Tokyo To Hokkaido Distance: Know About Various Modes Of Transportation

May 17, 2025

Last Updated on: May 19, 2025

Travel Guides

Japan will have already exceeded the 10 million visitor mark by April 2025. The number is 10.54 million, specifically, as the Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) data states. 

JNTO had also stated earlier that 2024 was the year of the highest tourist footfall, with the number shooting up to 36.8 million. 

Now, Tokyo, as the cultural, economic, and commercial epicentre of Japan, is, of course, experiencing the most tourism boom. 

However, around 1300 km apart, Hokkaido also contributes to the country’s tourism growth. 

So, this time, we decided to make a Tokyo to Hokkaido journey, and our Tour and Travel blog has all the details as always!

What Is The Tokyo To Hokkaido Distance?

What Is The Tokyo To Hokkaido Distance

The distance between Tokyo and Hokkaido is 1,281.5 km. Traveling this distance by car takes around 20 hours. 

However, taking a flight or a bullet train is the best option for traveling between these two destinations. 

What Is A Good Month To Visit Hokkaido?

What Is A Good Month To Visit Hokkaido

Hokkaido is a year-round travel destination. However, the best times to visit are March to May (spring) and September to November (autumn).

Mild weather conditions and moderate rainfall make these months ideal for enjoying outdoor activities and exploring the nearby attractions. 

Further, Spring or Sakura is the cherry blossom season in Hokkaido and all parts of Japan. Similarly, Koyo, or the autumn foliage in yellow, orange, and red, makes Hokkaido look like a painting. 

Again, the summer season in Hokkaido is pleasant and cooler than Japan’s main island, and it is ideal for hiking and exploring the scenic flower fields. Also, in winter, Hokkaido has a lot of visitors for skiing and snowboarding. 

Nevertheless, the table below provides a detailed idea of the weather conditions of Hokkaido by month. 

MonthAverage Temperature (Degree Celsius)Rainfall (Inches)Hours of Sun
January-958
February-849
March-3410
April5212
May121.915
June181.715
July20316
August22514
September165.812
October94.811
November34.610
December-54.99

How Do I Go From Tokyo To Hokkaido?

How Do I Go From Tokyo To Hokkaido

There are four ways to travel from Hokkaido to Tokyo. You can take a flight, Shinkansen bullet train, ferry or car. 

Take A Tokyo To Hokkaido Flight

  • Duration: 1.2-1.5 Hours
  • Cost: 5500 Japanese Yen (One Way)
  • Route: Narita or Haneda Airport in Tokyo to Sapporo Chitose Airport
  • Best for: Quick Traveling

If you want to reach Hokkaido from Tokyo in the blink of an eye, you can take a flight to Sapporo from Narita or Haneda Airport.

These two airports are close to Tokyo Station. 

Traveling In Tokyo To Hokkaido Bullet Train

  • Duration: 7-7.5 Hours
  • Cost: 26990 – 35860 Japanese Yen (for Adults)
  • Route: Tokyo Station to Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto Station to Sapporo Station
  • Best for: Exploring the Scenic View and Food Scene

Taking the Tokyo to Hokkaido train is the way to cover the distance. The Shinkansen bullet train journey is long and expensive. 

However, it is the best way to explore the attractions on the route. 

Further, the train journey is divided into two stages. 

  1. Bullet train or Shinkansen from Tokyo to Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto
  2. Limited express train from Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto to Sapporo

The first stage of the journey takes around 4-4.5 hours, and the second stage of the journey will take close to 3.5 hours. 

Moreover, if you have plans to explore various parts of Japan by train, you can buy a JR or Japan Rail Pass for 50000 Japanese Yen. It remains valid for 7 days. 

Ferry Ride From Tokyo To Hokkaido

Ferry Ride From Tokyo To Hokkaido
  • Duration: 20-22 Hours
  • Cost: 26990 – 12000 Japanese Yen
  • Route: Tokyo to Oarai Port to Tomakomai Port to Sapporo
  • Best for: Patrons of Slow Traveling
  • Evening Ferry Timing: Departure – 7:45 PM, Arrival – 1:45 PM Next Day
  • Night Ferry Timing: Departure – 1:45 AM, Arrival: 7:35 PM Next Day

The journey from Tokyo to Hokkaido is divided into three stages. 

