Direct transfer to Furano from Sapporo. Limited Express Furano Lavender Express / Furano Koyo Express

KIHA183 Crystal Express has higher passenger's deck and double passenger's deck. (C) Sonic Rail GardenFurano, Tomamu, Shintoku
KIHA183 Crystal Express has higher passenger's deck and double passenger's deck. (C) Sonic Rail Garden
KIHA183 Crystal Express is one of the trains to use for Tomamu-Sahoro Express trains. (C) Sonic Rail Garden

KIHA183 Crystal Express is one of the trains to use for Tomamu-Sahoro Express trains. (C) Sonic Rail Garden

Furano Lavender Express (フラノラベンダーエクスプレス) and Furano Koyo Express (フラノ紅葉エクスプレス) are limited express trains to Furano (富良野) directly from Sapporo (札幌). These trains can be used by Japan Rail Pass with no extra charge. Furano is one of very popular spot in Hokkaido for the tourists. These trains are the seasonal operation trains because the lavender season in summer time and the fall color leaves in September are busy periods. So when you build your itinerary, please check the latest operation date before you put this train in your plan.

Seasonal trains information.

I will show you some images of this train and tell you the details.

You can access to Furano from Asahikawa too. There is another cruising train from Asahikawa to Furano. Please find the information at Furano Biei Norokko train.

Route and schedule

This train connects Sapporo with Furano in 2 hours. Furano Lavender Express is operated from June to August. There are three round trips in peak periods from mid July to the end of July. But only one round trip is operated in early and late season. One round trip is continued to operate from September to mid October as Furano Koyo Express. Please check the most updated the date of operation at Seasonal trains information.

Stations
Sapporo (札幌)X
Iwamizawa (岩見沢)X
Takikawa (滝川)X
Ashibetsu (芦別)X
Furano (富良野)X

Operation dates

These express trains are operated from July to mid October. Please check the most updated information at Seasonal trains information.

If you go to Furano other than these months, you need to take Limited Express Super Kamui between Sapporo and Takikawa. And then you need to take local train between Takikawa and Furano. You have only 10 round trips a day between Takikawa and Furano. Please check the timetable before you go.

If you stay in Sapporo and you need to take local train from Takikawa to Furano, your sample itinerary is the following;
08:25 Depart from Sapporo by Limited Express Super Kamui 5
09:14 Arrive at Abashiri
09:37 Depart from Takikawa by the local train
10:48 Arrive at Furano


View Furano Lavender Express in a larger map

Accommodation and train formations

Furano Lavender Express and Furano Koyo Express are operated by three types of trains. These three trains are specialized for the trains to resort area. They have higher passenger’s deck and huge glass windows. Let’s see the detail and images of all three trains.

*Sonic Rail Garden has copyright for all images of accommodations below.

KIHA183 Crystal Express

KIHA183 Crystal Express has higher passenger's deck and double passenger's deck. (C) Sonic Rail Garden

KIHA183 Crystal Express has higher passenger's deck and double passenger's deck. (C) Sonic Rail Garden

This train is 4 cars formation. Car#1 and #4 have the passenger’s deck on 300 mm higher than regular floor. Car#2 is called Dome car. This car has 900 mm higher passenger’s deck. It is almost upper deck on double deck. Car#3 is double deck car. It has several compartment at lower deck, some semi compartment seats at upper deck and salon space. Usually upper deck on Car#3 is assigned as non reserved seat. If you use Japan Rail Pass, you can use compartment with 4000 yen per room extra. All seats are ordinary class seat. It does not have any green car. The seat configuration is 2+2 and the seat pitch is 960mm. This car had the observation deck at both end. But it is not allowed to access these deck now. JR Hokkaido had an accident at railroad crossing in 2010. The train had a heavy damage at the end. Since then, the observation deck is not accessible for safety reason.

