How to Get to Noboribetsu Onsen: Train vs Direct Bus from Sapporo, New Chitose Airport & Hakodate

If you’ve started looking into getting to Noboribetsu, you’ve probably noticed something odd. Google Maps shows multiple routes. Some take you to a train station. Others drop you at hot spring hotels. And the travel times don’t seem to match what you’re reading in older blogs.

Here’s the short version: Noboribetsu Station is 8 km from Noboribetsu Onsen. The hot spring town sits inland, up a winding mountain road, while the train station is near the coast. Every route that involves the train also requires a bus or taxi for the last leg. The only way to skip that transfer is the direct highway bus — but it runs just once a day from Sapporo.

This guide breaks down every option from Sapporo, New Chitose Airport, and Hakodate, so you can choose the one that actually fits your itinerary, luggage, and budget.

Planning this as a day trip from Sapporo? If you want to combine Noboribetsu and Lake Toya without coordinating the train, local bus, and return timing yourself, check available dates, start times, and recent traveler reviews for this guided day tour.

Wait — Noboribetsu Station Is Not Noboribetsu Onsen

This is the single most common point of confusion, and it’s worth clearing up right away.

JR Noboribetsu Station is a coastal station in the city centre, surrounded by convenience stores and a few restaurants. Noboribetsu Onsen (the hot spring town where Hell Valley, the ryokan, and the public baths are located) is about 8 km inland, uphill, accessed by a winding mountain road. They are two separate places.

What surprises most first-time visitors is that you haven’t arrived until you’ve taken a second form of transport from the station. If you step off the train thinking you can walk to your ryokan, you’ll be looking at a steep 90-minute uphill walk.

From	To	Distance	Transport	Time	Cost
JR Noboribetsu Station	Noboribetsu Onsen town centre	~8 km	Donan Bus (local)	~27 min	¥450
JR Noboribetsu Station	Noboribetsu Onsen town centre	~8 km	Taxi	~15 min	~¥3,000

The local bus from the station to the onsen town runs about once or twice per hour. A taxi costs around ¥3,000 and is the better choice for groups or anyone with heavy luggage arriving late. More on the bus details in the last-mile section below.

Quick Comparison: Which Route Fits Your Trip?

Every option below assumes you want to reach Noboribetsu Onsen itself — not just the station. The table accounts for the last-mile bus or taxi where applicable.

Starting Point	Best For	Total Travel Time	Transfers	Reservation Needed?	Approx. Cost (one way, adult)
Sapporo → Direct Bus (Kosoku Onsen-go)	Overnight visitors with luggage; those whose schedule aligns with the single daily departure	~1 hr 50 min	0 (door-to-onsen)	Yes — reservation required	¥2,800–3,800
Sapporo → JR Ltd. Express + Local Bus	Day-trippers; anyone needing flexible departure times; JR Pass holders	~1 hr 40 min (train) + ~27 min (bus) = ~2 hr 10 min total	1 (at Noboribetsu Station)	Yes — all limited express seats are reserved	~¥4,890 (¥2,530 base + ¥2,360 reserved seat) + ¥450 bus
New Chitose Airport → Direct Bus	Those arriving midday (bus runs 3× daily); travellers with luggage	~1 hr 15 min	0	Yes — reservation required	¥1,900–2,400
New Chitose Airport → JR + Local Bus	Early or late arrivals; those with a JR Pass	~1 hr (train via Minami-Chitose) + ~27 min bus = ~1.5–2 hr total	2 (Minami-Chitose + Noboribetsu Station)	Yes — all limited express seats are reserved	~¥3,650 (base + reserved seat) + ¥450 bus
Hakodate → JR Ltd. Express + Local Bus	Rail pass holders travelling the Hokuto corridor	~2 hr 25 min (train) + ~27 min (bus) = ~3 hr total	1 (at Noboribetsu Station)	Yes — all limited express seats are reserved	~¥9,770 (¥6,600 + ¥3,170) + ¥450 bus

Kai’s tip: The direct bus from Sapporo looks ideal on paper — no transfers, reclining seats, drops you near most hotels. But it departs only once a day at 13:40. If your flight arrives after noon or you want to start your day early in Noboribetsu, the timing may not work. Always check the schedule before counting on it as your primary option. For most travellers, the JR + local bus combo is the more realistic default.

