1. What kind of ticket do I need to board a train?

• A basic fare ticket is required for boarding.
• In order to board a Limited Express, a limited express ticket is required in addition to a basic fare ticket.
• For reserved seats, a reserved seat ticket is required in addition to a basic fare ticket and limited express ticket.

Ticket Types

Train Types in Hokkaido	Local	Rapid		Limited Express			Shinkansen
Stops	Stops at every station. Some trains do not stop at some stations.	Does not stop at some stations.		Stops only at major stations.			Stops only at Shinkansen Stations.
Car & Seat Type	All cars are Non-reserved	Non-reserved Seat	Reserved Seat	Non-reserved Seat	Reserved Seat	Some trains have Green Car connected.	Ordinary Car	First-class car (Green Car)	Gran Class
Ticket(s) Required

Car Formation (Example)

Long Distance (Sapporo - Kushiro, etc.) Limited Express Train

Short Distance (Sapporo - Asahikawa, etc.) Limited Express Train

Local/Rapid Train (Some trains have reserved seats)

Car Types of Limited Express Train

There are two types of car: Ordinary and Green.

The difference between Ordinary and Green cars is…

Green cars have wider seats for a more comfortable and relaxing trip.

Reserved Seat

Because the date, train, departure time, arrival time, and seat number are determined, a seat is guaranteed.

Non-reserved Seat

You may sit in any vacant seat of a Non-reserved car (on the date of your choosing). Because a seat cannot be reserved, you may be unable to sit if the train is crowded.

Passenger Classification