Images

Ordinary seat at car#1 and 4
KIHA183 Crystal Express ordinary seat at car#1 and #4 KIHA183 Crystal Express ordinary seat at car#1 and #4 KIHA183 Crystal Express ordinary seat at car#1 and #4 KIHA183 Crystal Express ordinary seat at car#1 and #4 KIHA183 Crystal Express ordinary seat at car#1 and #4 KIHA183 Crystal Express ordinary seat at car#1 and #4 KIHA183 Crystal Express ordinary seat at car#1 and #4 KIHA183 Crystal Express ordinary seat at car#1 and #4 KIHA183 Crystal Express ordinary seat at car#1 and #4

Ordinary seat at car#2 “Dome Car”
KIHA183 Crystal Express ordinary seat at car#2 Dome car KIHA183 Crystal Express ordinary seat at car#2 Dome car KIHA183 Crystal Express ordinary seat at car#2 Dome car KIHA183 Crystal Express ordinary seat at car#2 Dome car KIHA183 Crystal Express ordinary seat at car#2 Dome car KIHA183 Crystal Express ordinary seat at car#2 Dome car KIHA183 Crystal Express ordinary seat at car#2 Dome car

Ordinary seat in compartment at car#3 lower deck
KIHA183 Crystal Express ordinary seat in compartment at car#3 lower deck KIHA183 Crystal Express ordinary seat in compartment at car#3 lower deck KIHA183 Crystal Express ordinary seat in compartment at car#3 lower deck KIHA183 Crystal Express ordinary seat in compartment at car#3 lower deck KIHA183 Crystal Express ordinary seat in compartment at car#3 lower deck KIHA183 Crystal Express ordinary seat in compartment at car#3 lower deck

Ordinary seat in semi compartment at car#3 upper deck
KIHA183 Crystal Express ordinary seat in semi compartment at car#3 upper deck KIHA183 Crystal Express ordinary seat in semi compartment at car#3 upper deck KIHA183 Crystal Express ordinary seat in semi compartment at car#3 upper deck KIHA183 Crystal Express ordinary seat in semi compartment at car#3 upper deck KIHA183 Crystal Express ordinary seat in semi compartment at car#3 upper deck KIHA183 Crystal Express ordinary seat in semi compartment at car#3 upper deck

Salon space at car#3
KIHA183 Crystal Express salon space at car#3 KIHA183 Crystal Express salon space at car#3 KIHA183 Crystal Express salon space at car#3 KIHA183 Crystal Express salon space at car#3 KIHA183 Crystal Express salon space at car#3 KIHA183 Crystal Express salon space at car#3

Entrance deck
KIHA183 Crystal Express entrance deck KIHA183 Crystal Express entrance deck KIHA183 Crystal Express entrance deck KIHA183 Crystal Express entrance deck

Baggage space
KIHA183 Crystal Express baggage space KIHA183 Crystal Express baggage space KIHA183 Crystal Express baggage space

Sanitary space
KIHA183 Crystal Express baggage space KIHA183 Crystal Express baggage space KIHA183 Crystal Express baggage space KIHA183 Crystal Express baggage space KIHA183 Crystal Express baggage space KIHA183 Crystal Express baggage space

Train formation

1234
H(R)D(R)B(NR)/SLH(D)
C(R*)/SL

H=Higher passenger’s deck car D=Dome car B=Box seat car C=Compartment SL=Salon space
(R)=Reserved ordinary seat (NR)=Non reserved ordinary seat (R*)=Reserved ordinary seat in compartment (Additional room charge 4000yen per room on regular fare or Japan Rail Pass)

KIHA183 North Rainbow Express

KIHA183 North Rainbow Express is one of the trains to be used for Furano Express trains. (C) Sonic Rail Garden

KIHA183 North Rainbow Express is one of the trains to be used for Furano Express trains. (C) Sonic Rail Garden

This train is 5 cars formation. Car#1, #2 #4 and #5 have higher passenger’s deck than regular floor. Car#3 is double deck car. It has ordinary seats at upper deck and salon space at lower deck. Usually upper deck on Car#3 is assigned as non reserved seat. All seats are ordinary class seat. It does not have any green car. The seat configuration is 2+2 and the seat pitch is 960mm.

Images

Ordinary seat at higher deck car (Car#1,2,4 and 5)
KIHA183 North Rainbow Express ordinary seat KIHA183 North Rainbow Express ordinary seat KIHA183 North Rainbow Express ordinary seat KIHA183 North Rainbow Express ordinary seat KIHA183 North Rainbow Express ordinary seat KIHA183 North Rainbow Express ordinary seat KIHA183 North Rainbow Express ordinary seat KIHA183 North Rainbow Express ordinary seat KIHA183 North Rainbow Express ordinary seat KIHA183 North Rainbow Express ordinary seat

Ordinary seat at double deck car (Car#3)
KIHA183 North Rainbow Express ordinary seat on double deck car KIHA183 North Rainbow Express ordinary seat on double deck car KIHA183 North Rainbow Express ordinary seat on double deck car KIHA183 North Rainbow Express ordinary seat on double deck car

