Access
A journey to Lake Akan,
made clearer.
introduction
The road to Lake Akan
is the very beginning of the journey.
The journey to Lake Akan is not just a simple commute. The time spent traveling from New Chitose Airport, Kushiro Airport, or Memanbetsu Airport, crossing the sky and the land, is also a part of the experience of feeling the grandeur of Hokkaido.
The scenery and experiences vary depending on the chosen route, whether it be a direct bus from the airport, a rental car, a train, or a driving course, each offering a completely different perspective. The landscape also presents entirely different expressions with the changing seasons.
This page provides clear information to make your journey to Lake Akan comfortable, including how to access from major airports, estimated travel times, and seasonal advice. Please find the perfect route for your trip.
Access to Hokkaido
If you are heading to Lake Akan from the Tokyo metropolitan area, you can take a direct flight from Haneda Airport to Kushiro Airport. After arrival, you can transfer to a direct bus to Lake Akan and reach the lakeside in just about three hours. This is the fastest route for those who want to make efficient use of their time.
For those coming from the Kansai region, direct flights from Kansai International Airport or Itami Airport to Kushiro Airport are convenient. After arrival, renting a car allows you to enjoy a flexible travel plan while stopping at sightseeing spots on the way to Lake Akan.
If you are visiting from within Hokkaido, there are direct flights from Okadama Airport, which is close to Sapporo city, and New Chitose Airport, the hub airport of Hokkaido. You can extend your trip to Lake Akan while combining it with sightseeing in the eastern Hokkaido area.
Main Airport → Kushiro Airpo Direct Flight Information
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- Haneda Airport (HND)
- Approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes.
- ANA/ADO/ JAL
- Fastest from the metropolitan area. There are many flights available, offering a wide range of options.
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- Chubu Centrair International Airport (NGO)
- Approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes.
- JAL Seasonal Operations
- Direct access is available from the Chubu area to eastern Hokkaido.
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- Kansai International Airport (KIX)
- Approximately 2 hours and 10 minutes.
- Peach seasonal operation
- Major airports in the Kansai region. Kansai International Airport is frequently used by tourists.
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- Itami Airport (ITM)
- Approximately 2 hours and 5 minutes
- ANA Seasonal Operations
- Easily accessible from Osaka city, suitable for business use.
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- Okadama Airport (OKD)
- Approximately 45 minutes.
- JAL
- A local airport within the prefecture that is close to downtown Sapporo.
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- New Chitose Airport (CTS)
- Approximately 45 minutes
- ANA
- Hokkaido's largest hub airport. Ideal for transfers from outside the region.
airline
As a starting point for your journey to Lake Akan in Hokkaido, direct flights to Kushiro Airport operate from major airports across the country. Haneda Airport boasts an overwhelming number of flights as a gateway from the metropolitan area, offering a wide variety of scheduling options that make planning convenient. From Chubu Centrair International Airport (Nagoya), direct flights are available for users in the Chubu and Tokai regions, facilitating smooth access to eastern Hokkaido. Kansai International Airport and Itami Airport serve as major gateways from the Kansai region, with Itami Airport being particularly advantageous due to its proximity to downtown Osaka, significantly reducing travel time from urban areas. Additionally, numerous direct flights are also available from Fukuoka Airport, making access from the Kyushu region easy. While travel times may be slightly longer, we recommend extending your stay in eastern Hokkaido by one night to enjoy a more relaxed travel experience.
List of Access Travel Times to New Chitose Airport (CTS) from Major Airports
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- Haneda Airport (HND)
- Approximately 1 hour and 35 minutes to 1 hour and 40 minutes.
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- Chubu Centrair International Airport (NGO)
- Approximately 1 hour and 40 minutes to 1 hour and 45 minutes.
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- Kansai International Airport (KIX)
- roximately 1 hour and 50 minutes to 2 hours.
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- Itami Airport (ITM)
- Approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes to 1 hour and 50 minutes.
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- Fukuoka Airport（FUK）
- Approximately 2 hours and 10 minutes to 2 hours and 20 minutes.
Access Information to Lake Akan
Access Information to Lake Akan (by Airport)
From Kushiro Airport to Lake Akan
The airport closest to Lake Akan. It is approximately a one-hour direct bus ride and about 1 hour and 20 minutes by rental car, offering excellent access. Since you can go directly from the airport to the Akan Lake Onsen, it is ideal for those who want to enjoy sightseeing and activities immediately upon arrival.
