hi
I am traveling soon in mid may, 2 adults + 2 kids, i am still really hesistate is the Hokkaido Rail Pass neccessary? below is my itinerary...
16~ 18/05 - Hakodate (2 nites)
18~20/05 - Sapporo (2 nites)
20~23/05 - Asahikawa , furano + biei (3 nites, self drive in furano)
23~25/05 - Sapporo (2 nites)
Appreciate to hear some advice from you.
My biggest concern is, if i purchase the local regular ticket, would i be facing the situation can't get reserved seat? how crowded is the train if i traveling on Non-Reserved seat during mid may?
Regards
Esther
0
Comments
Actually, it's pretty hard to make a Hokkaido Rail Pass pay off. The cheapest rail fare for unreserved seats for your plans is ¥19,510 (presuming rail trips from Hakodate to Sapporo, Sapporo to Asahikawa, Asahikawa to Furano, and Furano to Sapporo. You didn't mention how you were getting to Hakodate and from Sapporo, so presumably you are flying).
The cheapest Hokkaido Rail Pass that would fit would cost ¥22,000 for the flex day, so you'd lose money buying the pass, according to the info you are providing.
You can see regular fares, routes and schedules on Hyperdia:
http://www.hyperdia.com
so in case there is something missing or different, you can calculate the fares yourself to double check.
As far as reserved seating goes, May is not a busy season and really not needed for your travel time.
Since you are willing to drive part of the way, why not all of it? You can use the Hokkaido Expressway Pass.
https://www.toyotarentacar.net/english/guide/option/hep/
https://nissan-rentacar.com/english/topics/hep.html
Given that there are four in your group, renting a car can be quite economical and certainly the most convenient.
Thanks for the explanation. basically my traveling will be heavily depend on Train in Hokkaido, included from sapporo to hakodate.
Except the 3 days in Furano self drive...
Base on your explanation, i am seeing that using the Rail Pass still not a bad idea huh?
Esther