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Asahikawa is a terminal city located in the center of Hokkaido.
Asahikawa offers a wide variety of spots and gourmet foods that can only be enjoyed in Asahikawa, such as Asahiyama Zoo and Asahikawa Shoyu Ramen!
So, in this article, we will introduce all the ways to get from Sapporo to Asahikawa for those who want to enjoy sightseeing in both Sapporo and Asahikawa terminal cities!
There are three means of transportation we’re going to introduce!
The first is by JR from Sapporo Station, the second is by rental car or private car, and the third and last is by highway bus.
In this article, we will compare the costs and time required for each method of transportation in detail!
Sapporo to Asahikawa via JR Train
There are four types of JR limited express trains from Sapporo to Asahikawa: Lilac, Okhotsk, Kamui, and Soya.
In fact, the express train is the fastest way to arrive at Asahikawa.
Unlike cars and express buses, there are no traffic jams to worry about, so during peak season, such as summer vacation, using JR will be a safe choice.
If you are planning to use JR for a round-trip trip, we recommend purchasing “S-tickets,” which are discount tickets for round-trip unreserved seats.
All of the four express trains introduced above depart from Sapporo Station, the terminal station.
The number of trains may vary depending on the day, so please consider which JR train to take according to your travel schedule in advance.
The advantage of the limited express trains is that you don’t need to change trains between the two terminal stations, Sapporo and Asahikawa!
It is easy to arrive just by riding the train all the way.
Also, Asahikawa gets a lot of snow in winter, so it is better to use JR trains for winter travel instead of driving your own car or other vehicles to avoid accidents and other problems.
| JR | Fee | Required Time | Number of services per day |
| ライラック(lilac) |
One way: 4,290yen (One Way reserved seat: 4,810yen) |
Approx. 1 hour and 30 min | 14 |
| オホーツク(Okhotsk) | 2 | ||
| カムイ(Kamui) | 10 | ||
| 宗谷 (Soya) | 1 |
Please refer to the JR Hokkaido website for the latest information.
Sapporo to Asahikawa via Car
There are two routes to Asahikawa by car from Sapporo, the terminal city.
One is to take the expressway.
It takes about two hours to reach Asahikawa by expressway.
The distance from Sapporo to Asahikawa is about 140 km, and traffic tends to be heavy since many locals take the expressway instead of the public roads.
In summer, there is no major concern, but in winter, when it is snowing, be careful of traffic accidents.
In winter, visibility becomes very poor when it snows, so people who are not used to driving on snowy roads may feel safer using ordinary roads instead of expressways.
On the other hand, if the expressway is not used, the route is National Highway 275.
Unlike the expressway, the open road takes a little longer, approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes, but it is recommended for those who want to enjoy the feeling of driving while taking in the beautiful scenery.
However, it is recommended for those who want to enjoy a driving experience while taking in beautiful scenery.
There are also roadside stations along the way, so this route is also suitable for those who want to go sightseeing while taking their time to get to Asahikawa.
Taking an express bus is fine, but for those who want to create their own unique trip, we recommend that you drive your own car.
| Car | Required Time | Fee except for gasoline |
| Express way | Approx. 2 hours |
3,320 yen |
|
Public |
Approx. 2 hours and 30 min |
free |
The prices are current at the time of writing, so please check the official website for the most up-to-date information.
Recommend spots stop by on the way to Asahikawa via car
When using the expressway
Quoted：砂川ハイウェイオアシス館 公式HP
If you are going to drive all the way to Asahikawa, there is a spot you should stop by during your drive!
If you use the expressway, please visit Sunagawa Highway Oasis, a facility where you can enjoy gourmet food and shopping.
Sunagawa Highway Oasis can be accessed through a check gate from the Sunagawa Service Area on the Hokkaido Expressway, which runs from Sapporo to Asahikawa.
It is accessible not only from the expressway but also from National Route 12 on the open road.
It is just one hour away from Sapporo by expressway, so it is a good place to take a break on the way.
