How long is the bullet train from Tokyo to Hokkaido?
The Hokkaido Shinkansen route connects Honshu (the main island of Japan) to Hokkaido, allowing direct access from Tokyo Station to Shin-Hakodate Hokuto Station. The bullet train journey takes approximately four hours and costs 22,690 yen.
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Beautiful views aside, the bullet train really is one of those must-do Japanese experiences. It can feel a bit daunting to try and figure out how to use it, but don't worry – we've got a few tips on how to get the most out of Japan's bullet trains.
Bullet Train Speeds and SafetyDespite these insane speeds, bullet trains are remarkably safe. In fact, the Shinkansen has had no accidents since its creation in 1964. That's over 50 years accident-free. Punctuality and safety are only two of the train's most advantageous features.
Instead, what makes the Shinkansen (and any Ltd. Express train) more expensive then regular trains is a hefty standard surcharge: the supplementary special-express ticket, which covers the premium experience of traveling on the nice fast trains. And yes, you have to pay it even if you have to stand.
The relaxed, cool and spacious vibe of Hokkaido contrasts so differently to the hustle and bustle of Japan's megacity capital. Hokkaido frequently tops the charts for the most attractive prefecture in Japan — scoring 73.4 in 2021 on the Regional Brand Survey — in comparison, Tokyo scored fourth, with 47.5.
Hokkaido is perfect for people who prefer the cold and/or winter activities as the winter season lasts longer than the others. Nonetheless, for people who want to enjoy summer activities such as the Furano lavender flowers or outdoor summer adventures.
You can easily spend the whole of 3 weeks solely on Hokkaido for a more in-depth exploration. Your time of visit is good for autumn foliage in central and southern Hokkaido. Start in Sounkyo during early Oct and work down south via Biei and Furano to Sapporo and Otaru.
According to Expatisan, the cost of living in Sapporo is significantly cheaper than in Tokyo at 18%. The main contributor to this is housing costs, which are 47% cheaper in Sapporo than in Tokyo.
Price. Believe it or not, flying can often be cheaper than the shinkansen! If you're heading to a far-off city like Sapporo or Fukuoka, you may be able to snag cheap tickets from one of the Tokyo airports. Even Nagoya and Osaka airports sometimes offer discount tickets to various regional airports.