Japan

How to get from Hakodate to Morioka

Compare all transport options: bus, ferry, train, flight. Prices, durations and tips from a local expert.

⏱
FASTEST
1h 10min
💶
From
32€
📍
Distance
232 km
Powered by 12Go system

There are 1 way(s) to get from Hakodate to Morioka

Select an option below to see the route details and compare prices. Secure booking via our partner 12go.asia.

🚌 Departure from Hakodate
📍Your journey starts at Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto Station, the northernmost Shinkansen station on Hokkaido. It's a modern, clean station with shops and eateries, designed to handle high-speed train traffic.
🚇From Hakodate city center, take the JR Hakodate Line to Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto Station. This local train journey takes about 15-20 minutes and costs around ¥360. Taxis are also available, costing roughly ¥3,000-4,000 for a 20-30 minute ride.
⏰Shinkansen departures from Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto to Morioka are frequent, with trains typically running every 30-60 minutes throughout the day, from early morning until late evening.
💸 Transport from 32€ per person
⚡ Fastest: 1h 10min
🗓 Book now Secure payment · via 12go.asia

Practical tips

💡
JR Pass Value Check

Before buying individual Shinkansen tickets, use an online calculator to see if a Japan Rail Pass makes financial sense for your entire itinerary. It can save you a lot if you're doing multiple long-distance trips.

💡
Shinkansen Seat Reservations

While some Shinkansen cars have non-reserved seats, it's always wise to reserve, especially during peak travel seasons or for long journeys. It guarantees you a spot and peace of mind.

💡
No Train to Fuji or Shirakawa-go

Remember that iconic spots like Mount Fuji (Kawaguchiko) and Shirakawa-go are not directly accessible by train. You'll need to factor in bus connections for these parts of your journey.

💡
Station Names Matter

Be precise with station names. For instance, make sure you're booking to Shin-Osaka for Shinkansen connections, not just 'Osaka', which is a different, albeit connected, station.

💡
Travel Light on Shinkansen

Luggage space on Shinkansen can be limited. Consider using Japan's excellent luggage forwarding services (Takuhaibin) if you have large suitcases, especially for longer legs of your trip.

🛣️ The journey experience

Navigating Japan's superb but sometimes bewildering rail network can feel like a puzzle, especially when planning a trip from Hakodate to Morioka. You want to know the real deal: is it a Shinkansen dash, a scenic local train, or is there a smarter, cheaper option? Forget theoretical fastest times; you need honest door-to-door durations and actual ticket prices to make the best choice for your budget and schedule.

For your journey from Hakodate to Morioka, the primary and most efficient option is the Shinkansen. The Tohoku Shinkansen connects these two cities directly, offering a rapid and comfortable ride. A one-way ticket typically costs around ¥5,000-6,000 (approx. €32-38) and the journey takes about 1 hour. While there are local JR lines, they involve multiple transfers and significantly longer travel times, making the Shinkansen the overwhelmingly practical choice for most travellers.

So, when weighing your options, remember that for routes like Hakodate to Morioka, the Shinkansen truly shines in terms of speed and convenience, often making a Japan Rail Pass a smart consideration if you have multiple Shinkansen legs. You won't find a night bus here to undercut the bullet train, nor is there a flight or ferry that makes sense for this particular route. Stick to the Shinkansen for a hassle-free connection.

Frequently asked questions — Hakodate → Morioka

✨ Why visit Morioka?

  • ✓ Stroll through Morioka Castle Site Park, especially beautiful during cherry blossom season.
  • ✓ Explore the traditional crafts and noodle culture, including Wanko Soba and Reimen.
  • ✓ Visit Iwate Park and the historic Ishiwari-zakura (Stone-splitting Cherry Tree).
  • ✓ Discover the local sake breweries and try regional sake specialties.
  • ✓ Enjoy seasonal festivals like the Morioka Sansa Odori (summer) or winter illuminations.
🌙
Recommended stay
2 to 3 nights — allows you to explore the city's main attractions and local cuisine at a relaxed pace.

☀️ When to visit Morioka?

HUMID CONTINENTAL CLIMATE

Spring (April-May) or Autumn (October-November) — pleasant weather for sightseeing, with cherry blossoms or vibrant fall foliage.

Jan 😞
Feb 😞
Mar 😐
Apr 😊
May 😊
Jun 😊
Jul 😐
Aug 😊
Sep 😊
Oct 😐
Nov 😐
Dec 😞
📍
In Morioka — Plan your stay
Accommodation, activities and tips selected for you
🏨 Accommodation
Hotels in Morioka
Compare the best rates available
via trip.com

What to do in Morioka?

Local experiences, must-see sights and activities selected for you

INCONTOURNABLE
🏯
Morioka Castle Ruins Park
Explore the historical grounds of Morioka Castle, now a beautiful park with stone walls and cherry blossoms in spring. It offers a tranquil escape and panoramic views of the city. Access is free and it's open 24/7, ideal for an early morning stroll before the crowds.
🍜
Wanko Soba Challenge
Participate in the unique Wanko Soba challenge, where servers continuously refill your small bowls of soba noodles. It's a fun and competitive culinary experience unique to Morioka. Expect to pay around 25-35€ for the full experience. Book ahead, especially for dinner.
artisanat
Morioka Handi-Works Square
Discover traditional Morioka crafts like Nambu ironware and indigo dyeing. You can watch artisans at work and even try your hand at some workshops. It's a great place to pick up authentic souvenirs. Plan 2-3 hours; workshops may incur small fees from 5€.
⛩️
Hachiman-gu Shrine
Visit Morioka Hachiman-gu Shrine, an important Shinto shrine dedicated to the god of war. Its grand architecture and peaceful atmosphere make it a significant cultural stop. The shrine is always open, and entrance is free. Combine it with a walk through the nearby residential areas for a local feel.
🌳
Ishiwari-zakura (Rock-Splitting Cherry Tree)
Marvel at the Ishiwari-zakura, a remarkable cherry tree growing directly out of a massive granite boulder in front of the Morioka Courthouse. It's a symbol of resilience and natural wonder. Best viewed during spring when it blooms, but impressive year-round. It's a quick photo stop, easily accessible by foot.
🍻
Sample Local Sake and Craft Beer
Explore Morioka's burgeoning craft beer scene and traditional sake breweries. Many local izakayas and specialty shops offer tastings. A good starting point is the Ote-dori area for various options. Expect to pay from 5-10€ for a tasting flight. Inquire about brewery tours for a deeper dive.
🛶
Boat Ride on Kitakami River
Enjoy a peaceful boat ride along the Kitakami River, offering different perspectives of the city and its surrounding nature. This serene activity is perfect for relaxing after a day of sightseeing. Tours are seasonal, primarily in warmer months. Check local tourist info for schedules and prices, typically from 15€.
🏛️
Iwate Museum of Art
Immerse yourself in local and international art at the Iwate Museum of Art, featuring works by renowned Iwate artists like Seibo Kitamura. The museum's architecture is also noteworthy. Admission is typically around 5-8€. Check their website for temporary exhibitions, as they often have unique displays.

⏱️ How long to visit Morioka?

3 to 5 days

For an independent traveler, plan 3 to 5 days to fully explore Morioka and its surroundings. In 3 days, focus on the city's main attractions like Morioka Castle Site Park and handmade noodle experiences. If you have 5 days, extend your trip to include day trips to nearby natural beauty spots like Hachimantai.

Related searches

train Hakodate Morioka how to get from Hakodate to Morioka ticket price Hakodate to Morioka travel time Hakodate to Morioka travel to Japan

Other trips from Hakodate

Book now