hakodate

Exploring Hakodate on the cheap with a tram pass

In preparation for the release of my new book, Super Cheap Hokkaido, I went to Hakodate to see what all the fuss was about! Located to the south of Hokkaido, it’s a port town well known for its foreign influences, fish market and easy-to-use tram system. With a one-day tram pass only costing 600 yen,Continue reading “Exploring Hakodate on the cheap with a tram pass”

Top 5 Cherry Blossom Spots in Hokkaido

Coming to Tokyo or Kyoto a little bit too late for the cherry blossoms? Maybe coming to Hokkaido is your solution. The season starts here from around mid-April to the end of the month. There are a host of cheap and free places to check out the sakura trees, but here are our highlights! GoryokakuContinue reading “Top 5 Cherry Blossom Spots in Hokkaido”

JR East-South Hokkaido Rail Pass

The JR East-South Hokkaido Rail Pass is an interesting new pass that has opened to celebrate the opening of the Hokkaido Shinkansen line. It allows unlimited travel on all JR (national rail) trains from Tokyo and Yokohama in Kanto all the way up to Otaru and Sapporo in Hokkaido, via Tohoku. Highlights in between include the Kakunodate, Sendai, Hakodate andContinue reading “JR East-South Hokkaido Rail Pass”

Sapporo-Otaru Welcome Pass

Please note that sales of the JR Hokkaido Sapporo-Otaru Welcome Pass ended on March 31st, 2017. The JR Hokkaido Pass is still available. The JR Hokkaido Sapporo-Otaru Welcome Pass allows for unlimited rides on JR Hokkaido trains between Sapporo and Otaru and on all subway lines in Sapporo for 1 day. It’s therefore a great way to visitContinue reading “Sapporo-Otaru Welcome Pass”

Hokkaido Rail Pass

The JR Hokkaido Rail Pass allows unlimited travel on all JR (national rail) trains and selected buses in Hokkaido, covering the whole prefecture. This includes the use of Shinkansen (bullet) trains and limited express trains. There are various options depending on how long you want to spend in Hokkaido. What does it cost? 3 day: Adults 16,500Continue reading “Hokkaido Rail Pass”

Hakodate 1-day Tram Pass

The Hakodate 1-day Pass allows unlimited use of the trams in Hakodate for one day. It also comes with a handy city map showing visitors exactly where to stop off for each tourist attraction. What does it cost? Adults 600 yen, Children 300 yen. When can I use it? Anytime. Is it worth it? Almost certainly. You reallyContinue reading “Hakodate 1-day Tram Pass”

Hakodate (函館), as one of the first cities in Japan to open up to international trade, provides visitors with something different from the rest of Hokkaido. Dutch, American, English and other traders came and settled here many years ago, creating a rich history and places to visit that feel like a fusion of east andContinue reading “Hakodate”