Public travel plan
Tokyo to Hakodate by GranClass Shinkansen: A Two-Day Rail Journey
Follow the northbound rail route from Tokyo through Sendai to Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto, then continue to Hakodate on the Limited Express Hokuto. The return journey starts from Hakodate and reconnects at Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto…
Source videos
Travel inspiration behind this plan
Plan notes
Useful context before you go
Follow the northbound rail route from Tokyo through Sendai to Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto, then continue to Hakodate on the Limited Express Hokuto. The return journey starts from Hakodate and reconnects at Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto for the Shinkansen to Tokyo. Historical fare examples were ¥17,500 from Tokyo to Sendai, ¥35,340 from Sendai to Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto, and ¥32,230 for the return to Tokyo; the Tokyo-to-Shin-Hakodate total was also quoted as $339. Century Marina Hakodate was quoted at ¥25,155 with breakfast included. Treat these as examples from the trip, not current prices, and check current fares, schedules, lounge access and hotel rates before departure. GranClass included lounge access, welcome snacks, wine and a served Western meal on the northbound journey; the return also featured a look at the Green Car.
Itinerary highlights
What is in this plan
Day 1: Tokyo to Hakodate via Sendai
**Rail journey:** Ride north from Tokyo to Sendai, then continue on the Hayabusa Shinkansen toward Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto. The train crosses the Seikan Undersea Tunnel before reaching Hokkaido; change to the Limited Express Hokuto for Hakodate. **GranClass:** The northbound journey included lounge access, welcome snacks, wine and a served Western meal. Check what is currently included when booking, and allow time at the station if you plan to use the lounge.
-
Tokyo StationTokyo Station, Tokyo, Japan
Begin the northbound journey at Tokyo Station. GranClass passengers had access to a lounge before boarding. The quoted Tokyo-to-Shin-Hakodate total of $339 is a historical fare example, not a current price.
-
Gyutan YakisukeGyutan Yakisuke, Sendai, Japan
Break the rail journey in Sendai for a gyutan set meal at Gyutan Yakisuke. The meal featured beef tongue with barley rice, soup and pickles.
-
Century Marina HakodateCentury Marina Hakodate, Hakodate, Japan
Stay at this modern hotel near Hakodate Station. The stay was quoted at ¥25,155 with breakfast included, a historical rate rather than a current price. The breakfast buffet featured Hakodate sashimi, made-to-order omelets, ramen and desserts.
-
Hakodate Donburi YokochoHakodate Donburi Yokocho, Hakodate, Japan
Visit Hakodate Donburi Yokocho for seafood bowls. The creator tried a bowl topped with crab and salmon roe, along with other local seafood.
-
Hakodate Ropeway Sanroku StationHakodate Ropeway Sanroku Station, Hakodate, Japan
Take the ropeway from its Sanroku (base) Station to Mount Hakodate for the celebrated night panorama over the city and surrounding sea. Check current operating information before setting out.
Day 2: Hakodate morning and return to Tokyo
**Morning:** Make time for the hotel’s extensive breakfast buffet, including Hakodate sashimi, made-to-order omelets, ramen and desserts. After checking out, visit the Mashu Maru, a former Tsugaru Strait ferry preserved as a museum ship near Hakodate Station. **Return rail:** Travel from Hakodate to Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto to board the Shinkansen back to Tokyo. The return fare was quoted at ¥32,230 as a historical example. The return journey also included a look at the Green Car.