Noboribetsu has a wide variety of sightseeing spots, including Noboribetsu Onsen, created by rich nature and volcanic activity. There are several ways to get to Noboribetsu from Sapporo, including JR, bus, and rental car. The following is a detailed description of travel time and fees for each of these modes.

JR" is the standard method of transportation. Special discount tickets are also available.

JR is the standard way to travel from Sapporo to Noboribetsu, and it takes about 1 hour and 10 minutes by "Limited Express Hokuto" and "Limited Express Suzuran". All "Limited Express Hokuto" and "Limited Express Suzuran" trains have reserved seats, and the fare is 4,780 yen for a reserved seat and 7,050 yen for a green seat.

From Sapporo Station, take the "Rapid Airport" to Minami Chitose Station, transfer first to the JR Chitose Line bound for Tomakomai at Minami Chitose Station, and transfer second to the JR Muroran Main Line bound for Muroran at Tomakomai Station to get to Noboribetsu Station. The fare is 2,420 yen (*if you do not use the 840 yen reserved seat on the Rapid Airport).

45% discount "Tokyu Tokudate Value" for advance reservations made via the Internet

If you make a reservation for a JR ticket through the website "Ekinet", you can purchase a reserved-seat ticket at a discount of up to 45% off the regular fare. If you know the time you will board the train in advance, it is recommended to make a reservation through Ekinet. The set price of "Tokkyu Tokudate" on Ekinet (set price of one-way "boarding ticket + reserved seat express ticket"/unit: yen) is as follows.

Intercity Express Bus" is the best choice for low fares

Three inter-city express buses operate from Sapporo to Noboribetsu: "Highway Onsen-go Direct (reservation required)," "Highway Hakucho-go," and "Highway Muroran-go.

1. "Highway Onsen-go Direct Service" (reservation required)

To board the "Highway Onsen-go Direct Bus" operated by Donan Bus, go to the temporary bus stop No. 7 on the east side of Nippon Seimei Building Sapporo (Ekimae-dori side), about 5 minutes walk from JR Sapporo Station. The ride takes approximately 1 hour and 50 minutes, and the one-way fare is 2,500 yen. To board the bus, you need to make a reservation on the web and pay in advance at least two hours before the first departure.

2. Donan Bus "Highway Shiratori-go

This bus is also operated by Donan Bus. To board the "Highway Shiratori-go", board at the temporary bus stop No. 7 on the east side of Nippon Seimei Building Sapporo (Ekimae-dori side), about a 5-minute walk from JR Sapporo Station. The ride takes about 1 hour and 50 minutes, and the one-way fare is 2,500 yen. Basically, you can board the bus without a reservation, but you need to make a reservation at the Sapporo Office (011-865-5511) only if you board from the "Kosoku Wako" or "Kosoku Eniwa" bus stop.

3. Chuo Bus "Highway Express Muroiran-go

To board the "Highway Muroiran-go" operated by Chuo Bus, board at the temporary bus stop No. 7 on the east side of Nippon Seimei Building Sapporo (Ekimae-dori side), about 5 minutes walk from JR Sapporo Station. The ride takes about 1 hour and 50 minutes, and the one-way fare is 2,500 yen. (*The price may be lower than the listed price depending on the bus stop where you get off.)

Basically, you can board the bus without a reservation, but you need to make a reservation at least 2 hours in advance with Chuo Bus Sapporo Kita Office (011-751-2637) only when boarding from the "Kosoku Wako", "Kosoku Eniwa" or "Kosoku Takeura" bus stops.

Drive to your destination "Car/Rent-a-car

To travel to Noboribetsu by expressway from central Sapporo, take the Hokugo IC to the Hokkaido Expressway and exit at the Noboribetsu-Muroran IC. The distance is about 120 km, and travel time is about 1 hour and 30 minutes. The expressway fare is 3,350 yen. However, although it is convenient to drive directly to the destination, please be careful about the road conditions in winter. If you are not confident in your driving skills, take it easy and use public transportation such as JR or buses, and enjoy your trip with safety as the top priority.

Enjoy your trip with the means of transportation that suits you best!

Noboribetsu is an area with a wide variety of attractions, including hot springs, Noboribetsu Bear Farm, Noboribetsu Date Jidai Mura, and the Noboribetsu Marine Park Nix aquarium. Why not plan the perfect trip according to your travel style and budget?