From Sapporo: Direct Bus vs JR Limited Express

Sapporo is the most common starting point for Noboribetsu trips. You have two main options: the direct highway bus or the JR limited express train plus a local bus. The choice comes down to luggage, budget, and — above all — timing.

When I helped a group of overseas guests get from Sapporo to their ryokan in Noboribetsu, the deciding factor was simple: they had large suitcases and didn’t want to haul them through a train-to-bus transfer. The direct bus made the most sense for them. But their schedule happened to match the single daily departure. If it hadn’t, I would have sent them to the train without hesitation.

Option 1: Kosoku Onsen-go Direct Bus (Reservation Required)

The Kosoku Onsen-go is an express highway bus operated by Donan Bus that runs directly from Sapporo Station to multiple stops in Noboribetsu Onsen. It is the only public transport option that requires zero transfers.

Where to board: Go to Sapporo Station Bus Stop No. 7, located on the east side of the Nippon Life Sapporo Building along Ekimae-dori, about a 5-minute walk from the JR station’s east exit.

• Travel time: ~1 hour 50 minutes
• Fare: ¥2,800–3,800 (one way, adult) — varies by season and demand
• Departures: 1 departure per day from Sapporo, currently at 13:40
• Reservations: Mandatory. Book online via the Willer Travel website at least 2 hours before departure
• Drop-off stops in the onsen town (alighting only):
  • Noboribetsu Onsen
  • Central Noboribetsu Onsen
  • Dai-ichi Takimotokan Mae
  • Park Hotel Mae
  • Ashiyu Iriguchi

The bus also picks up from several intermediate stops in Sapporo’s eastern suburbs (Shiroishi, Nango, Oyachi, Kosoku Wattsu, Kosoku Eniwa), so if you’re staying outside central Sapporo, you may be able to board from a closer stop.

Choose the direct bus if:

• You’re staying overnight at a Noboribetsu Onsen hotel and have large luggage
• Your schedule matches the 13:40 departure
• You’d rather sit and relax than manage a transfer

Skip it if:

• You need to arrive in the morning or early afternoon
• You’re doing a day trip and need an early start or late return
• Your plans are uncertain — the bus requires advance reservation and payment

Kai’s tip: The suitcase-friendly nature of the direct bus is hard to overstate. If you’ve ever tried to haul a full-size suitcase up the steps of a JR limited express, find overhead rack space, then do it again onto a local bus, you’ll understand why the direct bus exists. But with just one departure daily, it’s more of a lucky convenience than a reliable plan B. Book it if the timing works; otherwise, the train option below is perfectly manageable.

Option 2: JR Limited Express + Donan Bus

This is the most flexible way to reach Noboribetsu Onsen from Sapporo, and the preferred option for day-trippers, early birds, and anyone with a JR Pass.

Step 1: JR Limited Express from Sapporo to Noboribetsu Station

Two limited express services connect Sapporo and Noboribetsu: the Hokuto and the Suzuran. Both run on the same route between these stations.

• Travel time: ~1 hour 10 minutes to 1 hour 14 minutes
• Fare: Basic fare ¥2,530 + Limited Express Reserved Seat ¥2,360 = ~¥4,890 (one way)
• Green Car: Basic fare ¥2,530 + Green Seat ¥4,630 = ~¥7,160
• Reservations: Mandatory. As of March 14, 2026, all limited express trains in Hokkaido operate with reserved seating only. You must obtain a seat reservation before boarding, either from a ticket machine or the JR Midori-no-Madoguchi counter.
• Frequency: Roughly every 30–60 minutes throughout the day

Step 2: Donan Bus from Noboribetsu Station to the Onsen Town

From the station forecourt, board a Donan Bus bound for Noboribetsu Onsen. Look for buses marked with NA or NB route numbers — these serve the onsen town.

• Travel time: ~27 minutes
• Fare: ¥450 (one way, adult)
• Frequency: About 1–2 buses per hour during the day
• IC cards: Suica, Kitaca, and other major IC cards cannot be used on these routes
• Touch payment: Visa touch is accepted on NA and NB routes
• Cash: Pay upon boarding (or upon alighting, depending on the bus) — exact change is helpful but not required, as the fare machine provides change

Choose the JR + bus option if:

• You want to leave Sapporo early (first trains depart before 7:00)
• You’re doing a day trip and need to control your own schedule
• You already have a JR Pass or the Sapporo-Noboribetsu Area Pass
• The direct bus timing doesn’t work for you

Save with the Sapporo-Noboribetsu Area Pass

If you’re planning to visit both Noboribetsu and Otaru over a few days, the Sapporo-Noboribetsu Area Pass offers good value. It provides 4 consecutive days of unlimited JR travel within the Sapporo-Otaru-Noboribetsu area.

