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Train Travel to Hokkaido
Overnight Trains

By Shizuko Mishima, About.com

Cassiopeia Train

Cassiopeia Train

Photo by Mihoko Kameda
Although it takes only one and a half hour to fly to Hokkaido from Tokyo, sleeper trains operated between Tokyo and Hokkaido are very popular. The trains leave from Ueno Station, Tokyo in the evening and arrives at Sapporo Station, Hokkaido in the next morning. Even though you are traveling by Japan Rail Pass, you need to pay the berth charge. Make sure to make a reservation early since these sleeper trains to Hokkaido tend to be full quickly.

Hokutosei

Hokutosei trains are operated once a day. Hokutosei trains run between Ueno and Sapporo Stations in about 16 hours.

Time Table:

    • Ueno 7:03 p.m. - Sendai 11:30 p.m. - Hakodate 6:34 a.m. - Toya 8:59 a.m. - Sapporo 11:15 a.m.
    • Sapporo 5:12 p.m. - Toya 7:33 p.m. - Hakodate 9:48 p.m. - Sendai 4:54 a.m - Ueno 9:41 a.m.

    Fare (for one adult):

  • Royal Room 17,180 yen (berth charge) + 2,890 yen (limited express train charge) + 16,080 yen (basic fare) = 36,150 yen
  • Twin Deluxe Room 13,350 yen (berth charge) + 2,890 yen (limited express train charge) + 16,080 yen (basic fare) = 32,320 yen
  • Solo Room 6,300 yen (berth charge) + 2,890 yen (limited express train charge) + 16,080 yen (basic fare) = 25,270 yen
  • Duet Room 6,300 yen (berth charge) + 2,890 yen (limited express train charge) + 16,080 yen (basic fare) = 25,270 yen
  • Two-story Bed 6,300 yen (berth charge) + 2,890 yen (limited express train charge) + 16,080 yen (basic fare) =25,270 yen

Cassiopeia

It is a two-story berth train and has private rooms only. Cassiopeia train runs between Ueno (Tokyo) and Sapporo (Hokkaido) in 17 hours. It's usually operated three times a week. Guests can have dinner at the dining car or in their rooms. Make sure to make a reservation early.

Time Table:

  • Ueno 4:20 p.m. - Sendai 8:59 p.m. - Hakodate 5:01 a.m. - Toya 7:12 a.m. - Sapporo 9:32 a.m.
  • Sapporo 4:12 p.m. - Toya 6:39 p.m. - Hakodate 9:00 p.m. - Sendai 4:33 a.m. - Ueno 9:25 a.m.

Fare (for one adult):

  • Cassiopeia Suite 25,490 yen (berth charge) + 2,890 yen (limited express train charge) + 16,080 yen (basic fare) = 44,460 yen
  • Cassiopeia Deluxe 17,180 yen (berth charge) + 2,890 yen (limited express train charge) + 16,080 yen (basic fare) =36,150 yen
  • Cassiopeia Twin 13,350 yen (berth charge) + 2,890 yen (limited express train charge) + 16,080 yen (basic fare) = 32,320 yen

Japanese yen currency converter

*Schedules and prices are subject to change.

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