2. Travel between Sapporo and Hakodate by JR train.

Benefits

If you're not used to traveling or driving, the JR train is overwhelmingly the best and most balanced option. You can enjoy scenic spots that are difficult to see by private car, such as driving through the middle of Lake Onuma and experiencing a location where you feel as if you can almost touch the majestic Mount Komagatake.

The schedule is very accurate, making it easy to plan subsequent activities, and since it's a journey from one central area to another, you'll arrive right in the heart of the tourist attractions.

Onboard sales include the nationally famous crab rice from Oshamanbe and squid rice from Mori Town. Ice cream made with Hokkaido-produced raw milk and the famous Onuma dango sweets are also available, allowing you to fully enjoy the travel experience. And for those who prefer alcohol, there's Sapporo Classic, a beer only available in Hokkaido.

You can enjoy a relaxed and leisurely journey without being distracted by the cars ahead or the road ahead.

JR Sapporo Station image

Drawbacks

On the other hand, one potential drawback is the fare. The only discounted ticket available is the round-trip discount (R-ticket) at 7,610 yen (*), which may seem a bit expensive compared to the express buses and other options discussed later.

*From March 26, 2016 onwards, the format will change to adding a round-trip limited express ticket to the "Round-trip discount ticket for train fare/9,000 yen," but the total price will remain the same at 15,220 yen. For details, please see below.(JR Hokkaido press release dated January 5th) .

Furthermore, because trains run only about once every two hours, while it's less likely to disrupt your travel plans, it can be difficult to freely plan your itinerary.

It might not feel like a carefree, spontaneous trip. However, the scenery of Funka Bay flowing past the train window is sure to be beautiful, whether sunny or rough, and I believe it will touch the hearts of those on board.

Time and number of services

The first train from Sapporo currently departs at 6:36 and arrives in Hakodate at 10:12. At this time, you can still make it to the morning market. The first train from Hakodate departs at 6:22 and arrives in Sapporo at 9:58. This is a good time to have Oshamanbe's famous crab rice for breakfast.

On the other hand, the last trains depart in the 19 PM hour, arriving in Sapporo and Hakodate around 23 PM respectively. This is a time when it wouldn't feel out of place to head straight to Susukino or Daimon (Hakodate's entertainment district).

Next page 3. Traveling between Sapporo and Hakodate by express bus

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