Winter is meant to be played this way—Traveling Hokkaido’s Tohoku region by sightseeing bus is super convenient!

Text by Qidou Travel Network | Photos by Xihong Holidays & Shutterstock.com

Hokkaido, with its unspoiled purity, has always been a highly popular travel destination among Taiwanese tourists. Its vast, pristine nature also leads many to assume that getting around is inconvenient—especially in eastern Hokkaido, where distances are huge and drives can take hours.

▲Experienced operators say that driving in Hokkaido during winter is quite dangerous. Traveling eastern Tohoku by sightseeing bus is a safe and efficient alternative. (Photo provided by Shutterstock.com)

Since 2016, the Tohoku Hokkaido Sightseeing Bus has officially launched. This limited-route bus circles eastern Hokkaido, starting from Sapporo and taking four days to reach the easternmost point, Shiretoko. It's become a go-to transport option for independent travelers, conveniently taking them to must-visit spots like Lake Mashu and the drifting ice in Abashiri. For those who don’t want to drive—or aren’t confident about long-distance driving but still want to enjoy the beautiful scenery—the “Tohoku Hokkaido Sightseeing Bus” is the best choice for exploring the region!

North-South Loop Routes – Explore All of Tohoku Hokkaido

▲The Tohoku Hokkaido Sightseeing Bus officially began operating in 2016, featuring two routes: the North Loop and the South Loop.

The “Tohoku Hokkaido Sightseeing Bus” is divided into the North Loop Route (Furano, Shiranuka Pass, Abashiri, Utoro Onsen) and the South Loop Route (Obihiro, Tokachigawa Onsen, Lake Akan, Kawayu Onsen, Utoro Onsen), which are further adapted into three tour options: “Tohoku Hokkaido Sightseeing Bus,” “Onsen Tour at Tokachigawa Onsen,” and “Onsen Tour at Shiranuka Pass.” Travelers can choose their preferred itinerary. All tours begin with a visit to see the drifting ice, allowing you to enjoy unique Hokkaido winter activities while exploring the region.

▲Drifting ice in Abashiri is a winter-exclusive spectacle in eastern Hokkaido.

Through the North and South Loop Routes of the sightseeing bus, visitors can explore various cities in Tohoku Hokkaido. In bustling and shopper-friendly Sapporo, you can taste world-famous Sapporo beer, local ramen recommended by residents, and all-you-can-eat seasonal crab. Depending on your interests, you can also visit attractions such as Asahiyama Zoo, Galaxy and Meteor Falls, Abashiri Prison, Okhotsk Sea Ice Museum, icebreaker cruises, ice fishing, the Northern Peoples Museum, the World Natural Heritage site “Shiretoko,” Utoro Onsen, the International Crane Center, Lake Akan, Lake Mashu, Tokachigawa Onsen, and more. You can even join the seasonal Sapporo Snow Festival to fully experience the beauty, awe, and festive spirit of eastern Hokkaido’s winter!

▲Each stop along the Tohoku Hokkaido Sightseeing Bus route allows you to hop on and off. You can spend time wandering through Sapporo’s shopping districts and markets, picking up fresh local delicacies. (Photo provided by Shutterstock.com)

There are many benefits to traveling by sightseeing bus in winter. Onboard, you’ll have access to reliable Wi-Fi with no passenger limit—even solo travelers can join. The bus allows mid-journey stops, and friendly attendants offer simple Japanese guidance and answer questions to help you understand Hokkaido’s culture. Translation-enabled tablets are available onboard to assist foreign travelers when needed. For those who love independent travel but also enjoy the group tour vibe, this makes the trip even more exciting.

▲Visiting Hokkaido in winter gives you the chance to enjoy seasonal events like the snow festival.

Tour Information:
● Tohoku Hokkaido Sightseeing Bus Free & Easy 5-Day Tour　https://goo.gl/eh12GH
Departure Dates: Jan 9, Feb 20, Mar 6, Mar 13 | From 29,900 TWD (tax included)
● Tohoku Hokkaido Sightseeing Bus Free & Easy 6-Day Tour　https://goo.gl/JT84SJ
Departure Dates: Dec 14, Dec 21, Jan 30, Feb 22 | From 32,900 TWD (tax included)
★ Register and pay to receive: One Sapporo Smile Shopping Guide (includes discount coupons)
★ One “Discover the Flowing Beauty of the Four Seasons in Tohoku Hokkaido” Attraction Guide
★ 10% Discount Coupon for Sapporo Pharmacy
★ Free WiFi Voucher (one per room, based on participation duration)
★ Round-trip 20KG Checked Luggage Allowance
For details, contact: Xihong Holidays
Phone: 412-8618 (add 02 for mobile)
Website:www.besttour.com.tw