JR Hokkaido rail passes
NOTE: Since the cost of the JR Hokkaido rail passes went up in October 2023 and a new 10-day pass was introduced the details and prices quoted in the 5th of Japan by Rail are no longer correct. Look at Updates and news for the current details.
All JR Hokkaido passes are valid for Ordinary Class travel only and all can be bought in Hokkaido or at some JR East Travel Service Centers on Honshu; alternatively through some authorised agents before arrival in Japan; for details see pp36-9 in Japan by Rail.
For more details see JR Hokkaido‘s website. See p46 in Japan by Rail for itinerary suggestions and p45 for details of the rail pass shared with JR East.
Children aged 5 and under travel free providing they do not occupy a seat; those aged 6-11 pay half the adult rate. Prices are fixed in yen, but the charge is payable in local currency.
Hokkaido Rail Pass
The Hokkaido Rail Pass (5- and 7-days) is valid on all JR Hokkaido trains (and seat reservations are free) other than the Hokkaido shinkansen and therefore not for the journey from Honshu to Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto. The pass can be bought in Hokkaido or at JR East Travel Service Centers.
5-/7-day ¥19,000 (£125/$164) / ¥25,000 (£165/$216)