Sapporo to Abashiri: How to get to and around Abashiri

Getting to Abashiri

JAL and ANA operate several round trips per day between Sapporo (Shin-Chitose Airport and Okadama Airport) and Memanbetsu Airport, 30 minutes by bus from Abashiri. Flight time is about 45 minutes. The regular one way fare is around 26,000 yen, while discount tickets are typically available for between 15,500 and 23,000 yen.

Airfares from Sapporo to Memanbetsu over the next 30 days April 20, 2024 - May 19, 2024

Airline	Lowest fare	Average lowest fare
J-Air (JAL)	13,838 yen	15,885 yen
ANA Wings	13,827 yen	15,417 yen
HAC (JAL)	13,485 yen	15,513 yen

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JR Okhotsk limited express trains take about 5.5 hours for the one way journey between Sapporo and Abashiri. The one way fare is around 10,500 yen and is fully covered by the Japan Rail Pass. Special round trip tickets (known as R-Kippu), are available for around 17,500 yen.

Hokkaido Chuo Bus and Abashiri Bus operate eight daytime highway buses per day between Abashiri and Sapporo. The one way journey takes six hours and costs 6800 yen. A round trip ticket is available for 12,800 yen. For timetables and online reservations, click here.

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Abashiri is about 400 kilometers or a six hour drive from Sapporo via Asahikawa, Sounkyo, Kitami and Bihoro.

Above fees and schedules are subject to change. Be sure to check current yen exchange rates.

Getting around

Abashiri has a longish city center without prominent landmarks. JR Abashiri Station stands at its western end. The Prison Museum, Ryuhyo Museum and Museum of Northern Peoples are located on nearby Mount Tento, a 5-10 minute bus or car ride from the city center.

Memanbetsu Airport is located approximately 20 kilometers southwest of Abashiri. The bus trip from the airport to JR Abashiri Station and Abashiri Bus Terminal takes about 30 minutes and costs 1050 yen one way. Various rental car companies have outlets at the airport.

A tourist bus connects Abashiri Bus Center with JR Abashiri Station and the museums on Mount Tento. In winter, it also serves the ryuhyo cruise boat terminal. The buses operates daily every 60-90 minutes during the busier travel seasons, less frequent in the shoulder seasons and not at all on weekdays in the off-seasons. Fares are between 180 and 530 yen, depending on the distance traveled.