Can I use this pass on the Sapporo Municipal Subway?

No. The Hokkaido Rail Pass is valid only on JR Hokkaido lines and designated JR buses. It does not cover the Sapporo Municipal Subway, South Hokkaido Railway or any other non-JR operator.

When does the pass validity start?

The pass is valid for five, seven or ten consecutive days beginning from the date of first use, not from the date of purchase or collection.

Do I need to make seat reservations in advance?

Seat reservations are optional but recommended for limited express services during busy periods. You can make them free of charge at any designated JR Hokkaido station or via the JR reservation line once you have your pass.

My child is travelling with me — do they need their own pass?

Children under 5 travel free. For children aged 6 and above, a child pass is required.

Can I use the automatic ticket gates with this pass?

Yes. The pass is compatible with automatic gates, so you do not need to queue at a staffed counter each time you board.

What if the name on my booking does not match my passport?

The pass cannot be redeemed if the names do not match. For group bookings, the representative's name entered at checkout must correspond exactly to the passport presented at the redemption counter.

Hokkaido Rail Pass

4.4Popular choice · in high demand

Duration

5 days

Cancellation

Free cancellation 24hrs

Ticket type

Mobile ticket

Confirmation

Instant

What's included

Unlimited travel on all JR Hokkaido lines (except Hokkaido Shinkansen) for the chosen pass duration

Reserved seats in the ordinary car of limited express trains on JR Hokkaido lines

Reserved seats on special rapid and rapid trains on JR Hokkaido lines

Reserved seats on temporary trains (limited express, rapid and local) on JR Hokkaido lines

Rides on designated JR buses within Hokkaido

Travel for children under 5 at no charge

Not included

Hokkaido Shinkansen (Hayabusa and Hayate services)

Lines operated by other companies, including South Hokkaido Railway and Sapporo Municipal Subway

Green Car (first-class) upgrades

Any services outside the JR Hokkaido network

Meeting point

Sapporo Station, 3 Chome–4 Chome Kita 6 Jonishi, Kita Ward, Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan

1Redeem your pass at a designated JR Hokkaido ticket office. Present your original passport and booking confirmation. For group bookings, the representative's name on the booking must match the passport presented. A full list of redemption stations is available from JR Hokkaido directly.

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Know before you go

Valid for international (non-Japanese resident) travellers only — your passport is required at redemption.

The Hokkaido Shinkansen (Hayabusa and Hayate) is not covered by this pass.

Pass validity runs for consecutive days from first use; plan your start date carefully.

South Hokkaido Railway, Sapporo Municipal Subway and all other non-JR lines are excluded.

Original passport must be presented — photocopies are not accepted.

For group bookings, the lead name on the booking must match the passport of the person redeeming the passes.

Hokkaido Rail Pass

Hokkaido Rail Pass

What's included

Meeting point

Know before you go

Highlights

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