Kushiro Airport
To Lake Akan
Route bus (Akan Bus)
- Operating time3 to 6 flights per day (with increased frequency during the spring to autumn season)
- Bus fare estimateOne-way fare: approximately 2,150 yen (as of 2025).
- Required timeApproximately 65 minutes (1 hour to 1 hour and 10 minutes).
Bus reservation
Online Travel Co., Ltd.
Akan Airport Liner (Direct Bus)
- Operating timeTwo departures per day (reservation recommended)
- Bus fare estimateOne way: approximately 2,000 yen.
- Required timeApproximately 65 minutes
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Via the hotel. If there is a delay in the arrival of the flight, there is a reassurance of a maximum adjustment period of 20 minutes.
Bus reservation
Online Travel Co., Ltd.
Bus reservation
Car / Rental Car
- Time requiredApproximately 60 to 70 minutes.
- DistanceApproximately 60 km (via National Route 240)
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Highly flexible mobility is possible. You can also enjoy detours to sightseeing spots such as "Tanchōzuru Natural Park" along the way.
From Memanbetsu Airport to Lake Akan
The driving route via Kitami and Bihoro Pass is popular, taking about 1 hour and 10 minutes to 1 hour and 40 minutes by rental car. It is a recommended access method for a scenic journey to Lake Akan, allowing you to enjoy the views of the lake and mountains along the way.
Memanbetsu Airport
To Lake Akan
Bus (East Hokkaido Express Bus)*From Lake Akan to Memanbetsu Airport only. *Limited to January 30 to March 1, 2026.
- Time requiredApproximately 1 hour and 30 minutes.Via Kitami
- Bus fare estimateOne-way approximately 4,187 yen.
Bus reservation
Online Travel Co., Ltd.
Car / Rental Car
- Time requiredApproximately 1 hour and 10 minutes to 1 hour and 45 minutes.
- DistanceApproximately 67 km
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The general guideline, based on prior information, indicates that the shortest route is approximately 1 hour and 10 minutes (67 km).
From New Chitose Airport to Lake Akan.
From Hokkaido's largest airport to Lake Akan, it takes approximately 3.5 to 4.5 hours by car. Along the way, you can enjoy the stunning scenery and gourmet offerings of Tokachi and Obihiro. If you prioritize time, you can take a flight to Kushiro and then transfer to a bus, arriving at Lake Akan in about 2 hours.
Direct Route by Car or Rental Car
- Time requiredApproximately 3 hours and 30 minutes.
- DistanceApproximately 264 km
Driving route
New Chitose Airport
From Chitose Higashi IC to the Dohoku Expressway.
Towards Obihiro
Ashiory IC via Honbetsu JCT → National Route 241
To Lake Akan
This is a recommended access method for those who want to freely plan their itinerary without worrying about waiting times for numerous trains and buses.
Airplane + Bus Usage Route
- airplaneApproximately 45 minutes
- BusApproximately 1 hour to 1 hour and 15 minutes.
- Bus fare estimateApproximately 2,150 to 2,190 yen.
Route of travel
New Chitose Airport
Tanchou Kushiro Airport
Akan Airport Liner or Route Bus
To Lake Akan
By combining flights and buses, you can distribute travel time and reduce burden while still arriving relatively smoothly.
JR + Bus via route
- JRApproximately 3 hours
- JR fare estimateApproximately 9,790 yen
- BusApproximately 2 hours
- Bus fare estimateApproximately 2,750 yen
Route of travel
New Chitose Airport
Minami-Chitose Station
JR Limited Express "Super Ozora"
Kushiro Station
Akan Bus
To Lake Akan
If you're looking to enjoy a bit of a train journey atmosphere while taking in the scenery of Eastern Hokkaido, this route is perfect for you.
※Please check the JR Hokkaido website for information regarding JR fares.
Bus (Akan Lake Express) via route
- BusApproximately 4 hours and 30 minutes.
- Bus fare estimateApproximately 7,000 yen
Route of travel
New Chitose Airport
Minami-Chitose Station
Akan Lake Express
To Lake Akan
This is recommended for those who want to enjoy the natural scenery and the atmosphere of Eastern Hokkaido from the train window while keeping costs down.
Bus reservation
Online Travel Co., Ltd.
Access information to Lake Akan(by major cities in Hokkaido)
From Sapporo City to Lake Akan
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- Car and rental car usage
- Approximately 5 hours and 30 minutes using the Eastern Hokkaido Expressway.
