Kushiro, located in eastern Hokkaido, is popular for its rich nature, represented by the Kushiro Wetlands, and its gourmet food unique to a port town. Transportation options to Kushiro include JR trains, buses, and rental cars. Here's a detailed look at the travel times, fares, and more for each option.

The Standard Way to Travel Between Sapporo and Kushiro: JR Train

The JR train is the classic way to travel from Sapporo to Kushiro. The journey on the Limited Express Ozora takes about 4 hours. All seats on the Limited Express Ozora are reserved. The fare for a reserved seat is 10,320 yen, and a Green Car (first class) seat is 13,980 yen.

Get 40% Off with "Tokkyu Toku-da-ne" by Booking Online in Advance

By booking your JR ticket on the "Ekinet" website, you can purchase a reserved seat ticket for up to 40% off the regular price. If you know your travel time in advance, it's highly recommended to book through Ekinet.

Here are the "Tokkyu Toku-da-ne" discount prices on Ekinet (one-way set price for a basic fare ticket + reserved seat limited express ticket / unit: yen):

The Budget-Friendly Option: Intercity Highway Bus

Two intercity highway bus services operate from Sapporo to Kushiro: the "Starlight Kushiro" and the "Kushiro Express New Star." Choose the one that best fits your itinerary and destination for a great deal.

1. "Starlight Kushiro" (Reservation Required) - Operated by 3 Companies

You can board the "Starlight Kushiro," jointly operated by Hokkaido Chuo Bus, Kushiro Bus, and Akan Bus, from "Bus Stop No. 3" located on the west side of the Nippon Life Sapporo Building, about a 5-minute walk from JR Sapporo Station. The journey takes approximately 5 hours and 15 minutes, including a break at the Tokachiheigen Service Area.

2. Hokkaido Bus Co., Ltd. "Kushiro Express New Star"

The "Kushiro Express New Star" by Hokkaido Bus Co., Ltd. departs from the Sapporo Ekimae bus stop (Stop No. 33) at Kita 3 Nishi 3. The journey takes about 5 hours and 15 minutes, including a 15-minute break.

A Fun and Relaxing Drive: Car / Rental Car

To drive from central Sapporo to Kushiro using the expressway, enter the Doo Expressway from Sapporo-minami IC, switch to the Doto Expressway at Chitose-Eniwa JCT, and exit at Kushiro-nishi IC. The distance is about 300 kilometers, the travel time is approximately 4 hours and 30 minutes, and the expressway toll is 5,590 yen.

Enjoy Your Trip with the Best Transportation for You!

Kushiro City is famous for Kushiro Wetlands National Park, Japan's largest wetland and home to diverse flora and fauna. Other attractions include the Nusamai Bridge, known for its beautiful seasonal scenery and sunsets, Lake Akan, a popular hot spring destination, and the Washo Market, famous for its "Katte-don," where you can create your own seafood bowl. The hearty "Supakatsu" (spaghetti with pork cutlet) is another local gourmet dish you must try.

If you want to get to Kushiro quickly and start sightseeing, flying is also a great option. You can land at Tancho Kushiro Airport in about 45 minutes from Sapporo Okadama Airport or New Chitose Airport. If you're coming from outside Hokkaido, you can also fly directly to Tancho Kushiro Airport from Haneda Airport in about 1 hour and 40 minutes. Choose the method that best suits your time and budget, and enjoy your trip!

*All prices include tax.

*All information is current as of May 2025.
*All information is subject to change. Please check official websites for the latest details.

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