Tokyo to Hokkaido: Best Ways to Travel and Price Comparison
Learn the best ways to travel from Tokyo to Hokkaido. Compare flights, Shinkansen (bullet train), and car travel based on price, speed, and convenience.
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Traveling to Hokkaido from Tokyo
Photo by Pixta
As Japan's largest prefecture, Hokkaido is a premier travel destination. Because its cities and landmarks are spread across such a vast area, it is essential to plan your route based on your specific destination.
To help you plan, we have compared the best ways to travel from Tokyo to Hokkaido, weighing cost, speed, and overall convenience.
How to Travel from Tokyo to Hokkaido: Price Comparison
1. By Airplane: Fast, Convenient, and Inexpensive
- Flying from Haneda Airport to Hokkaido
- Budget Travel to Hokkaido via Narita Airport
- New Chitose Airport: Hokkaido's Main Transportation Hub
2. By Shinkansen Bullet Train: Scenic 4-Hour Ride
3. By Car: Car Rental Tips
4. Local Travel within Hokkaido: By Airplane, Train, and Car
5. Other Tips: Hotels and Wi-Fi
1. Flying to Hokkaido: Fast, Convenient, and Inexpensive
Airplane landing at New Chitose Airport. Photo by Pixta
Flying is our top recommendation for reaching Hokkaido. Compared to the bullet train, air travel is faster, more convenient, and often more budget-friendly.
Flying from Haneda Airport to Hokkaido
Hokkaido is home to eleven airports, nine of which offer direct flights from Tokyo’s Haneda Airport.
New Chitose Airport (Sapporo) is the primary gateway, with over 50 daily flights from Haneda. The flight takes approximately 1.5 hours, with one-way fares typically ranging from 7,640 yen to 47,640 yen.
| Destination Airport | Flights per Day | Nearby Areas |
| Asahikawa | ~10 | Central Hokkaido / Furano-Biei |
| Hakodate | ~8 | Southern Hokkaido |
| Kushiro | ~6 | Eastern Hokkaido / Marshlands |
| Memambetsu | ~3 | Abashiri / Shiretoko |
| Nakashibetsu | ~1 | Nemuro (also near Wakkanai/Mombetsu) |
Budget Travel to Hokkaido via Narita Airport
In addition to Haneda, Narita Airport offers daily flights to New Chitose (Sapporo), Kushiro, and Memambetsu. This is often the cheapest way to reach Hokkaido, especially if you use Low-Cost Carriers (LCCs) like Jetstar or Peach.
LCC Fares: You can find one-way tickets starting as low as 6,440 yen.
Important Tip: While the flights are cheaper, remember that Narita is located further from central Tokyo. Budget at least 1,000 to 3,000 yen and about 60–90 minutes for the train or bus ride to the airport.
New Chitose Airport: Hokkaido's Main Transportation Hub
As Japan’s third busiest hub after Haneda and Narita, Hokkaido's New Chitose Airport serves a vast number of domestic and international travelers every day.
Far more than just a transit point, the airport is a destination in itself where you certainly won't get bored.
The facility features an extensive shopping mall, a dedicated "Ramen Dojo" street showcasing the region’s best noodles, and even a natural hot spring where you can relax before your flight.
New Chitose Airport also serves as a convenient hub for exploring the rest of Hokkaido, offering regular domestic flights to regional cities like Hakodate, Kushiro, Memambetsu, Wakkanai, and Nakashibetsu.
To reach central Sapporo from the airport, you have two primary options: the JR Rapid Airport train, which reaches the city in just 36 minutes for 1,230 yen, or the Airport Limousine Bus, which takes between 50 and 90 minutes and costs 1,100 yen.
2. By Shinkansen from Tokyo to Hokkaido: Scenic 4-Hour Ride to Hakodate
Photo by Pixta
The Tohoku Shinkansen connects Tokyo Station to Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto Station in Hokkaido in approximately four hours. A one-way trip on the bullet train costs 24,400 yen.
While a flight from Haneda to Hakodate takes only about 80 minutes, the Shinkansen offers its own distinct advantages. Although the train takes longer, rail service is less likely to be delayed or canceled due to poor weather, making it a more reliable option in unpredictable conditions.
Moreover, the Shinkansen allows travelers to enjoy a more leisurely pace and take in the scenic landscapes along the way.
3. Driving to Hokkaido from Tokyo
Photo by Pixta
Hokkaido’s wide roads are famous, and many visitors to Hokkaido want to experience driving on them.
If you rent a car in Tokyo and drive north through Tohoku, then head up to Hokkaido, you can enjoy every sight along the way. However, you must keep in mind that the drive from Tokyo to Sapporo will take 17 hours without stops.
Expressway tolls to Hokkaido will cost upwards of 20,000 yen, and transporting your rental car on the Tsugaru Kaikyo Ferry from Aomori to Hakodate will cost at least 18,760 yen, plus the cost of the rental car as well as the gas.
Driving is an expensive option, so if you plan to rent a car, you must anticipate the considerable time and money investment.
