The Attractions of “Eastern & Northern Hokkaido” from Spring to Summer > Transportation & Itinerary
The Attractions of "Eastern & Northern Hokkaido" from Spring to Summer
Transportation & Itinerary
To enjoy sightseeing in Eastern & Northern Hokkaido, it is important to plan your itinerary carefully and choose the right means of transportation. On this page, we will show you the features of trains, buses, and rental cars, as well as ways to sightsee efficiently.
Transportation in “Eastern Hokkaido”
A variety of beautiful scenery can be viewed from the windows while traveling in Eastern Hokkaido.
Choosing the right means of transportation is very important in traveling the Eastern Hokkaido area, because it is so large and the distances between tourist spots are so long. The main means of transportation are trains, buses and rental cars. There are railways such as the Senmo Main Line and seasonal tourist trains. Buses run between major cities and tourist destinations, but the number of buses may be limited. Renting a car is especially recommended as it is highly flexible and allows you to use your time efficiently.
Transportation in “Northern Hokkaido”
If you’re using public transportation, it’s recommended to narrow down the spots to visit to some extent.
The Northern Hokkaido area covers a wide area, so the means of transportation you choose can affect the comfort of your trip. The main railway lines are the Soya Main Line connecting Asahikawa to Wakkanai, and the Furano Line connecting Asahikawa to Furano. There are bus routes connecting cities and tourist destinations, but the number of buses may be limited. Instead, you can freely travel around many more tourist spots by renting a car.
Train
The view from the window of the sightseeing train is great. The photo above is the “Furano-Biei Norokko Train.”
JR Hokkaido operates major railway lines in the Eastern & Northern Hokkaido areas. The Senmo Main Line & the Sekihoku Main Line in Eastern Hokkaido and the Soya Main Line & the Furano Line in Northern Hokkaido are convenient for sightseeing. There are some seasonal sightseeing trains that allow you to visit the local attractions. However, it is important to check the timetable in advance because the number of services is limited.
■Tips of Sightseeing
Sightseeing trains such as “Furano-Biei Norokko Train” and “Kushiro Shitsugen Norokko Train” are great for enjoying the nature and scenery along the way. It’s recommended to check the operating period and make a reservation in advance.
Sightseeing trains such as “Furano-Biei Norokko Train” and “Kushiro Shitsugen Norokko Train” are great for enjoying the nature and scenery along the way. It’s recommended to check the operating period and make a reservation in advance.
Bus
It is important to plan your itinerary in advance because the operating routes and the number of services are limited.
In the Eastern & Northern Hokkaido areas, there are buses connecting cities and tourist destinations. Intercity buses connect Sapporo with major cities and can also be useful to access tourist destinations. Local buses are a convenient means of transportation within the area, but it’s important to check the timetable in advance since the number of services is limited. There are also seasonal, scheduled sightseeing buses traveling around tourist spots.
■Tips of Sightseeing
In Eastern Hokkaido, regular sightseeing buses are a convenient way for both transportation and sightseeing. Kushiro-Shiretoko Line and Shiretoko-Kushiro Line, operated by Akan Bus, are especially useful.
In Eastern Hokkaido, regular sightseeing buses are a convenient way for both transportation and sightseeing. Kushiro-Shiretoko Line and Shiretoko-Kushiro Line, operated by Akan Bus, are especially useful.
Rental Car
Rental car is highly recommended for those who would like to visit tourist spots over a wide range.
Renting a car is extremely convenient for traveling around the Eastern & Northern Hokkaido areas. There are car rental offices at major airports and cities. You can rent a car with no trouble by making a reservation in advance. Hokkaido is a very large area, so traveling by car can be time-efficient and provide easy access to tourist spots. However, you need to plan refueling and rest stops carefully because the travel distance gets longer.
■Tips of Sightseeing
Renting a car will allow you to travel far and get to scenic spots that are difficult to access by public transportation. It also gives you more flexibility in exploring the tourist spots in Eastern & Northern Hokkaido.
Renting a car will allow you to travel far and get to scenic spots that are difficult to access by public transportation. It also gives you more flexibility in exploring the tourist spots in Eastern & Northern Hokkaido.
Travel Itinerary
In Eastern and Northern Hokkaido, your travel itinerary can change significantly depending on which means of transportation you use.
You should plan your travel itinerary carefully for your efficient sightseeing in Eastern & Northern Hokkaido. It’s a vast area with many attractions, so your choice of transportation and destinations will determine how fulfilling your trip is. The conditions at tourist destinations may change depending on the season and weather, so be sure to check the latest information in advance and plan a manageable schedule.
■Tips of Sightseeing
You should plan your trip taking travel times into account for a comfortable trip. Sample itineraries are shown on the page below. We’d be happy if you use them as reference for your trip.
You should plan your trip taking travel times into account for a comfortable trip. Sample itineraries are shown on the page below. We’d be happy if you use them as reference for your trip.
The Attractions of “Eastern & Northern Hokkaido” from Spring to Summer > Transportation & Itinerary