East
HOKKAIDO
express
Bus

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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

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).

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.

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

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.

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.

Unfortunately, there is no restroom onboard on this route.

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.