Hokkaido Free Pass

The Hokkaido Free Pass (–kŠC“¹ƒtƒŠ�[ƒpƒX), is a rail pass, providing unlimited use of JR trains (except the Hokkaido Shinkansen) and most JR buses in Hokkaido on seven consecutive days. Unlike the Hokkaido Rail Pass, it can also be used by residents of Japan.

27,430 yen

• No reduced rates for children.

Below is a map of major train lines that can be used with the Hokkaido Free Pass:

Validity

1. Unlimited use of JR trains in Hokkaido except the Hokkaido Shinkansen.
2. Unlimited use of JR Hokkaido Bus lines, except the lines from Sapporo to Asahikawa, Monbetsu, Obihiro, Hiroo and Erimo and the line from Tomakomai to Erimo.
3. Seat reservations can be made for free for up to six train rides.
4. The pass is valid on seven consecutive days.
5. The pass cannot be used during peak travel seasons (New Year, Golden Week and Obon).

Points of sale

Major JR railway stations in Hokkaido, Tohoku, Kanto (incl. Tokyo), Shikoku and Kyushu.

Assessment

This pass only makes sense, if you plan on traveling long distances. The table below shows approximate regular fares for one-way limited express tickets between selected major cities. Use it to compare the cost of regular tickets with the cost of a Hokkaido Free Pass:

	Asahikawa	Hakodate	Wakkanai	Kushiro
Sapporo	5,000 yen	9,000 yen	11,000 yen	9,500 yen
Asahikawa		13,000 yen	8,500 yen	9,000 yen
Hakodate			17,500 yen	15,500 yen
Wakkanai				15,500 yen

Alternative tickets

The Hokkaido Rail Pass is a slightly cheaper alternative to the Hokkaido Free Pass, however, it is only available to foreign visitors and not to residents of Japan. Like the Hokkaido Free Pass, the Hokkaido Rail Pass provides unlimited use of JR trains (except shinkansen) and buses in Hokkaido. It is available for five or seven consecutive days.