Hokkaido railpass

The new Flexible 4-Day Hokkaido Pass from Japan Rail Hokkaido allows travel on any JR Hokkaido train on any four days within a 10-day period. The railpass costs ¥18,000 (near $171) for an ordinary car and ¥25,000 ($238) for a first-class car.

The pass can be purchased either outside of Japan online (www2.jrhokkaido.co.jp/global/index.html) or through a wholesaler or inside Japan at Narita Airport or in several locations in Hokkaido. For a list of firms selling the pass, call the Japan National Tourist Organization in Los Angeles (213/623-1952) or New York (212/757-5640). 

Be aware that, unlike a regional pass such as the Hokkaido Pass or JR East Pass, the Japan Rail Pass (which is for the whole country) must be purchased outside of Japan.