Many people traveling in Hokkaido likely travel between Sapporo and Asahikawa, the two major cities.

Asahikawa has many tourist attractions, including the nationally renowned Asahiyama Zoo and the Otokoyama Sake Brewery Museum, a must-visit for sake lovers.

Furthermore, the area surrounding Asahikawa boasts scenic landscapes typical of Hokkaido, such as Biei and Furano, and its convenient access to northern and eastern Hokkaido makes it a popular base for sightseeing.

Here, we will introduce the distance and travel time from Sapporo to Asahikawa for each mode of transportation: JR train, bus, and car.

*The information in this article is current as of September 2016 and may be subject to change.

<Table of Contents>
1. Take the JR train to Asahikawa.
2. Take a bus to Asahikawa
3. Go to Asahikawa by car
Final thoughts

<Time required>1 hour 30 minutes by express train
<Price>Regular fare (unreserved seat): 4,290 yen / Round-trip discount ticket (S-ticket): 5,080 yen

If you're traveling from Sapporo to Asahikawa, the JR limited express train is the most convenient option.
You can travel to Asahikawa comfortably as there is no need to change trains from Sapporo.
Currently, there are four limited express trains running between Sapporo and Asahikawa: the Super Kamui, Okhotsk, Super Soya, and Sarobetsu. (Note: Changes are being considered in the spring 2017 timetable revision.)

Depending on the time of day and season, you may not be able to find a seat in the unreserved section, so if you are traveling with children, reserved seats are recommended.

If you're thinking of renting a car from Sapporo to Asahikawa, I recommend taking the JR train to Asahikawa and then renting a car at the station.

JR is the best mode of transportation for safe travel throughout the year.

<Time required>2 hours 05 minutes
<Price>Sapporo - Asahikawa: One-way 2,060 yen / Round-trip 3,860 yen

The "Kōsoku Asahikawa-go" intercity express bus service connecting Sapporo and Asahikawa is jointly operated by Hokkaido Chuo Bus, Dohoku Bus, and JR Hokkaido Bus.

The frequent service, with trains running approximately every 30 minutes, is another convenient feature.
It can also be used as an alternative means of transportation in the event that JR trains are stopped.

Compared to JR trains, the fares are more reasonable, so if you're not in a hurry and want to keep transportation costs down, highway buses are a perfect choice.

The bus terminal is a little distance from JR Asahikawa Station, but it's not that far from Asahikawa Station, so access isn't difficult.

Winter is a time when transportation is more susceptible to disruptions and highway closures, so caution is advised during bad weather.

There are two driving routes from Sapporo to Asahikawa.
One route involves using the expressway, which is popular because it takes less time.

However, there are many accidents on expressways during the winter months, so those unfamiliar with driving on winter roads should be careful.

Another route is via National Route 275.
Although the route uses public roads, it runs through suburban areas, so you won't get caught at many traffic lights, allowing you to enjoy a comfortable drive.

There are roadside rest areas along the way, so it's a good idea to choose a route that suits the season and your purpose.

[Route via highway]
<Estimated time> Approximately 1 hour 40 minutes
<Distance> Approximately 140km
<Price> Regular rate: 3,320 yen / ETC holiday discount: 2,610 yen
<Main Spot> Sunagawa Highway Oasis

Using the expressway is the most convenient way to travel from Sapporo to Asahikawa.
If you take the Hokkaido Expressway from Sapporo IC and exit at Asahikawa Takasu IC, you can reach the area around Asahikawa Station in about 15 minutes.

One possible stop along the way is the "Sunagawa Highway Oasis," a service area directly connected to the expressway.

This is a complex facility that includes restaurants, shops, and the Hokkaido Children's Land. In addition to a wide selection of souvenirs and sweets, the Hokkaido Children's Land has playground equipment that children will want to play on for hours, and many people come from far away just to visit this place.

[Route via National Route 275 (general road)]
<Estimated time> Approximately 2 hour 30 minutes
<Distance> Approximately 130km
<Main Spot> Roadside Station "Tsurunuma"
Roadside Station "Takikawa"
Roadside Station "Riceland Fukagawa"

The recommended route on local roads to Asahikawa is via National Route 275.
Because this route runs through the suburbs, it's the fastest way to reach Asahikawa using ordinary roads.

This is the easiest route to run on, as it's often chosen by local long-distance trucks as well.

There are three roadside rest areas along this route.

The first roadside station we'll stop at after leaving Sapporo is "Tsurunuma".
There is a direct sales store and a shop where you can buy light meals here.

Located just over an hour from Sapporo, it's a popular rest stop for many drivers.
There is also a hot spring facility across from the roadside station.

The second roadside station is "Takikawa".
There's a direct sales market for fresh vegetables, restaurants, and a convenience store right next door.
You see a lot of campervans here that are used as overnight accommodations.

The third roadside station is "Riceland Fukagawa".
This roadside station is themed around "Fukagawa, the town of rice," and is popular for its bento boxes using Fukagawa's local specialty, "Fukagawa soba meshi," and its "kamameshi" (rice cooked in a pot) which is cooked to order.

In addition, there are rice-related quizzes and games, and a corner where you can experience milling rice, making it a small-scale rice-themed amusement park.

Photo by wikipedhia: Roadside Station Riceland Fukagawa / Him56

Final thoughts

The best way to travel between Sapporo and Asahikawa is by JR (Japan Railways).
Although it has the disadvantage of being a little more expensive, it allows you to travel to your destination safely and comfortably, even in winter.

The main advantage of express buses is their low fares.
If you want to keep transportation costs down, a highway bus would be a good option.
However, during winter, highways may be closed due to accidents, so it's necessary to allow extra time for your journey.

If you're traveling by car, you can stop at various spots along the way and enjoy the drive, but during the winter months, even if the weather is fine, blizzards can cause poor visibility, so caution is advised.

Drivers unfamiliar with driving on snowy roads should probably avoid traveling by car during the winter months.

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