Area Information Central Hokkaido
Central Hokkaido is the center of the region's economy and tourism. With so many top attractions close together, it is the perfect destination for your very first trip to Hokkaido.
The region is anchored by Sapporo, Hokkaido's largest city. From there, you can easily reach the historic port town of Otaru with its vintage canal and stone warehouses, as well as top-tier onsen destinations such as Noboribetsu, Toyako, and Jozankei.
Enjoy fine dining and shopping in the sophisticated city, then travel just 1 to 2 hours by car or bus to relax in a quiet onsen town. This perfect balance of city sightseeing and hot spring retreats is what makes Central Hokkaido so special. Access from New Chitose Airport is incredibly smooth, making this area the ultimate convenient base for your journey.
Access
The smartest way to travel around Central Hokkaido is to choose between trains and buses depending on your destination.
Taking the JR train is the most convenient way to travel from Sapporo to Otaru, offering frequent departures and highly reliable schedules.
However, for onsen towns like Noboribetsu, Toyako, and Jozankei, buses offer the ultimate comfort by dropping you off right at your hotel.
| Comparison Points | Bus | Train (JR) |
|---|---|---|
| Transfers | None | Yes (Transfer to a local bus from the station, etc.) |
| Heavy Luggage | Travel hands-free (Stored in the bus trunk) | Must carry luggage over stairs and snowy roads |
| Seat Reservations | Guaranteed (Reservation required) | Not guaranteed (May not get a seat when crowded) |
Why choose the bus for onsen destinations?
Minimal walking required
Even for onsen ryokan located far from the train station, the bus takes you right into the center of the resort town or drops you off just steps from your accommodation.
Effortless travel on snowy roads
No stress of walking on snowy roads while carrying heavy luggage.
Budget-friendly
With many budget-friendly routes compared to trains, you can easily cut down on your transportation costs.
Hokkaido Onsen
Introducing the top three onsen destinations in Central Hokkaido, which are incredibly popular with visitors from all over the world
Noboribestu Onsen
Known as the "department store of onsen," this area boasts nine distinct types of thermal water. Its biggest highlight, the dynamic "Hell Valley" (Jigokudani), is a must-see spot located just a few minutes' walk from the town center.
Toyako (Lake Toya) Onsen
Located on the shores of a beautiful caldera lake, many hotels here offer panoramic views of the water from guest rooms and open-air baths. Visitors can enjoy a unique lakeside stay, featuring summer fireworks that light up the night sky and scenic cycling along the water.
Jozankei Onsen
Located just a 1-hour bus ride from central Sapporo, this area is known as "Sapporo's back parlor." Surrounded by the beautiful nature of a steep gorge, visitors can enjoy stunning scenery in every season.
Local Cuisine
The Central Area is the heart of Hokkaido's food. Here, you can enjoy a wide variety of tastes, from traditional favorites to famous local dishes.
Sapporo Ramen
Sapporo is the birthplace of "Miso Ramen," known for its rich, flavorful miso soup and wavy noodles. It is Hokkaido's ultimate comfort food that warms you up from the inside, even in the cold winter.
Conveyor Belt Sushi in Sapporo & Otaru
The Central Area has huge markets where the freshest seafood arrives daily from ports all over Hokkaido. This makes it possible to enjoy high-quality, super-fresh sushi in Sapporo and Otaru at affordable prices.
Muroran Yakitori
Despite being called "yakitori" (which usually means grilled chicken), Muroran style uses tender pork and onions on a skewer. Served with a sweet and savory sauce and hot mustard, this unique food culture is loved in Muroran City, located close to the onsen areas.
Seasonal Activities
The Central Area offers iconic experiences in every season, showing its bright and beautiful changes whenever you visit.
Spring
Cherry Blossoms at Otaru Temiya Park
About 700 cherry trees bloom on a hill overlooking the sea of Otaru. The beautiful contrast between the blue sea and pale pink blossoms makes this one of the best scenic spots in the Central Area.
Summer
Otaru Canal Cruise
Enjoy a relaxing boat ride through the historic canal lined with stone warehouses while feeling the refreshing summer breeze. You can love the open feeling during the day, or the romantic view at sunset when the gas lamps begin to light up.
Autumn
Autumn Leaves at Odori Park
Located in the heart of Sapporo, Odori Park turns into vibrant shades of red and yellow. With the beautiful fountains and the TV Tower in the background, you can easily enjoy Hokkaido's autumn scenery right in the middle of the city.
Winter
Sapporo Snow Festival
Hokkaido's biggest winter festival, drawing visitors from all over the world. The giant snow and ice sculptures lining Odori Park in the heart of Sapporo are truly breathtaking. They even light up to create a magical winter wonderland at night.
Bus Routes in the Central Hokkaido
The Central Area offers an excellent network of direct buses from New Chitose Airport and Sapporo Station. Find the perfect route for your trip, depending on your destination and the amount of luggage you have.
- Direct from the Airport - Traveling to Each Area
These routes connect New Chitose Airport directly to major areas in Sapporo (such as Makomanai and Maruyama) and various cities across Hokkaido. While the JR train is faster, buses are highly recommended for those who want to avoid carrying heavy luggage or ensure a comfortable, seated ride with no transfers all the way to your destination.
New Chitose Airport 
Makomanai (Sapporo City)
New Chitose Airport Maruyama (Sapporo City)
New Chitose Airport / Minami Chitose Station Asahikawa
New Chitose Airport Abashiri / Kitami
New Chitose Airport / Minami Chitose Station Obihiro / Tokachi
- Direct to Sightseeing Spots - Convenient Routes to Hot Spring Towns
Buses are the most convenient way to travel to onsen towns in the Central Area, like Noboribetsu and Lake Toya. Even if the train station is far, buses take you right to the center of town or your hotel. You can start relaxing in the hot springs the moment you arrive.
Sapporo Station Noboribetsu Onsen
Sapporo Station Toyako Onsen
Sapporo / New Chitose Airport Hakodate
- From Sapporo - Long-Distance Buses to Various Areas in Hokkaido
Starting from Sapporo, these intercity buses connect you to every corner of Hokkaido, including the North, East, and Okhotsk regions. Even for long journeys with no transfers, you can lean back in a reclining seat and travel comfortably to your next destination.
Sapporo Obihiro
Sapporo Kitami / Abashiri
Sapporo Kushiro
Sapporo Mombetsu
Sapporo Nayoro
Sapporo Engaru
Sapporo Nemuro / Attoko / Betsukai / Nakashibetsu
Sapporo Shari / Shiretoko