Places to visit in winter in East Hokkaido & how to get there
Okhotsk
Kushiro is the largest city in East Hokkaido. In this article, we will be introducing sightseeing spots in and around Kushiro, and how to get to those spots by bus for those of you would would like to enjoy sightseeing while staying in Kushiro.
To Abashiri Prison Museum/Okhotsk Drift Ice Museum/Hokkaido Museum of Northern PeoplesHow to get to
Abashiri from Memanbetsu Airport
A connecting bus to Abashiri is available in line with arrival timings of flights to Memanbetsu Airport.
Operator: Abashiri Bus
[From Memanbetsu Airport to Abashiri Station]: Roughly 26 minutes, ¥1050
[From Memanbetsu Airport to Abashiri Bus Terminal]: Roughly 35 minutes, ¥1050
[From Memanbetsu Airport to Abashiri Roadside Station (only when the drift ice sightseeing ship Aurora is operating)]: Roughly 40 minutes, ¥1,150
How to get to
Kitami from Memanbetsu Airport
A connecting bus to Abashiri is available in line with arrival timings of flights to Memanbetsu Airport.
Operator: Hokkaido Kitami Bus
[From Memanbetsu Airport to Kitami bus Terminal (in front of Kitami Station]: Roughly 42 minutes, ¥1,200
Recommended for those who want to visit sightseeing spots in Abashiri
How to get to
Abashiri Prison Museum/Okhotsk Drift Ice Museum/Hokkaido Museum of Northern Peoples
The Tentozan area is a well-known sighteseeing spot on high ground in Abashiri, the city of drift ice. Major sightseeing spots such as the Abashiri Prison Museum, the Okhotsk Drift Ice Museum, and the Hokkaido Museum of Northern Peoples are located here. The view from the Tentozan Observation Deck (free admission) on the roof of the Okhotsk Drift Ice Museum is oustanding!
- Access
- Abashiri Prison Museum … 2 minutes by foot from "Abashiri Prison Museum" bus stop
Okhotsk Drift Ice Museum (scenic spot: Tentozan Observation Deck) … 1 minute by foot from "Tentozan (Drift Ice Museum)" bus stop
Hokkaido Museum of Northern Peoples … 1 minute by foot from "Museum of Northern Peoples" bus stop
Bus Timetable
from Roadside Station Ryuhyo-kaido Abashiri/Abashiri Bus Terminal/Abashiri Station to Abashiri Prison Museum/Okhotsk Drift Ice Museum/Hokkaido Museum of Northern Peoples
"City Sightseeing" buses make 8-10 round trips daily (depending on the time of year).（※20 January〜31 Marth Only）
In addition to transit buses, visitors can also take the "Doko Bus", a new transportation service pvovided by Abashiri Bus, which operates from 9:00 - 16:00!
The "Doko Bus" is a reservation-only, on-demand transportation service that allows you to travel when you want to, to where you want to go within the city.
from 20 January - 31 March
* Roadside Station Drift Ice Icebreaker Bus Stop/Abashiri Bus Terminal/Abashiri Station to Abashiri Prison Museum/Okhotsk Drift Ice Museum/Hokkaido Museum of Northern Peoples: ¥240-440
* Doko Bus Fare (1 trip): Roadside Station Drift Ice Icebreaker Bus Stop/Abashiri Bus Terminal/Abashiri Station to Abashiri Prison Museum/Okhotsk Drift Ice Museum/Hokkaido Museum of Northern Peoples: ¥700
* One-day pass for buses to sightseeing spots/Doko Bus: ¥1,800
Sightseeing Tips
From 20 January - 31 March, when the drift ice icebreaker Aurora is in operation, there are 7-10 shuttle buses a day, while there are only 4 shuttle buses a day until 19 January. It is especially recommended that you make use of the "Doko Bus" during this period for more efficient sightseeing.
(From Memanbetsu Airport/Abashiri) Recommended for those who want to visit Shiretoko, a World Natural Heritage Site
How to get to
Shiretoko Utoro
Located on the northern coast of Shiretoko, a World Natural Heritage Site, the Shiretoko Utoro area hosts many accommodation facilities and hot springs. Those wishing to explore the Shiretoko Five Lakes and enjoy other activities in winter will be picked up and dropped off in the Shiretoko Utoro area, making it the center of tourism in Shiretoko.
