Complete Guide to the JR Hokkaido Rail Pass

Eligibility, types of passes, prices, purchase methods, and rules — everything explained in one page.
Hokkaido is vast, and cities are often hundreds of kilometers apart.
A one-way train ticket can easily cost over 1,000 yen.
If your itinerary includes Sapporo, Otaru, Asahikawa, Hakodate, Obihiro, Kushiro, or Abashiri, the JR Hokkaido Rail Pass is one of the most cost-effective and convenient ways to travel.
Based on the official information you provided, this guide summarizes all the key points you need to know.

I. What is the JR Hokkaido Rail Pass?

This is a special rail pass available only to foreign visitors entering Japan under the “Temporary Visitor” status.
During the validity period of the pass, you can take unlimited rides on all JR Hokkaido train lines (except the Hokkaido Shinkansen), including Limited Express, Rapid, and Local trains — both reserved and non-reserved seats in ordinary cars.
For travelers moving between multiple cities, the pass saves both money and the time spent buying individual tickets.

II. Pass Types and Prices

There are three “consecutive day” pass options:
5-Day Pass
•    Adult: 22,000 yen
7-Day Pass
•    Adult: 28,000 yen
10-Day Pass
•    Adult: 37,000 yen
Children (6–11 years old) pay half the adult price.
Prices are slightly higher if purchased at the station.
The pass counts consecutively from the first day of use. It cannot be split or paused.

III. Eligibility

You must meet the following requirements:
•    Enter Japan under the “Temporary Visitor” status
•    Present your original passport when purchasing or redeeming
(Copies, residence cards, etc. are not accepted)
IV. Valid Travel Area
During the validity period, you may take unlimited rides on:
•    All JR Hokkaido train lines (except the Hokkaido Shinkansen)
This includes:
•    Limited Express trains
•    Rapid trains
•    Local/ordinary trains
•    Reserved and non-reserved seats in ordinary cars
Important Notes
•    Some trains are “all reserved seat” trains
(e.g., Limited Express Hokuto, Ōzora, Suzuran, and Shibetsu)
→ You must collect a reserved seat ticket in advance. It cannot be issued onboard.
•    Non-JR railways (e.g., Sapporo Metro, trams) and most buses are not covered.

V. Where to Buy

JR East Online Reservation System
You can purchase the pass online and reserve seats.
After arriving in Japan, present your confirmation email and passport to receive the physical ticket.
(Seat reservations for the Hokkaido Rail Pass can be made via this system, but the actual ticket must be picked up at designated counters.)
Travel Agencies Outside Japan
Some agencies sell digital exchange vouchers (QR codes).
After entering Japan, present your passport and voucher to receive the physical pass.
JR Hokkaido Station Counters
Present your original passport.
Payment by cash or credit card is accepted
(WeChat Pay, Alipay, and Apple Pay are not supported).
Major sales locations include:
•    Sapporo Station
•    New Chitose Airport Station
•    Hakodate Station
•    Asahikawa Station
•    Obihiro Station
•    Abashiri Station
•    Noboribetsu Station
…and others (business hours depend on each station).

VI. How to Reserve Seats

Online Reservation
Some trains can be reserved through the JR East online reservation system.
 
At the Station
You can use:
•    Reserved-seat ticket machines
•    Station counters (Midori-no-Madoguchi / “Green Window”)

Special Case
For trains that are all reserved seating, make sure to get your seat in advance.
If you don’t have a seat ticket, you must wait for another train.

VII. How to Use the Pass

•    Enter and exit through staffed gates, showing your physical rail pass.
•    Sit in your assigned seat when riding a reserved-seat train.
•    If non-reserved seats are full, you may have to stand or wait for the next train.
•    Keep your passport with you during the travel period for possible inspection.

VIII. Recommended Itineraries

This pass is especially suitable for:
•    Multi-city trips: Sapporo, Otaru, Hakodate, Asahikawa, Furano, Obihiro, Kushiro, Abashiri
•    Long-distance routes in eastern Hokkaido (e.g., Shiretoko, Abashiri, Kushiro)
•    Full Hokkaido round trips
•    Travelers who don’t want to calculate fares or buy tickets each time
Simple Recommendation:
•    5-Day Pass: Sapporo + nearby areas + Hakodate / Asahikawa
•    7-Day Pass: Add eastern or northern Hokkaido
•    10-Day Pass: Full Hokkaido round trip or in-depth travel

IX. Frequently Asked Questions

Can multiple people share one pass?
No. One pass per person.
Can it be reissued if lost?
No. Please keep it safely.
What happens if trains are suspended due to weather?
No compensation is provided. Follow the official announcements from the railway company.

The JR Hokkaido Rail Pass is the most flexible, wide-coverage transportation option in Hokkaido.
If your trip involves multiple cities or connecting distant areas, this pass will almost certainly save you money and make your travel much more convenient.