This video documents a detailed journey on the Kitami Express ‘News Star’ urban highway bus, offering a budget-friendly and comfortable ride from Sapporo to Kitami in Hokkaido. The trip features a 3-row independent seat configuration, ideal for solo travelers who value privacy and comfort during long-distance bus journeys. The bus departs from the Susukino tram stop area in central Sapporo at 12:14 pm and arrives at Kitami Station South Exit at 5:50 pm, making the total trip time approximately 5 hours and 36 minutes. The fare for this convenient intercity route is a reasonable 5,810 yen, bookable via the Hassha-Online (発車オ〜ライネット) reservation system.

The video starts at Sapporo Station, with scenes showing the arrival of the News Star bus. Key locations along the way include the Odori Bus Center, a vital hub in downtown Sapporo for buses connecting across Hokkaido, and the main Sapporo Station area (Kita 3 Nishi 3). The ride includes scheduled open breaks at Otone Parking Area (音江PA) and the Shirataki Roadside Station (道の駅しらたき), where passengers can stretch, use facilities, and enjoy local sights. After a stop at a bus stop on Nishi 7 (西7号線), the journey finishes in Kitami, a city on the eastern side of Hokkaido.

The Kitami Express News Star bus is well-known for its spacious seating and smooth urban highway travel experience. This route connects two important cities in Hokkaido and is popular among travelers seeking a cost-effective alternative to trains. Sapporo, the starting point, is the vibrant capital of Hokkaido, boasting attractions like the Susukino entertainment district and the Odori shopping areas. Kitami, on the other hand, is a gateway to Eastern Hokkaido and serves as a base for nature lovers visiting the Taisetsuzan National Park region. Highway buses like this provide essential links across Japan’s vast northern island, with comfortable seating, clean facilities, and scenic countryside views along the route.

For those considering bus travel in Hokkaido, this video gives a clear overview of what to expect in terms of comfort, punctuality, and the logistics involved in intercity bus reservations and boarding procedures.