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- JR + Bus
- From JR Sapporo Station to Kushiro Station, it takes approximately 4 hours by limited express, followed by about 2 hours by Akan Bus.
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- Airplane + Bus
- It takes approximately 45 minutes from New Chitose Airport to Kushiro Airport and about 1 hour and 20 minutes from the airport to Lake Akan.
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From Asahikawa City to Lake Akan
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- Car and rental car use
- Approximately 4 hours and 30 minutes via National Route 39 and the Eastern Hokkaido Expressway.
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- Bus
- The express bus Sunrise takes approximately 5 hours and 30 minutes from JR Asahikawa Station to Akanko Bus Center.
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Bus reservation
Online Travel Co., Ltd.
From Obihiro City to Lake Akan
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- Car and rental car usage
- Approximately 3 hours and 30 minutes using National Route 38 and the Eastern Hokkaido Expressway.
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- JR＋Bus
- From JR Obihiro Station to Kushiro Station takes about 2 hours by limited express, followed by approximately 2 hours by Akan Bus.
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From Kitami City to Lake Akan
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- Car and Rental Car Use
- Approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes using National Route 240, among others.
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- Bus
- The Sunrise Limited Express bus takes approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes from JR Kitami Station to Akanko Bus Center.
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Bus reservation
Online Travel Co., Ltd.
rental car use
Regular Sightseeing Bus Information
(Five Routes Passing Through Lake Akan)
Pirika号
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- Operating company
- Akan Bus Co., Ltd.
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- Operating period
- From April 19, 2025 (Saturday) to November 30, 2025 (Sunday), operational every day.
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- Time required
- One-day course
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- Operational Overview
- Kushiro Station → Kushiro Shitsugen Hokuto Observation Deck → Mashu Lake First Observation Deck → Iou Mountain → Kussharo Lake (Sunayu) → Akanko Onsen (Scenic Area & Stay)→ Kushiro Station
White Pirika号
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- Operating company
- Akan Bus Co., Ltd. (Winter Operations)
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- Operating period
- Daily operation from January 11, 2025 (Saturday) to March 23, 2025 (Sunday).
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- Time required
- 9 hours and 30 minutes
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- Operational Overview
- Kushiro Station Departure → Tsurumidai → Lake Kussharo (Suna-yu) → Iouzan → Roadside Station Mashu Onsen → Mashu Lake First Observation Deck → Akan Lake Onsen (Free Time) → Tancho Kushiro Airport / Kushiro Station
Kushiro Shiretoko No. (Summer)
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- Operating company
- Akan Bus Co., Ltd.
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- Operating period
- Daily service from July 26, 2025 (Saturday) to October 18, 2025 (Saturday).
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- Time required
- 10 hours 50 minutes (September 10 hours 40 minutes / October 10 hours 25 minutes)
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- Operational Overview
- Kushiro → Lake Akan → Mashu → Bihoro → Memanbetsu Airport → Abashiri → Shiretoko
Shiretoko Kushiro (Summer)
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- Operating company
- Akan Bus Co., Ltd.
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- Operating period
- July 27, 2025 (Sunday) to October 19, 2025 (Sunday)
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- Time required
- 10 hours and 40 minutes
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- Operational Overview
- Shiretoko → Notsuke Peninsula → Nakashibetsu Airport → Mashu → Lake Akan → Kushiro Airport → Kushiro
Kushiro Shiretoko Number (Winter Season)
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- Operating company
- Akan Bus Co., Ltd.
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- Operating period
- From February 1, 2025 (Saturday) to March 1, 2025 (Saturday)
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- Time required
- 10 hours and 25 minutes
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- Operational Overview
- Kushiro → Lake Akan → Mashu → Bihoro → Memanbetsu Airport → Memanbetsu Airport → Shiretoko
Shiretoko Kushiro (Winter)
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- Operating company
- Akan Bus Company Limited
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- Operating period
- February 2, 2025 (Sunday) to March 2, 2025 (Sunday)
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- Time required
- 10 hours and 45 minutes
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- Operational Overview
- Shiretoko → Notsuke Peninsula → Nakashibetsu Airport → Mashu → Lake Akan → Kushiro Airport → Kushiro
Eastern Hokkaido Express Bus (Winter Season)
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- Operating company
- Jointly by all bus companies
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- Operating period
- From February 1 to March 2 each year (tentative)
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- Operational Overview
- Operational Overview