- Access
- Roadside Station Utoro/Shirietoku and Shiretoko World Heritage Center … Near "Utoro Roadside Station" bus stop
Bus Timetable
from Memanbetsu Airport/Abashiri City to Shiretoko Utoro
The limited-time "Shiretoko Airport Liner" provides direct access to Shiretoko Utoro from Memanbetsu Airport and Abashiri City without the need for transfers.
* In addition to the Shiretoko Airport Liner, the East Hokkaido Express Bus No. 1 operates from 29 January to 5 March.
| Departure from Memanbetsu Airport | Departure from Abashiri Station | Departure from Roadside Station Abashiri (Icebreaker Pier) | Arrival at Utoro Hot Springs Bus Terminal | Arrival at Utoro Hot Springs hotels | Notes | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9:35 | → | 10:02 | → | 10:08 | → | 11:48 | Operates from 20 January - 10 March (Shiretoko Airport Liner) | ||
| 13:30 | → | 13:57 | → | 14:02 | → | 15:43 | Operates from 20 January - 10 March (Shiretoko Airport Liner) | ||
| 15:15 | → | (no stop) | → | 17:00 | Operates from 28 January to 3 March (East Hokkaido Express Bus No. 1) |
* As of November 2023 (only winter timetable is listed)
* [Shiretoko Airport Liner] Memanbetsu Airport to Utoro Hot Springs: ¥3,500 Abashiri Station/Abashiri Bus Terminal/Drift Ice Icebreaker Pier to Utoro Hot Springs: ¥2,800
* The buses will stop at the Utoro Hot Springs hotels: Kita Kobushi Resort, Kiki Shiretoko, Shiretoko Daiichi Hotel, and Hotel Shiretoko.
Bus Timetable
from Shiretoko Utoro to Abashiri City/Memanbetsu Airport
The limited-time "Shiretoko Airport Liner" provides direct access to Shiretoko Utoro from Memanbetsu Airport and Abashiri City without the need for transfers.
* In addition to the Shiretoko Airport Liner, the East Hokkaido Express Bus No. 2 operates from 29 January to 5 March.
| Departure from Utoro Hot Springs Bus Terminal | Arrival at Utoro Hot Springs hotels | Arrival at Roadside Station Abashiri (Drift Ice Icebreaker Pier) | Arrival at Abashiri Station | Arrival at Memanbetsu Airport | Notes | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9:30 | → | 9:33~9:44 | → | 11:27 | → | 11:33 | → | 11:57 | Operates from 20 January - 10 March (Shiretoko Airport Liner) |
| 12:20 | → | (no stop) | → | 14:01 | → | 14:07 | → | 14:34 | Operates from 20 January - 10 March (Shiretoko Airport Liner) |
* As of November 2023 (only winter timetable is listed)
* [Shiretoko Airport Liner] Memanbetsu Airport to Utoro Hot Springs: ¥3,500 Abashiri Station/Abashiri Bus Terminal/Drift Ice Icebreaker Pier to Utoro Hot Springs: ¥2,800
* The buses will stop at the Utoro Hot Springs hotels: Kita Kobushi Resort, Kiki Shiretoko, Shiretoko Daiichi Hotel, and Hotel Shiretoko.
Sightseeing Tips
When travelling to Shiretoko Utoro from Memanbetsu Airport or Abashiri, in addition to the buses listed above, you can also take a JR train from Abashiri to Shari and transfer to a transit bus travelling from Shari to Utoro, but the JR train is not a convenient option as it does not run very frequently.
Recommended for those who want to to see cute animals, visit a rare aquarium, and enjoy hot springs in Kitami
How to get to
Onneyu Hot Springs
The Onneyu Hot Springs district is located in the northwestern part of Kitami City. The "Northern Territories Aquarium (Mountain Aquarium)" located at Roadside Station Onneyu Hot Springs (last stop) is an aquarium boasting many attractions, including a fantastically beautiful "waterfall tank", the first of its kind in Japan. The "Kita-kitsune Farm", where visitors can see free-range foxes typical of Hokkaido, is located nearby, and the fluffy kita-kitsune (Ezo red foxes) in their winter coats is a must-see. The Onneyu Hot Springs, a renowned hot spring known as the hot spring of beauty, is also a must visit spot.
- Access
- Northern Territories Aquarium (Mountain Aquarium) … 2 minutes by foot from Roadside Station Onneyu Hot Springs bus stop
Kita-Kitsune Farm … 8 minutes by foot from Roadside Station Onneyu Hot Springs bus stop
Oe Honke … 5 minutes by foot from Onneyu bus stop
Bus Timetable
from Kitami Station (Kitami Bus Terminal) to Onneyu Hot Springs
Take a transit bus bound for Onneyu Hot Springs from the Kitami Bus Terminal.
It takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes to reach the last stop, Roadside Station Onneyu Hot Springs.
| Departure from Kitami Bus Terminal | Arrival at Onneyu | Arrival at Roadside Station Onneyu Hot Springs | Notes | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7:21 | → | 8:27 | → | 8:30 | Bus for Roadside Station Onneyu Hot Springs |
| 11:02 | → | 12:12 | → | 12:15 | Bus for Roadside Station Onneyu Hot Springs |
| 12:32 | → | 13:42 | → | 13:45 | Bus for Roadside Station Onneyu Hot Springs |
| 13:32 | → | 14:42 | → | 14:45 | Bus for Roadside Station Onneyu Hot Springs |
| 14:22 | → | 15:32 | → | 15:35 | Bus for Roadside Station Onneyu Hot Springs |
| 15:27 | → | 16:37 | → | 16:40 | Bus for Roadside Station Onneyu Hot Springs |
| 16:12 | → | 17:22 | → | 17:25 | Bus for Roadside Station Onneyu Hot Springs |
| 18:20 | → | 19:27 | → | 19:30 | Bus for Roadside Station Onneyu Hot Springs |
* All buses listed above are operated by Hokkaido Kitami Bus.
* As of July 2024
* Kitami Bus terminal to Onneyu/Roadside Station Onneyu Hot Springs: ¥1,330
Bus Timetable
from Onneyu Hot Springs to Kitami Station (Kitami Bus Terminal)
Transit bus departing from Kitami Bus Terminal
It takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes from Roadside Station Onneyu Hot Springs to Kitami Station (Bus Terminal).
| Departure from Roadside Station Onneyu Hot Springs | Departure from Onneyu | Arrival at Kitami Bus Terminal | Notes | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6:28 | → | 6:30 | → | 7:38 | Bus for Kitami Bus Terminal |
| 7:16 | → | 7:18 | → | 8:27 | Bus for Kitami Bus Terminal |
| 8:00 | → | 8:02 | → | 9:11 | Bus for Kitami Bus Terminal |
| 8:40 | → | 8:42 | → | 9:51 | Bus for Kitami Bus Terminal |
| 10:10 | → | 10:12 | → | 11:21 | *Unavailable on weekends and holidays Bus for Kitami Bus Terminal |
| 12:30 | → | 12:32 | → | 13:41 | Bus for Kitami Bus Terminal |
| 14:00 | → | 14:02 | → | 15:11 | Bus for Kitami Bus Terminal |
| 15:52 | → | 15:54 | → | 17:03 | Bus for Kitami Bus Terminal |
| 17:40 | → | 17:42 | → | 18:51 | Bus for Kitami Bus Terminal |
* All buses listed above are operated by Hokkaido Kitami Bus.
* As of July 2024
* Kitami Bus terminal to Onneyu/Roadside Station Onneyu Hot Springs: ¥1,330
Sightseeing Tips
The Kita-Kitsune Farm takes approximately 20-30 minutes to visit, and the Northern Territories Aquarium (Mountain Aquarium) takes approximately 30-40 minutes. If you are visiting on a day trip from Kitami, please note that there are not many bus combinations available during the day. The regular fare is ¥2,660 for a round trip, but if you are visiting on a day trip, you can purchase the "Kitami Bus One-Day Free Ticket" to make the round trip, which is cheaper at ¥2,000.
Recommended for those who want to enjoy sightseeing in East Hokkaido, Asahikawa, and Sapporo in one go
How to get to
Sounkyo and Asahikawa from Kitami
You can travel directly from Kitami to Asahikawa (where Asahiyama Zoo is located), and Sounkyo Hot Springs (renowned for its winter festival, the Sounkyo Icefall Festival) by intercity bus without transferring. You can also take an intercity bus from Onneyu Hot Springs(boarding in Kitami/alighting at Onneyu Hot Springs is not permitted). As for other transportation methods other than buses to Asahikawa, JR operates 4 limited express trains (bound for either Asahikawa or Sapporo) and 1 rapid train.