  1. First, you have to travel to Oarai Port from Tokyo Station after a train journey of 1 hour and 45 minutes. 
  2. Then, you will have to take the Sunflower Ferry from Oarai Port to Tomakomai Port.
  3. Finally, you will need to take a train ride or ride a car to reach Sapporo from Tomakomai Port.

Road Trip From Tokyo To Hokkaido

Road Trip From Tokyo To Hokkaido
  • Duration: 20-23 Hours
  • Cost: 15000 Japanese Yen for Tolls, 15000-26000 Japanese Yen for Ferries, and Car Rental
  • Route: Tokyo, Aomori City, Hakodate, Sapporo
  • Best for: Travelers Willing to Explore the Tohoku Region and other Areas

A car trip from Tokyo to Hokkaido is a lifetime experience. However, the journey also consists of various stages.

  • Driving from Tokyo to Aomori City
  • Ferry Ride from Aomori to Hakodate or Tomakomai
  • Driving to Sapporo

Tokyo To Hokkaido Journey: Places To Visit

There are multiple places to visit during the Tokyo to Hokkaido journey. Let me briefly introduce these stopovers to you. 

Otaru

Otaru

Otaru basks in its unique charm as a port city. You will see historical canals and old warehouses here. 

It also has many sushi bars if you want to try the best of Japanese flavors. 

• Sapporo

Sapporo

Sapporo has a palpable urban energy as the capital of the Hokkaido region. However, it is also the gateway to the Northeastern mountains. 

• Hakodate

Hakodate

It is a coastal city located at Hokkaido’s southwestern tip. It is often referred to as the gateway between Hokkaido and Honshu. 

• Tohoku Region

The Tohoku Region has historical attractions like Sendai. The Aomori prefecture is a cultural hub of the region. 

However, for me, Kakunodate is the most fascinating place here. It is well-preserved, and this feudal town is home to Samurai residences. 

• Shiretoko National Park

Shiretoko National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is known for its colorful wildlife and pristine ambiance. 

• Daisetsuzan National Park

It is the largest national park in Hokkaido. With its diverse landscape and trails, it is a favorite of hikers. 

Lake Toya, Nikko, Furano and Biei, and Lake Akan are other popular places to visit on the Tokyo to Hokkaido journey.

Tokyo To Hokkaido: Where To Eat? 

Tokyo To Hokkaido Where To Eat

If you love ramen and soup curries, the Tokyo to Hokkaido journey will be the ultimate gastronomic delight. You cannot miss the seafood, grilled lamb, or Jingisukan. 

Further, Aomori and Sendai will be your stopovers on the route. These cities in the Tohoku region are known for their regional delicacies such as Kiritanpo Hot Pot, Hachinohe Senbei Soup, and Kitakata Ramen. 

See why we all prefer bullet train rides over flights! 😋😋😋😋😋😋

Further, once you reach Sapporo in Hokkaido, your choices will be as vivid as they can get. 

Sapporo DelicaciesWhy So Special?
Sapporo RamenThick noodles
Rich broth
Diverse in toppings
JingisukanSignature-style grilled lamb
Tastes amazing with beer
Soup CurryA flavor bomb with a fusion of Indian and Japanese flavors. 
Fresh SeafoodSushi
Nemuro Hanamaru and other crab delicacies
Steak or YakinikuSignature Hokkaido-style grilled beef
SweetsYogurts Parfait
Mango Parfait

Is Hokkaido Worth Visiting?

Yes, Hokkaido is a place worth visiting. It is a melting pot of unique cultures, outdoor activities, and natural wonders. Also, Hokkaido has some real surprises for Murakami fans, and I will spill the beans if you are not already aware!

First, have a look at the table below for a sneak peek into why Hokkaido is so popular among tourists.

Reasons Why You Must Visit HokkaidoThe Highlights
Cultural and Historical Experiences• Hakodate Historical Town
• Onsen culture or hot spring experiences in Noboribetsu
• Exploring the indigenous Ainu Culture at Lake Akan
Gastronomic delight• Fresh seafood at the Sapporo fish market
• Trying Sapporo ramen, soup, and dairy products**
• Exploring Ramen Alley or Ganso Ramen Yokocho in the Susukino nightlife area
(It is the birthplace of miso ramen.)
Exploring Wildlife• A visit to the Shiretoko National Park
• Spotting bears, deer, and foxes
Diverse Landscapes• Mountains such as Asahi-dake, Mount Rausu, etc. 
• Forest areas such as Mt. Daisetsu and the Hidaka Mountains
• Hokkaido is home to 22% of the entire forest land in Japan. 
• Beaches in Hokkaido, such as Otsu Beach, Shimamui Beach and Aso Beach Ishikari
• Volcanic areas such as the Akan Volcanic Complex, Shikotsu-Toya National Park, and Daisetsuzan Volcanic Group
Winter Sports• Skiing
• Snowboarding
Summer Outdoor Activities• Biking
• Hiking
• Cycling

