Enjoy the Spectacular Scenery of Hokkaido on these 7 Local Railway Lines

1. JR Furano Line

This 54.8km railway line connects Asahikawa and Furano. It mainly runs between the midpoint of Biei ad Asahikawa, and the beautiful lavender fields and rolling hills visible from the windows of the carriages make this local line incredibly popular with tourists. On this line, we especially recommend the scenery between Biei Station and Bibaushi Station which is particularly spectacular.

HP: ja.wikipedia.org (Japanese Only)

2. JR Hidaka Main Line

A non-electric railway line connecting Tomakomai and Samani about 146.5km long. This local line has few trains which run at a relaxed speed. The view of the Hidaka mountain range from the carriage windows is spectacular, and the good access from Shin Chitose Airport make this a very popular line. We also recommend this line for families with children, as you can also see lots of thoroughbred horses from the trains.

HP: ja.wikipedia.org (Japanese Only)

Address: 15-1-1 Nishi, Kita 11 Jo, Chuo-ku, Sapporo-shi, Hokkaido (Google Map)

3. JR Soya Main Line

This line, connecting Asahikawa and Wakkanai, is the longest local line in Hokkaido. As one of the leading lines that passes through areas of heavy snowfall, in winter you can often see the snow removal trains hard at work. During the summer, the scenery, particularly the view of the Mt. Rishiri from Bukkai, is spectacular.

HP: ja.wikipedia.org (Japanese Only)

Address: 6 Miyashita-dori, Asahikawa-shi, Hokkaido (Google Map)

4. JR Sekisho Line

A local line connecting Minami Chitose with Shintoku. As you can ride the express without an express ticket by getting off at Shin Yubari and Shintoku, this famous line is popular with railway fans. The best thing about the Sekisho Line is the spectacular view of the nature of Hokkaido, which you can only see from this line. With many tunnels and bridges, and few crossings, this line has a very unique feel, which we wholeheartedly recommend.

HP: ja.wikipedia.org (Japanese Only)

5. JR Nemuro Main Line

Connecting Takikawa and Kushiro, this line is said to be the longest in Japan,taking 8 hours and 27 minutes to travel all 56 stations on the line! Despite this (or maybe conversely because of this?), it is a hugely popular line with train fans, sometimes even so popular that there is only standing room left in the carriages!

HP: ja.wikipedia.org (Japanese Only)

Address: 14-5 Oodori, Kushiro-shi, Hokkaido (Google Map)

6. JR Senmo Main Line

On the Senmo Line, which connects Kushiro and Abashiri, you can enjoy the scenery of the Kushiro marshes, with a total length of 166.2km. With its fantastic scenery which changes as you go, and the huge panorama view of the flowers and nature of Hokkaido, the view from this line is said to be the most beautiful in Japan. In Winter, the SL (steam locomotive) Fuyu-no-shitsugen also runs on this line, so you can enjoy a real sense of travel.

HP: ja.wikipedia.org (Japanese Only)

7. JR Hanasaki Line

The “Hanasaki Line” is the nickname for a part of the 134.4km Nemuro Main Line, which runs between Kushiro and Nemuro. This line runs along the most easterly edge of Hokkaido, and once you pass through the tunnel after Beppo Station, the view from the carriage windows completely changes. You can also enjoy the fantastical sight of the morning fog from the train. The “Kakimeshi” ekiben (bento box sold at train stations) available at Akkeshi Station is also incredibly popular. There are plans to close the line soon, so be sure to go while you still have the chance!

HP: ja.wikipedia.org (Japanese Only)

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