The JR Hokkaido Rail Pass is a highly sought-after travel option for exploring the beautiful region of Hokkaido in Japan. With its easy and fast transportation, like the JR Rail Pass, except cheaper, this pass allows visitors to conveniently navigate through major cities and discover the wonders of Hokkaido.
Boasting over 30,000 bookings and an impressive rating of 4.9 based on 2,000+ reviews, the pass is a popular choice among travelers. It can be easily booked online, with confirmation received within minutes and a voucher provided for pass redemption.
However, it is important to note that the pass is only valid for non-Japanese passport holders with a Temporary Visitor Visa stamp. The pass offers great flexibility, allowing travel on all JR Hokkaido trains except the Hokkaido Shinkansen, and provides options for both reserved and non-reserved seating.
While there are some limitations and restrictions, the JR Hokkaido Rail Pass offers a convenient and efficient way to explore Hokkaido, making it an ideal choice for travelers seeking freedom and adventure.
Key Takeaways
- JR Hokkaido Rail Pass is a popular choice for travelers, with a high rating and over 30K bookings made.
- It allows easy exploration of major cities in Hokkaido and provides fast transportation throughout the region.
- The pass is available for online booking and can be redeemed in Japan, with a confirmation of booking received within minutes.
- The pass is only valid for non-Japanese passport holders with a Temporary Visitor Visa stamp, and separate tickets are required for babies and infants.
What is it?
The JR Hokkaido Rail Pass is a popular transportation option in Hokkaido, allowing non-Japanese passport holders with a Temporary Visitor Visa stamp to easily explore major cities in the region.
This pass provides several advantages for travelers, including easy and fast transportation throughout Hokkaido. It allows passengers to conveniently visit various destinations and experience the beauty of Hokkaido without the hassle of purchasing separate tickets for each journey.
The pass is valid for all JR Hokkaido trains, except for the Hokkaido Shinkansen. This means that travelers can freely hop on and off different train types, choosing between reserved and non-reserved seats.
Whether you’re planning to visit Sapporo, Furano, Noboribetsu, or other major cities in Hokkaido, the JR Hokkaido Rail Pass offers a convenient and cost-effective way to explore the region.
Features and Benefits
One of the features and benefits of the JR Hokkaido Rail Pass is its ability to provide easy and fast transportation throughout the region of Hokkaido. With this pass, travelers have the freedom to explore major cities in Hokkaido, including Sapporo, Furano, and Noboribetsu.
This means that they can conveniently visit top attractions in Hokkaido, such as the beautiful lavender fields in Furano or the natural hot springs in Noboribetsu. Plus, the JR Hokkaido Rail Pass is particularly advantageous during the winter season, as it allows visitors to experience the famous Sapporo Snow Festival.
This festival showcases stunning ice sculptures and offers various winter activities, creating a magical atmosphere. Therefore, the pass enables travelers to make the most of their trip to Hokkaido and enjoy its incredible sights and experiences.
How to Book and Redeem
To book and redeem the JR Hokkaido Rail Pass, travelers can easily make their reservations online and receive a confirmation of their booking within minutes. The online booking process is convenient and efficient, allowing travelers to secure their passes without any hassle.
Once the booking is confirmed, travelers will receive a voucher with a QR code, which can be used for pass redemption. To redeem the pass, travelers need to present their passport with the Temporary Visitor Visa stamp at the designated redemption location.
It is important to note that the pass is only valid for non-Japanese passport holders with a Temporary Visitor Visa stamp. Plus, passengers must show their passport with the stamp or sticker in order to purchase or exchange the pass. The pass cannot be purchased if entering Japan under a different entry status, so it is essential to obtain the necessary stamp or sticker at immigration.
The online booking and pass redemption process for the JR Hokkaido Rail Pass is straightforward and convenient, providing travelers with easy access to explore the major cities in Hokkaido.
Limitations and Restrictions
Limitations and restrictions of the JR Hokkaido Rail Pass include its ineligibility for Japanese passport holders and its inability to be used on certain train lines and reserved seats.
- Eligibility requirements:
The JR Hokkaido Rail Pass is valid only for non-Japanese passport holders with a Temporary Visitor Visa stamp. Passengers must show their passport with the Temporary Visitor stamp/sticker for pass purchase or exchange. - Validity period:
The pass allows for easy and fast transportation throughout Hokkaido, but it is not valid for the Hokkaido Shinkansen, South Hokkaido Railway, and reserved seats on the SL Fuyu-no-Shitsugen Train. It is important to note that the pass cannot be purchased if entering Japan under a different entry status.
Despite these limitations, the JR Hokkaido Rail Pass provides an excellent opportunity to explore major cities in Hokkaido, with the convenience of online booking and quick confirmation. Travelers can enjoy the freedom to hop on and off trains, and experience the beauty of Hokkaido at their own pace.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use the JR Hokkaido Rail Pass on the Hokkaido Shinkansen?
The JR Hokkaido Rail Pass does not include the Hokkaido Shinkansen. However, it offers unlimited travel on local trains, allowing travelers to explore major cities in Hokkaido and maximize the value of their pass.
Are there any discounts or promotions available for the JR Hokkaido Rail Pass?
Promotions and discounts are available for the JR Hokkaido Rail Pass, providing travelers with cost-saving opportunities. These offers allow individuals to explore the major cities of Hokkaido while enjoying the convenience and flexibility of the pass.
Can I use the pass on the Sapporo Municipal Subway?
The JR Hokkaido Rail Pass cannot be used on the Sapporo Municipal Subway. However, it can be used on all JR Hokkaido trains, allowing for easy exploration of major cities in Hokkaido. To make the most of the pass in Sapporo, consider visiting the Sapporo Snow Festival during the winter.
Is the pass valid for travel on the South Hokkaido Railway?
The JR Hokkaido Rail Pass allows for traveling to southern Hokkaido by train and exploring the scenic routes. However, it is important to note that the pass is not valid for travel on the South Hokkaido Railway.
Can I purchase the JR Hokkaido Rail Pass if I have a different entry status into Japan?
The JR Hokkaido Rail Pass cannot be purchased if entering Japan under a different entry status. It is only valid for non-Japanese passport holders with a Temporary Visitor Visa stamp obtained at immigration.
The Sum Up
The JR Hokkaido Rail Pass is a highly recommended option for travelers exploring Hokkaido. With its easy and fast transportation, it allows visitors to conveniently explore major cities in the region.
The pass can be booked online and redeemed in Japan, providing a hassle-free experience. However, it is important to note that it is only valid for non-Japanese passport holders with a Temporary Visitor Visa stamp.
There are certain limitations and restrictions, such as not being valid for the Hokkaido Shinkansen and other company lines.
The JR Hokkaido Rail Pass is a convenient and efficient way to discover Hokkaido’s beauty and charm.
