The Eagle Liner is the only overnight bus that connects Sapporo directly to Shiretoko (Utoro) with no transfers.

If it’s your first time, you may be wondering: How comfortable are the seats? What facilities are available onboard? Are there rest stops along the way?

In this article, based on an actual ride experience, we take an in-depth look at everything you need to know from seat comfort and onboard amenities to cost performance and important points to keep in mind.  

▼ What Kind of Bus Is the Eagle Liner? (As of December 2025)

Please note that features may vary depending on the bus in operation.
Some photos included were taken on different dates.

 

What Is the Eagle Liner?

The Eagle Liner is the only overnight bus that directly connects Sapporo with Shiretoko (Utoro, Shari Town).

It travels approximately 410 km across Hokkaido in about 7.5 hours.

It also provides transfer-free access to areas with very limited transportation options such as Saroma Town, Higashimokoto, Koshimizu, and Kiyosato, making it an indispensable route for both tourism and local residents.

▼Click here to make a reservation
https://www.japanbusonline.com/en/CourseSearch/10100070001?AreaCd=101  

Access to Eagle Liner Bus Stops

Below is a guide to the various Eagle Liner boarding locations.

【Outbound】Access from JR Sapporo Station

When boarding the Eagle Liner in Sapporo, departure is exclusively from the Chuo Bus Sapporo Terminal.

Please note that this is not the Sapporo Station bus stop, and the terminal is located a short distance away.

The terminal is located just behind the iconic Sapporo TV Tower.

From Sapporo Station, take the subway one stop to Odori Station, then follow signs toward the TV Tower. The terminal is about a five-minute walk from the exit. 

【Return】Access from Shiretoko (Utoro)

Here are the boarding points for the Eagle Liner heading back to Sapporo:
Major hotels in Utoro Onsen
Utoro Onsen Terminal
Shari Bus Terminal
Kiyosato Town Shin-ei
Koshimizu
Higashimokoto
Wakasa, Saroma Town

Major Hotel Stops in Utoro Onsen

The Eagle Liner stops in front of the following hotels:

Hotel Shiretoko
Shiretoko Daiichi Hotel
KIKI Shiretoko Natural Resort
Kitakobushi Shiretoko Hotel & Resort

The bus stops directly in front of each hotel.
If you are unsure, ask the front desk staff for assistance.

Please note: Boarding is not available in front of “Utoro Shirietoku Roadside Station.”
The nearest stop is Utoro Onsen Terminal, approximately a three-minute walk away.

Utoro Onsen Terminal

he terminal is located at the bottom of the hill in the Utoro Onsen area, near the roadside station.
There is a 7-Eleven convenience store nearby.

Shari Bus Terminal

Located adjacent to JR Shiretoko-Shari Station.
The bus stop is immediately outside the terminal exit.

Kiyosato Town Shin-ei Stop

Located at the intersection of National Route 334 and the station-front road near JR Kiyosato Station.

Koshimizu Stop

Located in front of a Hokuren gas station at the intersection of National Routes 334 and 391.

Higashimokoto Stop

Located in the parking lot of a 7-Eleven, approximately 50 meters west of Roadside Station Nonki Land Higashimokoto.。

Wakasa, Saroma Town Stop

Located along National Route 333 in the Wakasa district.

Drop-Off Locations in Sapporo (3 Stops)

Kikusui Motomachi 7-jo

In front of the Clock Tower

Kita 2-jo Nishi 3-chome (final stop)

Eagle Liner Onboard Facilities

Facilities may vary depending on the bus.

■ Baggage

Large items such as suitcases that cannot be brought onboard can be stored in the luggage compartment.
Due to limited capacity, only one item per passenger may be checked.

Large or oversized baggage may be refused
Approximate limit: up to L-size suitcases

Winter travelers should be especially careful, as excess baggage may not be accepted

Overhead racks inside the bus can accommodate small Boston bags.

