SL Fuyu-no-Shitsugen - Shibecha to Kushiro
The SL Fuyu-no-Shitsugen (SL冬の湿原号) is a special steam train that runs through the snowy landscapes of Hokkaido. I was so excited about this ride that I dedicated an entire day to it when planning my trip. According to the JR Hokkaido website, tickets can only be booked at JR Hokkaido stations, so I made it my top priority when I arrived in Sapporo.
There were only four seats left when I booked, so I couldn’t choose my seat. I ended up with an aisle seat in a booth near the front of the train. Even though it wasn’t ideal, the large windows made it easy to enjoy the view without disturbing others.
On the day of the ride, I first took a local train from Abashiri Station to Shibecha Station—a scenic 2-hour and 17-minute journey through Hokkaido’s snowy wilderness. I spotted deer in the distance and even thought I saw a fox!
After arriving in Shibecha, I had about an hour before boarding the SL Fuyu-no-Shitsugen. I browsed some nearby souvenir shops and tried Shibecha’s famous local milk and a pastry. The milk was rich and creamy—I wished I’d bought more!
About 15 minutes before departure, the Shibecha cow mascots appeared to greet passengers and build excitement. I took a few photos with them before heading to the platform to watch the steam train pull in.
After admiring the train, I found my seat, passing through several cars along the way. Some cars even had areas for grilling dried squid, which was fun to watch. Once everyone was aboard, the mascots and staff waved goodbye, and we set off.
During the ride through Kushiro Shitsugen National Park, the conductor handed out route cards and announced an unscheduled stop to see red-crowned cranes outside the train. These protected birds are an iconic symbol of Japan, and we were lucky—they don’t always appear!
The train arrived in Kushiro a little later, and I was still thrilled from seeing the cranes. Before leaving, I took more photos of the train. The next morning, I went to a nearby bridge to photograph the steam train crossing—it was the perfect ending to an unforgettable experience.
Background
The SL Fuyu-no-Shitsugen Train is a seasonal steam locomotive running in winter through Kushiro Marshland between Kushiro and Shibecha. Introduced in 2000 with a restored 1940s C11 engine, it offers passengers snowy landscapes, wildlife views, and nostalgic steam-train charm. Onboard, travelers can enjoy potbelly stoves, snack roasting areas, and panoramic windows. Its name, “Winter Wetlands,” reflects the iconic frozen wetlands it passes through.
Getting There
To reach Shibecha, you’ll first need to travel to Hokkaido. From Sapporo, you can take either a bus or train to Kushiro, then transfer to the Senmo Line bound for Shibecha. Alternatively, you can travel from Sapporo to Abashiri—by train, highway bus, or flight—and continue on the Senmo Line to Shibecha. Depending on your route, the total travel time ranges from about 5 hours 40 minutes to nearly 10 hours. It’s best to plan an overnight stay in either Kushiro or Abashiri before heading onward.
Route Overview
Train: Shibecha Station (標茶駅) → Kushiro Station (釧路駅)
Duration: 1 hr 42 min
Route Note: Reservation required. Operates only in January and February. Must be reserved at a JR Hokkaido station.
Booking Info: According to the official JR Hokkaido website, this train can only be booked at JR Hokkaido stations. I recommend reserving as soon as you arrive in Hokkaido or asking a local for help, as seats often sell out. You can use a ticket machine at any station — just select the train name, date, and time, and optionally pick a seat side or preference. The official website also provides the latest info and a YouTube video about the train.
Cost Breakdown
Train: Abashiri Station → Shibecha Station — ¥3,080
Train: Shibecha Station → Kushiro Station — ¥3,060
Food: ¥1,760
