Shinkansen fares and ticket booking methods from Hakodate to Tokyo - Ekitan

Overview of travel methods from Hakodate to Tokyo

You can travel from Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto Station to Tokyo Station using the Hokkaido/Tohoku Shinkansen. This article explains Shinkansen fares, travel time from departure to arrival, and how to book tickets. We have also compiled useful information for your trip to Japan, such as the rules for using the JR Pass and the types of trains you can use.

Basic information about traveling from Hakodate to Tokyo

  • Estimated travel time using "Hayabusa": Approximately 4 hours 02 to 20 minutes
  • The fare for reserved seats, which require advance booking, is approximately 23,430 yen.
  • Available trains: "Hayabusa" and "Hayate"
  • All trains have reserved seating, so seat reservations are required to board.
  • JR Pass: Please refer to "5. Can the JR Pass be used between Hakodate and Tokyo?" below.

Tokyo's appeal as a tourist destination

Tokyo, the capital of Japan, is a global metropolis with a diverse range of tourist attractions, including the Imperial Palace, Senso-ji Temple, Shinjuku, Shibuya, Akihabara, and Roppongi. It's a place where traditional Japanese culture and cutting-edge pop culture coexist, and boasts a rich variety of cuisine, including sushi, ramen, and monjayaki. It's accessible from Hakodate in approximately 4 hours and 2 minutes.

Shinkansen fare from Hakodate to Tokyo

Overall view of Shinkansen fares from Hakodate to Tokyo

The Shinkansen fare from Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto Station to Tokyo Station varies depending on the seat class you choose. On the Hokkaido and Tohoku Shinkansen lines, you can use the "Hayabusa" and "Hayate" trains. All trains have reserved seating; there are no unreserved seats that do not require reservations. The fares are approximate, and during peak seasons (the period from the end of December to the beginning of January, Golden Week, and Obon), a peak season surcharge may be added to reserved seats and Green Car seats that require advance reservations.

Comparison of Fares for Unreserved Seats, Reserved Seats, and Green Car Seats.

Seat Fare (estimate) Features
Reserved seats (standard class) require advance booking. Approximately 23,430 yen Your seat number is assigned, guaranteeing you a seat.
Green Car Approximately 29,860 yen Spacious seating and high-quality service, perfect for those who want to travel comfortably.

*All trains have reserved seating; there are no unreserved seats. Seat reservations are required before boarding.

Features and benefits of reserved seats

All seats on the Hokkaido and Tohoku Shinkansen lines are reserved, so you must reserve your seat before boarding. Seats tend to sell out quickly during peak season and on weekends, so we recommend booking as soon as your travel plans are finalized.

Shinkansen seats

Features and usage scenarios of reserved seats

Reserved seats, which require advance booking, allow you to secure your seat number before boarding, so you can travel without worrying about crowds. If you book online in advance using Ekitan, you may be eligible for early bird discounts or discounted fares (such as Osaki Toku-da-ne and Shinkansen e-tickets).

Features and comfort of Green Cars

Green Cars are a premium class offering more spacious seats and enhanced amenities compared to standard class. They are recommended for those who want to travel long distances between Hakodate and Tokyo in greater comfort, as well as for business travelers and special trips.

Travel time from Hakodate to Tokyo

Shortest Shinkansen travel time between Hakodate and Tokyo

The estimated travel time from Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto Station to Tokyo Station using the "Hayabusa" train is approximately 4 hours and 2 to 20 minutes. The total travel time varies depending on the type of train and the number of stops, so please choose the train that best suits your travel plans.

Average travel time and difference between trains

If you take the "Hayabusa" train, the journey from Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto to Tokyo takes approximately 4 hours and 2 to 20 minutes. The "Hayabusa" is the fastest train on the Hokkaido and Tohoku Shinkansen lines, while the "Hayate" has slightly more stops and takes approximately 4 hours and 20 to 40 minutes. If you prioritize the shortest travel time from departure to arrival, please take the "Hayabusa".

Speed and features of the Hokkaido and Tohoku Shinkansen

Japan's Shinkansen bullet trains boast world-class safety and punctuality, and are used by many tourists visiting Japan. They are also appreciated for their low rate of delays due to weather, making it easy to plan travel schedules. The Hokkaido Shinkansen section (Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto to Shin-Aomori) runs on conventional railway lines, so its maximum speed differs from that of the Tohoku Shinkansen section.