Salon space
KIHA183 North Rainbow Express salon space KIHA183 North Rainbow Express salon space KIHA183 North Rainbow Express salon space

Baggage space
KIHA183 North Rainbow Express baggage space KIHA183 North Rainbow Express baggage space

Sanitary space
KIHA183 North Rainbow Express sanitary space KIHA183 North Rainbow Express sanitary space KIHA183 North Rainbow Express sanitary spaceKIHA183 North Rainbow Express sanitary space

Train formation

12345
H(R)H(R)D(NR)H(D)H(D)
SL

H=Ordinary seat on higher passenger’s deck car D=Ordinary seat on double deck car SL-Salon
(R)=Reserved ordinary seat (NR)=Non reserved ordinary seat

KIHA183 Niseko Express

KIHA183 Niseko Express is the oldest train in three trains to use for Furano Lavender Express (C) Sonic Rail Garden

KIHA183 Niseko Express is the oldest train in three trains to use for Furano Lavender Express (C) Sonic Rail Garden

This train is 3 cars formation. All three cars have 200 mm higher passenger’s deck than regular floor. This train is very basic. It does not have any double deck or salon space. All seats are ordinary class seat. It does not have any green car. The seat configuration is 2+2 and the seat pitch is 960mm.

Images

Ordinary seat
KIHA183 Niseko Express ordinary seat KIHA183 Niseko Express ordinary seat KIHA183 Niseko Express ordinary seat KIHA183 Niseko Express ordinary seat KIHA183 Niseko Express ordinary seat KIHA183 Niseko Express ordinary seat KIHA183 Niseko Express ordinary seat

Baggage space
KIHA183 Niseko Express baggage space KIHA183 Niseko Express baggage space KIHA183 Niseko Express baggage space

Vending machine
KIHA183 Niseko Express vending machine KIHA183 Niseko Express vending machine

Sanitary space
KIHA183 Niseko Express sanitary space KIHA183 Niseko Express sanitary space KIHA183 Niseko Express sanitary space KIHA183 Niseko Express sanitary space KIHA183 Niseko Express sanitary space

Train formation

123
H(NR/R)H(NR/R)H(NR/R)

H=Ordinary seat on higher passenger’s deck car
(R)=Reserved ordinary seat (NR)=Non reserved ordinary seat

Comments

  1. Si Rong says:

    Hi, i’m planning to visit Hokkaido in mid July 2016. Planning to arrive at Hokadate. Will visit Noboribetsu, Sapporo. Planning to make day trips to Furano and Otaru from Sapporo. Leaving from New Chitose Airport to Tokyo for 2 days.

    Should i get the Japan Rail Pass or the Hokkaido Rail Pass? Can you provide the timetables for the Lavender Express and prices?

    Thanks

  2. Tri says:

    We have plan fly from Indonesia to tokyo on 14 june 15. And have plan to sightseeing arround tokyo and yokohama.
    . And from tokyo to sapporo by flight on 17 june 2016. And my plan on 19 june 2016 we will go from sapporo to furano. Which the best transport that i should take when travelling in tokyo yokohaman and also from sapporo to furano?

  3. Nan says:

    Hi Takeshi-san.
    I’m Nan.
    1st I wanna say thank you for the simple itinary for go to Furano from Sapporo by Limited Express Super Kamui 5.
    is it free if I had JR Pass?
    (Because I have plan to go to Sapporo, Hokkaido on April 4th, and aslo have JR Pass., then I want to visit Furano).

    How the situation around early April is it good to visit there?
    I wans see furano ski area, do you know is still open or not?

    Thank you for read my message.
    Regards,
    Nan.

  4. Rosalind Chin says:

    I am planning a day trip from Sapporo to Furano and Furano back to Sapporo on 7th November. Which train should I take to reach Farm Tomita?

    Thank you

  5. Farah says:

    Hi,
    Will be traveling to Sapporo from 8/18 -8/22. Will the express train be available on these dates?

    Thanks

  6. A.Ali says:

    Hi.

    I will be traveling to Sapporo this December 2015, I would like to know what are the different transportation that I can take to travel to Furano.

    I will be purchasing the JR pass for Sapporo (hope this helps)

    Thank You!

