“How to Travel from Lake Akan to Kushiro or Kitami: Buses, Scenic Rails, and Quiet Roads in Eastern Hokkaido”

▷ What This Article Covers

• Best public transportation routes from Lake Akan to Kushiro or Kitami
• How to use JR Senmō Main Line (釧網線) to explore the region
• Travel tips, seasonal challenges, and fare guidance
• Reflections on the beauty and slowness of rural Hokkaido

✈️ First, the Quick Solution: What’s the Best Route?

✅ Option 1: Direct Bus to Kushiro Station

• Operator: Akan Bus (阿寒バス)
• Route: Lake Akan Bus Center → Kushiro Station
• Fare: ~¥2,480
• Duration: ~1 hr 50 min
• Departures: 3–5 per day depending on season

🌀 This is the most reliable, cheapest, and fastest way to leave Lake Akan for a major transport hub.

✅ Option 2: Bus to Kitami + Senmō Line

• Step 1: Lake Akan → Kitami by bus (~2 hr 30 min)
• Step 2: Kitami → Kushiro by JR Senmō Main Line (~3 hr)
• Total Fare: ¥4,000–¥5,000+
• Pros: Scenic railway ride along wetlands and lakes
• Cons: Long travel time, limited departures

🌀 Best suited for slow travelers, photographers, or those staying in Kitami.

🚍 Detailed Breakdown: Option 1 (Lake Akan → Kushiro)

🚌 Bus Information

• Leaves from Lake Akan Bus Center (across from the marimo museum)
• Arrives at Kushiro Station Bus Terminal
• Operated by Akan Bus
• No reservations needed; purchase ticket onboard or at hotel desk

🕒 Sample Schedule (as of 2025)

• 08:00 → 09:50
• 11:00 → 12:50
• 14:00 → 15:50
  (Check UU-Hokkaido for updates)

🧳 Luggage & Comfort

• Storage for large bags available under the bus
• Heated interior in winter
• No restrooms on board — use facilities before departure

📸 What You’ll See

• Rolling hills of Akan National Park
• Forests with deer and fox sightings
• Entry into Kushiro city with bridges and canals

🚃 Option 2: The Railway Route (For the Curious Explorer)

🚌 Step 1: Bus from Lake Akan to Kitami

• Takes ~2.5 hours through snowy passes and forest roads
• Fewer tourists, more locals
• Occasionally delayed in winter due to snow

🚃 Step 2: Kitami to Kushiro via JR Senmō Main Line

• One of Japan’s most scenic local lines
• Crosses Lake Kussharo, Mashu, and Kushiro Shitsugen (wetlands)
• Trains every 2–3 hours
• Local fare: ~¥2,400

🌀 Tip: Sit on the left side for wetland views when heading south

🔁 Alternative: Combine with overnight stop in Kitami

Many travelers choose to:

• Stay 1 night in Kitami (hot springs or business hotels)
• Continue to Kushiro the next day
• Enjoy slow travel pace, especially in winter

💬 Real Traveler Stories: What the Journey Feels Like

🦌 Case 1: “Akan to Kitami Through Snow”

“I boarded the evening bus from Lake Akan to Kitami. It was snowing lightly, and I was one of just four passengers. On the way, a deer jumped onto the road, but the driver slowed down just in time. It felt surreal.”
– Travel blog from chihirog.com

📷 Case 2: “Changed Plans — Chose Direct Bus Instead”

“I wanted to take the scenic train via Kitami but realized I’d miss a hotel discount if I arrived too late. In the end, I just rode the bus straight from Lake Akan to Kushiro — and it was peaceful, almost empty.”
– From ameblo.jp

🚉 Case 3: “JR Senmō Line: More Than a Train Ride”

“Once I got on the Senmō Line, I was glued to the window. Frozen lakes, bare trees, misty hills. It’s slow, yes, but deeply calming.”

🧠 Reflection: Why This Route Offers More Than Movement

Eastern Hokkaido isn’t designed for fast travel — and that’s what makes it beautiful.

• The Distance is Psychological
  Places like Lake Akan feel farther not because of kilometers, but because of how few people pass through.
• Every Vehicle Tells a Story
  Buses are quiet. Trains are slow. This forces you to pause, observe, and absorb.
• You Are in National Park Country
  Much of this region is protected land — which means fewer roads, fewer shops, and more wildlife.

🌀 For those who want a break from Japan’s high-speed train culture, this is a reminder: slow is still possible.

🎯 Summary Table: Route Comparison

🧳 Final Tips Before You Go

• Bring cash — IC cards rarely accepted outside cities
• Download schedules from UU-Hokkaido or hotel staff
• In winter, allow buffer time for snow delays
• Ask drivers or hotel staff for bus stop locations
• Consider a flexible route: bus in, train out

🗺️ Final Thoughts

The journey from Lake Akan to Kushiro or Kitami isn’t just about getting somewhere — it’s about entering a quieter rhythm of Japan.

• Roads wind through empty forests.
• Buses roll past frozen wetlands.
• Trains follow cranes and foxes along the lakes.

It may take longer than expected.
But in a world of rush, that might be exactly what you need.

🔗 References

• Access to Lake Akan and Kushiro – Japan Travel (JNTO)
• Akan Bus Routes and Timetables – UU-Hokkaido
• Snowy Bus Ride from Kitami to Lake Akan – Chihirog Blog
• Changing Travel Plans in Eastern Hokkaido – Ameblo