Operation period

2026.1.30 (Fri) → 3.1 (Sun) service

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 Onsen ※1 9:50~10:05 9:50~10:05 Get on  
Michi no Eki Mashu Onsen 10:55 11:15 Get onGet off  
Lake Mashu 1st Observatory 11:30 12:00 No Sightseeing for
30 mins
Bihoro Pass 12:50 13:50 No Sightseeing for
60 mins
Memanbetsu Airport 14:40 14:40 Get off  
Marchen no Oka     No Car window
Abashiri Station (Bus stop 1) 15:05   Get off  
Aurora Terminal (Michi-no-Eki "Ryuhyo Kaido Abashiri") ※2 15:10 16:40 Get off Sightseeing for
90 mins
Respective Hotels in Utoro Onsen ※3 18:00~18:10   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 in February and March. You can get on and off the ship while sightseeing.
    No Aurora connection in January.
    From January 17 to 31, departs from the Aurora Terminal at 15:30 and arrives at Utoro Onsen hotels around 16:50–17:00.
  • ※3 You can choose from Kitakobushi Shiretoko, Kiki Shiretoko, and Shiretoko Daiichi Hotel

Route Map

Ride fare

Kushiro Station Akanko Onsen
4,187[2,187] 2,987[1,587] roadside station
Mashu Onsen
5,687[2,937] 5,187[2,687] 4,687[2,437] Memambetsu
6,187[3,187] 5,687[2,937] 5,187[2,687] Abashiri
6,687[3,437] 6,187[3,187] 5,687[2,937] Utoro

Note: Dwarfs are in parentheses (applicable to one child per adult)

Each price includes a drift ice zero carbon cooperation fee of 187 yen.
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.

Jan. 2026

SUN
MON
TUE
WED
THU
FRI
SAT
Operating Period
Out of Service Period

※Operation period:2026.1.30 (Fri) → 3.1 (Sun) service

Route points

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

Regarding the reservation

When is the deadline for making a reservation?

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Reservations are accepted until 5pm two days prior to the departure date. However, since vehicles are assigned based on the number of bookings seven days in advance, there’s a chance that seats may already be full if you try to book closer to the date. We recommend making your reservation early. Depending on the number of passengers, transportation may be provided by a microbus or taxi.

Is the Drift Ice Cruise included in the price?

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No, the drift ice cruise is not included in the bus fare. You can still purchase tickets on the day, however, we recommend booking your ticket in advance, since the cruise may be sold out early.

Can I use the bus even if I’m not staying at a partner facility?

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Unfortunately, use of a partner facility is a condition for boarding the Express Bus. When boarding, please present a document or email confirmation showing that you have used or will use one of the partner facilities.

Can I reserve a specific seat?

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Please note that seating is not assigned in advance and seat selection is not available.

Is there a waiting list in case of any cancellations?

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

Do I need a ticket to board?

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Please show the driver proof of your stay or reservation at a partner facility, such as: your email reservation confirmation, a hotel / lodging voucher, or a receipt from the accommodation etc.

Is there a discounted fare for passengers with disabilities?

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Unfortunately, there is no special fare or discount for passengers with disabilities. We appreciate your understanding.

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

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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?

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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?

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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?

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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?

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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?

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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?

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

Can I pay on the day of departure?

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Unfortunately, no. This is a prepaid bus service. Payment on the day of departure is not accepted. You may choose to pay by credit card or in cash at a convenience store (payment must be completed within two days of booking, except for last-minute reservations).

After Making a Reservation

What if I can’t board the bus due to cancelation of my flight, train, or ferry?

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

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

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Please make a new reservation for your preferred time and cancel the previous one.
Note: A cancellation fee applies from 10 days prior to departure.

How can I cancel my reservation?

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

Regarding Bus Operation

What happens if the bus is delayed and I miss the Drift Ice Cruise?
Also, if the Cruise is delayed, would the bus wait for us?

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In the event of severe weather or road closures, the bus may be delayed, and there is a possibility that you may miss your cruise connection. Please note that no compensation will be provided in such cases. (This occurs approximately 2–3 times per season.)
If the cruise is slightly delayed, the bus will wait briefly for passengers.
However, significant cruise delays are extremely rare.

Will the bus be canceled due to heavy snow? Will I be notified if it is?

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In Hokkaido, buses generally operate even on snowy roads, and travel times are scheduled with winter conditions in mind.
However, in the case of severe weather causing road closures, service may be canceled (this happens 2–3 times per season).
In case of cancelation, we will contact you, so please make sure to provide a phone number or contact method that can be reached during your trip.

Is there a restroom on the bus?

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Unfortunately, there is no restroom onboard on this route.

