The Hokkaido Shinkansen is not just a railway line, but a scenic journey spanning Honshu and Hokkaido. This rail artery, which opened in 2016, carries passengers through the world's longest undersea tunnel—the Seikan Tunnel—showcasing a magnificent transition from Aomori apple orchards to Hokkaido's snowfields over a 240-kilometer route. For travelers seeking an in-depth Japanese experience, this is more than just transportation to a destination; it's a moving visual feast.
What makes the Hokkaido Shinkansen unique is how it connects two entirely different worlds. The train departs from Shin-Aomori, passes through Okutsugaru-Imakane and Kikonai, ultimately arriving at Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto, with each station showcasing the distinctive character of the border region between Tohoku and Hokkaido. In spring, windows reveal Aomori Prefecture's cherry blossoms and apple blossom seas; summer brings the lush green Tsugaru Plain; autumn clothes the mountains in maple red like a brocade; and winter's snowscapes create a breathtaking pure white world. This seasonal variation means every ride offers new discoveries.
Okutsugaru-Imakane Station: The Hidden Gem of the Tsugaru Peninsula
This station serves as an excellent starting point for experiencing Tsugaru regional culture. Located at Odaibara-Kiyokawa, Imamaki Town, Higashitsugaru District, Aomori Prefecture, 〒030-1505, this mid-way station on the Hokkaido Shinkansen maintains a strong Tsugaru atmosphere. The nearby Tappizaki Cape is the northernmost point of Honshu, where the strong winds and magnificent sea views showcase nature's overwhelming power. In winter, the contrast between snow-covered landscapes and the coastline creates a paradise for photography enthusiasts. The station also features a Tsugaru regional artifacts exhibit, showcasing this border area's unique fishing village culture.
Seikan Tunnel: A 53.85-Kilometer Engineering Marvel Under the Sea
The most unforgettable experience aboard the Hokkaido Shinkansen is the 25-minute passage through the Seikan Tunnel. This 53.85-kilometer undersea tunnel, with 23.3 kilometers running underwater, is currently the world's longest undersea railway tunnel. When the train speeds through the tunnel, it's hard to imagine that 140 meters above is the waters of the Tsugaru Strait. The tunnel contains a marker indicating the border between Honshu and Hokkaido, and many passengers specifically notice this moment, symbolizing the official transition from Honshu into Hokkaido. The tunnel's construction took 24 years, overcoming challenges such as high water pressure and complex geology—making it a masterpiece in human engineering history.
Kikonai Station: The Tranquil Gateway Town to Hokkaido
Located at Honcho, Kikonai Town, Kamiiso District, Hokkaido, 〒049-0422, Kikonai Station is the first stop after the Shinkansen enters Hokkaido. Though this small town has only about 4,000 residents, it boasts abundant natural resources. Mount Yakushi near the station is a locals-recommended cherry blossom spot, where in early May each year, pink flower seas form a stunning contrast with snow-capped distant mountains. The station square features a foot bath facility using natural hot spring water from nearby Naruso Hot Spring, allowing travelers to enjoy Hokkaido's温泉 healing effects during transfer intervals. This is also the transfer point to Matsumae Castle, where Hokkaido's earliest cherry blossom viewing takes place.
Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto Station: The Modern New Gateway to Hokkaido
As the terminal station of the Hokkaido Shinkansen, Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto Station (1-1 Ichifucho, Hokuto City, Hokkaido, 〒041-1201) represents Hokkaido's determination to embrace a new era. This station, built in 2016, features a design blending modern aesthetics with Hokkaido characteristics. The station's "Hokuto no Ken" (Fist of the North Star) themed decorations have become a popular photo spot, as the original author Yoshihiro Toshiharu is an honorary citizen of Hokuto City. The station square regularly hosts Hokkaido product exhibitions, where travelers can sample fresh Hokkaido scallops, crab, and other seafood delicacies. The station's observation deck offers views of Mt. Hakodate, and on clear days, you can even see Honshu across the Tsugaru Strait.
Ono National Park: The Natural Treasure Extending Beyond the Shinkansen
From Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto Station, taking a local train for about 15 minutes brings you to Onuma Park Station, Hokkaido's most representative natural scenic area in the south. Onuma, Konuma, and Konobu ponds surround Mount Komagatake, creating poetic mountain-and-lake landscapes. In spring, cherry blossoms bloom along the lake shore; summer offers lotus viewing by boat; autumn reflectsmaple leaves on the lake surface; and frozen lake surfaces in winter become natural skating rinks. The local specialty is Onama dumplings—glutinous rice dumplings made with quality local rice, filled with red bean paste, offering an excellent way to experience Hokkaido's dessert culture.
Practical Information
How to Get There: Take the Tohoku Shinkansen from Tokyo Station to Shin-Aomori Station (approximately 3 hours 20 minutes), then transfer to the Hokkaido Shinkansen to Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto Station (approximately 1 hour). Total journey time is approximately 4 hours 30 minutes, with a fare of approximately ¥22,690 (unreserved seating). The JR East-South Hokkaido Rail Pass (6-day pass ¥27,000) allows unlimited travel within designated sections.
Best Time to Ride: It is recommended to choose daytime departures to enjoy the scenery along the route. The "Hayabusa No. 95" departing from Shin-Aomori at 8:20 AM is a popular choice. Seats on the E side (ocean side) are recommended for views of the Tsugaru Strait before and after passing through the Seikan Tunnel.
Seasonal Discounts: Early bird discounts are available during certain times in winter (December to February), with savings of up to ¥2,000. During cherry blossom season (late April to early May), it is recommended to reserve reserved seating one month in advance.
Travel Tips
When riding the Hokkaido Shinkansen, remember to bring warm clothing—summer temperatures in Hokkaido are still 5-8 degrees cooler than in Honshu. The bento box recommendation is the "Tsugaru Strait Hon-Maguro Bento," made with bluefin tuna from Oma in Aomori. Mobile phones briefly lose signal when passing through the Seikan Tunnel—this can be used as an opportunity to quietly appreciate this engineering marvel. The station tourist information centers offer Traditional Chinese services, and detailed southern Hokkaido tourist maps are available. If planning to extend to Sapporo, it is recommended to reserve seats on the limited express "Hokuto" at Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto Station. The journey takes approximately 3.5 hours, with scenic views of Uchiura Bay along the way.
