Area Information Eastern Hokkaido

The "Doto Area" (Eastern Hokkaido) is a region where the main attraction is the "untouched wilderness" of an overwhelming scale, including a World Natural Heritage site. A majestic landscape quintessential to Hokkaido spreads out, looking picture-perfect no matter where you look.

Tokachi/Obihiro The vast fields and green lands of the Tokachi Plain stretching straight to the horizon

Kushiro/Akan/Mashu "Kushiro Marshland," Japan's largest wetland preserving its ancient form, Lake Akan where the special natural monument Marimo grows, and the mysterious Lake Mashu referred to as "Mashu Blue"

Shiretoko The World Heritage town "Shiretoko Utoro," inhabited by wild animals such as brown bears and Ezo deer

This is the ultimate area for those who want to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and experience Hokkaido's characteristic dynamic nature and beautiful scenery with their entire body.

Access

Major tourist destinations in Doto, such as the World Natural Heritage site Shiretoko, Lake Mashu, Lake Akan Onsen, and Abashiri on the Sea of Okhotsk, are often dozens of kilometers away from the nearest JR station, and the number of services is limited. Therefore, we recommend making "Kitami" your base of stay, as it is where intercity highway buses (direct flights) from Sapporo arrive and depart, and where functional hotels are well-established around the station.

Advantages of bus travel

Travel radially hands-free, even without a car

Intercity and local buses, which take you directly to the doorsteps of tourist destinations and hot spring towns, are a means of transportation that allows you to make the most of your schedule within a limited itinerary.
By staying consecutive nights at a hotel in Kitami—your travel base—you can leave your large luggage, such as heavy suitcases, in your room and head out for sightseeing light and "hands-free."

Recommended spots starting from Kitami Station

Abashiri The base for Okhotsk sightseeing located to the east

Onneyu Onsen Famous for its skin-beautifying waters located to the west

Sounkyo Located in Daisetsuzan National Park further to the west

Each of the above areas can be smoothly accessed via direct buses with no transfers required.

Eliminating the stress of traveling with large luggage and the lost time of waiting for train connections, being able to travel long distances across the vast Doto area reasonably and safely is an advantage unique to bus travel.

Experience the overwhelming scale: "The 3 Great Natural Spots of Eastern Hokkaido"

Introducing the 3 great world-class natural spots that you absolutely cannot miss when visiting Eastern Hokkaido.

World Heritage Site: Shiretoko

The Shiretoko Peninsula, where marine and terrestrial ecosystems are linked in a miraculous balance, is registered as a UNESCO World Natural Heritage site. Its charm lies in breathtaking views that can only be seen here, such as the "Shiretoko Five Lakes", and the "Kamuiwakka Hot Falls". If you are lucky, you may even encounter wild animals.

Kushiro Marshland

Kushiro Marshland is a precious treasure trove of nature that preserves its ancient appearance to this day. It is also world-famous as a habitat for the "Red-crowned Crane," a national special natural monument, where you can observe its beautiful appearance in every season.

Akan-Mashu National Park

This volcanic area features many mysterious lakes and breathtaking water scenery. Lake Mashu is world-famous for its clear, deep "Mashu Blue" water, where the beautiful spherical Marimo grows.

Seasonal Activities

Just a short trip from Kitami, your base of stay, allows you to experience Hokkaido's unique, dynamic seasonal scenery and activities.

Spring

Higashimokoto Moss Phlox

From mid-May to early June, in Higashimokoto located in the Abashiri area, vast hillsides are dyed a vibrant pink, spreading an overwhelming scenery that looks just like a carpet of flowers laid out. It is a famous spot where you can experience the refreshing spring of the northern country with your entire body.

Summer

Shiretoko Nature Cruise

Taking a cruise ship departing from Utoro Port in the World Heritage Site of Shiretoko allows you to enjoy close-up views of sheer cliffs and spectacular scenery that can never be seen from land. In summer, highly impressive watching tours are popular, searching from onboard for wild dolphins, killer whales, whales, and brown bears appearing along the coastline.

Autumn

Glasswort at Lake Notoro

Come September, the vast wetlands of Lake Notoro in Abashiri are dyed a vibrant, solid red. This is caused by a rare plant known as "glasswort" (samphire). The contrast between the blue sky, green mountains, and the sea of red stretching out before you is a wondrous autumn spectacle that can only be witnessed during this specific time of year.

Winter

Abashiri Drift Ice Sightseeing Icebreaker

In Eastern Hokkaido, where severe winter cold sets in, a dynamic world unfolds that can only be experienced during this season and in this location. The cruise, where a large icebreaker forcefully plows through the "drift ice"—a white, mysterious blanket covering the Okhotsk Sea—is overwhelmingly powerful. If you are lucky, you might spot Steller's sea eagles or adorable seals resting on the ice, making it the ultimate special winter experience.

Bus Routes in the Eastern Hokkaido

This is a list of major bus routes for efficiently touring the vast Doto area using public transportation. From long-distance direct flights from New Chitose Airport and Sapporo, to access routes to tourist destinations starting from Kitami—your base of stay—please use this to suit your travel plans.

- Direct from the Airport - Direct buses from New Chitose and Asahikawa Airports

This is a long-distance highway bus connecting New Chitose Airport directly to major cities in the Doto area. Even with large luggage, you can travel long distances smoothly with no transfers.

New Chitose Airport Abashiri / Kitami