“How to Travel from Nemuro to Nakashibetsu Airport: A Quiet Journey Through Eastern Hokkaido”

▷ What This Article Covers

• Step-by-step instructions from Nemuro city to Nakashibetsu Airport
• Public transportation options with accurate fares, timing, and locations
• Real traveler experiences to avoid common pitfalls
• Reflection on the region’s “quiet isolation” and how to enjoy it fully

✈️ Why This Route Matters

If you’re exploring Hokkaido beyond its tourist hot-spots like Sapporo, Hakodate, or Asahikawa, the eastern regions offer an entirely different charm — vast skies, migratory birds, remote lakes, and solitude. But that beauty comes with logistical quirks.

One of the most common traveler questions is:
“How do I get from Nemuro to Nakashibetsu Airport?”
The two are only 90 km apart — but in eastern Hokkaido, distance is rarely a straight answer.

🧭 Best Solutions First: What’s the Easiest Way?

✅ Option 1: Direct Bus from Nemuro to Nakashibetsu Airport

• Operator: Nemuro Kotsu
• Route Name: “Nakashi Line” or “中標津空港線”
• Boarding Point: “Hanamaru-mae” bus stop near Nemuro Station
• Drop-off: Nakashibetsu Airport (SHB)
• Key Stopover: “Michi-no-Eki Swan 44 Nemuro” (道の駅スワン44ねむろ)
• Duration: Approx. 1 hour 30 minutes
• Fare: ~¥1,800
• Service Frequency: 3–4 round trips daily

🌀 Pro Tip: It’s a one-bus journey — no transfers. Even locals use this for airport runs.

🚗 Option 2: Drive It Yourself

• Time: About 1 hour 10 minutes
• Rental Locations: Nemuro city or nearby stations
• Fuel Cost Estimate: ¥1,300–¥1,800
• Highway Use: Minimal — most of the drive is on scenic local roads

🌀 Pro Tip: Driving is flexible but risky in winter. Snow tires are a must from November to April.

🚖 Option 3: Taxi

• Fare: Around ¥12,000 to ¥15,000
• Booking: Must reserve in advance; very few taxis idle at stations
• Time: Same as rental — ~1 hour 10 minutes

🌀 Pro Tip: Viable for groups or those with luggage — but solo travelers may find it cost-prohibitive.

🚃 Not Recommended: Train + Bus via Kushiro

Though Nemuro has a train station, there’s no direct line to Nakashibetsu.
The roundabout route involves:

1. Train from Nemuro → Kushiro (~2.5 hrs)
2. Long-distance bus or flight from Kushiro → Nakashibetsu (~2 hrs)

🌀 Bottom Line: Complicated, long, and expensive. Avoid unless you plan to stay in Kushiro.

🚍 Step-by-Step: Riding the Bus from Nemuro to Nakashibetsu Airport

Let’s break down the most efficient and affordable option.

Step 1: Find the Right Bus Stop

• Most buses leave from “Hanamaru-mae” or “Nemuro Station Front”
• Ask for “Nakashi Line to SHB Airport” when confirming

Step 2: Prepare for the Ride

• Carry small cash (¥1,000–2,000) — IC cards like Suica or PASMO may not work
• No food sold onboard — bring snacks if needed
• Luggage space is available but limited

Step 3: Enjoy the Journey

• The route crosses vast farmland, migratory bird zones, and open coastline
• The halfway point, Swan 44 Nemuro, is a local landmark with restrooms and views over Lake Furen
• Wildlife sightings (foxes, deer, cranes) are surprisingly common

Step 4: Arrival at Nakashibetsu Airport

• A small domestic airport serving flights to:
  • Sapporo (Okadama Airport): ~55 min
  • Tokyo (Haneda): ~1 hr 40 min (seasonal)
• Check-in closes 20 minutes before departure
• Local souvenir shop and café inside the terminal

🌀 Important: This airport is not 24-hour — plan arrivals and departures accordingly.

📆 Service Reliability

• Buses generally run on time — delays are rare
• Be aware of reduced services on Sundays or holidays
• Check UU-Hokkaido official site or Nemuro Kotsu timetable if in doubt

💬 Real-World Traveler Voices: What It’s Actually Like

🧳 The Solo Winter Rider

“I rode the bus in November. Just me and the driver. White fields, foggy glass, and the occasional fox. Felt like a scene from an indie film.”
– From a personal blog on dangan-lucky.com

📷 The Photogenic Stopover

“I planned a short break at Swan 44 Nemuro. It wasn’t crowded. I bought soft-serve ice cream and snapped some swan photos. You don’t get that in Tokyo.”
– Travel journal on tabiboroku.com

🚍 The Flight Connector

“The direct bus saved me. My flight from Nakashibetsu to Sapporo was tight, but the schedule matched perfectly. Glad I didn’t gamble on a taxi.”

🧠 Reflection: Why It Feels Far — and Why It’s Worth It

Nemuro and Nakashibetsu aren’t far by numbers. But in terms of atmosphere? They feel like different worlds. This is the charm of East Hokkaido:

• Sparse Transit = Real Quiet
  The lack of trains isn’t failure — it’s intention. Locals rely on buses, and they’ve made them work.
• Land Defines Travel
  The winding roads and minimal signage force a slower pace. And that’s a gift.
• Seasonal Shifts Matter
  Spring brings cranes and wildflowers. Autumn brings gold grass. Winter — silence.

This route isn’t made for convenience.
It’s made for those who want to see a part of Japan that doesn’t shout.

🎯 Final Summary Table

*Fuel only, not including rental fee.

🗺️ Quick Tips Before You Go

• Download Google Maps offline — signals drop in remote areas.
• Japanese navigation apps (like Navitime) may offer more accurate bus times.
• Visit Swan 44 Nemuro for souvenirs and rest.
• Double-check airport check-in times and pack light.
• Bring cash. Especially coins.

🧳 Final Thoughts

Traveling from Nemuro to Nakashibetsu Airport isn’t just logistics — it’s a quiet adventure.

It might not be flashy.
It might not be fast.
But it will show you something real.

And that’s the kind of travel story worth telling.

🔗 References

• Nemuro to Nakashibetsu Airport – Rome2Rio
• Nakashibetsu Airport Transport – UU-Hokkaido Official Site
• From Nemuro to SHB Airport by Bus – Dangan Lucky Travel Blog
• Winter Trip Notes in East Hokkaido – Tabiboroku