Scenic Local Lines Starting from Hakodate | Hokkaido's Primordial Landscape from the Train Window

The appeal of railway travel lies in the ability to leisurely view the landscape flowing through the train window. Local lines starting from Hakodate are scenic routes running through the Tsugaru Strait and Hakodate Mountain, beloved not only by railway enthusiasts but by many travelers. In Hokkaido's relatively warm climate with summer average temperatures around 22 degrees Celsius, being able to enjoy completely different train window scenery across all four seasons is the true delight of local line travel. The slow travel time you can't experience on fast trains in the city is a special moment that liberates your heart. From Hakodate Airport it's about 20 minutes by car to the city center, and from Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto Station on the Shinkansen it's about 20 minutes to reach Hakodate—from there, embark on a small adventure by transferring to a local line.

The Appeal of Hokkaido's Local Lines

Local lines running across Hokkaido present a sight that makes railway fans drool—single-car diesel trains running across the vast northern land, with routes along pristine fields, pastures, and coastlines creating a scale that feels un-Japanese. Since some routes operate only a few times per day, checking the timetable in advance is essential. Most routes take about 1-2 hours one way, with fares around 500-2,000 yen. Free passes and discounted plan tickets are often available, so check at the Hakodate Station ticket window.

Best Scenic Viewpoints from the Train Window

We introduce the best scenic viewpoints visible from local line windows. On routes heading toward Hakodate Mountain, 15-20 minutes after departure, you'll reach the highlight section where a grand panorama of the Tsugaru Strait and Hakodate Mountain spreads across the train window. Deer and foxes sometimes appear along the tracks, giving you a sense of oneness with Hokkaido's great nature. For photography, seats on the right (or left) side in the direction of travel are advantageous, and if you board from the starting station, you can secure your preferred seat. At stations where you can get off, the views from the platform are also unmissable photo spots. If you call out to the conductor, they may tell you which sections are recommended for photography.

Enjoying Wayside Attractions Through Stops Along the Route

To make your local line trip even more fulfilling, get off along the way and savor the attractions of the surrounding areas. Getting off at the station closest to Trappist Nunnery, you can access tourist spots on foot or by local bus. The small station buildings along the line are photogenic subjects in themselves, and many charming unmanned stations where locals maintain flower beds give you a warm feeling. Enjoying lunch at a station-front restaurant alongside local people is also a delight of travel, where you can taste local flavors like Lucky Pierrot burgers and seafood bowls at reasonable prices. Since there's often 1-2 hours until the next train, exploring the surrounding area during that time lets you encounter Hokkaido's true face, unmanicured by tourism.

Seasonal Limited-Time Sightseeing Trains

In Hokkaido, sightseeing trains and trolley trains sometimes operate on a seasonal basis. Summer's "Norokko" and winter's "SL Winter Wetland" are special trains where you can fully experience Hokkaido's seasonal atmosphere. Advance reserved seating reservations are available from one month prior, and popular trains often sell out immediately upon release, making early booking essential. Charges are an additional 500-3,000 yen for reserved seating on top of the regular fare, and meal plans require additional charges. Onboard attendant commentary about the surrounding areas and sales of products made from local ingredients are also among the pleasures.

Planning Your Railway Trip and Convenient Passes

Here's practical information for planning a local line trip starting from Hakodate. From Hakodate Airport it's about 20 minutes by car to the city, and from Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto Station on the Shinkansen it's about 20 minutes to arrive in Hakodate—once there, obtain a local line timetable and route map at the station tourist information center. During the period of validity for the "Seishun 18 Kippu" (Youth 18 Pass), you can ride all JR lines unlimited, making it perfect for local line travel. Regional free passes are also available from various railway companies, and you can enjoy 1-3 days of exploring for around 2,000-5,000 yen. Since local lines have few departures, be sure to check your return train time in advance. Many routes don't accept IC cards, so be sure to have cash on hand. Pack a camera, drinks, and rice balls in a small backpack and head out for a leisurely railway journey.