The most common way to reach Odate City in Akita Prefecture, the hometown of the Akita Inu, is to take the Shinkansen to Morioka and then transfer to a highway bus.

“I want a more efficient way to travel…”
“I want to make the most of my travel time…”

If that sounds like you, the overnight highway bus “Jupiter Line” on the Ikebukuro–Noshiro route is the perfect solution.

In this article, we’ll introduce the details of the Jupiter Line, which takes you directly to Kazuno-Hanawa, Odate, and Noshiro while you sleep, allowing you to enjoy sightseeing from early in the morning.

▼At a Glance (as of June 2025)

 

What is the Ikebukuro–Noshiro Jupiter Line?

The Ikebukuro–Noshiro “Jupiter Line” is an overnight highway bus operated by Shuhoku Bus.

After departing from Ikebukuro West Exit and Omiya East Exit, it heads straight to Akita, stopping at Hanawa, Kazuno, Odate, famous as the hometown of the Akita Inu and Noshiro.

Official Website for the Ikebukuro–Noshiro Jupiter Line：https://5931bus.com/highwaybus/jupiter/
Check Seat Availability for the Ikebukuro–Noshiro Jupiter Line：https://japanbusonline.com/en/CourseSearch/10500010001?AreaCd=205

 

Comparing the Jupiter with Other Travel Routes

The standard route to Odate City in Akita Prefecture is to take the Shinkansen to Morioka and then transfer to a highway bus.

So how does the Jupiter Line compare with the Shinkansen + highway bus combination?

The best choice depends on your situation, but with the Jupiter Line, you can travel without worrying about transfers even if you have a lot of luggage. Since it arrives early the next morning, you can make the most of your sightseeing time.

 

How to Get to the Jupiter Line Bus Stop

Here’s how to reach the boarding point when departing from the route’s starting station, Ikebukuro Station West Exit.

After exiting the ticket gates, head toward the West Exit area of Ikebukuro Station and leave through Exit 4.

At the top of the stairs, you’ll see a view like this. Walk toward the area marked “GLOBAL RING.”

As you continue, you’ll see the Tokyo Metropolitan Theatre. Across from it, you’ll find a row of bus stops. Look for Bus Stop No. 7.

This is where your journey begins!

At night, the area looks like this. The bus stop has a roof, but you may still get wet if it rains. In that case:

Use the Kokusai Kogyo Bus Highway Bus Waiting Lounge on the 3rd floor of the TOBU ANNEX Building near the bus stop. It is open from 8:00 PM to 12:10 AM, making it the perfect place to wait for the 10:00 PM departure of the Jupiter Line.

In addition to free charging outlets, there is a women-only area and a powder room, making it easy to freshen up and complete your skincare routine before boarding.

◎Kokusai Kogyo Bus Highway Bus Waiting Lounge

Business Hours	8:00 PM – 12:10 AM
Closed	None
Google Maps	https://maps.app.goo.gl/3S6vaPB9C4Hz4Xf19
Phone	ー
Official website	https://5931bus.com/news_details/id=840

Onboard Facilities

Next, let’s take a closer look at the onboard facilities. *Features may vary depending on the vehicle in service.

◼︎ Luggage

Large items such as suitcases and duffel bags can be checked with the driver before boarding.

You will receive a numbered baggage claim ticket, so be sure not to lose it!

Smaller items such as backpacks and handbags can be stored above your seat.

◼︎ Seats

The bus features independent three-row seating. Window seats are equipped with privacy curtains.

Leg rests and footrests provide extra comfort for your lower body.

The vehicle I rode had USB charging ports. Some buses may instead provide power outlets. (It’s a good idea to bring adapters for both.)

Free Wi-Fi is also available, so you can watch videos or browse social media before going to sleep.

◼︎ Restroom

The restroom is located in the center of the bus. Since you need to go down a small staircase to access it, be careful when the bus is moving, especially at night. Thankfully, the area is well-lit.

Outside the restroom, there is also a self-service station offering hot water, drinking water, and tea. Even if you finish the drink you brought onboard, you’ll still have refreshments available.

◼︎ Nighttime Atmosphere

When I rode the Jupiter, the bus was nearly full, but it was impressively quiet. I didn’t hear snoring or any distracting noises, making it easy to rest comfortably.

The curtains on the window side cannot be opened, ensuring excellent blackout conditions for sleeping.

My Experience Riding the Jupiter

Here’s what it was like to actually ride the Jupiter Line.

Just before 10:00 PM, the bus arrived at Bus Stop No. 7 at Ikebukuro Station West Exit.

