Getting to Asahikawa

Asahikawa is a city situated in the northern region of Hokkaido prefecture and island. 

According to Japan Travel Navi, the total cost by Rail of 4 train transfers is 27,900 yen per person and would take approximately 12.5hrs. The cost is high due to the link between Honshu and Hokkaido is a Shinkansen undersea tunnel from Amori to Hakodate. 

By Sea on Tsugaru Kaikyo Ferry either from Oma or Aomori to Hakodate for between 5,600 yen to 15,400 yen. For updated price, please visit Tsugaru Kakiyo Ferry official site.

By Air, the time was half with 2 flights and airport bus transfers. Komatsu airport to Tokyo-Haneda Airport then transit to Tokyo-Haneda Airport to Asahikawa Airport by Japan Airlines (JAL). Bus transfers – one from Kumatsu to Kumatsu Airport and another from Asahikawa Airport to Asahikawa Station. Kumatsu Bus Terminal (next to JR Kumatsu Station) to Kumatsu Airport at 280 yen; Asahikawa Airport to Asahikawa Station at 570 yen per person.

With both flights by JAL, there is no need to claim baggage and check-in again. Just exactly as I wanted. 

Tip: The airport shuttle from Komatsu bus terminal to Komatsu airport has no luggage compartment to store check-in luggage. Be prepared to carry your own luggage to board from the back door of the bus and collect a small ticket from the dispenser. Upon arrival to the destination, drop the ticket with the bus fare into the box next to the driver when alighting from the front of the bus.

Needless to ask which was our choice of travel to Asahikawa.