Alright guys. I know there are some people on this board that have been to Japan and that there should be some people on this board who are Japanese. I need help going to Sopporo from Tokyo. I have a Japan rail pass for foreign travelers and i'am trying to get information on any trains that run from Tokyo to Hokaido Island at night. Here is the information i have found so far...


There is an evening bullet train that runs from Tokyo to Hachinohe on the Hayate line. From Hachinohe, i have to go on the Super Hakucho to the city of Hakodate. From Hakodate, i have to take the super Hokuto to Sapporo. The problem with this route is that i want to maximise my time in Tokyo therefore i want to ride on the train at night so that i don;t have to leave Tokyo at noon to complete the journey. I need another route to go without going on the Hokutosei (overnight sleeper car). The rail pass doesn't cover this and i would have to pay extra. I don't mind sleeping on the regular trains. Does anyone have any idea how i can get to Sapporo overnight without taking the sleeper car. Any help would be much appreciated.

Around when are you planning to travel?

I just checked one month ahead June 19 for evening train departures from Tokyo to Sapporo.

I got this itinerary:

15:56 Dep: Tokyo
Hayate No. 21 (2 h. 59 m.)
18:55 Arr: Hachinohe

19:02 Dep:
Super Shiratori (?) No. 21 (2 h. 52 m.)
21:54 Arr: Hakodate

1:23 Dep:
Hamanasu (4 h. 44 m)
6:07 Arr: Sapporo

I am not a train expert, so there may be other better routes. I hope other FTers will come up with better plans. I don't even know if your pass would cover the above train services.

All other options I saw fetch the sleeper Hokutosei.

I will be in Sopporo on the 25, that is if all goes well. And you right, this seems to be the only route to take. Any ideas where you'll be staying and how long? Maybe we can meet up if you're there when me and my friends get there. I think we will rent a car since everyone seems to say that it's best to rent a car. Relying on the train and bus system requires the precision of a lunar landing. Atleast that's what everyone has been writing in all these other posts i've seen posted on the web.

I will be in Sopporo on the 25, that is if all goes well. And you right, this seems to be the only route to take. Any ideas where you'll be staying and how long? Maybe we can meet up if you're there when me and my friends get there. I think we will rent a car since everyone seems to say that it's best to rent a car. Relying on the train and bus system requires the precision of a lunar landing. Atleast that's what everyone has been writing in all these other posts i've seen posted on the web.

Oh, oops, you siad June 19. I'am gonna be in Tokyo May 23 and will be in Sopporo May 25. I guess i'll venture out there and tell you all about it when i get back on what we decided to do as far the train is concerned. Thanks for all your help!