- Access
- Asahiyama Zoo … 40-50 minutes by bus from Asahikawa Station
Sounkyo Icefall Festival Site … 5 minutes by foot from Sounkyo bus stop
Sounkyo Ropeway boarding area … 5 minutes by foot from Sounkyo bus stop
Bus Timetable
from Kitami Station (Kitami Bus Terminal) to Sounkyo/Asahikawa
Take the "Sunrise Go" intercity bus (free seating, reservation required). The journey to Asahikawa takes 3 hours and 30 minutes.
| Departure from Kitami Bus Terminal | Departure from Onneyu | Arrival at Sounkyo | Arrival at Asahikawa Ekimae | Notes | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8:15 | → | 9:01 | → | 10:12 | → | 11:45 | Bus for Asahikawa Ekimae |
| 11:45 | → | 12:31 | → | 13:42 | → | 15:15 | Bus for Asahikawa Ekimae |
| 17:00 | → | 17:46 | → | 18:57 | → | 20:30 | Bus for Asahikawa Ekimae |
* Fare Kitami to Sounkyo: ¥3,050
Kitami to Asahikawa: ¥4,400
Onneyu to Sounkyo: ¥2,200
Onneyu to Asahikawa: ¥3,500
* As of November 2023
* You cannot alight at Onneyu.
* You cannot board at Sounkyo.
* Operator: Dohoku Bus/Hokkaido Kitami Bus/Akan Bus
Bus Timetable
from Asahikawa/Sounkyo to Kitami Station (Kitami Bus Terminal)
Take the "Sunrise Go" intercity bus (free seating, reservation required). The journey to Asahikawa takes 3 hours and 30 minutes.
| Departure from Asahikawa Ekimae | Departure from Sounkyo | Arrival at Onneyu | Arrival at Kitami Bus Terminal | Notes | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7:50 | → | 9:22 | → | 10:28 | → | 11:15 | Bus for Kushiro |
| 13:05 | → | 14:37 | → | 15:43 | → | 16:30 | Bus for Kushiro |
| 15:30 | → | 17:07 | → | 18:13 | → | 19:00 | Bus for Kitami |
* Fare Kitami to Sounkyo: ¥3,050
Kitami to Asahikawa: ¥4,400
Onneyu to Sounkyo: ¥2,200
Onneyu to Asahikawa: ¥3,500
* As of November 2023
* You cannot alight at Onneyu.
* You cannot board at Sounkyo.
* Operator: Dohoku Bus/Hokkaido Kitami Bus/Akan Bus
Sightseeing Tips
Intercity buses between Kitami and Asahikawa are now running less frequently at three a day. If the intercity bus service is not a good fit for your schedule, we recommend you consider taking a JR train. If you ar eheading to Asahikawa from Kitami, for example, we recommend you take a transit bus to Onneyu Hot Springs, enjoy the sights there, and then take the intercity bus.
For those who want to enjoy sightseeing in Lake Akan and Kushiro
How to get to
Lake Akan Hot Springs and Kushiro
Lake Akan Hot Springs is located in the Akan-Mashu National Park, surrounded by magnificent nature, in the northwestern part of Kushiro City. In winter, visitors can experience fishing for wakasagi (Japanese smelt) on the frozen Lake Akan, and see the area's unique nature in winter, such as the "frost flowers" that bloom on the lake in the early morning (depending on weather conditions the night before).
- Access
- Lake Akan Hot Springs Hotels (along the lakeside) … 10-20 minute walk from Lake Akan Bus Center.
* We recommend you check with your hotel if pick-up and drop-off services are available.
Bus Timetable
from Kitami to Lake Akan Hot Springs/Kushiro
The Sunrise Go intercity bus runs twice a day from Kitami to Lake Akan and Kushiro.
Buses that only operate in the winter are also available.
| Departure from Kitami Station | Departure from Abashiri Roadside Station | Arrival at Lake Akan Hot Springs | Arrival at Kushiro Station | Notes | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 11:45(Note 2) | → | → | → | 13:13 | → | 14:43 | Sunrise Go Intercity Bus for Kushiro |
| 17:00(Note 2) | → | → | → | 18:28 | → | 19:58 | Sunrise Go Intercity Bus for Kushiro |
* Fare (Sekihoku Intercity Bus) Kitami to Lake Akan: ¥2,300
Kitami to Kushiro: ¥4,200
* As of JUly 2024
* Passengers boarding at Lake Akan Hot Springs will not be able to alight at Kushiro Station.
* (Note 1) Boarding for East Hokkaido Express Bus No. 3 is at the south exit of Kitami Station.
* (Note 2) Boarding for Sekihoku Intercity Bus at Kitami Station is at Kitami Bus Terminal.
Bus Timetable
from Kushiro/Lake Akan Hot Springs to Kitami
The Sunrise Go intercity bus runs twice a day from Lake Akan and Kushiro to Kitami.
