What is the best time of year to travel from Kushiro to Shiretoko by bus?

The best time to visit is during the summer and autumn months, when the weather is most pleasant for sightseeing. However, winter services are available depending on road conditions.

How much does a one-way ticket cost for the Kushiro to Shiretoko bus?

Prices vary depending on the season and availability. It is recommended to check current rates and book in advance for the best prices.

Are there any special discounts for children or seniors on the Kushiro–Shiretoko bus?

Yes, discounts for children and seniors are available. Please refer to the specific route information or contact customer service for details.

How often does the Kushiro–Shiretoko bus run?

The bus operates multiple times daily, with departures typically in the morning and afternoon. Please refer to the official timetable for exact departure times.

Can I bring a pet on the bus?

Pets are generally not allowed on the bus. However, service animals are permitted with proper documentation.

Is Wi-Fi available on the Kushiro to Shiretoko bus?

Currently, Wi-Fi is not available on the bus. However, passengers can enjoy scenic views of the Hokkaido countryside along the route.

Can I change or cancel my bus reservation?

Yes, reservation changes and cancellations are possible within the specified time frame. Please check the terms and conditions when booking.

Kushiro to Shiretoko Bus Eastern Hokkaido Express Bus|Kosokubus.com

Operation period

February 1 – February 28, 2027 (Daily)

Time table

Boarding / alighting place	Arrival time	Departure time	Get on / off	Sightseeing
Kushiro Station		7:50	Get on
MOO Bus Terminal		7:55	Get on
Kushiro Prince Hotel		7:58	Get on
Michi no Eki Akan Tancho no Sato	8:50	9:00	No	Get off break 10 mins
Akanko Bus Center		9:45	Get on
Akanko Onsen ※1	9:50~10:00	9:50~10:00	Get on
Michi no Eki Mashu Onsen	10:50	11:10	Get onGet off
Lake Mashu First Observatory	11:25	11:55	No	Sightseeing for 30 mins
Kussharo Prince Hotel	12:25	12:25	Get onGet off
Bihoro Pass	12:45	13:45	No	Sightseeing for 60 mins
Memanbetsu Airport	14:35	14:35	Get off
Marchen no Oka			No	Car window
Abashiri Station (Bus stop 1)	15:00		Get off
Aurora Terminal (Michi-no-Eki "Ryuhyo Kaido Abashiri") ※2	15:05	16:40	Get off	Sightseeing for 90 mins
Michi no Eki Utoro Shiretoku	18:00		Get off
Respective Hotels in Utoro Onsen ※3	18:05~18:15		Get off

※A bus guide will board the bus.
※1 You can choose from Yuku no Sato Tsuruga, Gozensui, New Akan Hotel, Hinanoza, and The Forest Akan Tsuruga Resort.
※2 [Aurora train connection] Departs at 15:30. You can get on and off the ship while sightseeing.
※3 You can choose from KITAKOBUSHI SHIRETOKO Hotel & Resort, KIKI SHIRETOKO NATURAL RESORT, and Shiretoko Daiichi Hotel

Route Map

Ride fare

Kushiro Station	Akanko Onsen
4,500[2,250]	3,300[1,650]	roadside station Mashu Onsen
5,000[2,500]	4,500[2,250]	4,000[2,000]	Kussharo Prince Hotel
6,000[3,000]	5,500[2,750]	5,000[2,500]	3,700[1,850]	Memambetsu
6,500[3,250]	6,000[3,000]	5,500[2,750]	4,500[2,250]	Abashiri
7,000[3,500]	6,500[3,250]	6,500[3,250]	5,000[2,500]	Utoro

Child fares are shown in brackets. (Child fares apply to one child per adult.)

Each price includes a drift ice zero carbon cooperation fee of 200 yen for adults and 100 yen for children.
The Drift Ice Zero Carbon Cooperation Fund will be used to protect drift ice and the natural environment around it.
Click here for details.

booking calendar

Click on your preferred date to go to the reservation page.

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Operating Period

Out of Service Period

※Operation period：February 1 – February 28, 2027 (Daily)

Route points

POINT 1

The bus will take you to breathtaking scenic spots of winter including Lake Mashu and Bihoro Pass.

POINT 2

You can get on the icebreaker ship, Aurora (departing at 3:30 p.m.) while the bus stays at Aurora Terminal in Abashiri.
Note: Advance booking is required. The fare is at your expense.

POINT 3

You can catch a flight of ANA or JAL to Haneda or New Chitose at Memanbetsu Airport.

Request when boarding

※ Child Age Eligibility: Ages 3–11
※ Reservation Required. Please book via the button below by 17:00, five days prior to your travel date. Reservations may not be accepted if seats are fully booked.
※ For same-day inquiries and travel agencies: e-mail: info-inbound@kosokubus.com (10:00–17:00, Monday–Friday)
※ This bus service is exclusively for guests staying at one of our partner Express Bus Hotels (minimum one night during your travel period). You can view the list of designated hotels here.

