Traveling to Akanko

Seat Reservation is required when traveling from Asahikawa to Akanko by Dohokubus’ Sunrise. 

Reservations can be made by phone. I am extremely grateful for the assistance rendered by the check-in staff at Hotel MONday at Okamachi. They helped contact Dohokubus to organise the reservation. Timely payment was required to secure the seats. 

From knowledge, I doubt there is a Dohokubus office in Okamachi where the phone reservations were made. I was directed to FamilyMart or a 7-Eleven outlet to organise payment.

Present the receipt and reservation email to the counter staff at Dohokubus Co. Office in Asahikawa to obtain a seat allocation docket.

Pick-up point for Sunrise bus for Akanko is at Bus Stand No. 8 at Asahikawa Bus Interchange. The bus has luggage compartment to store luggage. Most intercity buses provide free wifi onboard.

There will be a 30-minutes break and change of driver at Kitami before continuing the journey. It is very important to take note of the bus license plate as there will be other buses parked at Kitami bus terminal. Kitami bus terminal is situated next to the JR Kitami Station. There are no cafe or restaurants nearby for a bento. Only a small supermarket for snacks and traditional Japanese confectionery.

Tip: The drop-off point of Sunrise bus at Akan is the Akan Bus Interchange. It is best to make arrangements with your hotel prior to arriving to Akan Bus Interchange as there is no wifi there. There is a small mini-mart next door to the Bus Interchange where you can ask for assistance to make calls as there are no public phones at the Bus Interchange.