Day Trips from SapporoTotoro Pass, Fukagawa: Hokkaido's Totoro Catbus Photo Spot
By Chaporo, a Sapporo local Published 
Quick answers
- An old bus painted like the Catbus from My Neighbor Totoro, on a pass named "Totoro"
- The bus-stop sign even lists Shichikokuyama, from the film
- A wide view over Fukagawa and the Sorachi plain
- Free car park, closed mid-November to mid-April; 2 km from Fukagawa IC
Totoro Pass, on the slopes of Mt. Irumukeppu in Fukagawa, has a name that happens to be read "Totoro". A local group took the hint in 1998 and painted an old bus as the Catbus from Studio Ghibli's My Neighbor Totoro, and this "Totoro bus" has become a well-known photo spot. It is not an official Ghibli site; the bus was repainted in 2025. Fifteen minutes is enough, unless you stay for the view.
The catbus
Look at the timetable beside the bus: the destination is Shichikokuyama, the place in the film where Satsuki and Mei's mother is in hospital. Small touches like that make it fun.
In autumn, the bus sits in front of hills in autumn colours.
The view
The pass is also a viewpoint, looking over the town of Fukagawa, the Sorachi plain and the mountains beyond.
Parking
Park at the free Totoro Pass rest area, about 100 m up the road; it has toilets and the best view. It is closed in winter, from mid-November to mid-April.
How to get there
From Sapporo: a little under two hours including a break. Take the Do-o Expressway toward Asahikawa and leave at Fukagawa IC (tolls apply).
From New Chitose Airport: a little over two hours on the same expressway. At Sapporo JCT, keep right for Asahikawa, not left for Otaru.
From Fukagawa IC: turn right onto Prefectural Road 79; the pass is about 2 km on.
Near Totoro Pass
Fukagawa, Hokkaido: Things to Do on a Day Trip from Sapporo by CarA local's day trip from Sapporo to Fukagawa in central Hokkaido: the Kamui Kotan rapids, a rice-pot lunch at Riceland Fukagawa, the Totoro Pass catbus, local cider, and a forest hot spring for 500 yen.
Fukagawa Onsen Irumu no Yu: A Forest Hot Spring for 500 YenA local's guide to Fukagawa Onsen Irumu no Yu at Agri Studio Maabu: a clear, smooth hot spring with forest outdoor baths, a 100°C sauna, local pork in the restaurant, apple cider across the road, price (500 yen), hours and parking.
Kamui Kotan in Asahikawa: Rapids, Rocks and an Old Station on the Ishikari RiverA local's guide to Kamui Kotan in Asahikawa: the Ishikari River rapids and potholes from the footbridge, the old Kamuikotan Station and steam locomotives, autumn leaves, winter closures, parking and how to get there by car.
FAQ about Totoro Pass
Q1. Where is the Totoro catbus in Hokkaido?
At Totoro Pass in Fukagawa, about 2 km from Fukagawa IC on Prefectural Road 79.
Q2. Is it open in winter?
The car park is closed from mid-November to mid-April.
Q3. How far is it from Sapporo?
About two hours by car.