Comparison of travel time with air travel

When traveling between Hakodate and Tokyo by plane, you need to factor in the time required for airport access, check-in, security checks, boarding procedures, and travel from the arrival airport to central Tokyo, in addition to the flight time. Since the Shinkansen (bullet train) connects major stations, it is often the more advantageous option when considering the total travel time.

Time comparison with cars and JR conventional lines

Traveling by car is prone to traffic congestion on expressways, and especially during peak seasons and long holidays, travel time from departure to arrival can be significantly extended. Taking a conventional JR line takes several times longer than taking the Shinkansen. In terms of comfort and punctuality, the Shinkansen is one of the best modes of transport between Hakodate and Tokyo.

Hokkaido Shinkansen departure board

Which train is the fastest?

Types of trains operating between Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto and Tokyo

Between Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto and Tokyo, you can use the "Hayabusa" and "Hayate" trains. The fastest is the "Hayabusa," which takes approximately 4 hours and 2 to 20 minutes. JR Pass holders can use all trains. All trains have reserved seating, so you need to reserve your seat at the station's ticket office (Midori-no-madoguchi) or through Ekitan before boarding (there is no additional charge for seat reservation).

Stations where each train stops and their characteristics

The fastest train, the "Hayabusa", makes the fewest stops and has the shortest travel time from departure to arrival. Reserved seats, which require advance reservations, tend to sell out quickly during peak season and on weekends, so early booking is recommended.

Travel time by train from Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto to Tokyo

If you take the "Hayabusa" train, the journey from Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto to Tokyo takes approximately 4 hours and 2 to 20 minutes. The "Hayate" train takes approximately 4 hours and 20 to 40 minutes. If you have a JR Pass, you can use all trains, and the "Hayabusa" is the fastest and recommended option. All seats on all trains are reserved, so be sure to reserve your seat before boarding (no additional charge).

Recommended trains from Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto to Tokyo

If minimizing travel time from departure to arrival is your top priority, the "Hayabusa" train is recommended. JR Pass holders can use all trains. Securing your seat in advance through services like Ekitan will ensure a smoother journey on the day of travel.

Points to consider when choosing a train

When choosing a train between Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto and Tokyo, first check which trains arrive at Tokyo Station at your desired departure time. Using Ekitan to reserve seats in advance will make your journey smoother.

Ticket machine

How to book Shinkansen tickets

Basic methods for purchasing Shinkansen tickets

Shinkansen tickets between Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto and Tokyo can be purchased in three ways: at the station's ticket office (Midori-no-madoguchi), at ticket vending machines, or online. All seats are reserved on all trains, so seat reservations are required before boarding. During peak season, tickets tend to sell out quickly, so it is recommended to book as soon as your travel dates are decided.

How to purchase tickets at the station's ticket office (Midori-no-madoguchi)

Shinkansen tickets can be purchased at the ticket offices (Midori-no-madoguchi) (manned counters) at JR stations. Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto Station also has an English-speaking counter, so even those who are not confident in their Japanese can use the service with peace of mind.

How to use a ticket vending machine

You can also purchase Shinkansen tickets at the "reserved seat ticket vending machines" installed at train stations. An increasing number of these machines support multiple languages, including English, Chinese, and Korean, and you can also purchase tickets using a credit card.

Online reservation (Ekitan)

For online reservations, JR East's "Ekitan" service is convenient. Ekitan also offers early bird tickets (Osaki Toku-da-ne and Shinkansen e-tickets), which can sometimes be cheaper than regular fares. Reservations and changes can also be easily made via their smartphone app.

Points to note when making a reservation

During peak season (the period from the end of December to the beginning of January, Golden Week, and Obon), reserved seats that require advance booking tend to sell out quickly, so we recommend booking as soon as your travel plans are finalized.

Can I use the JR Pass between Hakodate and Tokyo?

Overview of JR Pass

The JR Pass is a special ticket for travelers who do not reside in Japan, allowing unlimited travel on JR lines without additional charges. It comes in 7-day, 14-day, and 21-day versions, and during its validity period, you can ride JR Shinkansen, limited express trains, and JR conventional lines without any additional fees.