• Price: ¥10,000 (pre-purchased abroad) / ¥11,000 (purchased at stations in Japan)
• Valid for: 4 consecutive days
• Eligibility: Non-Japanese passport holders only
• Covers: JR trains including limited express reserved seats within the valid area
• Does not cover: Donan Bus, Sapporo subway, or streetcar
• Note: Lake Toya is outside the valid area — the pass cannot be used for travel beyond Noboribetsu to Toya Station

By comparison, a standard round trip between Sapporo and Noboribetsu costs roughly ¥9,780. Adding a round trip to Otaru brings it to ¥13,380. The pass at ¥10,000 makes financial sense if you’re combining both destinations over 4 days.

If you’re taking the self-guided JR route and also plan to visit Otaru, compare the current Sapporo–Noboribetsu Area Pass options and redemption conditions before buying separate train tickets. The local Donan Bus to the onsen town still needs to be paid separately.

From New Chitose Airport: Direct Bus or JR?

If you’re flying into New Chitose Airport and heading straight to Noboribetsu Onsen, you have two options depending on your arrival time.

Option 1: Noboribetsu Onsen Airport Express (Direct Bus)

The Noboribetsu Onsen Airport Express is a direct highway bus operated by Donan Bus that connects New Chitose Airport to the onsen town without any transfers.

• Travel time: ~1 hour 15 minutes
• Fare: ¥1,900–2,400 (one way, adult)
• Departures: 3 departures per day during standard season — currently at 13:20, 14:10, and 15:10. Additional services may be added during peak winter months
• Reservations: Mandatory. Book via the Willer Travel website at least 2 hours before departure
• Boarding point: The bus makes three stops at the airport: International Terminal Stop No. 86 → Domestic Terminal Stop No. 29 → Domestic Terminal Stop No. 2
• Drop-off stops: Same set of stops in the onsen town as the Sapporo direct bus

Choose the airport direct bus if: your flight arrives before 14:00 (allowing time to clear customs, collect luggage, and reach the boarding point). The 13:20 departure is achievable for most international arrivals before noon, but the 15:10 bus is likely the most realistic option for afternoon arrivals.

Skip it if: your flight arrives after 15:30 or you’re arriving early morning. In those cases, the JR route below is your backup.

Option 2: JR Rapid + Limited Express via Minami-Chitose

This route involves two train transfers but runs throughout the day, making it the reliable fallback when the direct bus schedule doesn’t align with your flight.

• Step 1: Take the JR Rapid Airport from New Chitose Airport to Minami-Chitose Station (~3 minutes, frequent departures)
• Step 2: Transfer to a Limited Express Hokuto or Suzuran bound for Noboribetsu (~40 minutes, reserved seat required)
• Step 3: From JR Noboribetsu Station, take the Donan Bus to the onsen town (~27 minutes, ¥450)
• Total travel time: ~1.5 to 2 hours depending on connection times
• Approx. fare: ~¥3,650 (Rapid Airport + Limited Express) + ¥450 bus = ~¥4,100

The transfer at Minami-Chitose is straightforward — you’ll see the Hokuto and Suzuran trains on the same platform as the Rapid Airport train. Station signage is in English, and the platform displays clearly show departure times and destinations.

Choose the JR route if: you arrive early morning or after 15:30, you have a JR Pass, or you prefer the flexibility of frequent departures over a fixed bus schedule.

From Hakodate and Other Destinations

If you’re coming from Hakodate, the Limited Express Hokuto connects directly to JR Noboribetsu Station in approximately 2 hours 25 minutes. From there, follow the same Donan Bus connection to the onsen town.

• Fare (Hakodate → Noboribetsu Station): ~¥9,770 (basic fare ¥6,600 + reserved seat ¥3,170, one way)
• Donan Bus onward: ¥450 to the onsen town
• Total journey: ~3 hours

For travellers coming from Asahikawa or Furano, the most practical route is to take the JR Limited Express to Sapporo first, then continue south using either the direct bus or the JR + bus combo described above.

