Kawayu Onsen Getting there & around

Getting there & around

The JR Senmō main line runs north from Kawayu Onsen to Shiretoko-Shari (kaisoku ¥900, 53 minutes) and south to Kushiro (kaisoku ¥1790, 111 minutes) via Mashū station. Kawayu Onsen station is a 10-minute bus ride from the town centre (¥280) but the buses are infrequent, and while they are timed to meet most of the trains there is not much time to transfer. A soak in the ashiyu or a quick trip to the toilet may leave you with a long wait…or walk instead.

From Kawayu Onsen bus station there are up to three buses a day to Bihoro (¥1920, about 2½ hours). The Bihoro service runs via scenic Bihoro Pass, and some of these buses continue onward to the Memanbetsu Airport. These buses also pass Nibushi, Sunayu and Wakoto Onsen.

Between May and October a sightseeing bus service runs four times a day from Kawayu Onsen bus station via the main sights in the park to Akan Kohan (¥2100, 2¼ hours). It stops for sightseeing and picture taking (all the major places are covered). If you’re low on time and don’t mind a tour, this is a nice way to see the area.

Buses between Kawayu Onsen and Mashū station cost ¥1080. Direct buses between Mashū Onsen and Wakoto-hantō (¥880, 35 minutes) pass the turn-offs for the Trout Inn, Sussharo Genya Youth Guesthouse and the camping ground at Wakoto-hantō.

Between Mashū station and Akan Kohan is a particularly scenic stretch on Rte 241, with an outstanding lookout at Sokodai that overlooks the lakes Penketō and Panketō.

Cycling is a good way to get around – but check distances carefully before a lengthy ride. Mashū-ko is a steep climb…and a quick return. Bikes can be hired at the bus station, Kawayu Onsen JR station or at the petrol station down the street (two hours for ¥600).