"NOROKKO KAWAYU ONSEN" Timetable, Fares, and How to Buy Tickets

This article provides information on the JR Hokkaido special train "NOROKKO KAWAYU ONSEN", which operates on specific days between Kushiro Station and Kawayu Onsen Station. It includes the timetable, fares, stopping stations, seating information, how to buy tickets, whether a physical ticket is required, and IC card compatibility. Since it operates on limited days, please check the operating dates and ticket sales conditions before traveling.
The information in this article is current as of July 2026. Operating days, times, fares, and ticket sales conditions may change, so please check the latest information on Ekitan or the railway company's official website before using the service.
The "NOROKKO KAWAYU ONSEN" is a special JR Hokkaido train that operates between Kushiro Station and Kawayu Onsen Station via the Senmo Main Line. In 2026, it will operate on three days: June 6th, June 27th, and September 19th. All seats are reserved, and both a basic fare ticket and a reserved seat ticket are required.

What is "NOROKKO KAWAYU ONSEN"?

The "NOROKKO KAWAYU ONSEN" is a JR Hokkaido sightseeing train connecting the Kushiro Shitsugen with the hot spring resorts of eastern Hokkaido. The Senmo Main Line runs from Kushiro Station to Abashiri Station, traversing marshland and lake areas. The Kushiro Shitsugen is the largest marshland in Japan and is a Ramsar Convention registered wetland. Kawayu Onsen is a hot spring resort known for its highly acidic sulfur springs. Operating days and sections may vary from year to year.

Train Features and Popular Points

The charm of the "NOROKKO KAWAYU ONSEN" lies in its ability to take passengers to a hot spring resort in eastern Hokkaido while enjoying views of the Kushiro Shitsugen. The train travels at a leisurely pace, allowing passengers to fully appreciate the scenery. If you're lucky, you might even spot Japanese cranes or Hokkaido deer from the train window. The large, open windows of the passenger cars allow you to feel the breeze of the marshland as you travel. Lake Mashu is a caldera lake boasting one of the world's highest levels of transparency. At Mount Iwo (Atosanupuri), you can see steam rising from fumaroles up close. Lake Kussharo is Japan's largest caldera lake, and there are open-air baths on its shores. The hot springs of Kawayu Onsen are known for their strong acidic sulfurous properties. Checking the stops and travel times before boarding will make it easier to plan an itinerary that includes stops along the way. The scenery changes dramatically depending on the season, so choosing the time of year to suit your purpose is also recommended.

Timetable for the "NOROKKO KAWAYU ONSEN"

The "NOROKKO KAWAYU ONSEN" operates on limited days. Please check the actual operating days and times on Ekitan or the railway company's official website.

Downbound (towards Kawayu Onsen Station) Timetable

Timetable for Northbound Trains (towards Kushiro Station)

• Limited Express Price, Ticket and Timetable - Ekitan

Important Information Regarding Operating Days and Days When the Service is Suspended

The "NOROKKO KAWAYU ONSEN" is a seasonal train that operates only on specific days. Operating days and sections may vary from year to year. Operating days are announced in advance, so please be sure to check if you plan to ride it.

Operating Section of the "NOROKKO KAWAYU ONSEN"

Main Sections

• Kushiro Station〜Kushiro Shitsugen Station (Senmo Main Line)
• Kushiro Shitsugen Station〜Toro Station (Senmo Main Line)
• Toro Station〜Kawayu Onsen Station (Senmo Main Line)

Kawayu Onsen Station is the gateway to Kawayu Onsen and Lake Mashu. Kawayu Onsen can be accessed by bus from the station. Lake Mashu is often shrouded in fog and is also known as "Misty Lake Mashu." At Mount Iwo, you can observe active fumarole activity up close. At Sunayu on Lake Kussharo, hot springs gush out when you dig into the sand on the lakeshore. From Kushiro Shitsugen Station, you can access the Hosooka Observatory. You can enjoy canoeing at Lake Toro. Since getting to the surrounding tourist spots mainly involves buses and walking, it's a good idea to check local transportation options in advance. There are often tourist information centers around the station where you can obtain maps and brochures. For lines with limited service, it's reassuring to check the return train and bus schedules as well.

