Hokkaido Shinkansen: Tokyo to Hakodate and Sapporo, flight vs train, and the Seikan tunnel
The Hokkaido Shinkansen connects Tokyo with northern Japan, offering a comfortable rail journey to Hokkaido.
Many visitors have common questions: Can you go to Sapporo by Shinkansen? How long does the trip take? Is it better than flying?
This article answers those questions with up-to-date information on routes, travel times, and what to expect when traveling by train.
What Is the Hokkaido Shinkansen?
The Hokkaido Shinkansen is a high-speed rail line. Currently, direct Shinkansen services operate all the way from Tokyo to Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto Station.
Key Facts
- Current Shinkansen endpoints: Tokyo ↔ Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto (via Shin-Aomori)
- Fastest journey time: about 3 hours 57–58 minutes
- Undersea tunnel: Seikan Tunnel beneath the Tsugaru Strait
Current Service Area
Most services start at Tokyo and run through to Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto without train changes. The journey covers approximately 862 kilometers. Trains use the Seikan Tunnel beneath the Tsugaru Strait to connect Honshu and Hokkaido.
Hayabusa trains provide most direct services, with some Hayate trains operating shorter routes. Major stops include Sendai, Morioka, and Shin-Aomori. Journey times range from 4 hours to 4 hours 30 minutes depending on stops.
Tokyo to Hokkaido: How Far Does the Shinkansen Go?
The Shinkansen terminates at Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto, not in Hakodate city center. Sapporo is not reachable by direct Shinkansen today. The Hakodate Liner connects Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto to Hakodate Station in about 20 minutes. Limited express trains continue to Sapporo in about 3.5 to 4 hours depending on the service.
Where the Shinkansen Ends Today
Understanding the current route helps you plan effectively. Many travelers assume the train goes to Sapporo. This is incorrect as of 2025.
Why the Shinkansen Does Not Reach Sapporo Yet
The extension to Sapporo is under construction. The new section is now expected to open in the late 2030s. Until then, Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto remains the final stop. This means longer total travel time if Sapporo is your destination. For direct travel to Sapporo, domestic flights are faster today.
Route Overview: Tokyo to Hakodate by Shinkansen
The Shinkansen route runs north from Tokyo through Sendai, Morioka, and Shin-Aomori, then crosses the Seikan Tunnel to reach Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto, the first station in Hokkaido.
Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto Station sits about 18 kilometers north of Hakodate. The station area is still developing. Few shops or restaurants operate nearby. Most travelers transfer to local trains immediately.
Who Should Choose the Shinkansen
Choose the Shinkansen if you:
- Want to explore Hakodate and southern Hokkaido
- Travel during winter when flights may cancel
- Enjoy scenic train journeys
- Carry large luggage that airlines charge extra for
- Plan to stop in Tohoku cities along the way
Consider flying if you:
- Need to reach Sapporo as quickly as possible
- Prefer shorter total travel time or have a tight schedule
- Want direct access to central Sapporo
Travel Time Explained: Tokyo to Hokkaido
The journey time varies by train service and stops. Understanding the schedule helps you plan connections.
Full Journey: Tokyo to Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto
The fastest Hayabusa trains take approximately 3 hours 58 minutes. Most services need 4 hours 15 minutes to 4 hours 30 minutes.
Shinkansen vs Flights: Hakodate and Sapporo Compared
When comparing the Shinkansen and flights, it is helpful to consider two different travel goals:
- reaching Hakodate, and
- reaching Sapporo, the largest city in Hokkaido.
1) Tokyo → Hakodate
Door-to-door travel times are surprisingly similar.
Shinkansen route:
- Tokyo → Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto: about 4 hours
- Transfer → Hakodate Liner: 10 minutes
- Hakodate Liner → Hakodate: about 20 minutes
Total: about 4.5 hours
Flight route:
- Travel to Haneda Airport: about 40 minutes
- Airport procedures: about 90 minutes
- Flight: about 90 minutes
- Baggage claim and exit: about 30 minutes
- Airport to Hakodate city: about 30 minutes
Total: about 4.5 hours
For Hakodate, both options take roughly the same amount of time, so the choice depends on comfort, luggage, and weather conditions.