Buses that only operate in the winter are also available.
| Departure from Kushiro Station | Departure from Lake Akan Hot Springs | Arrival at Abashiri Station | Arrival at Kitami Station | Notes | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9:50(Note 1) | → | 15:05 | East Hokkaido Express Bus No. 4 Departing from Lake Akan→via Lake Mashu/Bihoro Pass→Abashiri/Shiretoko Utoro *Operates from 1 February - 3 March |
||||
| 8:13 | 9:43 | → | → | → | 11:13 | Sunrise Go Intercity Bus For Asahikawa | |
| 13:28 | → | 14:58 | → | → | → | 16:28 | Sunrise Go Intercity Bus For Asahikawa |
* Fare East Hokkaido Express Bus No. 2
Lake Akan to Abashiri: ¥4,787 (with stops for sightseeing at Lake Mashu and Mt. Iwo)
* Fare East Hokkaido Express Bus No. 3
Lake Akan to Abashiri/Kitami: ¥3,187
* As of November 2023
* Passengers boarding at Kushiro Station cannot alight at Lake Akan Onsen Station.
* Passengers cannot board the East Hokkaido Express Bus No. 3 at Abashiri Station.
* (Note 1) You can board the bus from hotels along the shore of Lake Akan.
* (Note 2) Boarding for Sekihoku Intercity Bus at Kitami Station is at Kitami Bus Terminal.
Sightseeing Tips
When heading to Kushiro from Kitami, aside from these buses, you can also take a JR train from Abashiri to Kushiro, but the number of trains is limited. Taking the bus is a time-efficient and efficient way to traverse the area, so why not take advantage of it?
For those who want to enjoy seeing more drift ice
How to get to
Monbetsu
Located next to the Sea of Okhotsk, Monbetsu is a city of drift ice and the home port of the red-hulled drift ice icebreaker "Garinko", on which visitors can enjoy an awesome cruise. There is no regular bus service from Abashiri, Kitami, and other cities, but you can visit Monbetsu by using the limited-time bus service between Abashiri and Monbetsu. There are also transit bus services operating from JR Engaru Station and Asahikawa/Sapporo.
- Access
- Garinko Pier … a short walk from Monbetsu Garinko Station
Bus Timetables from Abashiri to Monbetsu
You can take the limited-time East Hokkaido Express Bus No. 2 to travel directly from Abashiri to Monbetsu.
(Alternatively, take a JR train from Abashiri or Kitami to Engaru. There is also a transit bus in operation from Engaru to Monbetsu.)
| Departure from Roadside Station Abashiri (Icebreaker Pier) | Departure from Lake Saroma Tsuruga Resort | Arrival at Monbetsu Garinko Station | Arrival at Monbetsu City Hotels | Notes | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 13:45 | → | 14:35 | → | 15:55 | → | 16:00 | East Hokkaido Express Bus No. 2 |
* Fare Abashiri to Saroma: ¥2,787
Abashiri to Monbetsu: ¥4,387
Saroma to Monbetsu: ¥3,1870
* The bus will stop at hotels inside Monbetsu City: Monbetsu Prince Hotel, Abashiri Central Hotel, Hotel Okhotsk Palace Monbetsu.
Bus Timetables from Monbetsu to Abashiri
You can take the limited-time East Hokkaido Express Bus No. 1 to travel directly from Monbetsu to Abashiri.
(Alternatively, take a transit bus from Monbetsu to Engaru. You can take a JR train to Kitami/Abashiri from Engaru.)
| Departure from Monbetsu City Hotels | Departure from Monbetsu Garinko Station | Arrival at Lake Saroma Tsuruga Resort | Arrival at Roadside Station Abashiri (Icebreaker Pier) | Notes | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10:00 | → | 10:15 | → | 11:35 | → | 12:45 | East Hokkaido Express Bus No. 1 |
* Fare Abashiri to Saroma: ¥2,787
Abashiri to Monbetsu: ¥4,387
Saroma to Monbetsu: ¥3,187
* The bus will stop at hotels inside Monbetsu City: Monbetsu Prince Hotel, Abashiri Central Hotel, Hotel Okhotsk Palace Monbetsu.
Sightseeing Tips
If you are travelling to Monbetsu fromAbashiri, you will need to stay overnight in Monbetsu and board the Garinko. If you are travelling from Tokyo, we recommend taking advantage of the Haneda-Monbetsu flight (one round trip per day) and starting your trip from Monbetsu. Alternatively, you can sightsee around other places in Hokkaido before returning to Tokyo from Monbetsu for a more efficient itinerary.