Sapporo-Noboribetsu Area Pass

The Sapporo-Noboribetsu Area Pass is a rail pass for exclusive use by foreign visitors to Japan, providing unlimited travel on JR trains in the area around Sapporo and Noboribetsu on four consecutive days.

Purchase the Sapporo-Noboribetsu Area Pass

Below is a map of the JR train lines that can be used with the pass:

Validity

1. Unlimited use of JR trains in the area around Sapporo and Noboribetsu as outlined on the map above, including local and limited express trains.
2. Seat reservations can be made for free (see details below).
3. The pass is valid on four consecutive calendar days (midnight to midnight).
4. Only foreign visitors to Japan (on temporary visitor status) can use the Sapporo-Noboribetsu Area Pass. It cannot be used by residents of Japan.

Points of sale

The Sapporo-Noboribetsu Area Pass can be purchased through online and offline travel agents outside of Japan, and at Sapporo Station, New Chitose Airport Station and Noboribetsu Station. If purchasing the pass outside of Japan or via the internet, the actual pass has to be picked up at one of the before-mentioned railway stations before use.

Purchase the Sapporo-Noboribetsu Area Pass

Seat reservations

Free seat reservations can be made at seat reservation ticket machines in Hokkaido and at JR ticket offices. It is also possible to make online seat reservations on the JR East Train Reservation website; however, physical seat reservation tickets have to be picked up at a selected ticket office in Hokkaido before use. Note that seat reservations are mandatory on limited express trains between Sapporo and Noboribetsu.

Assessment

The pass costs roughly the same as regular tickets for a round trip by limited express train between Sapporo and Noboribetsu. So, if you add one or more additional train rides, e.g. a side trip to Otaru, the pass can provide some savings.