The way to Hokkaido from Tokyo part 1

Hokkaido boasts its magnificent nature, tasty seafood and product and heartwarming people. Good seasons to visit there are late spring, whole summer and early autumn. The winter there is very harsh, though the Sapporo Snow Festival is very popular.

1) By train ( Honestly not recommended unless you have the JR Pass.)



a) Connections from Tokyo to Sapporo



Larger table


b) Connections from Sapporo to Tokyo



Larger table

Legend:
Hayate: Tohoku Shinkansen Hayate ( All seats are reserved on this train.)
S.Hakucho, or Hakucho: Limited express Super Hakucho, or Hakucho
Tsugaru: Limited express Tsugaru
S.Hokuto, or Hokuto: Limited express Super Hokuto, or Hokuto
Cassiopeia: Overnight sleeper limited express Cassiopeia ( This train caters to only two persons travelling together.)
Hokutosei: Overnight sleeper limited express Hokutosei
Hamanasu: Overnight express Hamanasu with sleeper carriages attached.


c) Prices

(1) Combination of Hayate, Hakucho and Hokuto in reserved seats

From Tokyo to	Full fare	Japan Rail Pass holders
Hakodate	18,750 yen	Free
Sapporo	22,78o yen	Free

Four bedded B class open compartment on Hamanasu and Hokutosei trains.

(2) Combination of Hayate, Tsugaru and Hamanasu

From Tokyo to	Full fare	Japan Rail Pass holders	Remarks
Hakodate in reserved seats	19,020	Free	Including the carpeted car compartment on Hamanasu
Sapporo in reserved seats	21,650 yen	Free	Including the carpeted car compartment on Hamanasu
Sapporo in reserved seats and berth	27,700 yen	7,560 yen	Sleeper berth on Hamanasu

Guidance of accommodation om Hamanasu ( photo images):

Photos provided by JR Hokkaido

- Sleeper berth: Upper left image in the link.
- Carpeted car semi compartment: Upper right image in the link
- Reserved seat called 'Dream Car': Lower left image in the link

(3) Travelling on Cassiopeia ( The entire train is designed for two persons travelling together.)

From Ueno to	Full fare	JR Pass holders	Remarks
Hakodate on Suite	42,370 yen	31,340yen	Prices are per person
Hakodate on Twin	30,230 yen	19,200yen	Prices are per person
Sapporo on Suite	44,460 yen	31,340yen	Prices are per person
Sapporo on Twin	32,320 yen	19,200yen	Prices are per person

Cassiopeia Suite images / The compartment is equipped with toilet, washing basin and shower.
Cassiopeia Twin images / The compartment is equipped with toilet and washing basin.
Images of Dining Car and Lounge Car

(4) Travelling on Hokutosei

From Ueno to	Full fare	JR Pass holders	Remarks
Sapporo in Royal	36,150 yen	23,030 yen	--
Sapporo in Twin Deluxe	32,320 yen	19,200 yen	Per person
Sapporo in Solo	25,270 yen	12,150 yen	--
Sapporo in Duet	25,270 yen	12,150 yen	Per person

Link to interior images provided by JR East

First photo: Outer image of the train
Second one: Compartment in Royal / Equipped with shower, toilet and wash basin.
Third one: Compartment in Twin Deluxe
Fourth one: Compartment in Duet
Fifth one: Compartment in Solo

The prices in the open compartment sleeper berth ( image above in this page) are same as in Solo.

(4) Discount unlimited travel ticket in Hokkaido with a return trip from Tokyo, named 'Gururi Hokkaido Kippu' or 'Unlimited travel ticket throughout Hokkaido'

This ticket entitles you to travel in the Solo or the open compartment berth on Hokutosei without surcharge, or the Shinkansen and limited express trains to get to Hokkaido from Tokyo. The open compartment berth on Hamanasu is also allowed to use.
Once you are in Hokkaido, you can use this ticket like the JR Pass.

Prices from Tokyo:
45,200 yen ( between July and September)
35,700 yen ( other months than above)

Blackout periods:
27 April to 6 May, 11 August to 20 August and 28 December to 6 January

Validity: 5 days, however if you take the Hokutosei on the 5th day from Sapporo, the ticket is valid until the final stop, Ueno on the 6th day.

Notice in Japanese

(5) Hokkaido and East Japan Pass, valid only on local, rapid trains and in the non-reserved section of the express Hamanasu.

Price: 10,000 yen
Validity: 5 days on local and rapid trains, non-reserved seat in Hamanasu in JR East, Hokkaido, Hokuetsu Kyuko Line, Aoimori Line and IGR Line

Sales periods:
Summer: 27 June to 11 September 2008
Winter: 23 November 2008 to 21 January 2009

Travel periods:
Summer: 11 July to 15 September 2008
Winter: 28 November 2008 to 25 January 2009

Connection search:
Hyperdia
I'd show model connections sometime.