Sunagawa Highway Oasis includes a souvenir shop selling famous Hokkaido sweets, a produce market, and a variety of restaurants.
In addition to Wi-Fi access, there are also nursing rooms and ATMs for a variety of uses.
There is a wide variety of souvenirs, and Kitakaro’s soft ice cream and cream puffs are so delicious that it is worth waiting in line to try them!
One of the advantages of traveling by expressway is that you can also enjoy local delicacies such as the pork chap set meal, a specialty of local restaurants in Sunagawa City that combines sweet and spicy sauces and meat.
When using public roads
Quoted：Wikipedia
If you’re taking the public road, Route 275, instead of the expressway, I recommend “Michi no Eki (Roadside Station) Tsurunuma”!
This is the first roadside station after leaving Sapporo.
It takes about one hour from Sapporo, so many drivers take their first rest stop here.
Opposite the roadside station, there is also a hot spring facility, to our delight.
In addition to a snack store, the roadside station offers excellent local gourmet foods such as “Iki-iki Tofu” and “Atsuage,” which are made from local ingredients.
And if you are visiting, be sure to try the healthy ice cream “Tsuru-no-mai” based on the very popular “Iki-iki Tofu”!
And besides “Michi no Eki Tsurunuma,” we also recommend “Michi no Eki Takikawa”!
Here, you will find a direct sales shop selling fresh vegetables, as well as restaurants.
There is also a convenience store right next to the station, so it would be ideal for taking a break.
After that, stop by the last roadside station, “Michi no Eki Rice Land Fukagawa”!
This roadside station sells boxed lunches featuring “Fukagawa soba-meshi,” a local delicacy, under the theme of “Fukagawa, the town of rice.”
One of the most popular dishes is “kamameshi,” which is cooked to order.
In addition, the “Rice Quiz” and “Game Corner,” set up to deepen visitors’ understanding of the local community, have been very popular with children since the opening.
Visitors can learn about rice while playing, which is fun not only for children but also for adults.
For those who wish to enjoy this kind of side trip, we recommend that you travel by car rather than by JR.
You can see many different faces of Sapporo and Asahikawa, two terminal cities!
Sapporo to Asahikawa via Bus
Quoted：バスとりっぷ
When using the highway bus, the “Expressway Asahikawa” connects the two terminal cities from Sapporo to Asahikawa.
There are many buses in operation, and they run about every 30 minutes, so there is little waiting time.
The advantage of using the highway bus is the reasonable fare!
Compared to JR buses, it is cheaper, so it is recommended for those who want to keep travel costs down!
One thing to keep in mind is the operation conditions on winter days when it is snowing.
Since traffic may be disrupted by snow and highways may be closed, it would be better to check the weather forecast in advance if you are considering using the express bus in bad weather or during the winter season.
It is not easy to wait at the bus terminal in bad weather, is it?
If bad weather is expected, please check and consider other means of transportation, such as traveling by JR.
| Bus | Fee | Required Time | Number of services per day |
| Expressway Asahikawa |
One way: 2,060 yen Round Trip: 3,860 yen |
Approx. 2 hours | every 30 min |
Please refer to the official website for the latest information.
Sapporo to Asahikawa Transportation Summary
It takes approximately 2 hours to travel from Sapporo to Asahikawa by any means of transportation: JR, car, or highway bus.
However, when traveling from Sapporo to Asahikawa, you need to pay attention to the weather conditions.
In particular, Asahikawa is a snowy area, so public transportation may not function as planned.
Be sure to check the weather forecast and operation information frequently in advance.
Also, take extra care when driving yourself from Sapporo to Asahikawa.
Driving to Asahikawa in winter can be frightening even for local residents.
Especially in the Iwamizawa area, the wind blows strongly in winter and visibility is poor, forcing you to look at the tail lights of the car in front of you.
Therefore, please take it easy in winter and consider other means of transportation, such as JR trains.
So, we wish you all a pleasant and wonderful trip to Asahikawa!
For Hokkaido activity experiences visit Basho Trip
