How to get to Hakodate
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JR Train (Shinkansen) + JR Hakodate Liner
From Tokyo, take the Shinkansen on the Tohoku line to Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto (4 hours 20 minutes). From here you take the JR Hakodate Liner train (15 minutes). The one-way ticket costs 23760 Yen and there are only reserved seats (on the Shinkansen). These trains are included in the Japan Rail Pass.
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Ltd. Express Hokuto
If you are in Sapporo, take the Limited Express Hokuto or Super Hokuto train. The train takes 3 hours and 40 minutes and costs 8910 Yen (non-reserved seat).
This train is included in the Japan Rail Pass.
Photo by Japanforeveryone.com
Plane
The city is served by Hakodate Airport. There are daily connections to Haneda Airport (Tokyo) by ANA and JAL companies from 13000 Yen. The flight takes about 80 minutes. The airport is then connected by the Hakodate Teisan Bus (20 minutes – 500 Yen).
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Getting around in Hakodate
Streetcars
The most convenient way of getting around Hakodate is by tram to the main tourist spots.
A single ticket costs between 210 and 260 Yen depending on the distance travelled.
There are two tram lines, the 2 and 5, which share most of the route.
A day pass can be purchased for 600 Yen.
You can use IC Cards such as Pasmo, Suica and Icoca (and all other compatible ones) to pay for a single ride.
Photo by Japanforeveryone.com
Bus
There are buses that cover the main areas of the city. A single ride costs 210 Yen.
There are 1-day and 2-day passes costing 1400 and 2400 Yen and include buses and trams.
You can use IC Cards such as Pasmo, Suica and Icoca (and all other compatible ones) to pay for a single ride.
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