2026.10, Kamikawa, Hokkaido
Getting to Kamikawa and Sounkyo in Winter: From Asahikawa Airport and Sapporo
Kamikawa sits at the foot of Daisetsuzan National Park, about an hour east of Asahikawa. You don't need a car to get here, even in deep winter, but many guests also drive. This guide covers every practical route by train, bus and car from Asahikawa Airport, Asahikawa Station, Sapporo and New Chitose Airport, with travel times and fares.
Routes at a glance
| Route | Time / Fare |
|---|---|
Asahikawa Airport → Asahikawa Sta.Airport bus (timed to flights) | approx. 40 min |
Asahikawa Airport → Kamikawa (MOTO)Car / rental car | approx. 1 hr |
Asahikawa Sta. → Kamikawa Sta.JR Limited Express | approx. 40 min¥2,540 |
Asahikawa Sta. → Kamikawa Sta.JR local train | approx. 1 hr¥1,380 |
Asahikawa Sta. → KamikawaDohoku Bus, Sounkyo Line | approx. 1 hr 30 min¥1,280 |
Sapporo Sta. → Kamikawa Sta.JR Limited Express Okhotsk (direct) | approx. 2 hr 15 min¥7,130 |
Sapporo Sta. → Asahikawa Sta.JR Limited Express | approx. 1 hr 25 min¥5,440 |
Sapporo Sta. → Asahikawa Sta.Highway bus | approx. 2 hr 15 min¥2,500 |
Sapporo Sta. → Kamikawa (MOTO)Car / rental car | approx. 2 hr 15 min |
New Chitose Airport → Kamikawa (MOTO)Car / rental car | approx. 2 hr 15 min |
Kamikawa Sta. → MOTOWalk (about 1 km) or taxi | approx. 15 min |
Kamikawa → Sounkyo / Kurodake RopewayDohoku Bus, Sounkyo Line | approx. 25 min |
Times and fares are approximate as of October 2026 (adult, one way). Timetables change, so check JR Hokkaido and Dohoku Bus before you travel.
From Asahikawa Airport
Asahikawa Airport is the closest airport to Kamikawa. An airport bus runs to Asahikawa Station in about 40 minutes, timed to flight arrivals. Taxis also wait at the airport. From Asahikawa Station, continue to Kamikawa by train or bus (see below).
From Asahikawa Station
Kamikawa is on the JR Sekihoku Line. The Limited Express takes about 40 minutes (¥2,540), and a local train about 1 hour (¥1,380). The Dohoku Bus Sounkyo Line also runs from Asahikawa Station to Kamikawa (¥1,280) and continues to Sounkyo Onsen.
From Sapporo
There is a direct train: the JR Limited Express Okhotsk runs from Sapporo to Kamikawa in about 2 hours 15 minutes (¥7,130). It only runs a few times a day, so plan around its timetable.
For more options, go to Asahikawa first and change there. The Limited Express from Sapporo to Asahikawa takes about 1 hour 25 minutes (¥5,440), and highway buses take about 2 hours 15 minutes (¥2,500). The bus is slower, but the snowy Hokkaido scenery along the way is beautiful, and many guests enjoy it as part of the trip.
From Kamikawa Station to MOTO
MOTO is about 1 km from Kamikawa Station, roughly a 15-minute walk. The roads are cleared of snow, so with a backpack it's an easy walk. Pulling a suitcase over snowy sidewalks is hard work, though doable. With a big suitcase, take a taxi from the station.
To Sounkyo and Kurodake
From Kamikawa, the Dohoku Bus Sounkyo Line reaches Sounkyo Onsen in about 25 minutes. The Kurodake Ropeway starts right in the hot-spring town. If you join a MOTO program such as Snow Crew, car transfers to the mountain are included.
By car
Many guests come by rental car. From Asahikawa Airport, Kamikawa (MOTO) is about 1 hour by car. From Sapporo Station or New Chitose Airport, it is about 2 hours 15 minutes. You can pick up a rental car at either airport.
A rental car also makes it easier to visit several ski areas, but Hokkaido winter roads need respect. Winter tires are a must (rental cars in winter come with them). Mountain roads freeze after sunset, so plan to finish driving before dark. Mikuni Pass, beyond Sounkyo, is a spectacular drive, but take extra care there.
FAQ
Can I get to MOTO without a car in winter?
Yes. Take a train or bus to Kamikawa Station, then walk about 15 minutes (1 km) or take a taxi from the station. Roads in town are cleared of snow.
Is the walk from Kamikawa Station OK with a suitcase?
With a backpack, easily. With a suitcase on snowy sidewalks it is hard work, though doable. If you have a big suitcase, we recommend a taxi from the station.
Is there a direct train from Sapporo?
Yes. The JR Limited Express Okhotsk runs directly from Sapporo to Kamikawa in about 2 hours 15 minutes (¥7,130). There are only a few trains a day, so check the timetable first. Otherwise, change at Asahikawa, which has far more trains and buses.
How do I get from MOTO to Kurodake?
On your own, the Dohoku Bus Sounkyo Line takes about 25 minutes from Kamikawa to Sounkyo, where the Kurodake Ropeway starts. If you join a MOTO program such as Snow Crew, car transfers are included.
Should I rent a car in winter?
A car makes resort-hopping easier, but winter tires are a must, and we recommend avoiding mountain roads after sunset, when they freeze. If you cross Mikuni Pass, take extra care.
Once you're here, the hard part is over: powder on Kurodake, onsen in Sounkyo, and quiet evenings in town. If you have questions about getting here, send us a message on Instagram or through the request form.