Tourist bus crashes in major road tunnel in Hokkaido

A major expressway in Hokkaido has been blocked due to a collision between a tourist bus and a minivan.

On Monday, March 31st 2025, at approximately 9:40 AM Japan Standard Time (JST), a traffic accident occurred within the Joban Tunnel on the Do-o Expressway in Hokkaido.

The Do-o Expressway is a major transportation artery in Hokkaido, Japan’s northernmost main island, connecting the cities of Asahikawa and Fukagawa.

The collision between a tourist bus and a minivan took place approximately 100 meters from the tunnel’s entrance.

FNN reported on the crash between the tourist bus and the minivan

According to initial reports received by the local fire department from a nearby driver, the collision resulted in one of the vehicles, a Hiace minivan, overturning and obstructing one of the traffic lanes within the tunnel.

A tourist bus, carrying what is believed to be over 20 tourists from Asia, subsequently ploughed into the overturned minivan.

Local emergency services had responded to the scene and a total of 23 individuals were subsequently transported to local medical facilities for treatment.

Authorities have confirmed that all of the injured individuals were conscious at the time of transport.

Emergency services were called to the scene

The exact nature and severity of their injuries have not been disclosed.

Preliminary investigations into the cause of the accident are underway by the Hokkaido Prefectural Police.

One of the key factors being considered is the condition of the road surface within the Joban Tunnel at the time of the collision.

It is suspected that the road surface may have been affected by freezing temperatures, potentially leading to icy conditions.

Access to the tunnel and parts of the expressway have been closed

Based on this initial assessment, the police are investigating the possibility that one or both of the vehicles may have experienced a loss of traction due to the slippery road surface, leading to the collision.

The Joban Tunnel, as part of the Do-o Expressway, is an important part of route between Asahikawa and Fukagawa.

Any disruption to traffic within the tunnel can have significant impacts on travel times and regional connectivity in an area that is suffering from reductions in the availability of public transport and the closure of Main Line railways.

An artists impression of 3D printed concrete train station — Over 80% of Hokkaido’s Rumoi Main Line railway has been closed and the remaining section will close in 2026

Further investigation by the police will likely involve a detailed examination of the vehicles involved, witness testimonies, and an assessment of the road conditions at the time of the accident to determine the precise sequence of events and the primary cause of the collision.

Updates regarding the condition of the injured individuals and the findings of the police investigation are expected to be released as more information becomes available.

Source: FNN