Rugby World UK – August 2019

RAIL PASS

HOKK A IDO

JR Hokkaido

See more of Japan’s northern island with a JR Hokkaido Rail Pass

RW Promotion Transport

There is plenty to see in Hokkaido –

Japan’s second largest island – and

train is the best way to take it all in...

C

The Culture Vulture

Lake Akan Ainu Kotan is

a settlement inhabited by

about 120 indigenous Japanese people

and the master craftsmen create

intricate wood carvings of bears,

birds, humans and the like, which

are highly sought around the world.

Another important tradition passed

down from ancestors is the Ainu dance,

which is Hokkaido’s only registered

World Intangible Cultural Heritage.

Until 31 October, they are holding a

night walk event featuring mysterious

illuminations at this national park, so

the World Cup is the perfect chance

to join in with this special event!

Take the Express Train ‘Super Ozora’

from Sapporo station to Kushiro (about

four hours) and then a bus to Akanko-

onsen (about one hour, 50 minutes).

F

The Foodie

Hokkaido’s seafood is the

best-known in Japan so head

to Hakodate’s Morning Market to taste

the freshest seafood donburi. You can

also enjoy Hokkaido ramen and the

region’s speciality Genghis Khan (a dish

of lamb and vegetables).

Reach Hakodate in approximately

three hours, 40 minutes from Sapporo

station by travelling on the Express Train

‘Super Hokuto’. Check out the must-see

night view from Mount Hakodate too.

A

The Adventurer

Hoshino Resorts TOMAMU

offers not only accommodation

but a huge farm area to enjoy during

your time in Hokkaido. Plus, you can

float above the clouds by taking a

cable car to Unkai Terrace in the early

morning. The Cloud Walk and attractive

observatory provide breathtaking

views and a unique experience.

It’s 100 minutes from Sapporo station

to Tomamu by the Express Train ‘Super

Tokachi’ or 70 minutes from New Chitose

Airport station via Minami-chitose.

P

The Party Animal

The biggest night-life district in

Hokkaido is Susukino, which

offers you gourmet food, bars, karaoke,

nightclubs and more. Get there in 37

minutes from New Chitose Airport

station to Sapporo by the Rapid Train

‘Airport’, then take the subway from

Sapporo station to Susukino.

THE TICKETS

If you plan to visit several places in

Hokkaido, it makes sense to buy a

JR Hokkaido Rail Pass. Available for

different lengths of time, you can

buy them from travel agents before

you go or in Hokkaido. See www2.

jrhokkaido.co.jp/global/index.html

Head in the clouds

Unkai Terrace

Carving out history
Lake Akan Ainu Kotan