How to go from Abashiri to Kushiro ?

Published on : 18/12/2018
by : Japan Experience

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Shiretoko National Park, Hokkaido
©Sei F,https://www.flickr.com/photos/tags/flicker/,CC BY-SA 2.0,https://www.flickr.com/photos/125983633@N03/44887162094

The Senmo Line with a Japan Rail Pass

The journey along the Senmo Line from Abashiri to Kushiro in Hokkaido offers some stunning scenery !

Explore the Shiretoko National Park

The journey along the Senmo Line from Abashiri to Kushiro in Hokkaido offers some stunning scenery, along the coast to Shiretoko-Shari, then through Akan National Park. It is not for those in a hurry as only local trains run on this line.

You can ride this Limited Express with a Japan Rail Pass and a JR Hokkaido Pass.

0 km - Abashiri station

1,5 km - 0h03 - Katsuradai station

Just after Katsuradai, on the left of the train are great views of the Sea of Okhotsk.

12 KM - 0H17- Kitahama station

It is just a short walk to Lake Tofutsu, which is popular for bird watching in winter. The station café is also worth a visit, to have a drink with a view of the sea.

37 KM - 0h46 - Shiretoko-Shari station

This is the nearest station to the Shiretoko Peninsula and Shiretoko National Park (see below).

49 KM - 1H03 - Kiyosatocho station

After the train leaves this station look on the left for Mt. Shari, which rises up to 1 547 meters.

80 KM -1h48 - Kawayu-Onsen station

It is possible to borrow bicycles from the station to visit the surrounding area: Mt. Iwo, an active volcano; the center of Kawayu onsen, which has numerous foot onsen; the museum dedicated to the local sumo wrestler Taiho-san; a little further on is Lake Kussharo, reputed to be home to Kussie the lake monster.

96 KM - 2H - Mashu station

Stop here for Lake Mashu, which is known as ‘the lake of mystery and illusion’. It is surrounded by trees and is usually cloaked in a blanket of fog. It is one of the clearest in the world and one of the deepest in Japan. A bus service (though infrequent) runs from the station to two observation decks.

142 KM - 2H50 - Toro station

You can hire bikes at the station to visit Lake Toro, the biggest lake in the Kussharo wetland. Enjoy kayaking in summer and Japanese smelt fishing from the ice in winter.

169 km - 3h13 - Kushiro station

Click here to learn more about the Senmo Line timetable.

From Kushiro, you can go back to Sapporo with the Super Ozora Limited Express. Click here to learn more about this itinerary and Kushiro.

Discover the Shiretoko National Park

What to see ?

Shiretoko National Park

The Park was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2005. It is worlds away from modern Japan and is inhabited by bears, deers, eagles and the world’s largestowls. To reach the park from Shiretoko-Shari Station, take the bus to Utoro village, which is the center of visitor activity. From Utoro you can take a shuttle bus to visit the Nature Center and Shiretoko Five Lakes (3 times a day, ¥900). To visit the wildestparts of the park, apart from hiking, you can take a boat trip. Boats leave from Utoro Harbour and travel along the peninsular(3-hours, ¥3000-¥8000). From Rausu, boats head into the Nemuro Straits along Russia’s Kunashiri Island. Summer is the best time for whale watching. You can also take a dip at Kamuiwakka Onsen. Get tickets for bus access from the Nature Center.

Learn more about the Shiretoko National Park in the Japan Experience Guide.

Where to Stay ?

Iruka Hotel ビューポイントいるかホテル

Located near the coast, this hotel provides a beautiful view of the ocean, located near the coast.

5 Utoro Nishi, Shari-cho, Shari-gun, Hokkaido, 099-4354

Tel : 01-5224-2888/ www.iruka-hotel.com

Shiretoko Noble Hotel 知床ノーブルホテル

This hotel is located in the National Park, easily accessible from the Ferry or the Bus Terminal. The hotel opened in 2010 and the rooms and facilities are fresh and comfortable.

3 Utoro Higashi, Shari-cho, Shari-gun, Hokkaido, 099-4355

Tel : 01-5222-5211/ www.shiretoko-noblehotel.com

Where to eat ?

Kushimaru 知床串丸

Quick and inexpensive yakitori very close to Shiretoko-Shaki Station. From the station walk straight up the main road and turn right onto route 92. Kushimaru will be on your left.

Open 6 p.m. to midnight, closed Sundays.

Tel : 01-5223-5710

Ajisai そば処味彩

Soba noodles and tempura. Take the first right off the traffic circle in front of the station, then the first left.

Open 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., 6 p.m. to 11 p.m., closed Wednesdays.

Tel : 01-5226-7511