Hokkaido is now considered one of the most noteworthy tourist destinations in Asia. Among its various regions, eastern Hokkaido is particularly popular with tourists seeking natural beauty.
However, it is a vast natural zone. There is a strong impression that it is not possible to explore efficiently without a car (rental car), and the reality is that relatively few people have actually been there.

However, since last year (2016), a limited-time sightseeing bus has been running that circles eastern Hokkaido, starting from Sapporo. This is the "Eastern Hokkaido Sightseeing Bus." It has attracted attention because it takes four days to travel from Sapporo to Shiretoko at the easternmost tip of Hokkaido, and passengers can enjoy sightseeing along the way.

So, in this article, I'll give you a brief overview of the attractions and highlights of the "Eastern Hokkaido Sightseeing Bus"!

1: What is the Higashi Hokkaido Sightseeing Bus?
2: Highlights of the Autumn Edition
3: Highlights of the winter edition
4: Enjoy even more with the Higashi Hokkaido Express Bus
Final thoughts

The Higashi Hokkaido Sightseeing Bus is a sightseeing bus (tour bus) that has been operating in eastern Hokkaido for a limited time since 2016. It runs on a total of four routes, starting from Sapporo and passing through Sounkyo, Obihiro, and Tokachigawa (autumn only) before reaching Shiretoko.
The service operates during the autumn and winter seasons, for approximately 150 days. A complete loop of the entire route covers about 900km, allowing you to efficiently visit the highlights of vast eastern Hokkaido in as little as 3 nights and 4 days.

When do you run? [Period]

The Eastern Hokkaido sightseeing bus operates mainly during the autumn and winter seasons.
Autumn September 1st - November 2nd, 2017
Winter: December 9, 2017 to March 17, 2020 (excluding New Year's holidays)
Please note that the first and last days of operation vary depending on the bus, so please check accordingly.

• Which section will it run on?

The routes operated by the Eastern Hokkaido Sightseeing Bus are as follows:
Each section operates once a day in each direction.

Autumn: Four routes: Sapporo to Sounkyo, Sounkyo to Shiretoko (Utoro), Shiretoko (Utoro) to Obihiro/Tokachigawa Onsen, and Obihiro/Tokachigawa Onsen to New Chitose Airport/Sapporo.

Winter: Three routes: Sapporo to Sounkyo, Sounkyo to Shiretoko (Utoro), and Shiretoko (Utoro) to Obihiro/Tokachigawa Onsen.

Please note that in winter, the route is limited to three sections, and the Sapporo-Obihiro section is not served. However, there are many other options available, including intercity buses (Potato Liner, Tokachi Milky Liner, Marimo Express Sapporo) and JR trains that run on this section.

How much does it cost?

The Higashi Hokkaido sightseeing bus allows passengers to board and alight at stops along each section. Therefore, fares range from a minimum of 2,000 yen to a maximum of 7,000 yen. Incidentally, riding all four sections of the autumn version costs 23,500 yen (adult).

• Reservations are required to ride.

The Higashi Hokkaido sightseeing bus is a reservation-only tour bus. Reservations can be made online through their official website up to two days in advance (by 5 PM), making it very convenient!
Payment options include credit card or convenience store payment (Japanese language reservations only). Booking online and then simply boarding is all that's required.

What kind of bus [specifications]?

The Higashi Hokkaido sightseeing bus service is operated by several sightseeing bus companies within Hokkaido. Since they are basically medium-sized sightseeing buses, the passenger comfort is quite good.
The vehicle is equipped with Wi-Fi, and other staff members are also on board in addition to the driver, so you can feel safe.

Other things to note:

1. The Eastern Hokkaido sightseeing bus is legally classified as a day trip. Therefore, cancellation fees will apply from 10 days before departure after booking.

2. A condition for using the Higashi Hokkaido sightseeing bus is that you must be staying overnight in the eastern or northern Hokkaido area. You will also need to present proof of your accommodation (such as an itinerary, coupon, or reservation screen) when boarding.

Next, we'll introduce the highlights of each section! Let's start with autumn.

・Shiretoko Five Lakes [Sounkyo → Shiretoko Course] [Shiretoko → Sounkyo Course]

This is a representative spot of Shiretoko, a World Natural Heritage site. During the autumn foliage season, Shiretoko in its autumn colors is also very appealing.

・The Road to Heaven [Shiretoko → Obihiro Course]

This is the starting point of an approximately 18km straight road, stretching as far as the eye can see. It's a spot where you really get a sense of how vast Hokkaido is!

Lake Mashu [Obihiro → Shiretoko Course] [Shiretoko/Obihiro Course]

This lake is known as a mystical lake. Will you see the beautiful blue surface known as "Mashu Blue" on a clear day, or will you encounter the "Misty Lake Mashu"? A bit of luck will be on the line.

