Hokkaido rail passes compared: three JR passes

The short answer

The three passes differ in one thing that matters: how much of Hokkaido's JR network they open. Choose by the furthest place on your route, not by the number of days. A pass is an entitlement to ride, not an itinerary, and nothing on any of the three pages bundles admission to a sight.[3][2][1]

The SkyGate pages describe all three as unlimited travel on JR Hokkaido trains, excluding the Hokkaido Shinkansen.[3][2][1] XTOUR's reading: the supplier's "Sapporo" location is only a starting base, because the passes cover places well beyond the city.

Sapporo-Noboribetsu Area Pass: the southwest loop

The Hokkaido Sapporo-Noboribetsu Area Pass is the four-day option for the area between New Chitose Airport, Sapporo, Otaru and Noboribetsu, according to JR Hokkaido.[4] SkyGate's highlights point to Noboribetsu's hot springs by limited express train.[1] JR Hokkaido notes that Toya is not included, and that leaving the valid area means paying the normal fare for the extra section.[4]

It suits a trip that stays around Sapporo with a day out to Noboribetsu, and perhaps Otaru. JR Hokkaido's own comparison sets a Sapporo to Noboribetsu round trip plus a Sapporo to Otaru round trip against the pass, and you can run the same sum for your route on that page.[4] If your Noboribetsu day includes a venue visit, see the Sapporo and Noboribetsu attractions guide on XTOUR.

Sapporo-Furano Area Pass: north to the flower country

The Hokkaido Sapporo-Furano Area Pass is also four days, and points the other way: SkyGate names Sapporo, Asahikawa and Furano, with the Furano and Biei area, and lists New Chitose Airport and Otaru among the covered places.[2] JR Hokkaido states that Tomamu is not included. The two area passes overlap at the airport, Sapporo and Otaru, but they do not both reach Noboribetsu and Furano: the first covers Noboribetsu and the second Furano, Biei and Asahikawa.[4]

SkyGate's listing has a single four-day option and gives no redemption text for it.[2] JR Hokkaido lists counters where this pass can be bought in Hokkaido, at New Chitose Airport, Sapporo and Asahikawa stations, so confirm on the operator's page how an e-voucher is exchanged.[4]

Hokkaido Rail Pass: the whole network, in three lengths

The Hokkaido Rail Pass is the only one of the three that is not tied to an area. JR Hokkaido says it covers all JR Hokkaido lines except the Hokkaido Shinkansen for its validity period, and that it can be used on some JR Hokkaido buses.[4] SkyGate offers it in three options: Five Days, Seven Days and Ten Days.[3] JR Hokkaido lists Wakkanai, Asahikawa, Abashiri and Kushiro among the places it reaches, and gives Sapporo to Hakodate as an example of a longer trip. JR Hokkaido says the pass cannot be used on the Hokkaido Shinkansen, the South Hokkaido Railway, the streetcar or the subway.[4]

Choose this pass when your route leaves both area zones, such as Hakodate or the east of the island, or when you would combine the Noboribetsu and Furano directions in one trip.

How to choose

• Sapporo base with Otaru and Noboribetsu: the Hokkaido Sapporo-Noboribetsu Area Pass.
• Sapporo base with Furano, Biei or Asahikawa: the Hokkaido Sapporo-Furano Area Pass.
• Both directions, or anywhere else on JR Hokkaido: the Hokkaido Rail Pass, with the five, seven or ten day option matched to your trip length.
• Check the calendar. SkyGate's product data showed a short run of dates when XTOUR looked, and the SkyGate page governs what can be booked; XTOUR does not confirm availability.

Before you book

• The passes are used on consecutive days from the start date you choose, according to JR Hokkaido; SkyGate's options say the pass is valid for the stated number of consecutive days after first use.[3][4]
• Bring your passport: JR Hokkaido says it is presented at exchange or purchase, and that a residence card or a copy is not accepted.[4]
• Get a reserved-seat ticket before boarding a limited express: JR Hokkaido says all its limited express seats are reserved.[4]
• Redemption counters are listed by JR Hokkaido, and its office hours for handling rail passes apply.[3][4]
• SkyGate's options list adult ages 12 and over and child ages 6 to 11.[3]