taking the train from Tokyo to Sapporro

  • taking the train from Tokyo to Sapporro

    Posted by babajan on April 22, 2020 at 6:29 am

    Not sure if this is even possible. If it is how long does it take to get there and if an overnight train what are the accommodations on the train like? We are in our 70s and though ambulatory have difficulty if we need to rush say between trains or on uneven ground. Also what is Sapporo like for getting around. Thanks

    Accessible Japan replied 3 years, 10 months ago 2 Members · 4 Replies
  • 4 Replies
  • Accessible Japan

    Moderator
    April 22, 2020 at 1:09 pm

    Hello,

    It is possible, but you may not want to do it! It is about 8hrs!

    The first stretch is the new(ish) JR Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto shinkansen line that takes you to Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto Station just outside of Hakodate. This trip is about 4 hours and you can get a good glimpse of Northern Honshu on your way.

    The train is quite new and has accessible seating and accessible toilets as well as a food trolley.

    You then need to switch trains to the Hokuto Limited Express train to get you the rest of the way to Sapporo – taking about 3.5 hours. (NOTE: Until March of 2020, the train was called “Super Hokuto Limited Express”, but the “Super” was removed.)

    There should be enough time to leisurely change trains. For example, the 9:36 shinkansen from Tokyo arrives in Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto at 13:34 and the train to Supporo departs at 14:12, so you have about 30 minutes to get something to eat etc. (you should be waiting at the train about 5-10min before departure). However, if you miss it, or want to leave extra time, there are departures at 16:55 and 18:11 … the last one for the day is 20:13.

    The Hokuto Limited Express has accessible seating and a larger accessible toilet in the 5th train car.

    Though, you may want to spend a day in Hakodate as there is a lot to see and do there considering its size!

    Hope this helps 🙂

  • Accessible Japan

    Moderator
    April 22, 2020 at 1:11 pm

    Oh, and if you are interested, here is the front view of the entire trip from Hakodate to Sapporo:

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Je5-6-NDiEs

  • babajan

    Member
    May 7, 2020 at 11:12 pm

    Wow…forgive me for not watching to the end but found it fascinating the parts I did watch

  • Accessible Japan

    Moderator
    May 8, 2020 at 9:31 am

    Totally understand. Neither did we Wink

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