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Tokyo to Hokkaido Map & Overview
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Take a quick look at the map, and you'll see it - Hokkaido is way up north, sitting at the top of Japan like the crown of the country. It's separated from Tokyo (and the rest of Honshu) by the sea, so no matter how you get there, you're crossing water.
Now, how to make that crossing?
- Flying? Easiest. Fastest. Definitely the most popular.
- Train? Absolutely - thanks to a cool undersea tunnel that connects the islands.
- Ferry? Yep. Japan's an island nation after all.
- Car? Sure, if you're up for a long-haul road trip and don't mind using a ferry for part of the journey.
How Far is Tokyo from Hokkaido?
Tokyo to Hakodate: ~850 km (530 miles)
Tokyo to Sapporo: ~1,000 km (620 miles)
So yeah, it's a trek - but you've got options, and we'll help you find the one that fits you best. Ready to explore those options? Let's start with flying!
Hokkaido Map: Attractions, Cities, Transport & Tour Routes 2026
Tokyo to Hokkaido by Flight - The Fastest and Easiest Way
No surprise here - flying is the #1 way most people get from Tokyo to Hokkaido. It's fast, affordable (especially with budget airlines), and there are tons of options every day.
Whether you're landing in Sapporo, Hakodate, or even deeper into Hokkaido like Asahikawa or Kushiro, Tokyo has you covered. And Asia Odyssey Travel, as a Tokyo-based local agency, will offer hassle-free transfer service.
Departure Airports in Tokyo
You've got two main options:
Haneda Airport (HND)- Closer to downtown Tokyo, more convenient, and has the most flights to Hokkaido, especially for business and domestic travelers.
Narita Airport (NRT)- A bit farther from the city, but often cheaper, especially if you're flying with budget airlines like Peach or Jetstar.
Arrival Airports in Hokkaido
New Chitose Airport (CTS)- Main gateway to Sapporo and Otaru. Most popular arrival point. The capital is famous for snow festivals, beer, miso ramen, and cool city vibes. And Otaru is a romantic canal town just outside Sapporo, known for music boxes, glass art, and sushi.
Hakodate Airport (HKD)- Great if you want to explore southern Hokkaido first. Hakodate is a port city with a unique history, night views from Mt. Hakodate, and fresh seafood.
Asahikawa Airport (AKJ)- Perfect for exploring central Hokkaido like Furano, Biei, Asahikawa and Daisetsuzan National Park.
Other airports: Kushiro, Memanbetsu, Obihiro - ideal for going deep into nature or skiing.
Tokyo to Hokkaido Flight Time and Price
| Departure Airport | Arrival Airport | Duration | Flights/Day | Price Range (USD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Haneda | Chitose | 1 hr 30 min | 40+ | $100 - $300+ | Most frequent route, very convenient |
| Hakodate | 1 hr 25 min | 10+ | $100 - $250 | Best for southern Hokkaido | |
| Asahikawa | 1 hr 50 min | 6-8 | $120 - $250 | Good for Furano/Biei access | |
| Memanbetsu | 1 hr 50 min | 3-4 | $120 - $260 | Eastern Hokkaido nature spots | |
| Kushiro | 1 hr 45 min | 2-3 | $130 - $270 | For wildlife & lake lovers | |
| Narita | Chitose | 1 hr 40 min | 2-3 | $60 - $200 | Often cheaper via budget airlines |
Want a hassle-free air ride from Tokyo to Hokkaido? Contact Asia Odyssey Travel, a Tokyo-based agency, which can offer pick-up service if you book our Japan Tour Packages.
Tokyo to Sapporo: 2-20 hour Adventure by Flight, Train & Ferry
Tokyo to Hokkaido by Shinkansen (Bullet Train) - Scenic & Smooth
Love trains? Got a JR Pass? Want to enjoy Japan's landscapes as you travel? Then the Shinkansen (Japan's bullet train) is a fantastic way to get from Tokyo to Hokkaido.
The Shinkansen spend 4 hours bringing you to Hakodate, one of the most popular destinations in Hokkaido. It's suggested that you can spend 1-2 days here to enjoy the romantic vibe in this port city, especially during the snow days in winter.
Or you can take another Limited Express Train to Sapporo directly. This takes you another 3.5-4 hours to finally reach the capital of Hokkaido.
After 2-3 days exploration in Sapporo and Otaru, you can continue riding the train deep to Furano and Biei for their colorful flower fields, especially in Summer (June to August).
Want a seamless journey from Tokyo to Hokkaido? Contact Tokyo-Based Asia Odyssey Travel!
Ticket Prices (One Way)
| Seat Type | Tokyo → Shin-Hakodate | Hakodate → Sapporo | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ordinary Car (3+2) | ~$170 USD | ~$70 USD | $240 USD + |
| Green Car (2+2) | ~$230 USD | ~$70 USD | $330 USD + |
| Gran Class (1+2) | ~$310 USD | Not available | $380 USD + |
✔ JR Pass covers the full route - big savings if you're traveling elsewhere in Japan too!
Tokyo to Hokkaido by Ferry - The Slow but Scenic Route
Got time and want to try something different? Hop on a ferry from Tokyo to Hokkaido! It's not the fastest way, but it's a unique travel experience - part cruise, part transport, and fully chill.
First, small detail: there's no ferry directly from central Tokyo. But there is a convenient ferry route from Oarai Port (Ibaraki Prefecture, about 2 hours from Tokyo) to Tomakomai Port (near Sapporo).