■ Seats

The bus features independent 3-row seating (1×1×1), offering ample personal space.
Seatbelts may be either 2-point or 3-point depending on the vehicle.

Each seat includes:
Drink holder
Footrest
Recline lever
Hook
Foldable table
Slippers

Each window seat also has adjustable air vents.

■ Restroom

The restroom is located in the center of the bus and offers sufficient headroom (tested by a 178 cm passenger).

In winter, water for handwashing is unavailable due to freezing risk; wet towels are provided instead.

■ Other Facilities

Wi-Fi available
No power outlets (bring a mobile battery)

Large blankets provided at each seat
Blankets are especially appreciated in Hokkaido, where winter cold is felt from the feet up.

■ Nighttime Cabin Atmosphere

Foot-level lighting ensures safe movement at night.
(The cabin is brighter than expected, so an eye mask is recommended.)

There are no curtains between seats. After lights-out, use of phones or other light-emitting devices should be minimized.

Riding the Eagle Liner: Firsthand Experience

This section describes the journey from Chuo Bus Sapporo Terminal to Utoro.

From Chuo Bus Sapporo Terminal to Shiretoko/Utoro

The waiting area at the terminal is spacious, and late at night it is used almost exclusively by Eagle Liner passengers.

Although shops are closed at this hour, vending machines selling drinks and sandwiches are available.
A convenience store is also within a three-minute walk.

The night counter opens at 22:30 for ticket exchanges.

At exactly 23:00, the Eagle Liner arrives at Platform 5.

At 23:15, the bus departs Sapporo.
An automated announcement“Bound for the World Natural Heritage site of Shiretoko”sets the tone for the journey.

There are no rest stops on the overnight Utoro-bound service.
Two drivers rotate shifts throughout the trip.

After passing Shari Bus Terminal, views of the Sea of Okhotsk appear through the window.

The bus arrives at Shiretoko Daiichi Hotel around 6:40 AM.
Even on the season’s first heavy snowfall, the experienced local drivers of Shari Bus ensured a safe and reliable journey.

Two Recommended Spots When Using the Eagle Liner

Finally, we’d like to introduce two recommended spots to visit before and after your ride! Please take a look!

◻︎Before Boarding in Sapporo: Seicomart Odori Higashi 2-chome

The closest convenience store to Chuo Bus Sapporo Terminal, about a three-minute walk away.

◎Seicomart Odori Higashi 2-chome

Business hours	6：00〜24：00　（Sunday 7：00〜23：00）
Regular holiday	ー
Google Maps	https://maps.app.goo.gl/wSrqv9jnucbh41vk7
Phone	011-596-0779
Official Website	https://store.seicomart.co.jp/detail.php?nbr=22408

◻︎After Arrival in Shari / Utoro: Early Morning Bath + Breakfast Plan

For Eagle Liner passengers arriving early, select hotels offer exclusive bathing and breakfast plans (reservation required).

Available hotels include:
Route-Inn Grantia Shiretoko-Shari Ekimae
KIKI Shiretoko Natural Resort
Shiretoko Daiichi Hotel
Hotel Shiretoko (May–October only)

▼Click here for details
https://www.chuo-bus.co.jp/highway/pocket/pdf/shiretoko.pdf

The author personally used the plan at Shiretoko Daiichi Hotel, enjoying natural hot springs and a high-quality breakfast featuring local ingredients.

Why the Eagle Liner Offers Outstanding Value and Time Efficiency

Enjoy Sapporo during the day, depart at night, and wake up in Shiretoko.
With the optional bath and breakfast plan, you can start your day refreshed and ready for World Heritage activities.
At ¥8,900 one way from Sapporo to Utoro, it outperforms JR travel in both cost and convenience.

The Eagle Liner is a vital lifeline for eastern Okhotsk communities and a unique, transfer-free link between Sapporo and Shiretoko, offering unbeatable value for travelers.

▼Click here to make a reservation
https://www.japanbusonline.com/en/CourseSearch/10100070001?AreaCd=101