Noboribetsu Station to the Onsen Town: The Last Mile

However you arrive at JR Noboribetsu Station, you still need to get up the mountain road to the onsen town. The local bus is the standard choice for most travellers, but knowing the details in advance makes the experience smoother.

The bus boards from the station forecourt — you’ll see the bus stop directly outside the station exit. Look for buses with NA or NB route numbers displayed on the front; these serve the onsen town.

• Fare: ¥450 (one way, adult)
• Travel time: ~27 minutes
• Frequency: About 1–2 buses per hour during daytime
• IC cards: Suica, Kitaca, Pasmo, and other major IC cards are not accepted
• Touch payment: Visa touch is accepted on NA and NB routes
• Cash: Accepted; the fare machine provides change for larger bills
• Payment method on most buses: Take a numbered ticket (整理券/seiriken) when boarding, and pay the amount shown on the display when alighting

Kai’s tip: The one thing travellers often overlook is which stop to get off at. The bus makes multiple stops within the onsen town, and some are a 10-minute uphill walk from certain hotels. Before you arrive, check with your accommodation which stop is closest. If you’re staying at Dai-ichi Takimotokan, get off at “Dai-ichi Takimotokan Mae” — it’s right outside the entrance. For Park Hotel Miyabitei, “Park Hotel Mae” is the correct stop. Guessing and getting off at the wrong stop with luggage on a slope — especially in rain or snow — is a mistake I’ve seen more than once.

Which Stop Should You Get Off At?

Bus Stop Name	Hotels Nearby	Walk Time from Stop
Noboribetsu Onsen	Mahoroba, Noboribetsu Grand Hotel, Noboribetsu Daiichi Suizokukan	~5–7 minutes
Central Noboribetsu Onsen	Noboribetsu Grand Hotel	~4–5 minutes
Dai-ichi Takimotokan Mae	Dai-ichi Takimotokan	~1 minute (direct access)
Park Hotel Mae	Park Hotel Miyabitei	~1 minute (direct access)
Ashiyu Iriguchi	Takinoya, Hanayura	~5 minutes

If you’re staying at a smaller ryokan, ask your accommodation which stop serves their area. Most are within walking distance from one of these five stops, but a 10-minute uphill walk with a suitcase is different from a 2-minute flat stroll.

A taxi from JR Noboribetsu Station to your hotel in the onsen town costs approximately ¥3,000 and takes about 15 minutes. This is a realistic option for groups of 3–4 people (the cost per person becomes comparable to the bus) or for late-night arrivals when buses are less frequent.

Direct Bus or Train: Which Is Better for You?

The choice between the direct bus and the train is not about which is universally better — it’s about which fits your specific situation. Here’s how to decide.

Choose the Direct Bus If…

• You’re staying overnight and have one or more large suitcases
• Your Sapporo departure or airport arrival aligns with the bus schedule (13:40 from Sapporo, or the afternoon buses from New Chitose)
• You want the least physical effort getting from point A to point B
• You’re staying at a hotel close to one of the bus stop names listed above

Choose the JR + Bus Option If…

• You’re doing a day trip and need to arrive early or return on your own schedule
• You hold a JR Pass or the Sapporo-Noboribetsu Area Pass
• The direct bus timing doesn’t match your itinerary
• You prefer having frequent departure options throughout the day
• You want the flexibility to change your plans on the go

Consider a Guided Tour If…

• You want to visit both Noboribetsu (Hell Valley) and Lake Toya in a single day from Sapporo
• You’d prefer not to manage the logistics yourself
• You’re travelling solo or as a pair (tours often become cost-effective compared to individual transport + entry fees)
• You want English-speaking guidance and pre-arranged entry to key spots

Several guided day tours depart from Sapporo and cover Jigokudani (Hell Valley), a stroll through Noboribetsu Onsen town, and Lake Toya — including lunch and hotel pickup. These typically run about 10 hours and are available with English or Chinese-speaking guides.

If the idea of coordinating the train, local bus, and timing between two destinations feels like more planning than you want to do on vacation, a guided tour removes that friction entirely.

If you want to see both Noboribetsu and Lake Toya in one day but do not want to build the transport connections yourself, this is the tour to compare first.

