Hokkaido's vast land is not just for self-driving travelers. This northern land actually hides multiple scenic routes that can be reached by taking JR trains or walking along nature trails, especially suitable for travelers who don't want to give up their driver's license or are unfamiliar with right-hand driving. Starting from Sapporo, along the window seats of various JR Hokkaido lines, you can discover this snow country at a different pace.
The core charm of scenic railways lies in "the journey itself is the scenery." The JR Hokkaido lines traverse plains, wetlands, and volcanic terrain, with trains passing through coniferous forests and fields—scenes that are often more memorable than the destinations themselves. Spring cherry blossom tunnels, summer flower-filled meadows, autumn valley of red maples, winter's snow-white world—these landscapes require no car, just a Pass and a window seat.
【Recommended Route 1】JR Sekihoku Line—From Kamikawa Basin to Abashiri's Rural Scenery
The Sekihoku Line connects Asahikawa and Abashiri, spanning approximately 180 km, serving as an important railway artery in eastern Hokkaido. This route passes through the agricultural zone of the Kamikawa Basin, where in summer you can see vast potato and wheat fields forming green waves, transforming into golden harvest scenery in autumn. As the train passes, you can see the Tokachi mountain range in the distance as a backdrop, composing a typical Hokkaido pastoral painting.
It is recommended to make a brief stop at "Kamikawa" station, which is the gateway to Sounkyo Onsen, famous for its autumn foliage. Continuing north to "Abashiri" station, you can transfer to the Okhotsk Sea coastal cruise for a different coastal experience.
【Recommended Route 2】JR Nemuro Main Line—Station Walking for Flower Season
The Nemuro Main Line is also known as the "Flower Railway," with the coastal section from Kushiro to Nemuri lined with wildflowers blooming in summer. Especially near "Hakushu" station's meadows, July brings lavender and yellow gold flower fields, creating a purple and yellow flower carpet.
This line features "slow train station tours"—many small stations retain old wooden station buildings, and the platforms are often decorated with flowers planted by local residents. It is recommended to disembark at "Akkeshi" station, famous for its oysters, with seafood restaurants nearby to taste the day's fresh catch. Nemuro station is Japan's easternmost JR station, offering souvenir certificates—a pilgrimage site for railway enthusiasts.
【Recommended Route 3】JR Muroran Main Line Coastal Section—Strange Coexistence of Industry and Nature
The coastal section from Tomakomai to Muroran showcases a different side of Hokkaido. This section passes through Hokkaido's industrial zone, with steel refineries and oil refineries standing alongside the Pacific coastline, forming a unique "industrial landscape." For travelers who enjoy photographing "ruins" or "heavy industrial" style photos, this railway segment offers powerful visual impact.
The area around "Wanishi" station allows close observation of factory facilities, while "Chikyuu-kyou" is a famous spot in Muroran, where Pacific waves crash against strange rock formations, creating magnificent scenery. This route is suitable for travelers curious about the "other side" of Hokkaido.
【Recommended Route 4】Walking Exploration: Small Oasis in Sapporo City Center
If time is limited, Sapporo also has scenic walking routes worth exploring. Starting from Odori Park, walking north along the ginkgo tree-lined path through the Hokkaido University campus, the entire route takes about an hour. This route offers cherry blossoms and tulips in spring, and is the most concentrated autumn foliage spot in Sapporo's city center in autumn.
Another recommended route is the walking path along the Toyohira River, from Nakajima Park to Hitsujigaoka Observation Deck, taking about 90 minutes, with Sapporo's mountain scenery as a backdrop—a popular route for locals to jog.
【Practical Information】
For transportation, it is recommended to use the "JR Hokkaido Rail Pass" to explore the scenic railways, available in 3-day, 5-day, and 7-day versions, with prices adjusted according to peak and off-peak seasons. It is recommended to purchase exchange vouchers from overseas travel agencies in advance. For attractions within Sapporo, you can take the subway or city tram, with one-way fares ranging from ¥200 to ¥320.
Regarding costs, the JR Hokkaido Rail Pass is priced at ¥22,000 for 3 days, ¥33,000 for 5 days, and ¥41,000 for 7 days (2024 standard), allowing unlimited rides on JR Hokkaido's普通 and rapid trains. Visits to small stations along the way are free, but tickets for scenic boats or cable cars require separate purchase.
Regarding operating hours, JR Hokkaido lines generally operate from the first train at 6:00 to the last train at 22:00, with intervals ranging from 15 minutes to 2 hours. It is recommended to use the HYPERdio app to check the latest schedules. Restaurants and shops in small towns along the way typically close at 18:00, while some hot spring street shops remain open until 20:00.
【Travel Tips】
To enjoy the best scenic railway views, it is recommended to travel during non-peak seasons. According to recent tourism trends, foreign tourists concentrate on summer (July-August) visiting Hokkaido, causing airfare and accommodation prices to soar. Traveling in spring (May-June) or autumn (September-October) not only means fewer crowds, but also richer color layers in the scenery.
Additionally, due to recent impacts on China-Japan air transportation from diplomatic factors, flights to Hokkaido have a high cancellation rate. Travelers are advised to consider transiting through Tokyo or Osaka to reach Sapporo New Chitose Airport, or book flights three months in advance to secure seats.
Finally, note that while railway operations in Hokkaido's winter (December-February) remain normal, some mountain sections may experience delays due to snow. Be sure to check operational information before departure. Prepare warm clothing and hand warmers—winter train window views of snow-covered farmland and coniferous forests are equally breathtaking.
