Want to get the most out of your trip without paying over the odds? The JR East-South Hokkaido Rail Pass gives you 6 consecutive days of unlimited train travel through Tokyo, Tohoku, and southern Hokkaido.
The JR East-South Hokkaido Rail Pass lets you experience the spectacular Japanese countryside, as well as bustling cities. It’s the best way to pack as much as possible into your stay, and includes access to top destinations like Yamagata, Akita, Morioka, and Hakodate.
We’ve designed this 7-day itinerary to help you get the most out of the pass, with savings of more than 130 USD when compared to buying individual tickets.
Unlimited 6-day access to JR East services within the Kanto, Tohoku, and southern Hokkaido regions, including use of Shinkansen and Joyful trains.
You’ll start with a day in Tokyo before starting your adventure by train and finishing up in Sapporo, the region’s capital and best hub for international flights. Check out this guide to the perfect adventure by rail through the North of Japan.
Table of Contents
Day 1: Arrive in Tokyo
Once you have landed at Narita Airport or Haneda Airport, make your way to Tokyo’s city center.
To make the most of your pass, we recommend activating it on Day 2 of your 7-day trip. For your journey from the airport, pick up a one-way ticket from the station.
From Narita Airport, take the 60-minute Narita Express to Tokyo Station. If you’re traveling from Haneda Airport, the Tokyo Monorail will take you to Hamamatsucho, then get the Yamanote Line to central Tokyo.
Spend the day recovering from your flight and exploring the city’s must-see sights, like Shibuya Crossing, the Meiji Shrine, and Asakusa. Don’t miss Shinjuku’s world-renowned bars for a nightcap.
Day 2: Explore Nikko
Head to a JR Exchange Office to activate your JR East-South Hokkaido Rail Pass. Nikko is a 2-hour journey away from the hustle and bustle of Tokyo, with relaxing views of the scenic countryside as you travel.
First, take the Tohoku Shinkansen to Utsunomiya Station, then transfer to the JR Nikko Line to reach Nikko Station.
Take your time exploring Nikko’s historic center and UNESCO-listed heritage sites. Toshogu Shrine, Shinkyo Bridge, and Rinnoji Temple, are all within a 30 minute walk from the train station.
If you want to spend more time in the area, stay overnight and take a local bus to Lake Chuzenji and Kegon Falls. Alternatively, make the return trip to Tokyo to spend the night.
Day 3: Nikko or Tokyo to Sendai
If you stayed in Nikko, take the JR Nikko Line to Utsunomiya, then board the Tohoku Shinkansen to Sendai. The full journey takes around 2 hours. From Tokyo, you can catch the Tohoku Shinkansen directly.
Once you arrive, take time to explore Sendai’s relaxed city center on foot. It’s known as the ‘City of Trees’ thanks to its wide boulevards and green spaces.
Take an evening walk through Jozenji-dori Avenue, which is beautifully lit at night, especially in the Winter. For dinner, try gyutan (grilled beef tongue), a regional speciality.
Day 4: Explore Sendai
Morning
Start the day with a visit to the Zuihoden Mausoleum, the resting place of Sendai’s founder, Date Masamune. It’s located next to a peaceful natural forest park with various temples and monuments.
Afternoon
Visit the Sendai City Museum or take a short bus ride to the Sendai Castle Ruins for panoramic views of the city.
Evening
Make your way to the lively Ichibancho shopping arcade to browse and grab a bite to eat. You’ll find many izakayas around Kokubuncho where you can enjoy a meal amongst locals.
Day 5: Sendai to Hakodate
Start the day with a ride on the Tohoku Shinkansen to Shin-Aomori, then transfer to the Hokkaido Shinkansen to reach Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto.
The total journey takes about 4 hours, making it the perfect opportunity to get involved in Japan’s ekiben culture. Pick up a regional bento box at the train station or onboard Shinkansen.
From Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto, take a local train into central Hakodate and begin exploring. The Motomachi district has great hilltop views, or take the ropeway up to Mount Hakodate for sunset.
Day 6: Hakodate to Sapporo
Take the Limited Express Hokuto from Hakodate to Sapporo. The ride takes around 3.5 hours, and offers lovely views of Hokkaido’s coastline and countryside.
Once you arrive in Sapporo, take a walk through Odori Park and visit the historic Hokkaido Government Office.
If you have time, stop by the Sapporo Beer Museum or grab a snack at Nijo Market.
Unlimited 6-day access to JR East services within the Kanto, Tohoku, and southern Hokkaido regions, including use of Shinkansen and Joyful trains.
Day 7: Sapporo to New Chitose Airport
Spend your final morning enjoying all that Sapporo has to offer. Head to the TV Tower for skyline views, or check out the shops and cafés in the Tanukikoji shopping arcade.
When it’s time to leave, take the JR Rapid Airport train from Sapporo Station to New Chitose Airport. The ride takes about 40 minutes and runs frequently throughout the day.
If your flight is later, grab one last meal or souvenir before heading home.