lake Toya, Noboribetsu, Otaru, Shakotan, and Sapporo.
How many days are enough for Hokkaido?
We recommended spending at least 7 days if you only have a short amount of time to play around in Hokkaido. You will need 5 days traveling around Hokkaido and 2 days covering Sapporo city.
What is the best way to travel around Hokkaido?
Visitors can freely travel around Hokkaido by public transport and self-driving. Most of the attractions can be accessible by public transport, either by railway or bus. Self-driving is the best way to travel for those who love to travel at their own pace.
What is the cheapest way to travel in Hokkaido?
The buses go everywhere in Hokkaido (including small cities and towns) and it is also cheaper compare trains. But you need to be cautious about the bus schedule due to being less frequent.
Hopefully, our Hokkaido itinerary can give you some inspiration for your coming visit. If you have any questions, feel free to contact us and we try our best to answer for you. Our advice for your Hokkaido trip? Just slow down your pace and enjoy the natural scene. Enjoy your trip to Hokkaido.
Planning a trip to Hokkaido and looking for the best way for getting around? The first and important thing is to know about the Hokkaido transportation guide. You will thanks me later for the money-saving tips here!
Japan is world-famous for its complicated transportation system. Well, it is not too difficult for getting around in Hokkaido compare with Tokyo and Osaka. If you’re read on our Hokkaido transportation guide, you will know planning a Hokkaido itinerary is super easy. And you will save some money on transportation with money-saving tips!
The article below will share with you about the transportation system in Hokkaido including useful transportation guides and money-saving tips when getting around in Hokkaido.
Hokkaido is accessible via flight from international or domestic. It is also reachable by express train from Tokyo to Hakodate/Sapporo in Hokkaido.
There are a few methods for getting to Hokkaido. Find out the best ways of traveling to Hokkaido.
Getting to Hokkaido By Flight
International and domestic flights are well-connected to the major cities in Hokkaido. There are few airports in Hokkaido including Sapporo New Chitose Airport, Asahikawa Airport, and Hakodate Airport. Most international flights have come from Thailand, Malaysia, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Manila or Austria. The majority will choose to land in Sapporo New Chitose Airport.
Alternatively, you can choose to transit to Tokyo or other airports in Japan, and then take the domestic flight to Hokkaido. Tokyo-Sapporo is one of the busiest routes in Japan with dozen of flights per day. JAL, ANA, Air Do, Skymark, Vanilla Air, Jetstar provide frequent domestic flights to Hokkaido.
Depend on your Hokkaido itinerary, we recommend New Chitose Airport as your first stop of getting into Hokkaido. The regular one way fares by the conventional airlines are as high as around ¥40,000. But thanks to a wide range of discount offers, one-way fares of around or under ¥10,000 are often available.
By Train: JR Rapid trains frequently connected between New Chitose Airport and Sapporo Station with 4 trains per hour. Train fare is ¥1,070 for one way with 35 minutes. Seat reservation at ¥520 is optional but you can simply hook up the train without reservation.
By Bus: Airport buses operate every 15 minutes from New Chitose Airport to Sapporo downtown including Susukino, Odori Park and Sapporo Station. It is a great option, especially for those travelers with accommodation, who are close with the bus stopping point. Single bus trip takes approximately 80 minutes with ¥1,030.
By Taxi: From New Chitose Airport to Sapporo downtown costs around ¥13,000.
By Private Shuttle: For hassle-free airport pick up or return. Good for those travel in a group especially with kids and elderly, consider the private airport shuttle. Single way of airport transfer is about ¥22,000. (More detail click here)
Getting to Hokkaido By Shinkansen / Bullet Train
If your Hokkaido itinerary is chosen to take the JR Tohoku/Hokkaido Shinkansen from Tokyo, most probably Hakodate is your first visited city in Hokkaido.
From Tokyo to Hakodate, the entire one way trip is about 4 hours and costs around ¥22,810 (including seat reservation). From Hakodate, continue exploring to other cities in Hokkaido including Sapporo, Asahikawa or more.
Please take note that seat reservations are mandatory on Hayabusa trains between Tokyo and Hakodate (Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto station).
Traveling from Tokyo to Hokkaido by Shinkansen? Here are some money-saving tips with JR Pass:
valid on almost all trains operated on the nationwide network of JR (Japan Railways), including shinkansen, limited express, express, rapid and local trains.
JR East-South Hokkaido Rail Pass
Pass Type
Adult Fare
Child (6-11) Fare
6-Days, Consecutive
¥35,000
¥17,750
Only available to foreign visitors
Unlimited rides on the JR Hokkaido Lines (Southern Hokkaido) and on JR Line (Kanto and Tohoku areas)
Including Shinkansen between Tokyo and Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto
JR East-Tohoku Hokkaido Rail Pass
Pass Type
Adult Fare
Child (6-11) Fare
6-Days, Consecutive
¥30,000
¥15,000
Only available to foreign visitors
Unlimited rides on the JR Hokkaido Lines (Southern Hokkaido) and on JR East Line (Tohoku areas)
Including Shinkansen between Tohoku and Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto
Getting Around Hokkaido By Car
By Self-Driving: Due to the vast landscape and massive region, driving seems to be the best way to explore Hokkaido. Self-driving in Hokkaido with a rental car is a great option especially for a group of family or friends.