Can I leave my luggage on the bus while sightseeing?

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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?

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There will be no tour guides or attendants on this bus.

About Eastern Hokkaido Express Bus

Service Period

Every day from January 30 (Fri.) to March 1 (Sun.)
* May vary depending on some services.

Note

  • Note: The buses depart strictly on time. Please confirm the boarding location and the schedule and make sure you be there at least 5 minutes in advance.
    (We will not take any responsibility for your late arrival, which results in missing the bus.)
  • Note: Due to the bus schedule, there might be cases you will not be able to have breakfast depending on the hotel you stay. Please confirm beforehand.
  • Note: The bus route is subject to change if any of the sections is closed.
  • Note: Note: The bus will not stop at a place where no reserved passenger is expected to board.
  • Note: We are not responsible for any payment you make for your facility use, meals, and shopping.
  • Note: Service hours and holidays of tourist attractions may change.
  • Note: The vehicle may change to a midsize bus, a small bus, or a taxi depending on the number of passengers.
  • Note: Refrain from eating and drinking, especially alcohol, on a bus, and also try not to talk loudly.

Terms of Use

You will have to stay in the accommodations listed below if you are using the bus.

  • ●Mombetsu (Mombetsu Central Hotel, Hotel Okhotsk Palace, Mombetsu Prince Hotel)
  • ●Utoro (Kitakobushi, KIKI Shiretoko, Shiretoko Daiichi HotelShiretoko Hotel and Resort)
  • ●Lake Akan(Akan Yuku no Sato Tsuruga, Hotel Gozensui, New Akan Hotel, Akan Tsuruga Bessou Hinanoza, Forest of Akan Tsuruga Resort Hanayuuka)
  • ●Abashiri (Hokuten no Oka Abashiri Tsuruga Resort)
  • ●Kawayu(Kawayu Kanko Hotel, Oyado Kinkiyu Bettei Shinfuyu)
  • ●Kushiro Accommodations within Kushiro ciry
  • ●Kitami Accommodations within Kitami ciry

Bus Route

No.1
2026.1.30 (Fri) → 3.1 (Sun) service
Mombetsu → Mombetsu & Abashiri → Utoro(Shiretoko)
  • Lake Saroma
  • Aurora Terminal
  • Road to Sky
Reservation / details
No.2
2026.1.30 (Fri) → 3.1 (Sun) service
Utoro(Shiretoko) → Abashiri → Mombetsu
  • Osinkosin Fall
  • Aurora Terminal
  • Lake Saroma
Reservation / details
No.3
2026.1.30 (Fri) → 3.1 (Sun) service
Kitami & Abashiri → Mashu → Akan → Kitami & Abashiri
  • Aurora Terminal
  • Mt.Iou
  • Lake Mashu
  • Lake Akan
Reservation / details
No.4
2025.1.17 (Sat) → 3.14 (Sat) service
Kushiro → Akan → Bihoro → Abashiri → Utoro(Shiretoko)
  • Lake Akan
  • Lake Mashu
  • Bihoro Pass
  • Aurora Terminal
Reservation / details
No.5
2025.1.18 (Sun) → 3.15 (Sun) service
Utoro(Shiretoko) → Notsuke → Akan → Kushiro
  • Osinkosin Fall
  • Lake Mashu
  • Notsuke Peninsula Nature Center
  • Lake Akan
Reservation / details
No.6
Operates on select dates: 1/30–2/1, 2/5–2/8, 2/11, 2/13–2/15, 2/20–2/23, and 2/26–3/1, 2026.
Utoro(Shiretoko) → Shibecha(SL Fuyu-no-Shitsugen Train Connection)
  • Osinkosin Fall
  • Kawayu Onsen
  • Mt. Iou
  • SSL Fuyu-no-Shitsugen Train
Reservation / details
No.7
Operates on select dates: 1/30–2/1, 2/5–2/8, 2/11, 2/13–2/15, 2/20–2/23, and 2/26–3/1, 2026.
Shibecha → Utoro (SL Fuyu-no-Shitsugen Train Connection)
  • Lake Mashu
  • Mt. Iou
  • SL Fuyu-no-Shitsugen Train
Reservation / details
No.8
2026.1.30 (Fri) → 3.1 (Sun) service
Kitami → Abashiri → Kitami
  • Drift ice icebreaker Aurora
  • Cape Notoro
  • Drift ice story train
  • Abashiri Prizon Museum
  • Mt. Tento
Reservation / details
No.9
2026.1.30 (Fri) → 3.1 (Sun) service
Abashiri → Bihoro → Kitami → Abashiri
  • Path of emotions
  • Bihoro Pass
  • Northern Earth Aquarium
  • North fox farm
Reservation / details