What is the Hokkaido Shinkansen?

The Hokkaido Shinkansen connects Honshu (the main island) with Hokkaido via the Seikan Tunnel, the longest undersea tunnel with an undersea segment in the world. Currently, it operates up to Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto, with an extension to Sapporo planned for 2030.

  • Section: Shin-Aomori 〜 Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto
  • Top Speed: 260 km/h (160 km/h in the Seikan Tunnel)
  • Trains: H5 series / E5 series
  • JR Pass: All trains accepted

👉 Conclusion:

  • From Tokyo → Hayabusa (Direct)
  • From Aomori → Hayate or Hayabusa

🚄 Compare Trains and Prices

Hayabusa

Direct from Tokyo, Fastest

  • Time：Approx. 4 hrs (Tokyo to Hakodate)
  • Stops：Shin-Aomori, Okutsugaru-Imabetsu, Kikonai, Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto
Hayate

Local between Morioka/Shin-Aomori and Hakodate

  • Time：Approx. 1 hr (Shin-Aomori to Hakodate)
  • Stops：Varies
Tokyo→Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto
Approx. 4 hrs 2 minsApprox. 23,430 JPY
Shin-Aomori→Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto
Approx. 1 hr 1 minApprox. 7,520 JPY

The Seikan Tunnel Experience

The most famous part of this route is the Seikan Tunnel.

  • Length: 53.85 km
  • Time inside tunnel: Approx. 22-25 minutes
  • You will see a digital display inside the train indicating when you enter and exit the tunnel.

Accessing Hakodate City

The Shinkansen terminal is Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto. This is NOT the center of Hakodate city. To reach Hakodate station (where the markets and tourist spots are), you must transfer to the local relay train called the Hakodate Liner.

  • Transfer time: Approx. 15-20 minutes
  • Fee: 440 JPY (Covered by JR Pass)