Why I’d book this one

• Recent travelers consistently mention knowledgeable guides who add useful context rather than simply moving the group between photo stops.
• The itinerary covers several dispersed Hokkaido landscapes in one day, while guide and transportation feedback is consistently positive.
• The booking page lets you check current start times, cancellation conditions, and payment options before committing.

See live availability, start times, and recent traveler reviews for the Lake Toya and Noboribetsu day tour.

Practical Tips for a Smooth Journey

Tickets, Reservations, and Payment

Getting the payment method right is one of the most practical things you can do to avoid stress on the day.

• Highway buses (Kosoku Onsen-go, Airport Express): Must be reserved in advance via the Willer Travel website. Payment is made online when you book. You’ll receive a voucher or QR code to show the driver when boarding.
• JR Limited Express (Hokuto, Suzuran): All seats are reserved as of March 2026. Buy your ticket + seat reservation at any JR ticket machine (Green Window offers English support) or use the JR Hokkaido smartphone app if you have a registered IC card.
• Donan Bus (local bus from the station): Cash or Visa touch. No Suica, Kitaca, or other IC cards accepted. Carry a ¥1,000 or smaller bill to make payment easy — the machine on the bus does give change.
• Taxi: Cash or major credit cards accepted by most drivers in the onsen town area.

Kai’s tip: The local bus between Noboribetsu Station and the onsen town accepts cash and Visa touch, but not Suica or Kitaca. If you’ve been using your Suica card all week in Tokyo and Sapporo, this catches many travellers off guard. Keep ¥1,000 in small bills handy specifically for this bus ride — it saves fumbling with a 10,000 yen note at the fare machine while the bus is moving.

Luggage and the Reality of Moving Between Transport Modes

If you’re travelling with a large suitcase (24–28 inch or larger), the direct bus from Sapporo or the airport is genuinely easier. The bus has under-floor luggage storage, and you don’t need to lift your suitcase onto a rack or up steps.

With the JR option, you’ll need to manage your suitcase in the following situations:

• Lifting it up the steps of the limited express train (platform height to train floor is about 20–30 cm)
• Stowing it in the overhead rack (suitcases over 24 inches may not fit — use the luggage space behind the last seat rows)
• Carrying it down the steps at Noboribetsu Station
• Boarding the local bus with it (the bus has flat entry and limited luggage space — doable but tight with a full-size case)

None of these are impossible, but if you’re travelling with children, have limited mobility, or are simply tired from a long-haul flight, the direct bus scores heavily on convenience. The trade-off is the schedule limitation.

Winter Travel: Allow Extra Time

Noboribetsu receives significant snowfall from December through March. While the roads between Sapporo and Noboribetsu are well-maintained and winter tyres are mandatory in Hokkaido, delays of 15–30 minutes are not unusual for highway buses during heavy snow.

A few practical points for winter in Noboribetsu:

• Book the earliest possible departure if you have a connecting flight or train later the same day
• If returning from Noboribetsu to New Chitose Airport for a flight, allow at least 4 hours between your bus arrival time in Sapporo and your flight departure — and more if you’re taking the local bus + train combo
• The path between the onsen bus stops and hotel entrances can be icy. Hotels keep their immediate paths clear, but the public footpaths may be slippery in the morning
• The onsen town itself is walkable in winter, but the road from JR Noboribetsu Station to the town is winding and not pedestrian-friendly in snow

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Noboribetsu Station within walking distance of Noboribetsu Onsen?

No. JR Noboribetsu Station and Noboribetsu Onsen (the hot spring town) are about 8 km apart, connected by a winding mountain road. The station is near the coast, while the onsen town sits inland at a higher elevation. Walking is not practical — it takes roughly 90 minutes uphill. You need to take the local Donan Bus (~27 minutes, ¥450) or a taxi (~15 minutes, ~¥3,000) to reach the onsen town from the station.

Can I use Suica or Kitaca on the bus from Noboribetsu Station to the onsen town?

No. Suica, Kitaca, Pasmo, and other major IC cards are not accepted on Donan Bus local routes. The NA and NB route buses accept Visa touch payment and cash. It’s best to carry ¥1,000 in small bills for this specific bus ride — the fare machine on board does provide change.

Is the direct bus or the train better from Sapporo to Noboribetsu Onsen?