If you wish to use a rental car, we suggest traveling to Hokkaido by airplane or train, and rent a car at your destination.
*The schedule of the ferry crossing the Tsugaru Strait changes every season.
Rent a car using Get 10% discount on Nippon Rent-a-Car Services
4. Traveling Within Hokkaido: By Airplane, Train, and Car
Photo by Pixta
Air Travel in Hokkaido
If you wish to travel from Sapporo to a remote area such as Wakkanai, we suggest taking an airplane.
As mentioned above, there are daily flights from New Chitose Airport to Hakodate, Kushiro, Memambetsu, and Nakashibetsu airports.
Please note, however, that the airlines operating within Hokkaido are either ANA or JAL; since there are no low-cost carriers, the tickets may be a little expensive.
Train Travel in Hokkaido
If you wish to visit several cities and destinations, traveling by train in Hokkaido is very convenient. JR Hokkaido Lines operate throughout the region.
There is even a unique sightseeing train called Ryuhyo Monogatari, which allows you to see the beautiful drift ice scenery that can only be enjoyed in this region!
Moreover, international visitors can use discount travel passes that allows them to travel at great value for price: JR PASS and JR Hokkaido Rail Pass.
Traveling by Rental Car in Hokkaido
Using a rental car is very convenient for traveling around Hokkaido. The lavender fields in Furano, the mountainside of Asahikawa, or the splendid nature and art spots around Sapporo can all be easily accessed by rental car.
MATCHA's readers can use a 10% discount voucher for renting a car from Nippon Rent-a-Car or Nissan Rent-a-Car, one of the largest rental car services in Japan.
Please be careful, however, when driving in Hokkaido in winter. This region sees severe snowfall every year and there might be frost on the roads. Because of the snow, the road might not be visible. In other words, please also consider traveling by train in combination with using a rental car.
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5. Accommodations and WiFi in Hokkaido
If you've already booked your tickets for Hokkaido, you'll also probably want to look for hotels.
You can find good accommodation at conveninet prices by using Booking.com or Agoda.
Since free public Wi-Fi remains limited in Japan, staying connected can be a challenge. Renting a pocket Wi-Fi device is a highly convenient solution for travelers.
To stay online during your trip, use the voucher below for a 20% discount on Ninja-WiFi, one of Japan’s most popular portable internet services.
Enjoy planning your trip and have a great time in Hokkaido!
FAQ
What is the best month to visit Hokkaido?
The best time to visit Hokkaido, Japan's northern island, varies depending on your interests. For skiing and winter sports, December to February offers ideal conditions. February is great for winter festivals like the Sapporo Snow Festival. For flower fields, visit from late June to August. To see autumn foliage, plan your trip from late September to November. Each season in Hokkaido brings its own charm, so the best time to visit depends on what you wish to experience during your stay.
What is the best way to get to Hokkaido?
The most common and convenient way to reach Hokkaido, Japan's northern island, is by air, with airports like New Chitose Airport near Sapporo serving as key entry points. Another option is taking the Shinkansen from Tokyo to Hakodate and transferring to the Hokkaido Shinkansen. Ferry services from ports like Niigata and Aomori to Hokkaido ports are also available. For those seeking a scenic journey, driving to Hokkaido is possible through the Seikan Tunnel connecting the island to mainland Japan, with a well-developed road network on Hokkaido itself. Consider factors such as location, budget, and travel preferences when choosing the best way to reach Hokkaido.
How many days in Hokkaido is enough?
The ideal duration for a trip to Hokkaido, Japan, varies depending on your interests and the places you wish to explore. A short trip of 3 to 5 days is sufficient for a quick visit to key regions like Sapporo or Niseko. For a more comprehensive experience, consider a moderate trip lasting about a week to delve deeper into multiple regions such as Daisetsuzan National Park and Shiretoko Peninsula. Opting for an extended trip of 10 days or more allows for a leisurely exploration of Hokkaido's diverse landscapes, activities, and cultural experiences. Choose the duration that best aligns with your preferences and travel goals.
How long is the bullet train ride from Tokyo to Hokkaido?
The bullet train ride from Tokyo to Hokkaido typically takes around 4 to 4.5 hours. This duration includes the Tohoku Shinkansen line that connects Tokyo to Shin-Aomori, where passengers transfer to the Hokkaido Shinkansen line that runs through the Seikan Tunnel to reach stations in Hokkaido such as Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto and Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto.
Can I get around Hokkaido without a car?
Navigating Hokkaido without a car is entirely feasible due to the island's well-developed public transportation system. JR Hokkaido operates an extensive train network, including the Shinkansen, connecting major cities like Sapporo and Hakodate. Buses provide convenient access to various destinations, while taxis are available for shorter trips or places not easily reached by public transit. Rental bicycles offer a popular and eco-friendly way to explore urban areas. Additionally, joining organized tours or guided excursions can be a great option for those looking to experience Hokkaido's attractions without the need for a car.
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This is the official account of MATCHA's editorial department. Our articles feature useful travel information for visitors to Japan, from how-to guides to recommended places to visit.
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