This route is run by the Sunflower Ferry, and it's the most popular way to float your way north.
Schedule & Travel Time
| Route | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oarai → Tomakomai | 19:30 | Next day 13:30 | ~18 hours |
| Oarai → Tomakomai | 01:45 (next AM) | Same day 19:45 | ~18 hours |
Most travelers choose the evening ferry - more relaxing, and you can sleep through most of it.
Cabin Options & Prices
| Cabin Type | Price (USD) | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Floor-style shared room (Japanese) | ~$132 | Budget-friendly tatami-style bunk |
| Shared bunk beds | ~$152 | Basic but comfy |
| Private room with ocean view | ~$209 | Great for couples or quiet travelers |
| Suite-style cabin | ~$240+ | Like a small hotel room onboard |
You can even bring your car, motorbike, or bicycle, which makes it ideal for road trips.
Let's be real: this isn't the most efficient way to get to Hokkaido from Tokyo. Honestly, the whole ride is a little complex and confusing.
You need to take a train or bus from Tokyo to Oarai Port first, and then board the ferry. After 18-hour floating on the ocean and arrival in Tomakomai Port the next day, another train ride is waiting for you. It's also said that it's hard to sleep well on the ferry because the sea is rough and the ferry is shaking.
Asia Odyssey Travel suggests that stick with the plane or bullet train, unless you love sea travel.
Tokyo to Hokkaido by Car - Not Recommended (But Technically Possible)
Yes, you can drive from Tokyo to Hokkaido. But unless you're doing a long road trip or transporting a car for a very specific reason... it's probably not worth it.
To get there by car, you'll need to:
- Drive all the way up to Aomori(about 9-10 hours)
- Take a car ferryto Hokkaido (Aomori → Hakodate, ~4 hours)
- Then drive several more hours to reach your final destination (e.g., 4-5 hours to Sapporo)
- That's 2 full dayson the road, plus ferry fares, tolls, gas, and overnight stops.
Total cost? $300-$500+, depending on your route and vehicle.
✅ Okay if you're doing a Japan-wide road trip.
❌ Not practical for regular travelers.
Stick with flight or train unless you've got a very specific reason to drive.
Conclusion with Comparison Table
So, What's the Best Way to Get from Tokyo to Hokkaido? It all comes down to what kind of traveler you are.
In a rush or just want the easiest way? Fly. It's fast, frequent, and surprisingly affordable.
Got a JR Pass and want a scenic ride? Take the train - it's long but beautiful.
In no hurry and love slow travel? The ferry is your chill-out cruise north.
Planning a massive road trip? Sure, drive - but be ready for a mission.
Whichever way you go, Hokkaido is worth it - whether you're chasing powder snow, flower fields, seafood feasts, or cool summer air.
| Method | Travel Time | Cost (Approx.) | Best For | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Flight | 2.5-4 hrs (incl. transfers) | $60-$300+ | Most travelers | Fastest and easiest, lots of airport options |
| Train | 7.5-9 hrs | $240+ | JR Pass holders, scenery lovers | Shinkansen + transfer in Hakodate |
| Ferry | 18-20 hrs | $130-$250+ | Slow travelers, vehicle owners | Feels like a mini cruise, not direct to Sapporo |
| Drive | 2+ days | $300-$500+ | Long-haul road trippers | Not recommended for short stays |
Final Tip:
If it's your first trip to Hokkaido, we highly recommend flying into New Chitose Airport (for Sapporo) or Hakodate (if you want to explore the south first) - then explore by train, rental car, or guided tour.
Need help planning your Hokkaido route?
Asia Odyssey Travel is here with local advice and custom trips to make it all smooth and unforgettable.
Places to Visit After Arrival in Hokkaido
Made it to Hokkaido? Nice! Now comes the fun part - deciding where to go. Most travelers spend 5-7 days here, and that's a sweet spot for seeing the highlights without rushing.
Here's a quick idea of how long to stay in each place:
- Sapporo- 1-2 days: the perfect base to arrive, eat, and unwind
- Otaru- Half-day to 1 day: a cute little side trip from Sapporo
- Hakodate- 1-2 days: great for history, seafood, and epic night views
- Furano & Biei- 1-2 days (in summer): flower fields and countryside feels
- Asahikawa- 1 day: zoo, ramen, and access to central Hokkaido
- Niseko- 2-3 days (in winter): world-class skiing and hot springs
Not sure how to fit it all in? Let Asia Odyssey Travel help map out a route that matches your time and travel style - no stress, just fun.
Travel to Hokkaido with Tokyo-Based Asia Odyssey Travel
Planning your trip from Tokyo to Hokkaido? We've got you covered - not just with routes, but with the whole experience.
Asia Odyssey Travel, though based in Tokyo, offers personalized Hokkaido tours that take the stress out of travel. Whether you're into snow, hot springs, flowers, or fresh seafood, we'll design a custom itinerary that fits your pace, your interests, and your budget.
What you can expect with us:
✅ Tailor-made packages for families, couples, solo travelers, or small groups
✅ Attentive pick-up service at airports, ports, and train stations - no guesswork
✅ Friendly, professional guides who know Hokkaido inside out
✅ Reliable local drivers who get you there safely and comfortably
✅ Flexible routes - you choose where to go, we handle the rest
Let us help turn your Hokkaido trip into something smooth, scenic, and unforgettable.
Just say the word - and we'll plan the rest.
If you have any questions about this article, please contact us by submitting the following form and we'll immediately get back to you.
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