Hokkaido Transportation Guide: How to Get to Hokkaido & Travel Around

You’re probably clued in enough to realize that Hokkaido is one of Japan’s and even the world’s most popular destinations, packed with world-class skiing slopes, Furano rainbow meadows walks, natural parks hikes, wildlife spotting, and authentic food experiences. As with any place on earth, how you get to Hokkaido depends on where you are traveling from - Tokyo or another country. With its well-serviced New Chitose Airport and an extensive Shinkansen network (Japanese high-speed train) - getting to Hokkaido from wherever you wish is an absolute doddle.

Moreover, find out how to travel around Hokkaido to the top cities like Sapporo, Otaru, Furano, Biei, and Shiretoko for the ski resorts, shrines, national parks, and lavender fields using the public transport in Hokkaido. Learn about using the train, subway, highway, bus, taxi, and more.

It's never been easier to get to/around Hokkaido with our handy guide!

How to Get to Hokkaido Japan

Getting to Hokkaido by International Flights

The main international gateway airport to Hokkaido from abroad is New Chitose Airport (CTS). Located near Sapporo, it is Hokkaido's main international and domestic air hub. International cities with direct flights to New Chitose Airport include Singapore, Seoul, Hong Kong, Bangkok, Shanghai, and Sydney. Currently, most cities in North America and Europe require connecting flights to Hokkaido via Tokyo, Osaka, and Nagoya.

Tips: When you have picked your travel dates, you’re suggested to check different online travel sites, such as Skyscanner, Expedia, etc., to find out the best deals on flights to Hokkaido. Individual airline websites like Eva Air, Cathay Pacific, Japan Airlines, and Qantas are also good ideas.

Alternative: Arrive in Honshu & Connect to a Domestic Flight or Shinkansen

Fly into Tokyo’s Narita Airport (NRT) or Haneda Airport (HND) from your city, and then connect to a domestic flight to arrive in Hokkaido in about 1.5 hours. Alternatively, take the Shinkansen or night train from Tokyo to Hokkaido (recommended for those planning an in-depth Japan tour).

New Chitose Airport in Hokkaido

New Chitose Airport is located on the border of Chitose City and Tomakomai City in Hokkaido, Japan, and mainly serves the city of Sapporo. The airport is approximately 40 km northwest of Sapporo city centre, 3 km northwest of Chitose city centre, and 17 km southwest of Tomakomai city centre. Flights to New Chitose Airport are opened from major cities within Japan, such as Tokyo, Sendai, Osaka, Sendai, Kobe, Fukuoka, Aomori, Nagoya, and Hiroshima.

Transfer to train at the airport: At New Chitose Airport, you can transfer to the Chitose Line of the Japan Hokkaido Railway. The station is located on the first basement level of the Domestic Passenger Terminal Building.

Airport Shuttle Bus: There are 29 bus terminals on the ground floor of the Domestic Passenger Terminal Building at New Chitose Airport, where passengers can hop on the airport shuttle buses.

How to Get to Hokkaido from Tokyo

For your Japan tour, there are several ways to get to Hokkaido from Tokyo, mainly by air, Shinkansen, and highway buses.

By Plane: the Fastest Transport

Tokyo's two main airports, Haneda (HND) and Narita (NRT), offer a number of daily flights to Hokkaido's major airports, including Sapporo's New Chitose (CTS), Hakodate (HKD), Asahikawa (AKJ), and Memanbetsu (MMB) airports. Flight time is approximately 1.5 hours. Airlines include ANA, JAL, Peach, Jetstar Japan, and low-cost carriers with low advance booking rates. Low-cost carriers offer low prices for early bookings.

By Shinkansen: Comfortable with Scenic Views All Along

From Tokyo to Shin-Hakodate Hokuto is about 4 hours on the Shinkansen. And then it's another 3 hours to Sapporo by limited express train. So about 7 hours in total. The fare is about 27,000 yen ($187.30 USD).

Although it is slower than a plane and not cheap, the Shinkansen is punctual and comfortable. The scenery along the way is beautiful, and you can get off the train and visit Sendai, Morioka, and Aomori.

Tips: It is recommended that international travelers purchase a Japan Rail Pass (JR Pass) or a Hokkaido Area Pass to save money.

