Hokkaido is Japan's northernmost island. The distance from Tokyo is about the same as the distance between New York and Chicago.
You can reach Hokkaido mainly by flight or train. From our experience, flying is your best bet. It's the fastest and most convenient option.
In this article, we compare these transport options and share useful tips, helping you make the right choice quickly and easily.
The Best Way to Travel from Tokyo to Hokkaido
Flying is the best option for most travelers. It is the fastest, most convenient, and often cheaper than taking the train. You can reach Sapporo in about 2 hours.
In contrast, taking the train is not very easy. The Shinkansen from Tokyo only goes to Hakodate, while the main city in Hokkaido is Sapporo. From Hakodate, it takes another 3.5 hours by train to reach Sapporo.
Here's a quick comparison from Tokyo to Sapporo to help you decide:
| Transport | Time | Price | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flight | 1.5-2h | US$40-160 |  |
| Train | 8-9h | US$230 | |
| Ferry | 18h | US$70-280 | Not Recommended |
Travel by Plane: Most Chosen, Fastest, & Most Convenient Way
- Duration: 1.5-2 hours
- Cost: US$40-160 one way
- Best for: First-time visitors, families with kids/seniors, and travelers on a 7–10 day trip in Japan
The best way to get from Tokyo to Hokkaido is by plane. It is the fastest and most convenient option, and also gives you great value for money.
We recommend flying from Tokyo's Haneda Airport. It is within Tokyo, so you can reach it in just 30 to 45 minutes from your hotel. There are also more flights and more flexible departure times.
If you choose a budget airline (such as Peach or Jetstar), you will usually fly from Narita Airport. The ticket may only cost US$40 - 50, but it takes about 60 to 90 minutes to get there from downtown Tokyo. This means your total travel time will be longer.
Most flights land at New Chitose Airport, Hokkaido's main gateway. It is about a 40 - 50 minute drive to downtown Sapporo.
The whole trip takes about 4 hours, including airport transfers, check-in, security, and baggage claim. Here is a simple breakdown:
- Flight time: 1.5-2 hours
- Check-in and security: 20-40 minutes. Domestic flights in Japan are very efficient
- Get to and from the airport: 1-1.5hours
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Travel by Shinkansen: A Long Journey with Beautiful Views from the Window
- Duration: 4.5 hours from Tokyo to Hakodate by Shinkansen, then 3.5 to 4 hours from Hakodate to Sapporo by train.
- Cost: The Shinkansen from Tokyo to Hakodate is about US$160, and the train from Hakodate to Sapporo is about US$70.
- Best for: Travelers who enjoy scenic train views and prefer a slow-paced trip.
Hakodate in winterRight now, there is only one Shinkansen line connecting Tokyo and Hokkaido, the Tohoku-Hokkaido line. It ends in Hakodate, and the ride takes about 4.5 hours.
This option is best if your Hokkaido trip starts in Hakodate.
However, Hakodate is in the southern part of Hokkaido, and it is about 3.5 hours away from Sapporo and other major tourist cities.
Because of this, we don't recommend taking the Shinkansen if your final destination is Sapporo. You will need to transfer, and the total journey takes about 8 to 9 hours. This can make you feel more tired.
To make your long train trip more comfortable, it's smart to buy a Green Car ticket. It costs about US$50 more than a regular seat, but you get more legroom space and better service, so you'll feel less tired after the ride.
Travel by Ferry: The Slowest Way to Go
- Duration: 18-20 hours
- Cost: US$70-280
- Best for: Slow-paced travelers, those on Japan trips of 3 weeks or more, and anyone looking for a unique travel experience.
Furano in summerIf your Japan trip is longer than 3 weeks and you want to slow down and take a break, you can consider taking a ferry from Tokyo to Hokkaido. However, it will take up a full day of your trip.
A ferry trip is a different experience compared to other forms of transport. You can relax in an indoor hot spring while enjoying sea views, and watching both the sunrise and sunset.
The MOL Sunflower ferry from Tokyo to Hokkaido is a popular choice. It is the closest and most convenient ferry option from Tokyo. There are two departures each day:
| Ferry | Departure Time | Arrival Time |
|---|---|---|
| Evening ferry | 19:45 | Next day 13:30 |
| Late-night ferry | 01:45 | 19:45 |
The ferry usually departs from Oarai Port in Ibaraki Prefecture and arrives at Tomakomai Port in Hokkaido. It takes about 2 hours by train to get from Tokyo to Oarai Port. After arriving, it takes about 1 hour by car from Tomakomai Port to Sapporo.
This means you need to plan your train schedule from Tokyo to Oarai Port carefully. If you miss your train or there is a delay, you might not make it to the ferry.
FAQs about Travel from Tokyo to Hokkaido
1. Which Cities Can You Fly From to Hokkaido Besides Tokyo?
Besides Tokyo, several other major cities in Japan also offer domestic flights to Hokkaido, including Osaka, Nagoya, and Fukuoka.
Flights from these cities take about two hours to reach Hokkaido. However, there are fewer flights compared to Tokyo.
2. Is It a Good Idea to Do a Self-Drive Trip from Tokyo to Hokkaido?
Roads in JapanAlthough it is possible to drive from Tokyo to Hokkaido, we don't recommend it. It takes at least a full day and might not be very safe.
Plus, if you are used to left-hand drive cars, driving a right-hand drive car in Japan may feel strange at first. It can affect how you judge the road and your reaction time, especially on long drives.
3. Is It Better to Take a Plane or a Train to Hokkaido with a Lot of Luggage?
Generally, flying is more convenient. You don't need to carry your luggage around when transferring at train stations, and the whole experience is much easier.
If you fly, it is best to choose Japan Airlines. Usually, each person can check in two pieces of luggage, each weighing 20 to 23 kg. If you choose a budget airline like Peach, you usually need to pay extra for checked luggage.
If you take the train, we can help you book an oversized luggage seat on the Shinkansen from Tokyo to Hakodate. These seats are in the last row of each car, with space for luggage behind the seat. But they are in high demand; it's better to book one month in advance.
Oversized luggage storage on the Shinkansen4. Is there a Shinkansen for traveling around Hokkaido?
There is still no Shinkansen in Hokkaido. To travel around the region, you can use Japan Railways trains. They are slower than the Shinkansen.
The line from Hakodate to Sapporo is expected to open in 2030.
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