The Hokkaido Shinkansen officially opened on March 26, 2016, marking the end of Hokkaido's era without Shinkansen service. This high-speed rail line runs from Tokyo through Tohoku, reaching the northernmost terminus of Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto Station in approximately 4 hours, making travel from Tokyo to Hokkaido more convenient than ever. Prior to this, international travelers had to fly into New Chitose Airport or take a ferry to reach Hokkaido. Now, a single JR Pass lets you experience the thrilling journey at full speed.
Key Highlights
The biggest highlight of the Hokkaido Shinkansen is the word "direct." There's no need to transfer in Tokyo or Sendai. Limited Express "Hayato no Kaze" (Falcon) and "Superkashi" (Hayate) trains run directly from Tokyo Station to Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto Station (on some services), with stops at major cities like Sendai and Aomori along the way. The total distance from Tokyo to Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto is approximately 862 km, with the fastest services completing the journey in about 4 hours at an average speed of over 250 km/h.
The scenery from the train windows is another highlight not to be missed. In spring, you can enjoy the Pacific coastlines; in summer, rolling farmlands; and in autumn, the stunning autumn foliage for which Tohoku is famous. But the most memorable is winter, when the train crosses the Hakkoda Mountains with snow walls several meters deep on both sides—this is a limited-time spectacle only available during this season.
The second highlight is the "Seikan Tunnel." This undersea tunnel connecting Honshu and Hokkaido is 53.85 km long, with sections lying 240 meters below sea level, making it the world's deepest undersea railway tunnel. When the train enters the tunnel, you'll experience a brief loss of mobile signal—a unique experience in itself. The tunnel is equipped with special emergency escape routes, standard safety features in disaster-conscious Japan.
The third highlight is seamless connections to local transportation. Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto Station connects directly with JR Hokkaido's conventional lines, the Esashi Line and the Tsugaru-Kaikyo Line. You can transfer inside the station to trains heading to Sapporo, Otaru, Noboribetsu Onsen, and other popular destinations—very convenient for travelers with heavy luggage. Car rental counters are also available at the station, allowing you to pick up a vehicle and start yourself-drive adventure right away.
Recommended Spots
The first recommended spot is "JR Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto Station" itself. More than just a transit hub, this is a thoughtfully designed tourism center. The station features "Hokuto no Yu" hot spring facilities (separate baths for men and women, day-use available) and shops selling Hokkaido souvenirs. The station square features a large 星野 brand sign and a tourist information center where you can pick up discount coupons for nearby ryokan. Since 2023, a large complex mall has b
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