It depends on your luggage, schedule, and whether you’re staying overnight. The direct bus (Kosoku Onsen-go) requires no transfers and has under-floor luggage storage, making it ideal for overnight visitors with suitcases — but it runs only once a day at 13:40 from Sapporo. The JR limited express plus local bus runs throughout the day, offers more flexibility, and works well for day-trippers or JR Pass holders. Neither option is universally better; the right choice depends on whether the single bus departure time fits your plans.

Can I visit Noboribetsu as a day trip from Sapporo?

Yes, and it’s one of the most popular day trips from Sapporo. The JR limited express takes just over an hour each way, and with buses running roughly hourly between Noboribetsu Station and the onsen town, you can easily spend 4–5 hours exploring Jigokudani (Hell Valley), the onsen town foot baths, and a lunch stop. If you also want to visit Lake Toya in the same day from Sapporo, a guided tour is more practical than coordinating three separate transport connections.

Do I need to reserve the direct bus to Noboribetsu Onsen?

Yes — both the Kosoku Onsen-go (from Sapporo) and the Noboribetsu Onsen Airport Express require advance reservation. You can book online via the Willer Travel website up to 2 hours before departure. Payment is made at the time of booking, and you’ll receive a digital voucher to show the driver. Without a reservation, you cannot board these buses.

Does the Sapporo-Noboribetsu Area Pass cover the bus to the onsen town?

No. The Sapporo-Noboribetsu Area Pass covers JR trains (including limited express reserved seats) within the designated area — Sapporo, Otaru, and the JR line to Noboribetsu. It does not cover the Donan Bus local buses. You’ll need to pay the ¥450 bus fare separately in cash or by Visa touch. The pass also does not cover travel to Lake Toya, which is outside the valid area.

How much time should I allow between connections?

For the JR + bus combination at Noboribetsu Station, the bus schedule generally aligns with major train arrivals, but I’d still allow at least 10–15 minutes between stepping off the train and the next bus departure. If you’re connecting back to Sapporo or the airport for a flight, allow at least an hour between your bus arrival at Noboribetsu Station and the next departing limited express. In winter, add 20–30 minutes of buffer for potential delays.

Final Verdict: Which Route Should You Choose?

Having laid out all the options, here’s how the decision breaks down by traveller type. If you are still deciding whether to stay overnight or just do a day trip, this overview will help you choose the right pace.

For first-time visitors going from Sapporo for an overnight stay: Check whether the Kosoku Onsen-go departure time works for you first. If it does, book it — the no-transfer convenience with suitcases is genuinely valuable. If the 13:40 timing doesn’t fit, don’t feel you’re settling for a worse option. The JR Hokuto + local bus combo is straightforward, runs frequently, and thousands of visitors navigate it without issue every day.

For day-trippers from Sapporo: Choose the JR limited express + Donan Bus. This gives you the earliest departures (well before 8:00), the most frequent return options, and the flexibility to extend or shorten your day. The direct bus’ single 13:40 departure is too late for a full day trip.

For travellers arriving at New Chitose Airport: Check whether the Airport Express bus (3 daily departures in the afternoon) aligns with your arrival. If it does, the direct 1-hour-15-minute ride with no transfers is the most relaxing option. If you arrive early or late, the JR route via Minami-Chitose works well and adds only about 30 minutes of travel time.

For JR Pass holders: The choice is simple — take the limited express train and pay the ¥450 bus fare separately. Your pass covers the train leg, and the transfer at Noboribetsu Station adds only 27 minutes to your journey. The direct bus would cost extra and offers no schedule advantage for your situation.

For families or travellers with limited mobility: Prioritise convenience over cost. The direct bus from Sapporo or the airport is the best option if the schedule works, because it eliminates all lifting and transfers. If the timing doesn’t work, consider the taxi from JR Noboribetsu Station to your hotel (~¥3,000) rather than the local bus — the cost difference is modest, and it saves handling luggage and navigating the bus steps.

For anyone wanting to see both Noboribetsu and Lake Toya in one day: A guided day tour from Sapporo is the most practical choice. Coordinating the train, local bus, and a second destination independently is possible but tight. Tours cover the transport, an English-speaking guide, and both destinations in roughly 10 hours — often with hotel pickup included.

Note on accuracy: Schedules, fares, and payment methods in this guide were checked against official Donan Bus and JR Hokkaido information as of July 2026. Highway bus fares are demand-based and may vary. JR limited express reserved seat fares reflect the post-March 2026 all-reserved-seating system. Always verify current timetables and prices on the official websites before making non-refundable bookings.