This Is Hokkaido! An Epic Scenic Bus Trip from Asahikawa to Kushiro on the “Sunrise Line”
Travel across Hokkaido from Asahikawa to Kushiro while enjoying breathtaking landscapes! The Sunrise Line, the only express bus that traverses eastern Hokkaido, lets you ride comfortably without transfers. In this guide, we’ll cover everything from basic info about the bus to seat comfort and scenic highlights, giving you a complete taste of a Hokkaido bus adventure.
▼Why the Sunrise Line Is Recommended (as of September 2025)
- The only bus to traverse eastern Hokkaido – no other direct options.
- Direct travel on routes where trains are inconvenient – no transfers needed.
- Affordable compared to trains or flights – booking online can save you even more!
Note: Features may vary depending on the bus, so please check in advance.
Contents
What Is the Sunrise Line?
The Sunrise Line is an express bus running from Asahikawa to Kushiro via Kitami and Akan Lake Onsen, covering a total distance of 312 km. For context, that’s roughly the distance from Tokyo to Koriyama in Fukushima Prefecture or from Osaka to Hiroshima.
While the trip takes over 7 hours (it’s not an overnight bus), it’s faster, cheaper, and more comfortable than taking JR trains, which require a long detour through Sapporo or Abashiri.
Compared to JR express trains:
Cost: Less than half!
Time: Similar, but without inconvenient transfers.
Convenience: Guaranteed seating, Wi-Fi, and power outlets.
Boarding & Bus Terminal Access
The bus departs from Asahikawa Station Bus Terminal, North Exit (East Side), which is easy to locate thanks to a large bus rotary.
Bus Features
Next, we will introduce the facilities of the Sunrise in detail.
Luggage
Large suitcases can be checked in.
Overhead shelves fit medium-size bags comfortably.
Seats
Spacious 3-seat independent configuration.
Firm and supportive for long rides.2-point lap seatbelt.
Hooks for small bags or shopping bags. No armrests or fold-out trays at window seats (on some buses).
Large footrests and adjustable leg rests for extra comfort.
USB power outlets at each seat and reclining function.
Restroom
Located inside the bus on the right side.
Spacious and clean.
Other Amenities
Free Wi-Fi.
Some blankets available on overhead shelves.
Personal reading lights and air-conditioning controls.
JR trains in Hokkaido generally don’t have Wi-Fi or power outlets, making the Sunrise Line ideal for long-distance travel.
Riding the Sunrise Line: Asahikawa → Kitami → Kushiro
The bus departs from Bus Stop 8 at Asahikawa Station. A waiting area is available in the building adjacent to the bus stop or inside the JR station.
Key Stops & Highlights
Nagaya 2-jo 19-chome, Asahikawa – along National Route 39 near JA market.
Toma 20-chome, Toma Town – near the roadside station.
Aibetsu Bridge, Aibetsu Town – next to ENEOS gas station.
Kamikawa Morino Terrace Bus Touch, Kamikawa Town – next to JR Kamikawa Station; wide waiting area.
Sounkyo – famous for dramatic cliffside gorges; short 5-minute stop for photos.
After crossing the Sekihoku Pass, the bus enters Kitami, Hokkaido’s largest city by area. Kitami is famous for onions (harvest season is early September) and curling.
Kitami
Kitami Bus Terminal – adjacent to JR Kitami Station.
Nearby convenience store: Seicomart Kitami Ekimae.
The bus continues via Tsubetsu and National Route 240 to Akan Lake Bus Center, where most passengers disembark for Akan Lake Onsen, a popular tourist destination.
From there, the route passes through picturesque farmlands and dairy country before reaching Kushiro. Stops include Akan Town, Otanoshike, Hoshigaura Shopping Center, and Tottori Odori 2-chome.
The bus arrives at Kushiro Station North Odori Bus Stop slightly ahead of schedule. Final stops include the Fisherman’s Wharf MOO Bus Terminal and the Akan Bus Head Office.
Recommended Stops Along the Way
Finally, we will introduce three recommended spots to stop by in each area! Please take a look!
Asahikawa: Ramen Santouka (Main Store)
Famous for its rich, milky salt ramen.
| Open | 11:00–22:00 |
| Closed | Thursday |
| Address | https://maps.app.goo.gl/S7pzmrCeEVKvR4Jk6 |
| Phone | 0166-25-3401 |
| Official Website | https://www.santouka.co.jp/ |
Kitami: Hakka Mint Station
Museum and shop showcasing Kitami mint history.
Offers mint sprays and souvenirs.
| Open | 9:40–17:30 |
| Closed | no holidays |
| Address | https://maps.app.goo.gl/VyPcjvRDJADVJ7KV8 |
| Phone | 0157-31-3600 |
| Official Website | https://hakka-mint.com/index.php/station/ |
Kushiro: Furansu Sakan (Classic Café)
Established 1972; retro Showa-era atmosphere.
Famous for chocolate parfait with fresh fruit.
MOO Bus Terminal is a 5-minute walk.
| Open | 11:00–24:00 |
| Closed | Sun closes earlier |
| Address | https://maps.app.goo.gl/VbWySYB5RaRJAcdQ7 |
| Phone |
0154-22-9666
|
| Official Website | – |
Why the Sunrise Line Is Worth It
From the snowy peaks of the Daisetsuzan Mountains to the vast plains of Kitami and the serene landscapes of eastern Hokkaido, the journey itself was a scenic experience.
Whether for tourism or business, the Sunrise Line is an affordable, comfortable, and reliable way to traverse eastern Hokkaido.
Check availability↓↓
https://www.japanbusonline.com/en/CourseSearch/10100480001
Please go to “Japan Bus Online”.
The information in this article is current at the time of writing.
It may differ from the latest information.
Writer
