Speeding Through Scenery The Hokkaido Shinkansen Travel Experience Guide

Speeding Through Scenery: The Hokkaido Shinkansen Travel Experience Guide

Traveling on the Hokkaido Shinkansen is a unique blend of cutting-edge technology, unparalleled comfort, and breathtaking scenic beauty, making it a must-experience for any traveler in Japan. This guide will delve into the specifics of what makes the Hokkaido Shinkansen journey so special and provide tips that will enhance your travel experience.

History and Engineering Feat

The Hokkaido Shinkansen is a relatively recent addition to Japan's extensive Shinkansen network, officially inaugurated to extend the Tohoku Shinkansen from Shin-Aomori to Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto. This extension connected Japan's main island, Honshu, with the northern frontier of Hokkaido through the Seikan Tunnel, one of the longest underwater tunnels in the world.

Speed and Efficiency

The Hokkaido Shinkansen is renowned for its speed, reaching a maximum of 320 km/h (200 mph). The journey from Tokyo to Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto takes exactly 242 minutes, a significant reduction from the previous travel times that often involved overnight journeys. This efficiency makes it an ideal mode of transportation for both leisure and business travelers.

Scenic Journey

The Shinkansen ride offers a stunning visual experience as it traverses through diverse landscapes. From the urban high-rises of Tokyo to the green hills, agricultural lands, seascapes, and high mountains of Hokkaido, the scenery changes dramatically, allowing passengers to transition smoothly from the bustling city to the serene natural beauty of Hokkaido.

Classes of Service

The Hokkaido Shinkansen offers various classes of service to cater to different needs and preferences:

• Standard Class: Provides comfortable seating with ample legroom.
• Green Car: The first-class version, offering spacious, comfortable reclining seats.
• Gran Class: The premium class, featuring luxurious amenities and exceptional service.

Onboard Amenities

Traveling on the Hokkaido Shinkansen is not just about the destination; it's also about the journey. Onboard amenities include:

• Free Wi-Fi: Available on certain lines, though not sufficient for streaming movies.
• Dining: Unlike local public transport, dining on long-distance trains like the Shinkansen is not only acceptable but also a cherished tradition. Seats are equipped with tray tables to accommodate this practice.
• Comfort: The trains are very quiet and comfortable, making them ideal for relaxation.

Themed Trains

For those looking for a unique experience, there are themed Shinkansen trains that operate on limited schedules. For example, the Hello Kitty Shinkansen runs between Hakata (Fukuoka) and Shin-Osaka, while the Doctor Yellow Shinkansen is a special train that diagnoses track and overhead wire issues as it travels.

Ticketing and Passes

• Ticket Purchase: Tickets can be bought at JR Ticket Offices, Reserved Seat Ticket Dispensers, or Ticket Machines with Call Center Assistance.
• Japan Rail Pass: This pass is a cost-effective way to travel on the Shinkansen, including the Hokkaido Shinkansen. It is valid for all JR services and must be purchased before arriving in Japan.

Future Developments

The Hokkaido Shinkansen is set to expand further, with plans to extend the line directly to Sapporo. Currently, passengers must transfer to the Super Hokuto Limited Express train at Hakodate to reach Sapporo, a journey that takes about four hours. The future extension promises to reduce this travel time significantly.

Tips for Travelers

• Reservations: Secure your reservations in person at JR offices, especially for Green Car or Gran Class seats.
• Scenic Viewing: Take advantage of the scenic views by choosing seats on the side of the train that offers the best views of the landscape.
• Local Customs: While dining onboard is acceptable, be mindful of local customs and keep noise levels down to respect other passengers.
• Planning: Plan your itinerary to include stops at scenic stations and consider combining your Shinkansen journey with other local trains to explore more of Hokkaido.