By plane
Sapporo's Chitose Airport is Hokkaido's sole international gateway of significance, with flights to Hong Kong, Taipei, Kaohsiung, Shanghai, Beijing, Seoul and Busan. However, there are only limited international flights and most visitors will need to transit through hubs such as Tokyo and Osaka. The route between Tokyo and Sapporo is, in terms of capacity and planes flown daily, the busiest in the world. (Note that Narita Airport and Haneda Airport are quite far apart from each other, so make sure you factor in at least 3 hours travelling time between airports in Tokyo.)
In addition, there are a few international flights (mostly from Seoul and Taipei) to both Asahikawa and Hakodate.
By train
Hokkaido is not (yet) linked to the Shinkansen high speed network, but night sleeper trains from Tokyo are a popular option.
Another way to access Hokkaido by rail is the Hakucho and Super Hakucho limited express service between Aomori and Hakodate (2 hours, �5,340 one way). There are nine trains per day.
When the Seishun 18 Ticket is effective, it can be used on Hakucho limited express trains between Kanita and Kikonai, making it possible to cross between Honshu and Hokkaido for as little as �2,000. However, because of the scarcity of local trains around Aomori and Hakodate, scheduling such a trip can be a bit of a hassle.
By ferry
Ferries are mostly popular among people bringing their own cars to Hokkaido.
� Ferries from Hakodate link to northern ports in Tohoku, including Aomori and the Shimokita Peninsula.
� Otaru provides links to Maizuru (near Kyoto) and Seoul.
� Tomakomai connects with Akita, Niigata, Tsuruga, and sometimes Maizuru.
� Wakkanai has ferries to Russia
