The Eastern Hokkaido region has gradually gained popularity in recent years and is a favorite among travelers who enjoy in-depth, independent travel in Hokkaido. Not only does it feature drift ice in Abashiri, Monbetsu, and Shiretoko, but also attractions such as Lake Mashu, Lake Akan, and Yunokawa Onsen. It can be said to be a must-visit travel destination in Hokkaido during winter. But driving in winter is not convenient—how can you use public transportation to fully explore Eastern Hokkaido? Read this guide and you’ll find out!
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Transportation options in Eastern Hokkaido
There are two main entry points from Sapporo in Hokkaido to Eastern Hokkaido: Abashiri in the north and Kushiro in the south. You can get there by JR or bus. Below, we’ll introduce transportation and itineraries from Sapporo to these two locations~
From Sapporo to Abashiri
? Flight: Take an ANA domestic flight to Monbetsu Airport, about 50 minutes, with a fare of around NT$1,669.
? JR: Take the Limited Express Lilac No. 13, transferring via Asahikawa to Abashiri, about 5.5 hours, with a fare of around ¥10,540.
From Sapporo to Kushiro
? Flight: Take an ANA domestic flight to Kushiro Airport, about 1 hour, with a fare of around NT$1,669.
? JR: Take the Limited Express Super Ozora No. 5, about 4 hours, with a fare of around ¥9,990.
From Tokyo to Abashiri and Kushiro
Additionally, if you plan to enter and exit from Tokyo, you might consider taking domestic flights with ANA, AIRDO, etc., flying directly to Monbetsu or Kushiro Airport in Hokkaido. The fares are also quite reasonable, making it suitable for travelers who want to visit multiple cities in one trip.
? Flight: Take an ANA, AIRDO, or other domestic flight, about 1.5 hours, with a fare of around ¥12,000–¥16,000.
*Flight and JR fares are subject to change; please refer to the official airline & JR websites for the most accurate prices.
After learning how to get to Eastern Hokkaido, let’s take a look at how to get around between the various attractions in the region. Below are some very convenient ways to travel using Eastern Hokkaido buses and sightseeing trains. Whether you just want a super convenient mode of transport or prefer to sightsee along the way, there’s an option for you!
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Eastern Hokkaido buses
No. 1 | Shiranuka → Monbetsu / Saroma Lake / Abashiri / Shiretoko
When visiting Eastern Hokkaido, what most people want to do is definitely take an icebreaker to see drift ice and enjoy a hot spring soak in the winter. This route will absolutely satisfy you！ Starting from Shirogane Onsen, you can choose to head toward Abashiri or Monbetsu, which will directly take you to the icebreaker ports to see the drift ice, or go to Shiretoko for a hot spring experience — super convenient！
Route 2 | Shiretoko → JR Abashiri Station → JR Lake Mashu Station → Lake Akan
However, most people probably still depart from JR Abashiri Station, which is actually very convenient！ Here, you can choose to go to Shiretoko Onsen, or Lake Mashu and Lake Akan. With Abashiri Station as your base, staying for two nights and three days to explore at a leisurely pace is also a great option to deeply discover Eastern Hokkaido！
Route 3 | Lake Akan → Abashiri / Saroma Lake / Monbetsu / Shirogane Onsen
Because Eastern Hokkaido covers a vast area and the attractions are quite far apart from each other, plus public transport runs less frequently, many people opt to stay overnight at a single destination in Eastern Hokkaido before moving on. In this case, it’s highly recommended to use one-way Eastern Hokkaido buses to flexibly plan your itinerary. You don’t have to constantly keep track of schedules, yet you can still move between the main attractions in Eastern Hokkaido — really quite convenient！
Route 4 | JR Obihiro Station → Lake Akan: Eastern Hokkaido Jewelry Ice Special Bus
Aside from transport between Eastern Hokkaido attractions, the Eastern Hokkaido bus also offers special buses to specific sites. For example, this one is a bus route designed for travelers who want to visit the legendary Jewelry Ice. Just get to JR Obihiro Station, and you can easily head to Tokachi to see the stunning Jewelry Ice. The best part is, the bus has morning and afternoon departures, so you can flexibly arrange your trip according to your schedule！
Jewelry Ice is located near the mouth of the Tokachi River in Toyohira Town, Hokkaido. From mid-January to late February each year, after the Tokachi River freezes, the ice is gradually pushed ashore by the waves, scattering into large and small translucent pieces. Under the sunlight, they look as beautiful as jewels, hence the name “Jewelry Ice” given by locals.
