Can children use the Eastern Hokkaido Express Bus? Are there child fares?

Yes, children are welcome on the Eastern Hokkaido Express Bus. Child fares are available on most routes. The applicable age range and fare may differ by route and year, so please check the fare table and booking screen for the latest details.

Can I bring large luggage, skis, or a baby stroller on board?

Large suitcases, folding baby strollers, and ski or snowboard equipment can usually be stored in the luggage compartment under the bus. However, space is limited. If you have multiple large items or oversized equipment, please mention this when making your reservation so we can confirm whether it can be carried.

Is Wi-Fi or are power outlets available on the bus?

Some vehicles may be equipped with USB power outlets, but on-board Wi-Fi is not guaranteed on every service. Facilities and vehicle types may change depending on the number of passengers. Please prepare portable batteries or mobile data if you need to stay connected during the journey.

Is the Express Bus suitable for travelers with limited mobility?

The bus is a standard sightseeing coach with stairs at the entrance, so it may be challenging for passengers who have difficulty climbing steps. However, staff will do their best to assist you when boarding and alighting. If you use a wheelchair or have specific mobility needs, please contact us in advance so we can advise you on the most suitable route and arrangements.

Can I use the bus as a one-way transfer between towns, rather than a round-trip tour?

Yes, in many cases you can board at one town and get off at another as a one-way transfer, as long as the stop is listed on the route. Please select your desired boarding and drop-off points on the booking screen and check the available options and fares for that specific section.

Is English support available on board or in case of emergencies?

Announcements on the bus are mainly in Japanese, but basic English support is available via email before departure, and in some cases through printed information or simple guidance on board. In case of emergencies, please contact the reservation center by email or ask the driver or hotel staff to assist you with communication.

Can I eat or drink on the bus? Are there any etiquette rules I should follow?

To keep the bus comfortable for everyone, we ask passengers to avoid strong-smelling foods and refrain from drinking alcohol on board. Light snacks and non-alcoholic drinks are generally acceptable if you are careful not to spill. Please also speak in a moderate voice, set your mobile phone to silent mode, and be considerate of other passengers during the journey.

ー Abashiri
ー Kitami
ー Lake Akan
ー Lake Mashu
ー Shiretoko Utoro

East
HOKKAIDO
express
Bus

Eastern Hokkaido Express Bus

Special Winter Bus Service from January to March 2027

The Eastern Hokkaido Express Bus connects some of eastern Hokkaido's most spectacular winter destinations.
Discover the drift ice of the Sea of Okhotsk and the snow-covered landscapes of Shiretoko, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Enjoy a comfortable journey to some of the region's most beautiful destinations, including places that can be difficult to reach by car.

Bus Routes

No.1

Jan 29 – Feb 28, 2027

Mombetsu → Mombetsu & Abashiri → Utoro(Shiretoko)

Lake Saroma
Aurora Terminal
The Road to Heaven

Reservations & Details

No.2

Jan 29 – Feb 28, 2027

Utoro(Shiretoko) → Abashiri → Mombetsu

Oshinkoshin Falls
Aurora Terminal
Lake Saroma

Reservations & Details

No.3

Jan 29 – Feb 28, 2027

Kitami & Abashiri → Mashu → Akan → Kitami & Abashiri

Aurora Terminal
Mt. Io
Lake Mashu
Lake Akan

Reservations & Details

No.4

Feb 1 – Feb 28, 2027

Kushiro → Akan → Bihoro Pass → Abashiri → Utoro(Shiretoko)

Lake Akan
Lake Mashu
Bihoro Pass
Aurora Terminal

Reservations & Details

No.5

Feb 2 – Mar 1, 2027

Utoro(Shiretoko) → Notsuke → Akan → Kushiro

Oshinkoshin Falls
Lake Mashu
Notsuke Peninsula Nature Center
Lake Akan

Reservations & Details

No.6

Jan 29 – Feb 28, 2027
Service available on SL Fuyu-no-Shitsugen Train operating days only.

Utoro(Shiretoko) → Shibecha (Connecting Service for the SL Fuyu-no-Shitsugen Train)

Oshinkoshin Falls
Kawayu Onsen
Mt. Io
SL Fuyu-no-Shitsugen Train

Reservations & Details

No.7

Jan 29 – Feb 28, 2027
Service available on SL Fuyu-no-Shitsugen Train operating days only.

Shibecha → Utoro (Connecting Service for the SL Fuyu-no-Shitsugen Train)

Lake Mashu
Mt. Io
Kawayu Onsen
SL Fuyu-no-Shitsugen Train

Reservations & Details

Mombetsu → Mombetsu & Abashiri → Utoro
Reservations & Details
Utoro → Abashiri → Mombetsu
Reservations & Details
Kitami & Abashiri → Mashu → Akan → Kitami & Abashiri
Reservations & Details
Kushiro → Akan → Bihoro Pass → Abashiri → Utoro
Reservations & Details
Utoro → Notsuke → Akan → Kushiro
Reservations & Details
Utoro → Shibecha (Connecting Service for the SL Fuyu-no-Shitsugen Train)
Reservations & Details
Shibecha → Utoro (Connecting Service for the SL Fuyu-no-Shitsugen Train)
Reservations & Details

Mombetsu → Mombetsu & Abashiri → Utoro
Utoro → Abashiri → Mombetsu
Kitami & Abashiri → Mashu → Akan → Kitami & Abashiri
Kushiro → Akan → Bihoro Pass → Abashiri → Utoro
Utoro → Notsuke → Akan → Kushiro
Utoro → Shibecha (Connecting Service for the SL Fuyu-no-Shitsugen Train)
Shibecha → Utoro (Connecting Service for the SL Fuyu-no-Shitsugen Train)
ALL

Exclusive Winter Service

Explore eastern Hokkaido on this reservation-only bus service, available exclusively in winter.

7 Routes Across Eastern Hokkaido

Explore destinations across the region, with one departure per route each day.

Reservations Accepted for Single Passengers

Depending on the number of passengers, a taxi may be used instead of a bus.

Reservations Accepted Up to 5 Days Before Departure

Bookings may be accepted up to 2 days before departure, subject to availability.

Easy Online Booking

Book anytime from your smartphone or computer!

Eastern Hokkaido
Express Bus

5 Key Benefits

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)