How to get from Kyoto/ Tokyo to Hokkaido?

Hi there,

The good news is that the JR Pass will carry you all the way to and around Hokkaido, the (maybe) not so good news is that it takes a long time to get there, this is a great map for reference. The travel time from Tokyo to Hakodate (most southern city on Hokkaido) takes around 6 hours. Going up to Sapporo will add an other 3 hours.

The travel from Tokyo to Kyoto (or visa versa) is 160 minutes by JR Pass and should be added to the total travel time from Tokyo - Hokkaido.

It is also possible to fly from Tokyo to Hokkaido and this may be recommended if your stay in Japan in short.

Hope this helps,
-Daniel

Thank you:)!!

One other question I have..

I got my two week pass in my country about two weeks ago.

What is the expiration date? And do I only have to get to a station and ask to begin using my JR pass?
Then, it is valid for exactly 14 days? With the time I started or only date?

thank you so much, it is a pleasure asking you!

Hi Stav,

You can exchange the JR Pass up to 90 days after purchase. When you exchange the pass you can select the start date up to 30 days from that day.

Say you bought your pass on may 2nd. It can than be exchanged until July 31st. You can exchange your JR Pass at most major stations in Japan (including, Tokyo and Narita Airport). You can find the complete list here.

I hope this answers your question,
-Daniel

Hay Daniel!
Yes, it does:)
I only now looked carefully in the website and most information is already there- I'm sorry I botherd you..

When I start using my ticket- say on June 1. When does it expire? Does the hour matter?

Hope your day continues wonderfully,
Stav

Hi Stav,

There a lot of information out there, so no problem asking questions about it. I am here to help ;)

The first day of use is counted as a full day, no matter what time you start using it. So it will be valid until the end of the 14th of June if you activate it on the 1st. This may explain it better.

Have a wonderful day too (I hope the weather is a little better where you live than it is over here)!
-Daniel