  7. jeremy says:

    Can I bring a bicycle on the train? Its a full sized bicycle (not a foldable one).

  8. Ronson Lui says:

    I’ll be traveling to Sapporo & Furano mid July; can you book “Furano Biei Rail Ticket (A+B ticket)” online? or it can only be purchased at JR stations? I am planning to travel on “Super Kamui SK5” (8:25am) then connect with the “Furano Biei- Norokko train” before taking the “Furano bus tour”; therefore time is rather important in order to catch all these train or bus. So just want to know if these trains can be booked online?

    • Hi Ronson,

      As far as I know, there is not available online. I think you have to purchase it after arrival at New Chitose airport station or Sapporo station.

      Cheers,

      Takeshi / JP Rail

  9. TG says:

    Hi! I intend to travel from Furano to Sapporo on 20 Feb 2014 with my parents (who are both able to walk but not run). I was checking out the train schedules on Hyperdia and am interested in taking the 10:04am JR Nemuro Line from Furano to Takikawa.

    However, it seems that the JR Nemuro Line will reach Takikawa at 11:13am, and then the LTD. EXP SUPER SOYA 2 will depart from Takikawa at 11:17am for Sapporo.

    Will my parents and I be able to board the Super Soya within 4 minutes?

    Of cos, I understand that it is possible to take the Super Kamui at 11:27am instead. However, I would like to take the Super Soya if possible so that we can take the hopefully more comfortable green seats!

    Thanks!
    TG

    • JPRail says:

      Hi TG,

      I’me not sure how fast your parents can walk. But it will be okay. Please see the following link:
      http://www.jrhokkaido.co.jp/network/barrier/069/takikawa.html

      And you can find a picture of Takikawa station platforms.
      http://ja.wikipedia.org/wiki/%E3%83%95%E3%82%A1%E3%82%A4%E3%83%AB:Takikawaform.jpg
      This photo was taken from platform #6 and #7.

      Mostly Nemuro line train arrive at track #1 (1番線). And Super Soya will arrive and depart at track #5 (5番線) mostly. There is overpass between platforms as you have seen it in the picture above, but elevator is available. If you run, you can make it in less than 1 minute. So 4 minutes will be fine for your parents in my opinion.

      Please make sure which platform Super Soya will depart. Sometimes it departs from different platform. There are lots of sign and board. I think it will be shown in English too. If you are not sure, don’t hesitate to ask station staff.

      Cheers,

      Takeshi / JP Rail

      • TG says:

        Thanks for the very helpful reply, Takeshi! If you don’t mind a few more questions from me –

        I understand that train delays may happen due to winter conditions. Therefore, am I planning the train schedules too tightly as there is only an allowance of 4 minutes to transfer to the Super Soya at Takikawa station?

        If I go ahead with the plan but end up missing the 11:17 Super Soya at Takikawa, am I able to exchange my ticket for the next train to Sapporo?

        Last question – I know that I am able to book tickets for the Super Soya on the JR Hokkaido website (https://www3.jrhokkaido.co.jp/rail-en/asp/RWY010.aspx). However, is it possible to purchase the JR Nemuro line tickets from outside of Japan too?

        Thanks!
        Tracy

        • JPRail says:

          Hi TG,

          As long as train on Nemuro line arrive on time, it will be fine as I mentioned. If train will be late, you can get later limited express train without any extra charge. In this case, you have to talk to conductor on Nemura line train before arrival. Usually he will show you substitute plan.

          Even if train arrive on time and you miss it, you can take later train’s non reserved seat. Your seat is not secured. So you might be standee in the train.

          Nemuro line ticket cannot be purchase before arrival Japan. However you don’t need to. You can purchase it any JR stations in Japan. And also don’t purchase separate ticket for Furano-Takikawa and Takikawa-Sapporo. You need only one base fare ticket. If you purchase separate ticket, it will be more expensive than one ticket. If you can purchase only limited surcharge ticket for Super Soya, that will be perfect. You can purchase base fare ticket on the spot.

          Cheers,

          Takeshi / JP Rail

  10. Lee Lai King says:

    we will fly from Hong Kong to Sapporo on 2012/8/14. We are planning to travel from Sapporo to Furano on 2012/08/15 and return to Sapporo on 2012/08/17, please advise how can we buy the Furano- Lavender Express Ticket? Where can we book the ticket? can we buy the ticket through internrt? or any other choses of transportation to Furano?

    thank you.
    Lee Lai King

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