Stations where the "NOROKKO KAWAYU ONSEN" stops

Main Stops

• Kushiro Station
• Kushiro Shitsugen Station
• Toro Station
• Mashu Station
• Kawayu Onsen Station

The stations where the train stops may vary depending on the operating day and the specific train. Please check the timetable for the most up-to-date information on the stations where the train stops.

Fares for the "NOROKKO KAWAYU ONSEN"

Representative Section Fare

To ride the "NOROKKO KAWAYU ONSEN" train, you will need a basic fare ticket for your journey and a reserved seat ticket. The basic fare for a reserved seat ticket is 840 yen for adults. Please check the latest fares on Ekitan.

Breakdown of Basic Fare Ticket and Reserved Seat Fare

The fare for the "NOROKKO KAWAYU ONSEN" train is the sum of the basic fare to your destination and the reserved seat ticket. Since all seats on the 2026 train are reserved, please reserve your seat before boarding. You cannot use the train with just a basic fare ticket, so when purchasing your ticket, make sure you have both a basic fare ticket and a reserved seat ticket. Reserved seat fares may change depending on the season and sales conditions, so please check the latest fares on Ekitan or the JR Hokkaido official website.

Differences from "KUSHIRO SHITSUGEN NOROKKO"

The "KUSHIRO SHITSUGEN NOROKKO" train operates between Kushiro Station and Toro Station. The "NOROKKO KAWAYU ONSEN" train extends its route to Kawayu Onsen Station. This train is convenient if you are heading towards Kawayu Onsen. Operating days and routes may vary from year to year.

How to Buy Tickets for the "NOROKKO KAWAYU ONSEN"

Eki-net (Internet Reservation)

You can reserve seats on JR Hokkaido's sightseeing trains through online reservation services such as "Eki-net." Reserved seats go on sale one month prior to the travel date at 10:00 AM. When making a reservation, you specify the travel date, route, train name, and number of passengers, and then select your seats. Payment can be made by credit card, and cash is also accepted depending on the purchase method. Changes and refunds after booking are subject to conditions and fees.

Reserved Seat Ticket Machines and Midori-no-madoguchi

You can also purchase reserved seat tickets at the station's reserved seat ticket vending machines and Midori-no-madoguchi. Since these trains only operate on limited days, be sure to check the operating dates before purchasing. Ticket vending machines often support multiple languages, making them easy to use even if you don't understand Japanese. At the Midori-no-madoguchi, simply tell the staff your destination and desired departure time, and they will guide you to the appropriate train. Midori-no-madoguchi can get crowded during high season, so it's best to go with plenty of time to spare.

Travel Agencies

Major travel agencies offer travel packages that combine sightseeing in eastern Hokkaido with train travel.

How to Buy for International Tourists

The "NOROKKO KAWAYU ONSEN" train is operated by JR Hokkaido and can be used with the JAPAN RAIL PASS or Hokkaido Rail Pass. Even when using a pass, you will need to obtain a separate seat reservation ticket if you wish to use a reserved seat. Some station ticket offices offer services in foreign languages. Special tickets for international tourists may have limited purchase conditions and sales locations, so it is advisable to check before traveling.

Do I need to get a physical ticket?

If you purchase a "Ticketless Reserved Seat Ticket for Conventional Lines" through Eki-net, you do not need to pick up a reserved seat ticket. However, a separate basic fare ticket is required. If you purchased a paper ticket, please pick it up before boarding.

Can I use contactless payment with an IC card or credit card?

