The Hokkaido Shinkansen officially opened in March 2016, serving as a vital rail system connecting to Japan's northernmost region. Currently, trains depart from Tokyo Station, passing through the classic Joetsu and Tohoku Shinkansen lines directly to Hokkaido, reaching Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto Station, the southernmost station on the line. The maximum operating speed is 260 km/h, with a theoretical travel time of approximately 4 hours from Tokyo to Shin-Hakodate. However, actual journey times may vary depending on train schedules and transfer arrangements.
The biggest highlight of the new line is the significantly reduced travel time between Honshu and Hokkaido. Previously, travelers could only take ferries or domestic flights, with journeys from Tokyo to Sapporo taking over 10 hours. After the Shinkansen opened, reaching Sapporo via a transfer at Shin-Hakodate takes only about 4-5 hours. This is especially useful for winter ski tourists in Hokkaido. Given the high snowfall probability in the northeastern region and the weather-related disruptions often affecting air travel, the Shinkansen's reliability has become its greatest advantage.
Three recommended cities along the Shinkansen line with detailed features and surrounding information:
The first recommended destination is Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto Station. This is the southern gateway to the Hokkaido Shinkansen, located in Hokuto City, with postal code 013-0336. The station features a modern design with extensive use of wooden elements, and the waiting lobby is spacious and bright. The station connects directly to JR Hokkaido's conventional line station "Hokuto Station," where you can transfer to Rapid Super Kamui and other express trains heading toward Sapporo. The area around Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto Station has "Michi-no-Eki" road stations selling fresh seafood and agricultural products, including famous Hokkaido scallops and related products. We recommend spending at least 1 hour here to buy souvenirs and taste local delicacies.
The second recommended destination is Lake Toya Hot Spring area. From Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto Station, take a conventional train for about 30 minutes to JR Toya Station, then transfer to a bus for about 15 minutes. Lake Toya is a famous caldera lake in Hokkaido, offering beautiful lake and mountain scenery, surrounded by dense hot spring resort facilities. The Toya Onsen street has many Japanese-style hot spring hotels, with some offering half-board packages priced between ¥15,000 and ¥35,000. This is an excellent base for viewing Showa Shinzan and Mt. Yotei, and during winter, you can experience the unique atmosphere of hot springs in the snow. The Lake Toya Fireworks Festival, held from late April to late October each year, is a representative summer event in Hokkaido, with thousands of fireworks exploding over the lake surface in a spectacular display.
The third recommended destination is Noboribetsu Hot Spring. From Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto Station to Noboribetsu Station takes about 1 hour and 20 minutes, then about a 10-minute walk to the hot spring street. Noboribetsu Hot Spring is the most representative hot spring town in Hokkaido, featuring a rich variety of spring waters, including sulfur springs, simple springs, chloride springs, and nine other types of spring water, each offering different therapeutic benefits for skin and joint issues. Jigokudani (Hell Valley) in Noboribetsu is a must-visit attraction, where the reddish-brown rock surface continuously emits sulfur steam, creating a stunning visual effect. Nearby attractions include Noboribetsu Bear Park and Date Edo Village theme park. Accommodation options in Noboribetsu Hot Spring street range from business hotels to upscale hot spring hotels, with the core hot spring street area having postal code 059-0551.
The fourth recommended destination is the area around Sapporo Station. While Sapporo Station is not a Shinkansen stop, you can transfer from Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto Station to JR Hokkaido's Super Kamui or Rapid Airport train, reaching Sapporo Station in about 3 to 3.5 hours. Sapporo is the largest city in Hokkaido and the final destination for most travelers. The station is directly connected to Sapporo Subway Station, surrounded by shopping facilities such as Daimaru and Stella Place. The postal code for Sapporo Station is 060-0805. Tanukikoji Shopping Street and Ramen Yokocho food districts are within walking distance. We recommend staying at least two nights in Sapporo to fully explore the urban charm of Hokkaido.
The fifth recommended destination is Otaru. From Sapporo Station, take JR Hokkaido's Rapid train for about 30 minutes to reach Otaru Station. Otaru was a prosperous port city during the Meiji and Taisho periods, with the warehouse buildings along the canal and stone warehouses well-preserved, now converted into glass workshops, dessert shops, and cafes. The romantic night view of Otaru Canal is selected as one of Japan's Night View Heritage sites, making it a top choice for couples. The postal code for Otaru Station is 047-0027. Nearby attractions include Otaru Music Box Museum and Otaru Glass Crystal Museum, which are extremely popular destinations.
Practical transportation information: From Tokyo Station to Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto Station, the one-way reserved seat fare ranges from approximately ¥19,600 to ¥21,400, depending on the train class and seat type. Ordinary reserved seats cost approximately ¥19,600, while Green Car seats cost approximately ¥26,500. Travelers holding JR Pass nationwide passes can ride the Shinkansen for free, but seat reservations must be made in advance. The conventional train reserved seat fare from Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto Station to Sapporo Station is approximately ¥5,000, while Rapid trains do not require additional fees.
Regarding operating hours, the first train from Tokyo Station departs around 6 AM, with the last train around 8 PM. The total travel time is approximately 4 hours. Some trains offer Green Car (business class) seats, which are wider and more comfortable, suitable for long-distance travelers.
Travel tips: Hokkaido's winter season (December to February) often sees temperatures below -10°C, so outdoor activities require attention to warmth and slip prevention. Spring (April to May) has changeable weather, so we recommend bringing light jackets and rain gear. Summer (June to August) is the peak tourist season in Hokkaido, with the Lake Toya Fireworks Festival and lavender fields attracting large crowds. We recommend booking accommodations three months in advance. Additionally, after 2026, the Hokkaido Shinkansen will be extended further to Sapporo, enabling direct Shinkansen service from Tokyo to Sapporo, with estimated travel time reduced to approximately 5 hours. Travelers can follow the project progress.
Finally, we remind travelers that Hokkaido is located on earthquake zones and typhoon paths. We recommend checking the latest weather information and transportation operation status before departure. JR Hokkaido's official website provides real-time train operation information, and you can also check for delays via mobile apps.