** Hokkaido is world-famous for its milk and dairy products. Hokkaido milk is creamy, rich, and full-bodied. It has been a favorite among chefs and connoisseurs since the 19th century after the western farming technique became popular in Japan.**

Why Is Hokkaido A Murakami Lover’s Dream Destination?

Have you heard of the Matsuyama Farm, located in the remote north of Hokkaido? It is an annual meeting ground for Murakami lovers from all corners of the world. 

Further, Hokkaido is THE LOCATION of the Oscar-winning film Drive My Car. It was based on Haruki Murakami’s stories. 

Also, be it the Men Without Women story collection or the surreal novel A Wild Sheep Chase, Hokkaido has been an important element in Murakami’s work. 

Moreover, prominent places mentioned in Murakami’s work are:

  • Keio Plaza Hotel in Sapporo (the inspiration behind the Dolphin Hotel in Dance Dance Dance)
  • Nakatonbetsu (the hometown of the young chauffeur in Drive My Car)
  • Bifuka (the inspiration behind the town of Junitaki in A Wild Sheep Chase. 

Also, Lake Shikotsu, despite not being directly related to the work of Murakami, is a place you cannot miss in Hokkaido.

Is 3 Days Enough In Hokkaido?

The second-largest island in Japan, Hokkaido, cannot be explored in three days. However, here, we have tried making a compressed itinerary if you are staying here for three days. 

  • On the first day, you can tour Sapporo and visit places such as the Sapporo TV Tower, Hokkaido Jingu Shrine, and Moerenuma Park. 
  • Further, on day 2, you can explore the history of Hokkaido by visiting coastal cities such as Otaru (known for its historic canals) and Otoyama Sake Brewery Museum. Also, don’t forget to try the seafood here.
  • On day 3, you can enjoy the best of Hokkaido’s natural wonders such as Nopporo Forest Park, Lake Shikotsu, and Mount Tarumae. 

Mount Tarumae is an active volcano and a popular hiking spot. On the other hand, Lake Shikotsu is the second-deepest lake in Japan. 

Are you tired of exploring all the outdoor attractions in Hokkaido? Relax at hot springs such as Jozankei, Noboritbetsu, and Asahidake and enjoy the ultimate Japanese experience. 

Tokyo To Hokkaido Distance Frequently Asked Questions (FAQS) 

Here are the frequently asked questions and answers about the Tokyo to Hokkaido distance.

How Long Is The Bullet Train From Tokyo To Hokkaido?

The Hayabusa Shinkansen is the fastest bullet train running from Tokyo to Hokkaido. This journey from Tokyo to Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto takes around 3 hours and 57 minutes. 

You can book a reserved seat at 26990 Japanese Yen or a Green Seat for 35860 Japanese Yen (for adults).

Is It Better To Fly Or Train From Tokyo To Sapporo?

If you want to travel quickly, you must take a Tokyo to Sapporo flight, which will take around 1 hour and 35 minutes. 

New Chitose Airport near Sapporo serves as the key entry point. 

On the other hand, if you want a more scenic experience, you can take a two-stage train journey.

Bullet train or Shinkansen from Tokyo to Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto
Limited express train from Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto to Sapporo

The total journey will take around 7.5 hours.

How Long Is A Flight From Tokyo to Hokkaido?

The flight from Tokyo to Sapporo in Hokkaido takes from 1 hour 20 minutes to 1 hour 40 minutes. 

It is one of the busiest air routes in the world, and hence, you will get many flight options. 


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Meet Sibashree Bhattacharya, a travel enthusiast who has a decade-long experience in transcending virtual barriers with her words! Her deep love for travel is apparent from her travel escapades to the mountain, often taking her readers on a journey, her words acting as Portkey! Fun fact: Sibashree loves to dive deep into the history of the places she is about to visit, making her travels even more wholesome. If you were wondering how her articles are not short of time travel, this answers it!

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