Even though it was a Sunday, the bus was completely full. Since it offers direct service to Odate and Noshiro, it’s clearly very popular. Advance reservations are definitely recommended!

It was mid-June, and the temperature was still a little chilly overnight, so I was grateful that a light blanket was provided.

There are no scheduled rest stops at service areas. The bus only stops when the drivers take breaks or change shifts. Before I knew it, I had fallen into a deep sleep—and when I woke up, it was already morning.

*I was seated in the very back row, so I discreetly took this photo. Normally, the curtains remain closed to maintain darkness and help passengers sleep comfortably.

After stopping at Ashiro and Kazuno-Hanawa Station, the bus arrived at Itoku Odate Shopping Center North Entrance.

Right on schedule, we arrived at 7:05 AM!Thank you to the driver for the safe journey!

After Odate, the bus continues to Takanosu, Futatsui, and finally Noshiro.

3 Recommended Hot Springs & Shower Facilities After Arriving in Odate

Finally, here are three recommended places where you can freshen up after arriving in Odate.

◻︎ Kaikatsu CLUB Odate

Located about an 8-minute walk from Itoku Odate Shopping Center, Kaikatsu CLUB Odate is the closest shower facility.

The shower room costs ¥330 (tax included) for 30 minutes and includes a complimentary bath towel. Shampoo and body soap are also provided.

As an internet café, it also offers computers, manga, a drink bar, and even unlimited soft-serve ice cream. Since it’s open 24 hours a day, it’s a great place to remember whenever you need a break.

◎Kaikatsu CLUB Odate

Business Hours	24hours
Closed	None
Google Maps	https://maps.app.goo.gl/ut7SdPDowJw8dnnP6
Phone	0186-44-5288
Official website	https://www.kaikatsu.jp/shop/detail/20146.html

◻︎Odate Pokapoka Onsen Hotel

Odate Pokapoka Onsen Hotel is a business hotel with an attached day-use hot spring facility. The naturally flowing hot spring water is known for being pleasantly hot and is popular among local residents.

The facility includes a cypress bath, jet bath, dry sauna, and cold bath, making it especially appealing to sauna enthusiasts.

It is about a 20-minute walk from Itoku Odate Shopping Center. While it requires a bit of walking, it is located near Odate Station, making it ideal for travelers planning activities around the station area.

◎Odate Pokapoka Onsen Hotel

Business Hours	5:30 AM – 11:30 PM
Closed	None
Google Maps	https://maps.app.goo.gl/xBrXNXYmPuHMJALJ6
Phone	0186-49-0003
Official website	https://primenet2010.biz/poka2/

◻︎Odate Higashidai Onsen Higashi no Yu

A beloved local hot spring from morning until night, Odate Higashidai Onsen Higashi no Yu uses a unique system in which spring water flows through pipes submerged in water to maintain the perfect bathing temperature. This preserves the fresh aroma and mineral content of the hot spring water.

It’s the perfect place to relax after an overnight bus ride.

One of its best features is the incredibly affordable private tatami rooms available for just ¥500 per hour. Whether you want to nap, stretch, reorganize your luggage, or simply get ready at a leisurely pace, it’s a great way to recover from overnight travel fatigue.

I really wanted to visit this place, so I even carried my suitcase all the way there! Honestly, it was absolutely worth it.

Just two things to keep in mind:
It’s far away.
Cash only.

It is about a 30-minute walk from Itoku Odate Shopping Center and is located farther away from Odate Station, so travelers with heavy luggage should take note.

◎Odate Higashidai Onsen Higashi no Yu

Business Hours	6:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Closed	Open year-round (except temporary closures)
Google Maps	https://maps.app.goo.gl/38XKaHTPxsBzVwcp8
Phone	0186-43-3300
Official website	https://www.higashinoyu.com/

The Ikebukuro–Noshiro Jupiter Line is the Best Way to Visit Odate!

An adorable fluffy friend I met during my trip.

The Ikebukuro–Noshiro Jupiter Line is a convenient and comfortable overnight bus that provides direct access to Odate, Akita Prefecture—a destination that would normally require a combination of Shinkansen and highway bus travel.

If you’ve always wanted to meet an Akita Inu, simply hop on the overnight bus after work on a weekend, and you’ll be there the next morning.

Why not give it a try and expand your travel options?

 

Meet the Akita Inu! Ikebukuro–Noshiro Jupiter
https://japanbusonline.com/en/CourseSearch/10500010001?AreaCd=205