Discover the easiest, cheapest routes from Tokyo to Hokkaido. Sapporo, Hokkaido Prefecture’s capital city, is where many tourists make their base. Home to the Sapporo Snow Festival, many other seasonal events and sightseeing spots, and with great access to the rest of Japan’s northernmost island, it’s a perfect place to visit.
So, what is the best way to get from Tokyo to Hokkaido? Though the two areas are around 820km apart, Tokyo and Sapporo are actually well connected to each other. Whether you favor speed, budget, the route and its sights, or even a specific vehicle, we’ve got you covered.
1. Fast & Convenient: Tokyo to Hokkaido (Sapporo) by Air
When it comes to speed and convenience, flying from Tokyo to Hokkaido is the optimal choice. Over 80 daily flights connect Haneda and Narita airports to New Chitose Airport, completing the journey in just 1.5 hours.
Tickets typically range from 20,000 to 30,000 yen, but early bookings or flexible travel days/times may offer more budget-friendly options.
Browse & Book Now â–¶ Flights from Tokyo to Hokkaido
You can conveniently travel from New Chitose Airport to Sapporo by bus
You won’t need to leave the airport to access the JR train network, which has convenient rail access. The Airport Express is a train that arrives at Sapporo Station in 33 minutes, departing at a frequency of 5/hour during the day, so you won’t need to wait long.
Since many commuters use it, if you want to secure a seat, you can wait for one of the following trains, or reserve ahead (for an additional fee).
The bus, instead, takes about 50 minutes from the airport to central Sapporo. It can store large suitcases, and every passenger has a seat. If you are staying in the areas of Odori or Susukino, or places not far from the city’s center, the bus will probably conveniently stop nearby.
Find the Best Transport from New Chitose Airport to Sapporo
2. Ride the Hokkaido Shinkansen: Tokyo to Hakodate via Bullet Train Using Your Rail Pass
Embark on a remarkable journey from Tokyo to Hakodate via the renowned Hokkaido Shinkansen. This high-speed bullet train offers a comfortable ride through Japan’s scenic countryside.
If you use the Hokkaido Shinkansen, which opened in 2016, you will arrive at Sapporo Station in about four and a half hours, when traveling from Tokyo Station to Shin-Hakodate Hokuto Station. From Hakodate, Sapporo is a further three and a half hours by express train. Or you can easily connect to other parts of Hokkaido, making it an ideal choice for travelers looking to explore beyond Sapporo.
The price ranges around 15,000 yen, not including seat reservation, but your Japan Rail Pass may cover it. In total, it will take around 8 hours from Tokyo Station to Sapporo Station.
From the Shinkansen windows, you can enjoy …