2) Tokyo → Sapporo
Reaching Sapporo presents a very different picture.
Rail route (current, with transfer):
- Tokyo to Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto: about 4 hours
- Transfer to Limited Express: 3–3.5 hours
Total: about 7.5–8 hours
Flight route:
- Airport access + procedures: about 2–2.5 hours
- Flight (Haneda to New Chitose): about 1.5 hours
- Airport to central Sapporo: about 45 minutes
Total: about 4–4.5 hours
Flying is significantly faster for Sapporo, which is why most travelers choose air travel unless they specifically want to stop in Hakodate or prefer rail travel.
Tickets and Seat Types You Need to Know
Understanding ticket types helps you choose the right option. Prices vary by seat class and timing.
Reserved-Seat-Only Rule
All Hayabusa trains require reserved seats. There are no non-reserved cars.
Standing-room tickets may be issued only during busy seasons when all seats are sold out, but they are limited and not always available.
To avoid problems, you should always book a reserved seat before traveling.
Seat Classes: Ordinary, Green Car, GranClass
Three seat classes are available: Ordinary Car, Green Car, and GranClass.
For a 4-hour journey, Ordinary seats work well for most travelers. Consider Green Car for added comfort or if you need to work during the trip. GranClass suits special occasions and travelers who value exceptional service.
Luggage Rules on the Hokkaido Shinkansen
The 160 cm oversized luggage rule that applies to the Tokaido, Sanyo, Kyushu, and Nishi-Kyushu Shinkansen does not apply to the Hokkaido Shinkansen.
On Hayabusa services:
- You do not need to reserve a special seat for large suitcases over 160 cm (total dimensions)
- There is no extra luggage fee based on suitcase size
- Luggage storage spaces are available in Cars 1 through 9, located near the ends of each car
This makes the Hokkaido Shinkansen more flexible for travelers carrying large luggage.
Overhead racks are suitable for carry-on and medium-sized bags. They cannot support heavy or bulky suitcases safely.
Onboard Experience on the Hokkaido Shinkansen
Long-distance train travel offers unique comfort. Understanding amenities helps you prepare.
Wi-Fi and Power Outlets
Free Wi-Fi operates on Hokkaido Shinkansen trains. Connection quality varies by location. The signal weakens in tunnels. Most above-ground sections have stable connection.
Every seat has a power outlet. Outlets use Japanese standard plugs (Type A). Bring an adapter if your device uses different plugs. You can charge phones, laptops, and tablets throughout the journey.
Food and Ekiben: What to Buy Before Boarding
No restaurant car operates on this service. Prepare food and drinks before boarding. Tokyo Station has extensive food options.
Ekiben are station bento boxes. These special boxed meals showcase regional cuisine. Buy drinks inside the station too.
Scenic Highlights and the Seikan Tunnel
The journey offers diverse landscapes. Views change dramatically through different regions.
From Tokyo to Sendai, you see urban areas gradually give way to countryside. Rice fields and small towns appear frequently. Mount Iwate becomes visible as you approach Morioka. Northern Honshu shows more mountainous terrain.
The Seikan Tunnel is the journey's highlight. This undersea tunnel runs 53.85 kilometers. It connects Honshu and Hokkaido beneath the Tsugaru Strait. The tunnel portion takes about 25 minutes.
After exiting, Hokkaido's landscape appears. The scenery shifts to broader fields and different vegetation. In winter, snow coverage increases dramatically in Hokkaido sections.
Best window seats depend on your interests:
- East side (E seats): Ocean views in northern sections
- West side (A seats): Mountain views of interior ranges
Sample Itineraries for Hokkaido Travel
Planning your route carefully maximizes your experience. Consider these proven approaches.