Frequently Asked Questions

Reservations

When is the booking deadline?

For Routes 1, 2, 3, 6, and 7, reservations are accepted until 5:00 PM, three days before departure.
Vehicle types are determined seven days before departure based on the number of reservations. Seats may no longer be available for last-minute bookings, so we recommend booking early.
Depending on the number of passengers, a minibus or taxi may be used.
For Routes 4 and 5, reservations are accepted until 5:00 PM, five days before departure.

Is the drift ice cruise included in the bus fare?

No, the drift ice cruise is not included in the bus fare. Tickets may be available on the day, but as the cruise can sell out, we recommend booking directly with the cruise operator in advance.

Can I use the bus without staying at a partner facility?

Use of a partner facility is required to board the Eastern Hokkaido Express Bus. When boarding, please present documentation or a booking confirmation email showing that you have used or plan to use a partner facility.

Can I reserve a specific seat?

All seats are unreserved and available on a first-come, first-served basis. Seat reservations are not available.

Is there a waiting list in case of any cancellations?

Unfortunately, we do not have a waiting list for this service.

Do I need a ticket to board?

Please present proof of your stay or upcoming stay at a partner accommodation to the driver, such as a booking confirmation email, accommodation voucher, or receipt.

Is there a discounted fare for passengers with disabilities?

Unfortunately, discounted fares for passengers with disabilities are not available. Thank you for your understanding.

Can I pay on the day of departure?

Advance payment is required. Payment on the day of departure is not accepted.

After Making a Reservation

What should I do if my flight, train, or ferry is canceled and I can't board the bus?

Please contact our reservation center at info-inbound@kosokubus.com.

How can I change my reservation?

Please make a new reservation for your preferred service and cancel your existing reservation.
Please note that cancellation fees apply from 10 days before departure.

How can I cancel my reservation?

Please log into Kosokubus.com and complete the cancellation procedure online.

Bus Operations

What happens if a bus delay causes me to miss the drift ice cruise? Will the bus wait if the cruise is delayed?

In severe weather conditions that may cause transportation services to be suspended, the bus may be delayed, causing passengers to miss their drift ice cruise. No compensation will be provided in such cases. This occurs approximately two or three times per season.
If the cruise is slightly delayed, the bus will wait for a short time. Significant cruise delays, however, are extremely rare.

Can bus services be canceled due to snow? Will I be notified if my bus is canceled?

In Hokkaido, road traffic generally continues even in snowy conditions, and bus schedules take winter road conditions into account.
However, services may be canceled if severe weather causes road closures. This occurs approximately two or three times per season.
If your bus is canceled, we will contact you. Please make sure to provide contact details where we can reach you during your trip.

Is there a restroom on the bus?

Unfortunately, there is no restroom onboard on this route.

Can I leave my luggage on the bus while sightseeing?

Yes, you may leave your belongings on the bus during sightseeing stops. However, please keep all valuables with you at all times.

Is there a tour guide on board?

A tour guide accompanies passengers on Routes 4 and 5. No tour guides or tour escorts are provided on the other routes.

About Eastern Hokkaido Express Bus

Service Period

January 29 – March 1, 2027 (Daily)
Operating dates may vary by route.

Note

Buses depart on schedule. Please confirm your boarding location and departure time, and arrive at least 5 minutes before departure. We are not responsible if you miss the bus due to late arrival.
Due to early departure times, breakfast may not be available at some hotels. Please check with your hotel in advance.
Bus routes may change due to road closures or other traffic restrictions.
The bus will not stop at a place where no reserved passenger is expected to board.
Admission fees, meals, and shopping expenses are not included in the bus fare and must be paid separately.
Opening hours and closure dates of tourist attractions are subject to change.
The vehicle may change to a midsize bus, a small bus, or a taxi depending on the number of passengers.
We kindly ask that you avoid eating, drinking (especially alcohol), and loud conversations while on board whenever possible.

Conditions of Use

To use this bus service, passengers must stay for at least one night at one of the partner hotels listed below during their trip. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.

● Monbetsu (Monbetsu Prince Hotel, Monbetsu Central Hotel, Hotel Okhotsk Palace Monbetsu)
● Utoro (KITAKOBUSHI SHIRETOKO Hotel & Resort, KIKI SHIRETOKO NATURAL RESORT, Shiretoko Daiichi Hotel)
● Lake Akan (Akan Yuku no Sato Tsuruga, Gozensui, New Akan Hotel, Akan Tsuruga Bessou HINANOZA, The Forest of Akan Tsuruga Resort (formerly Hanayuuka))
● Abashiri (HOKUTEN NO OKA Lake Abashiri Tsuruga Resort)
● Kawayu (Kawayu Kanko Hotel, KINKIYU, KINKIYU Bettei Suikazura)