How to get around Hokkaido - Budget or convenience
Getting around Hokkaido is relatively easy thanks to its well-developed transportation network. Here are some common methods of transportation to navigate the island:
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Hokkaido’s snow festival (https://www.uniquejapantours.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/download-4.jpeg)
1. Train: Hokkaido is served by the JR Hokkaido railway network, offering convenient and efficient train services connecting major cities and towns. The Hokkaido Shinkansen (bullet train) runs from Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto to Shin-Aomori, providing high-speed travel between Hokkaido and the main island of Honshu. Local trains and express trains also operate throughout Hokkaido, making it easy to explore different regions of the island.
Get yourself a Hokkaido JR Rail Pass here to access the entire island
Hokkaido Shinkansen bullet train (http://english.agrinews.co.jp/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/9b70d7370185f56d4d6b9d064530b047.jpg)
2. Bus: Buses are another popular mode of transportation in Hokkaido, especially for reaching destinations not serviced by trains. The Hokkaido Chuo Bus and Donan Bus companies operate extensive bus routes connecting cities, towns, and tourist attractions across the island. Additionally, there are sightseeing buses and shuttle buses available in popular tourist areas like Sapporo, Furano, and Noboribetsu.
Bus in Hokkaido (https://live.staticflickr.com/873/41365126812_ee1a3115ec_b.jpg)
3. Rental Car: Renting a car is a convenient option for exploring Hokkaido, particularly in rural areas with limited public transportation. Several car rental companies operate at major airports and train stations throughout the island, offering a range of vehicles to suit different needs and budgets. Hokkaido's well-maintained road network makes it relatively easy to navigate by car, and driving allows for flexibility and access to remote destinations.
Get your car here
Rental Car (https://res.klook.com/images/fl_lossy.progressive,q_65/c_fill,w_1295,h_720/w_80,x_15,y_15,g_south_west,l_Klook_water_br_trans_yhcmh3/activities/kkjoazkctuoonzrbp7i2/1-6DayCarRentalforHokkaido(LowSeason).jpg)
4. Taxi: Taxis are available in cities and towns throughout Hokkaido, offering a convenient but more expensive mode of transportation compared to trains and buses. Taxis can be hailed on the street or found at taxi stands located near train stations, airports, and major tourist attractions. It's worth noting that English-speaking taxi drivers may be limited outside of major tourist areas, so it can be helpful to have your destination written down in Japanese.
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Taxi in Hokkaido (https://holigoes.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Toyota-Crown-2.jpg)
5. Domestic Flights: For traveling longer distances within Hokkaido or between Hokkaido and other regions of Japan, domestic flights are available from several airports across the island. Hokkaido's main airports include New Chitose Airport near Sapporo, Asahikawa Airport, Hakodate Airport, and Kushiro Airport. Airlines such as Japan Airlines (JAL) and All Nippon Airways (ANA) operate domestic flights serving these airports.
Hokkaido has several regional and local airports (flightconnections.com)
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