Trains are an indispensable means of transportation for sightseeing in Hokkaido. The Hokkaido Rail Pass, JR East-South Hokkaido Rail Pass, and JR Tohoku-South Hokkaido Rail Pass for international tourists have been updated as of April 1, 2021 for added convenience. Plus, two new types of “Free Passes” are also available!
Main image: Peera_stockfoto / Shutterstock.com
Get through the ticket gates smoothly! Four Free Passes updated
tkyszk / Shutterstock.com
JR Hokkaido’s “5-Day Hokkaido Rail Pass,” “7-Day Hokkaido Rail Pass,” “JR East-South Hokkaido Rail Pass,” and “JR Tohoku-South Hokkaido Rail Pass” Free Passes for overseas tourists visiting Japan have been updated for 2021.
And as of April 1, the method of use, validity period, price, etc. have changed. Additionally, the “Hokkaido Rail Pass for 3 days” and “Hokkaido Rail Pass for flexible 4 days” were discontinued on March 31, 2021.
The four types of passes will be even more convenient, but how will they change specifically?
Automated ticket gates save time!
Previously, you had to show your Free Pass to a station staff member at the staffed ticket gate to enter, but with the updated tickets, you will be able to use automated ticket gates.
Introduction of seat reservation service at reserved seat ticket vending machines
Previously seat reservations could only be made at JR Travel Service Centers, but now reservations can also be made at a “reserved seat ticket vending machine.”
The following stations have reserved seat ticket vending machines:
*Sapporo Station, *Soen Station, Kotoni Station, *Teine Station, *Otaru Station, *Naebo Station, *Shiroishi Station, *Shin-Sapporo Station, *Kita-Hiroshima Station, *Shimamatsu Station, *Chitose Station, *Minami-Chitose Station, *New Chitose Airport Station, *Iwamizawa Station, *Tomakomai Station, Shiraoi Station, *Higashi-Muroran Station, *Datemombetsu Station, *Toya Station, *Noboribetsu Station, *Shinkawa Station, *Hachiken Station, *Ainosato-Kyoikudai Station, Asahikawa Station, Nayoro Station, Wakkanai Station, Engaru Station, Kitami Station, Abashiri Station, Shintoku Station, Obihiro Station, Kushiro Station, Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto Station, Hakodate Station, Goryokaku Station, Kikonai Station, Okutsugaru-Imabetsu Station
(*Stations feature “speaking ticket vending machines” where you can talk with an operator and make ticket reservations.)
Pricing and validity period will change and one pass has a significantly reduced price!
Various points have changed, like the price reduction of the “Hokkaido Rail Pass for 5 days” …
