Hokkaido Shinkansen Complete Guide
Cross Japan’s longest undersea tunnel and reach Hokkaido in about 4 hours. A complete guide to routes, seats, and scenic highlights.
Tokyo → Hakodate Route & Seikan Tunnel Experience
• Tokyo → Hakodate travel time → Approx. 4 hours
• Best ocean view → Seat A (left side)
• Highlight → Seikan Tunnel (undersea)
1. About the Hokkaido Shinkansen
The Hokkaido Shinkansen connects Honshu and Hokkaido via the famous Seikan Tunnel, the longest undersea railway tunnel in the world.
You can travel directly from Tokyo to Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto using the Hayabusa train, making it one of the most unique high-speed rail journeys in Japan.
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Route | Shin-Aomori → Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto |
| Tokyo Travel Time | Approx. 4 hours |
| Tunnel Length | 53.85 km (undersea) |
2. Scenic Highlights
Seikan Tunnel Experience
The highlight of this route is the Seikan Tunnel, running deep under the sea. While there is no outside view inside the tunnel, the experience of traveling beneath the ocean is unique in the world.
Mt. Hakodate & Ocean Views (Seat A)
After exiting the tunnel into Hokkaido, the Tsugaru Strait and Mt. Hakodate can be seen from the left-side window (Seat A).
Hokkaido Komagatake (Seat E)
As you approach Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto, the right-side window reveals Hokkaido Komagatake, a rugged and dramatic volcanic mountain.
3. Station Guide
The Hokkaido Shinkansen includes the following stations:
- Shin-Aomori
- Okutsugaru-Imabetsu
- Kikonai
- Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto
4. Travel Times
| Route | Time |
|---|---|
| Tokyo → Hakodate | Approx. 4h |
| Sendai → Hakodate | Approx. 2h 40m |
| Aomori → Hakodate | Approx. 1h |
5. Travel Tips
Seat Selection
| View | Recommended Seat |
|---|---|
| Ocean / Mt. Hakodate | Seat A (Left side) |
| Komagatake | Seat E (Right side) |
Unique Experience
This is the only Shinkansen route where you travel under the sea, making it one of the most memorable journeys in Japan.