Shiretoko to Kushiro Bus Eastern Hokkaido Express Bus

Operation period

2026.1.18 (Sun) → 3.15 (Sun) service

Time table

Boarding / alighting place	Arrival time	Departure time	Get on / off	Sightseeing
Respective Hotels in Utoro Onsen ※1		8:00~8:15	Get on
Osinkosin Fall	8:25	8:40	No	Sightseeing for 15 mins
Notsuke Peninsula Nature Center	10:25	12:25	Get onGet off	Sightseeing for 120 mins
Nakashibetsu Bus Terminal	13:05	13:05	Get off
Nakashibetsu Airport	13:15	13:15	Get off
JR Mashu Station Mae	14:15	14:15	Get onGet off
Lake Mashu 1st Observatory	14:35	15:05	No	Sightseeing for 30 mins
Michi no Eki Mashu Onsen	15:20	15:40	Get onGet off	Sightseeing for 20 mins
Respective Hotels in Akanko Onsen ※2	16:30~16:40	16:30~16:40	Get off
Kushiro Airport	17:55		Get off
JR Kushiro Station	18:35		Get off
MOO Bus Terminal	18:40		Get off
Kushiro Prince Hotel	18:43		Get off

※A bus guide will board the bus.
※1 You can choose from Kitakobushi Shiretoko, Kiki Shiretoko, and Shiretoko Daiichi Hotel
※2 You can choose from Akan Bus Terminal, Yuku no Sato Tsuruga, Gozensui, New Akan Hotel, Hinanoza, The Forest Akan Tsuruga Resort

Route Map

Ride fare

Utoro
4,487[2,337]	Nakashibetsu
4,987[2,587]	Mashu Station
5,487[2,837]	-	roadside station Mashu Onsen
5,987[3,087]	3,687[1,937]	2,987[1,587]	Akanko Onsen
6,487[3,337]	4,687[2,437]	3,987[2,087]	Kushiro Airport
6,987[3,587]	5,187[2,687]	4,487[2,337]	Kushiro

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.

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MON

TUE

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FRI

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Operating Period

Out of Service Period

※Operation period：2026.1.18 (Sun) → 3.15 (Sun) service

Route points

POINT 1

This is the route to the boundless land of ice on the frozen sea, Notsuke Peninsula "Hyoheisen."

POINT 2

The bus will stop by Lake Mashu, Osinkosin Fall, and other scenic spots.

POINT 3

You can catch a flight to Haneda or New Chitose at Nakashibetsu Airport or Kushiro Airport.

Route points

This is the route to the boundless land of ice on the frozen sea, Notsuke Peninsula "Hyoheisen."
The bus will stop by Lake Mashu, Osinkosin Fall, and other scenic spots.
You can catch a flight to Haneda or New Chitose at Nakashibetsu Airport or Kushiro 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

Regarding the reservation

When is the deadline for making a reservation?

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?

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.

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

The best time to visit is during the summer and autumn months, as the weather is mild and the scenery is perfect for sightseeing. However, winter services are available depending on road conditions.

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

Ticket prices vary depending on the season and availability. Booking in advance is recommended for the best rates and availability. Check the official website for the most up-to-date pricing.

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

Yes, discounts for children and seniors are available. Children under a certain age may travel at a reduced rate, and seniors can enjoy discounts with proper identification. Check the website or contact customer service for more details.

How often does the Shiretoko–Kushiro bus run?

The bus operates multiple times daily, typically in the morning and afternoon. Please refer to the official timetable for exact departure times, as they may vary depending on the season.

Can I bring a pet on the bus?

Unfortunately, pets are not allowed on the bus, except for service animals. If you need to travel with a service animal, please make sure to notify the bus operator in advance.

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

Currently, there is no Wi-Fi available on the bus. However, passengers can enjoy the scenic views of the Hokkaido countryside along the route.

What happens if the bus is delayed due to heavy snow or road closures?

In case of severe weather or road closures, delays or cancellations may occur. The bus operator will notify passengers in advance, and we recommend updating your contact details at the time of booking.

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

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?

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?

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

Do I need a ticket to board?

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?

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

Can I pay on the day of departure?

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?

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

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?

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?

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?

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?

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?

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