Tokyo to Sapporo via Hakodate with 1-Night Stopover
This itinerary balances speed and experience.
Hakodate offers Mount Hakodate with its three-star Michelin night view. Goryokaku is a star-shaped Western-style fort, and you can view the complete star shape from Goryokaku Tower.
Hakodate Morning Market is also famous, with over 250 shops lined up. You can enjoy squid fishing and fresh seafood bowls from early morning.
Tokyo to Sapporo via Sendai, Aomori, and Hakodate
For travelers who enjoy regional exploration:
In Sendai, you can enjoy local specialties such as gyutan (grilled beef tongue) and zunda shake, a sweet drink made from edamame. Just outside the city center, the Nikka Whisky Miyagikyo Distillery, set in a scenic mountain area, is also worth a visit.
Sendai is closely linked to samurai culture. Notable sites include the Sendai Castle ruins (Aoba Castle) with the equestrian statue of Date Masamune, a powerful samurai warlord, Zuihoden (Date Masamune’s mausoleum), and nearby Matsushima, one of Japan’s Three Scenic Views.
In Aomori, Nebuta Museum WA RASSE is a popular stop. The museum displays full-size Nebuta lantern floats, known for their dramatic scale, bold colors, and striking designs. A key advantage is that you can see authentic festival floats even outside the festival season, and because the museum is indoors, it is comfortable to visit in winter.
This slower pace lets you experience the food, culture, and landscapes of the Tohoku region between destinations. It works especially well for travelers with flexible schedules.
Winter Travel Strategy: Why the Shinkansen Is Reliable
The Hokkaido Shinkansen is built to withstand severe winter conditions. Unlike planes, which are more likely to be delayed or canceled during blizzards, these trains are designed to operate reliably in heavy snow.
The trains are equipped with heavy-duty snowplows on their noses to clear the tracks, and special heaters are installed on the wheels to prevent ice buildup. Furthermore, the tracks themselves feature advanced snow-management structures, such as elevated viaducts designed to let snow fall away from the rails.
Thanks to this specialized infrastructure, the Shinkansen is highly resilient against snowstorms, making it a dependable choice for winter travel when flights to Hokkaido often face delays or cancellations.
FAQ: Hokkaido Shinkansen Travel
Can I go to Sapporo by Shinkansen?
Not directly in 2025. The Hokkaido Shinkansen ends at Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto; a limited express train from there to Sapporo takes about 3.5 hours. Direct service is expected around 2039.
Is the Hokkaido Shinkansen worth it?
Yes for Hakodate travel, winter journeys when flights can face delays or cancellations, and travelers preferring train comfort.
How long is the ride from Tokyo to Hokkaido?
Tokyo to Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto takes approximately 4 hours, with the fastest trains completing the journey in 3 hours 58 minutes. Add 15-20 minutes to reach Hakodate city center.
Are there unreserved seats?
No. All Hayabusa trains require reserved seats. Book in advance through services like Japan Bullet Train, especially during peak seasons.
What is the Seikan Tunnel?
The Seikan Tunnel is a 53.85-kilometer undersea railway tunnel connecting Honshu and Hokkaido beneath the Tsugaru Strait. Trains pass through in about 25 minutes, with the deepest point 140 meters below sea level.
Plan Your Visit
Traveling to Hokkaido by Shinkansen is part of the journey, not just the destination. As the train heads north, cityscapes gradually change into open landscapes, mountains, and coastal scenery, offering a calm and enjoyable travel experience.
Compared with flying, the Shinkansen lets you travel from city center to city center without airport transfers or long security lines. Spacious seating and the ability to move around freely make the ride comfortable, especially for longer journeys. The Hokkaido Shinkansen is ideal for travelers who value reliability, comfort, and a stress-free pace, particularly when exploring Hakodate and southern Hokkaido.
For an easy start, book your tickets online with Japan Bullet Train. You can reserve seats in advance, receive a QR code, and pick up paper tickets quickly at the station. Multilanguage support is available for peace of mind.