Regarding the use of JR Pass between Hakodate and Tokyo

Train Using JR Pass Remarks
"Hayabusa" available All seats are reserved, so seat reservations are required (there is no additional charge for making a reservation).
"Hayate" available All seats are reserved, so seat reservations are required (there is no additional charge for making a reservation).

Regarding seat reservations for "Hayabusa" and "Hayate" trains

All "Hayabusa" and "Hayate" trains on the Hokkaido and Tohoku Shinkansen lines can be used with the JR Pass. Since all seats are reserved, please reserve your seat at the station's ticket office (Midori-no-madoguchi) or a reserved seat ticket vending machine before boarding. There is no additional charge for seat reservations.

Since all seats are reserved, seat reservations are required even when using JR Pass.

All trains that can be used with the JR Pass have reserved seating; there are no unreserved seats. You must reserve your seat at the station's ticket office (Midori-no-madoguchi) or a reserved seat ticket vending machine before boarding. There is no additional charge for seat reservations.

Points to note when using JR Pass

Since the JR Pass is valid for consecutive days from the start date, it's important to carefully set the start date to match your travel schedule. If your travel plans involve visiting multiple cities, not just between Hakodate and Tokyo, you'll often get your money's worth out of the JR Pass.

Hakodate to Tokyo Shinkansen Timetable

Hakodate to Tokyo Shinkansen Service Frequency

The Shinkansen bullet trains operating between Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto and Tokyo are the "Hayabusa" and "Hayate" trains. Please check the latest timetables on transportation information services such as Ekitan.

Guideline for the first and last trains

The first trains departing from Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto Station leave as early as 6:00 AM, and the last trains to Tokyo Station depart around 9:00-10:00 PM. By taking an early morning train, you can enjoy sightseeing in Tokyo from the morning.

How to read a Shinkansen timetable

You can check the Shinkansen timetable between Hakodate and Tokyo on the JR official website or on transportation information services such as Ekitan. When searching, enter your departure station "Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto", arrival station "Tokyo", travel date, and time to see a list of train times and fares.

Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto Station to Tokyo Station (excerpt, approximate)

Departure (Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto) Train Arrival (Tokyo) Travel Time from Departure to Arrival
06:02 "Hayabusa" 2 10:04 Approximately 4 hours and 2 minutes
07:15 "Hayabusa" No. 4 11:18 Approximately 4 hours and 3 minutes
08:22 "Hayabusa" No. 10 12:20 Approximately 3 hours and 58 minutes
10:22 "Hayabusa" No. 16 14:20 Approximately 3 hours and 58 minutes
13:22 "Hayabusa" No. 22 17:20 Approximately 3 hours and 58 minutes
16:22 "Hayabusa" No. 30 20:22 Approximately 4 hours 00 minutes
18:09 "Hayabusa" No. 36 22:08 Approximately 3 hours and 59 minutes

*Actual times and train numbers may change due to seasonal changes or revisions to the operating schedule. Please check the latest information on Ekitan or other sources.

Peak hours and points to note

The Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto to Tokyo route is especially crowded during peak season (the period from the end of December to the beginning of January, Golden Week, and Obon) and on weekends. All trains have reserved seating, so booking your seat in advance will ensure a smoother journey.

Summary: Shinkansen from Hakodate to Tokyo

The Hokkaido and Tohoku Shinkansen bullet trains are the fastest and most convenient way to travel from Hakodate to Tokyo. Reserved seats, which require advance booking, cost approximately 23,430 yen, while Green Car seats cost approximately 29,860 yen. The journey time using the "Hayabusa" train is approximately 4 hours and 2 to 20 minutes. All trains have reserved seating, so seat reservations are required before boarding. JR Pass holders can use all trains and make seat reservations at no additional cost. Tickets can be purchased at station ticket offices (Midori-no-madoguchi), reserved seat ticket machines, or online (e.g., Ekitan). Choose the train that best suits your travel plans and enjoy a comfortable Shinkansen journey between Hakodate and Tokyo.

Ekitan Travel Media Editorial Department

The Ekitan Travel Media editorial team provides information on transportation in Japan, including Shinkansen (bullet trains), regular trains, intercity travel, and access to tourist destinations. We also offer easy-to-understand travel information for international visitors.
This article is published by Ekitan Co., Ltd., the provider of the train transfer information service "Ekitan," and is based on Japanese railway and transportation information. Ekitan's website and app are used by over 10 million users per month.