Located in the Okhotsk area of eastern Hokkaido, Kitami City is a town known for its vast nature, culture, and culinary delights, especially its yakiniku (grilled meat). There are several ways to get from Sapporo to Kitami, including JR trains, buses, rental cars, and airplanes. Here's a detailed guide to the travel times, fares, and specifics of each option.

The JR train is the classic way to travel from Sapporo to Kitami. The journey on the "Limited Express Okhotsk" takes about 4 hours and 32 minutes. The fare is 9,460 yen for a non-reserved seat and 9,990 yen for a reserved seat.

Alternatively, you can take the "Limited Express Lilac," "Limited Express Kamui," or "Limited Express Soya" from Sapporo Station to Asahikawa Station, and then transfer to a train bound for Kitami Station. The travel time for this route is about 4.5 to 5 hours, depending on the layover time, and the fare is 9,180 yen.

Get 35% to 55% Off with "Toku-da-ne" Discount Tickets by Booking Online

By booking your JR tickets in advance on the "Ekinet" website, you can purchase reserved seat tickets for up to 55% off the regular price. If you know your travel time in advance, booking through Ekinet is highly recommended. The "Toku-da-ne" discount prices (one-way set price for a basic fare ticket + reserved seat limited express ticket, in yen) on Ekinet are as follows:

Another option for traveling from Sapporo to Kitami is the highway bus. The "Dreamint Okhotsk" and "Kitami Express New Star" buses operate on this route. Choose the one that best fits your travel schedule and destination for a great deal.

Reservation-Only "Dreamint Okhotsk Bus"

The "Dreamint Okhotsk Bus," jointly operated by Hokkaido Chuo Bus, Hokkaido Kitami Bus, and Abashiri Bus, runs from Sapporo to Kitami and requires a reservation. If you board at "Bus Stop No. 3," located on the west side of the Nippon Life Insurance Sapporo Building (Kita 3 Nishi 4), about a 5-minute walk from JR Sapporo Station, the travel time is approximately 4 hours and 40 minutes in summer and 5 hours in winter. You can also board this bus at the Chuo Bus Sapporo Terminal (Odori Higashi 1-chome, Chuo-ku, Sapporo).

Hokkaido Bus Co., Ltd.'s "Kitami Express New Star Bus"

To take the "Kitami Express New Star Bus" operated by Hokkaido Bus Co., Ltd., head to the Sapporo Ekimae bus stop (Platform 33) at Kita 3 Nishi 3, about a 5-minute walk from the south exit of Sapporo Station. The journey takes about 5 hours and 15 minutes, including a 15-minute break.

If speed is your priority, you can fly from Sapporo Okadama Airport or New Chitose Airport to Memanbetsu Airport in the Okhotsk region. The flight itself takes about 45 minutes. From the airport, it's another 40-minute ride to Kitami city center on the "Memanbetsu Airport Line" bus operated by Kitami Bus. Incidentally, you can also fly directly to Memanbetsu Airport from Haneda Airport in Tokyo.

To drive from central Sapporo to Kitami using the expressway, enter the Doo Expressway at the Sapporo IC and head towards Asahikawa. Then, take the Asahikawa-Monbetsu Expressway and get off at the Engaru IC. From there, follow Route 333 to Kitami. The distance is about 305 kilometers, the drive takes approximately 4 hours and 15 minutes, and the expressway toll is 3,770 yen.

Enjoy Your Trip with the Best Transportation for You!

Kitami City, Japan's top onion producer, is also known as the home base for the Olympic curling team "Loco Solare." The city hosts lively events, such as the unique "Kitami Mid-Winter Yakiniku Festival," which attracts many tourists. With its harmonious blend of nature, sports, hot springs, and food culture, Kitami is a charming region that everyone should visit. Why not plan the perfect trip that fits your travel style and budget?

*All prices include tax.

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