・Lake Akan [Obihiro → Shiretoko Course] [Shiretoko/Obihiro Course]

This is the top tourist spot in eastern Hokkaido, where marimo (a type of algae) and Ainu culture are deeply rooted. For lunch, we recommend trying rainbow trout, smelt, or game meat.

• Onneto Lake [Obihiro → Shiretoko Course] [Shiretoko/Obihiro Course]

Nestled deep within the forest is a mysterious lake, also known as Goshikinuma (Five-Colored Lake), said to change color every time you look at it.

Asahiyama Zoo [Sapporo → Sounkyo Route] [Sounkyo → Sapporo Route]

This is one of Japan's most popular zoos, famous for its "behavioral exhibits"! There are plenty of things to see, including impressive polar bears.

Furano/Biei [Sounkyo → Sapporo Course]

The autumn foliage at the Blue Pond is highly recommended. The flower fields at "Shikisai no Oka" are also enjoyable in the fall.

・Abashiri drift ice sightseeing icebreaker "Aurora" [Sounkyo → Shiretoko course] [Shiretoko → Sounkyo course]

The highlight of winter in eastern Hokkaido is undoubtedly the drift ice. The Abashiri roadside station has reserved time for boarding the "Aurora" ferry. Operating period: January 20th to the end of March. *Fares are payable on site. Advance reservations are recommended.

Abashiri Prison Museum [Sounkyo → Shiretoko Course]

This open-air museum preserves and displays the Abashiri Prison, which has a long history dating back to the Meiji era. You can learn about the conditions of this prison, which was said to be the harshest in Japan, in a fascinating way (the image shows an exhibit recreating the bathing conditions of the time).

Sounkyo Onsen Ice Waterfall Festival [Sapporo → Sounkyo Course] [Shiretoko → Sounkyo Course]

This popular event adds color to the harsh winter of Sounkyo. Large ice sculptures are illuminated, creating a fantastical and beautiful spectacle.

Asahiyama Zoo [Sapporo → Sounkyo Route] [Sounkyo → Sapporo Route]

In winter, Asahiyama Zoo is famous for its "Penguin Parade," which offers a different kind of fun compared to the summer season.

Shiretoko drift ice walk [Sounkyo → Shiretoko course] [Obihiro → Shiretoko course]

One of the best things to do in Shiretoko in the middle of winter, when it's covered in drift ice! You can walk on the drift ice or fall into the sea. These are experiences you can only have in Shiretoko!

• Lake Mashu in winter [Obihiro → Shiretoko course] [Shiretoko → Obihiro course]

Image provided by: Tomoki Kagoshima

From late January to March, Lake Mashu is completely covered in ice during winter. Especially during the initial stages of freezing, you might be able to see a spectacular sapphire-blue view like the one in the photo.

Related article:A breathtaking sapphire-blue landscape! The moment Lake Mashu shines most mysteriously | Lake Mashu in winter

・Akan International Crane Center [Shiretoko → Obihiro Course]

Red-crowned cranes display their beautiful forms against the white landscape. In winter, you can see flocks of up to 300 birds on busy days.

Now, for part of the operating period of the Higashi Hokkaido sightseeing bus, from January 20th to March 11th, the "Higashi Hokkaido Express Bus" will operate for a limited time, with 13 routes that will take you around various locations in eastern Hokkaido.

By transferring to this bus from each base, you can expand your range of activities and time options even further, including destinations such as Monbetsu, where the icebreaker "Garinko II" operates; Rausu, where you can enjoy the collaboration of Steller's sea eagles and drift ice; the Notsuke Peninsula Ice Horizon, where you can enjoy the spectacular view of the sea frozen as far as the eye can see; and Shibecha, where a limited-time steam locomotive train departs and arrives.

Image provided by: Shiretoko Nature Cruise

If you're planning a trip to eastern Hokkaido in winter, be sure to check this out as well.

(For more details, click here↓↓)

<PR>
==A winter trip to enjoy on the JR Senmo Main Line==
The limited-time sightseeing trains, the "SL Winter Marshland Train" and the "Drift Ice Story Train," are proving popular! We'll introduce the highlights and charms of winter in eastern Hokkaido, which you can enjoy by riding the JR Senmo Main Line!
[Eastern Hokkaido Official]For more information, click here

Final thoughts

That concludes our introduction to the Eastern Hokkaido Sightseeing Bus!

Eastern Hokkaido is a place that many people fall in love with after just one visit. Why not take this opportunity to travel there with your partner, group, or even solo, utilizing the convenient bus service?

(For more details, click here↓↓)

*The Higashi Hokkaido sightseeing bus will operate as a demonstration project for sightseeing bus operations within the "Asian Treasure: A Path to Timeless Natural Beauty - Higashi Hokkaido" wide-area sightseeing route certified by the Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism.

*Image caption and map: Provided by Explore the Wonderland website

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