There are many rental car agencies in Japan, such as Toyota Rent a Car, Nissan Rent a Car and more. You can find them at the airport, train station and all over the city. Check where you can rent and pick up the car in Hokkaido at RentalCars.com.
Driving in Hokkaido is easy and convenient. What you need is only key in the phone number of your destination in the navigation system and start driving. If you traveling Hokkaido with family, we are highly recommended for self-driving in Hokkaido with a rental car. It is much more leisure and you can travel at your own pace. Read on our Tips on Renting Car in Japan.
Getting Around Hokkaido By Train
By Rail: Train travel is quickest and convenient method of travel in Hokkaido. JR is the main public transportation in Hokkaido as it well-connected with most of its cities and tourist destination.
However, traveling in Hokkaido by train can be very expensive especially for long-distance travel. It is advisable to get the transportation pass to save you some money.
JR Hokkaido Rail Pass
Pass Type
Adult Fare
Child (6-11) Fare
5-Days, consecutive
¥20,000
¥10,000
7-Days, consecutive
¥26,000
¥13,000
10-Days, consecutive
¥32,000
¥16,000
Only available to foreign visitors
Unlimited use for all JR Hokkaido trains (excluding Hokkaido Shinkansen) within the valid period.
The JR Hokkaido Pass is a must-have transportation pass if you are planning to travel throughout Hokkaido. It provides unlimited use of JR trains (except the Hokkaido Shinkansen) and most JR buses in Hokkaido in consecutive 5-Days, 7-Days or 10-Days. This special pass is only for foreign visitors and will save you a lot of money when traveling around Hokkaido.
Purchase at your home country, and redeem your train ticket with exchange order upon reaching at any JR station in Hokkaido. If you are interested, Klook provide free postage to your home and best price guarantee. (Check the ticket price at Klook)
Can be used for Japan residents and foreign visitors
Unlimited use for all JR Hokkaido trains (excluding Hokkaido Shinkansen) within the valid period.
Similar with JR Hokkaido Rail Pass, the Hokkaido Free Pass (北海道フリーパス) also provide unlimited JR trains (except the Hokkaido Shinkansen) and most JR buses in Hokkaido. It can be use on consecutive 7-Days within Hokkaido. This pass can be use for foreign and local residents of Japan.
Note: No half-price discount for child below 12.
Seasonal Pass: Furano-Biei Rail Ticket
Pass Type
Adult Fare
Child (6-11) Fare
4-Days, consecutive
¥7,400
¥3,750*
Can be used for Japan residents and foreign visitors
Round trip between Sapporo-Asahikawa with express train(one time)
Unlimited ride of local and rapid train in Furano, Biei, Asahikawa and Takikawa areas
Furano Biei Rail Ticket is the best ticket if your Hokkaido trip is mainly traveling around Furano Biei area. This seasonal ticket normally starts selling from the end of April to October.
Furano-Biei Rail Ticket will cover one round trip from Sapporo to Asahikawa and unlimited ride of local and rapid train in Furano, Biei, Asahikawa and Takikawa area within 4 consecutive 4 days. It is a great pass for visitors visiting the beautiful flowers at Furano/Biei.
Getting Around Hokkaido by Bus
Due to the vast landscape of Hokkaido, sometimes traveling by bus will be more convenient and cheaper. Sapporo is the main hub for the bus system in Hokkaido and expanding to every region in the city. So normally people will choose to travel from Sapporo to other cities with an intercity high-speed bus.
Added, local bus companies like Chuo Bus, Donan Bus, Akan Bus, and Abashiri Bus will be helping on getting around in specific area in Hokkaido.
Planning Tips For Your Hokkaido Transportation
Completed Hokkaido Japan Itinerary in Spring & Summer
In short, planning your Hokkaido itinerary is not difficult. If you are traveling with a group of families with kids and the elderly, self-driving always is the best option.
However, if you don’t feel like driving, Hokkaido is very doable by public transport. Remember to follow our Hokkaido transportation guide and get the transportation pass to save you some money and time. Some places may infrequent transportation or slow train lines so you need to plan out your Hokkaido itinerary in advance. Leave a comment to us if you need more help.
Important tips for your Hokkaido trip: Don’t rush and relax. Pick the attraction that you want to see and enjoy your trip. Happy travel to Hokkaido!
Last but not least, continue read on our Hokkaido itinerary if you are interested.