Eastern Hokkaido Trains
JR Hakodate Line | Sightseeing Train
In Eastern Hokkaido, if you want to experience a sightseeing train and explore places like Abashiri, Kushiro, Lake Mashu, and Nemuro, it’s highly recommended to take the JR Hakodate Line, also known as the JR Nemuro Main Line. This sightseeing train goes all the way to Cape Nossapu, the easternmost point of Hokkaido. Along the way, you’ll see wetlands, wild birds, and greenery, experiencing the most pristine side of Hokkaido. That’s why it’s also called the Earth Exploration Railway.
However, please note that the operating sections and times of the Hakodate Line vary daily, so be sure to check the timetable before boarding！
? Official Website:JR Hakodate Line Wrapping Train
? Timetable:Wrapping Train Operating Schedule
If after checking out these four Eastern Hokkaido bus and sightseeing train routes you still aren’t sure where to go, you might want to check out the following popular Eastern Hokkaido attractions. Following the crowd to these well-known spots is definitely a safe bet！
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Eastern Hokkaido Attractions
#1 Shikotsu-Toya National Park / Shiretoko
Shiretoko is a key destination for experiencing Hokkaido’s culture, as it was originally discovered by the Ainu, the indigenous people of Hokkaido. While hunting, they followed the Ishikari River and pursued brown bears up into the highland areas of Daisetsuzan, venturing deep into Mount Kurodake and discovering this year-round wonderland.
Within Shiretoko, there are two of the most famous canyon landscapes — Ōbako and Kobako — complemented by the Galaxy Waterfall, the Shooting Star Waterfall, and the ever-changing seasonal foliage, all of which enhance Shiretoko’s profound beauty and attract travelers from around the world to make a pilgrimage to Eastern Hokkaido.
#2 Abashiri/Wakkanai Drift Ice
Abashiri in Hokkaido is the most famous area for viewing drift ice. To take an icebreaker cruise in Abashiri, you can fly into Monbetsu Airport and then transfer by shuttle bus or train, or simply join a day tour departing from various locations. The transportation is very convenient, making it the top choice for those wanting to experience Hokkaido’s icebreakers.
Besides Abashiri, Wakkanai is also a highly renowned drift ice destination. To get to Wakkanai, you can fly directly into Wakkanai Okhotsk Airport, and it only takes about 12 minutes by shuttle bus to reach downtown Wakkanai. If you have prior plans in Asahikawa, you can also take a bus from there to Wakkanai, though it takes approximately three hours.
#3 Lake Kussharo / Lake Mashu / Lake Akan / Onsen in Eastern Hokkaido
Located in Eastern Hokkaido, Shiretoko is a must-visit destination in winter. Among its highlights is the famous Shiretoko Five Lakes, where, since 2015, guided winter walks have been allowed during limited periods, allowing visitors to experience the breathtaking sight of nature blanketed in snow.
Additionally, the Utoro area in the northwest of Shiretoko is another immensely popular spot in Eastern Hokkaido. In summer, you can enjoy whale and dolphin watching cruises, while in winter, you can relax in hot springs, soaking warmly amidst the snowy landscape — isn’t that the ultimate joy in life?
#4 Lake Akan
Besides the Hokkaido drift ice experience, don’t miss the Eastern Hokkaido Three Lakes — Lake Akan, Lake Mashu, and Lake Kussharo. These three lakes are part of Akan-Mashu National Park, covering an area of 914 square kilometers and boasting rich natural resources such as volcanoes, forests, and lakes.
Lake Akan is a caldera lake, which means it is home to natural hot springs among other resources. It also features abundant wetlands, most notably known for its marimo (green algae balls) and trout. The surrounding areas of Lake Akan are inhabited by the Ainu people, offering a uniquely local culture — definitely one of the must-see spots in Eastern Hokkaido.
#5 Lake Mashu
Lake Mashu in Hokkaido is located northeast of Lake Akan and is also a volcanic crater lake. Its standout feature is its extremely clear water, with visibility once reaching nearly 42 meters (currently around 20 meters), yet it still maintains a remarkably healthy ecosystem. In the center of the lake lies a small island called Kamuishu Island, which is actually the tip of an old volcano rising above the water — a fascinating sight and an unmissable attraction in Eastern Hokkaido.
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Still wondering where to fly for your winter trip this year? If you love snowy natural landscapes but want to avoid the crowds at overly popular tourist spots, how about embarking on a deep adventure in Tokachi, Eastern Hokkaido?