By Highway Bus: the Cheapest, but It Takes the Longest

Night buses from Tokyo to Sapporo take about 16 to 18 hours and cost ¥8,000-¥13,000. It is cheap and saves money on accommodation, making it a good choice for budget travelers.

Plan vs. Shinkansen vs. Highway Bus

Transport Recommended For Why You should Take it Why You Should Avoid it ✈️ Airplane General tourists, time-sensitive travelers Fast, affordable / ???? Shinkansen Sightseers, railway enthusiasts Comfortable, scenic Slower, more expensive ???? Highway Bus Budget travelers, deep cultural experience seekers, Cheapest, saves on accommodation, Very slow, less comfortable

How to Get to Hokkaido from Other Places in Japan

Getting from Osaka to Hokkaido

By Flight: You can take flights to New Chitose, Asahikawa, and Hakodate airports from Kansai International Airport or Itami Airport in Osaka. Flight time is about 1 hour and 50 minutes.

By Shinkansen: From Osaka, take the Tokaido Shinkansen to Tokyo for about 2.5-3 hours. Then take the Tohoku and Hokkaido Shinkansen from Tokyo to Shin-Hakodate-Kita for about 4 hours.

By Express Bus: From Osaka to Sapporo, there are some direct routes, but usually a transfer is required. It takes approximately 20 to 24 hours.

Getting from Kyoto to Hokkaido

By Flight: There is no airport in Kyoto, so you need to take a train or bus to the airport in Osaka first.

By Shinkansen: The time and route are the same as those from Osaka.

By Express Bus: The same as you do from Osaka.

From other cities in Honshu, Japan’s main island, such as Yokohama, Nagoya, and Kobe, you can also choose among the flights, Shinkansen, or highway buses depending on your budget and preference.

How to Get Around Hokkaido

Although Hokkaido is a vast area, it has a well-developed public transport network including railways (JR), buses, subways, and ships. We've helped you summarize the public transport in Hokkaido to give you an idea of how to get from one city to another and how to get to popular attractions.

Railway (JR Hokkaido)

Hakodate Main Line: Main stations include Sapporo, Otaru, and Hakodate, offering access to the Otaru Canal and the night view of Mt. Komagatake.

Furano Line: Main stations include Sapporo, Asahikawa, and Furano,  offering access to Tomita Farm and the Biei Patchwork Road.

Soya Main Line: Main stations include Sapporo, Asahikawa, and Wakkanai, offering access to Cape Soya, the northernmost point in Japan.

Nemuro Main Line: Main stations include Sapporo, Kushiro, and Nemuro, providing access to the Kushiro Wetlands and Lake Mashu.

Ishiboku Main Line: Main stations include Sapporo, Abashiri, and Shiretoko, with access to the Abashiri Prison Museum and Shiretoko Five Lakes.

JR Hokkaido Pass is Highly Recommended

Applicable to the main routes of Sapporo - Asahikawa - Furano - Hakodate - Abashiri

Valid for: 3/5/7 days, etc.

Where to buy: JR official website, Sapporo Station, and airports

Express Bus/Tourist Bus

Highway buses are available from Sapporo to Noboribetsu, Furano, and Lake Akan, and from Asahikawa to Daisetsuzan National Park. Lake Akan sightseeing buses and Shiretoko sightseeing buses are also available.

Ship

There are round-trip routes between Hakodate and Aomori, Sapporo and Sendai, and the Otaru Peninsula.

Hokkaido’s Internal Transport of Each City & Scenic Spot

In Sapporo: You can choose from three subway lines (North-South, East-West, and Higashi-Toyo) and city buses to get around the city.

In Otaru: City buses are available. Canals, glassworks, and sushi street are within walking distance.

In Furano and Biei: JR trains and sightseeing buses (in summer) are recommended. Rent bicycles in the countryside.

At Lake Toyako and Noboribetsu Onsen: The bus stops are connected to the scenic spots. There are sightseeing boats around Lake Toyako and the Jigokudani Trail in Noboribetsu.

In Shiretoko Peninsula: Buses are less frequent, so it is recommended to take a group day tour or book a private tour/transfer.

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