You can use the JR Hokkaido Rail Pass for unlimited rides on JR trains (except the Hokkaido Shinkansen) and most JR buses in Hokkaido on 3, 5 or 7 consecutive days or on 4 days of your choice within a 10-day period.
HOKKAIDO RAIL PASS holders may ride all JR Hokkaido trains (excluding Hokkaido Shinkansen) within the valid period
If you have a HOKKAIDO RAIL PASS, you can ride all JR Hokkaido trains (excluding Hokkaido Shinkansen)and some designated JR buses within Hokkaido.
Reserved and non-reserved seats in the ordinary car of limited express trains on JR Hokkaido Line
Reserved and non-reserved seats of special rapid and rapid trains on JR Hokkaido Line Local trains on JR Hokkaido Line
Reserved and non-reserved seats of temporary trains (limited express/rapid/local) on JR Hokkaido Line
HOKKAIDO RAIL PASS can be used on all JR Hokkaido train lines except the Hokkaido Shinkansen. HOKKAIDO RAIL PASS cannot be used on lines of other companies such as South Hokkaido Railway, Sapporo Municipal Subway, etc
HOKKAIDO RAIL PASS holders cannot ride the Hokkaido Shinkansen Hayabusa and Hayate trains. If you wish to ride the Hokkaido Shinkansen, you must purchase a separate Basic fare ticket, a Limited express ticket, etc
HOKKAIDO RAIL PASS holders cannot take the “South Hokkaido Railway.” A separate ticket will be required when taking the train.
HOKKAIDO RAIL PASS holders cannot take the reserved seats on SL Fuyu-noShitsugen Train. A separate ticket will be required when taking the train.
Reminder
Refund Policy
To exchange your Japan Rail Pass Exchange Order for the actual Japan Rail Pass, you will need to follow these steps:
Purchase the Japan Rail Pass Exchange Order: The Japan Rail Pass cannot be purchased directly in Japan. You need to buy an Exchange Order from an authorised sales office or an authorised travel agent before arriving in Japan.
Arrive in Japan: Once you arrive in Japan, locate a Japan Rail Pass Exchange Office. These offices are usually found in major airports, including Narita, Haneda, Kansai, and other major train stations.
Present your Exchange Order: When you visit the Japan Rail Pass Exchange Office, present your Exchange Order along with your passport. Make sure to have your passport with you, as it will be required for verification purposes.
Choose the validity period: At the exchange office, you will be asked to choose the start date for your Japan Rail Pass. The pass can be activated on any day within 30 days of the exchange, but once activated, the validity period cannot be changed.
Complete the application form: You will need to fill out an application form with your personal details, including your name, passport number, and duration of stay. The form is usually available at the exchange office, and staff will assist you if needed.
Receive your Japan Rail Pass: After completing the form and verification done, the staff will provide you with the actual Japan Rail Pass. The pass consists of a paper ticket and a small booklet containing important information about the pass, including rules and instructions.
Remember to keep your Japan Rail Pass with you at all times during your travel in Japan, as you may be required to show it to the staff when entering and exiting the train stations or boarding the trains.