IC cards cannot be used on the Senmo Main Line. You will need to prepare to purchase tickets with cash or from a ticket vending machine. While some transportation IC cards can be used across regions through the nationwide interoperability service, the usable area is determined by each railway company, so be sure to check in advance whether your journey is within their service area.
IC cards cannot be used at any of the stations, including Kushiro Station. Please prepare a paper basic fare ticket and reserved seat ticket.
We do not support contactless payment via credit card for boarding at ticket gates.

Seat Information for the "NOROKKO KAWAYU ONSEN"

Seat Type

If you are riding a reserved-seat train, you will need a separate reserved seat ticket in addition to your basic fare ticket.

Distinctive Seating

The passenger car windows are large and open, allowing you to enjoy the scenery while feeling the breeze from the wetlands. The seats are wooden box seats, giving the train a retro feel. Seats on the wetland side offer expansive views. The train travels at a slow speed, making it ideal for taking photographs. The scenery changes depending on the direction of travel, so it's a good idea to check your seat location when making a reservation. Window seats are suitable if you want to enjoy the scenery, while aisle seats are suitable if you prioritize ease of boarding and alighting. For long journeys, it's best to check your seat location in advance and make a reservation for a more comfortable experience.

Large Luggage Storage Area

Space for large luggage is limited. Larger items will need to be placed in the space at your feet.

Barrier-free Facilities

There are steps in the passenger cars. If you will be using a wheelchair, it is recommended to contact JR Hokkaido in advance. The availability of multi-purpose rooms and wheelchair-accessible facilities may vary depending on the car and train set.

Enjoy Station Bento Boxes and In-train Gourmet Food on the "NOROKKO KAWAYU ONSEN"

On the "NOROKKO KAWAYU ONSEN" train, snacks, drinks, and souvenirs may be sold on board. Kushiro's Washo Market is famous for its "Katte-don" (a rice bowl dish where you choose your own seafood toppings). Eastern Hokkaido is rich in seafood such as salmon roe and crab. There are restaurants around Kawayu Onsen that use local ingredients. Onboard sales vary depending on the train and season, so it's best to prepare drinks and snacks before boarding. Station shops may have limited operating hours, so it's a good idea to stop by early. If you eat or drink on board, please be considerate of others by avoiding foods with strong odors. Dispose of empty containers and trash in the trash cans on board or at the station after disembarking.

Points to Note When Riding the "NOROKKO KAWAYU ONSEN"

The "NOROKKO KAWAYU ONSEN" train operates seasonally, so be sure to check the operating dates before planning your trip. Operating dates and sections may vary from year to year. The temperature in the wetlands may be lower than in urban areas, so it's a good idea to bring a jacket. The windows are open, so you may be affected by wind and rain depending on the weather. IC cards cannot be used, so purchase your ticket in advance. Before boarding, check the train name, car number, and seat number printed on your ticket. If you are bringing large luggage, please use the luggage racks or overhead compartments to avoid blocking the aisle. Onboard, it is good manners to keep phone calls to a minimum so as not to disturb other passengers.
Since the number of trains is limited, be sure to check the return train schedule as well. Before boarding, please check the train service status for the day on Ekitan or the railway company's official website.

Summary

The "NOROKKO KAWAYU ONSEN" is a JR Hokkaido sightseeing train connecting Kushiro Station and Kawayu Onsen Station. Passengers can enjoy the scenery of the Kushiro Shitsugen while traveling to Kawayu Onsen, the gateway to Lake Mashu and Mount Iwo. Since it operates seasonally, please check the operating days and sections before boarding.
Enjoy the magnificent natural beauty of eastern Hokkaido aboard the "NOROKKO KAWAYU ONSEN" train, which takes you from the wetlands to the hot springs.

Ekitan Travel Media Editorial Department

The Ekitan Travel Media editorial team provides information on transportation in Japan, including Shinkansen (bullet trains), regular trains, intercity travel, and access to tourist destinations. We also offer easy-to-understand travel information for international visitors to Japan.
This article is published by Ekitan Co., Ltd., the provider of the train transfer information service "Ekitan," and is based on Japanese railway and transportation information. Ekitan's website and app are used by over 10 million users per month.