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.
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
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#2 “Dome Car”
Ordinary seat in compartment at car#3 lower deck
Ordinary seat in semi compartment at car#3 upper deck
Train formation
1 | 2 | 3 | 4 |
H(R) | D(R) | B(NR)/SL | H(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
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)
Ordinary seat at double deck car (Car#3)
Train formation
1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
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
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
Train formation
1 | 2 | 3 |
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
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
Hi Si,
JR pass is too expensive. I think single ticket is cheaper than even Hokkaido Rail Pass. If you arrive and depart from Narita, there are many deals available.
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/airport-access/narita/the-list-of-deals-for-access-to-downtown-tokyo-from-narita-airport.html
You may find timetable in Hokkaido at the link below:
http://www2.jrhokkaido.co.jp/global/english/ttable/index.html
But summer timetable has not been released yet. It’s coming in next March. But it will not be much different.
The fare and timetable for other areas can be found at Hyperdia.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/basic-informations/timetable-and-reservation/hyperdia-perfect-guide-train-timetable-and-route-search-engine.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi,
I can’t seem to find much information on the Lavender Express from Sapporo to Furano.
Where can I find this information?
Hi Si,
At this point, you cannot find the info, like operation dates. It will be released in next spring.
You can find the previous info at the link below:
https://jprail.com/category/travel-informations/seasonal-trains-schedule
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
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?
Hi Tri,
There is no good deals to cover both Tokyo/Yokohama and Sapporo/Furano. In Tokyo side, you may use subway pass and some airport deal if you arrive in Narita.
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/airport-access/narita/the-list-of-deals-for-access-to-downtown-tokyo-from-narita-airport.html
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-visitors/compare-many-discount-tickets-and-passes-for-sightseeing-tokyo-how-to-choose-the-right-tickets.html
Single fare is only your choice for the rest of your trip.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
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.
Hi Nan san,
You can access to Furano by JR pass. JR will revise timetable in March. So please check the updated timetable at JR Hokkaido site before you go.
http://www2.jrhokkaido.co.jp/global/english/ttable/index.html
Sorry but I’m not familiar with ski area. I think it may be opened because Hokkaido is still like winter in April. But I’m not sure 100%.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
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
Hi Rosalind,
There is no direct train to get Nakafurano station. You have to take three trains, Sapporo-Takikawa, Takikawa-Furano and Furano-Nakafurano. In summer time, there is Farm Tomita station. But it’s not opened when you go there. Nakafurano is the nearest station.
http://www.farm-tomita.co.jp/en/access/
You can get the timetable of trains at the link below:
http://www2.jrhokkaido.co.jp/global/english/ttable/index.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Thank you so much, Takeshi
Can I have the link for the above fares or which ticket is cheaper for traveling? I intended to get JR Kitaca IC Card
Thank you
Hi Rosalind,
If you have only this trip, single fare is only your choice. There are several deals in Hokkaido, like Hokkaido Rail Pass. But you need to have another big trip, like Sapporo to Hakodate. Otaru is not a big enough.
You can find the fare at hyperdia:
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/basic-informations/timetable-and-reservation/hyperdia-perfect-guide-train-timetable-and-route-search-engine.html
Furano is outside Kitaca area and you cannot use it for the trip to Furano.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Thank you Takeshi San
No problem, Rosalind san.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi,
Will be traveling to Sapporo from 8/18 -8/22. Will the express train be available on these dates?
Thanks
Hi Farah,
Please find the info at the link below:
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/seasonal-trains-schedule/schedule-of-2015-summer-seasonal-trains-of-japan-railways.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
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!
Hi A. Ali,
Are you landing Hokkaido by flight or taking train from Tokyo to get Sapporo? If you take a flight, you may use Hokkaido rail pass.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-visitors/hokkaido-rail-pass-the-best-deal-for-rail-trip-in-hokkaido-for-oversea-visitors.html
But you have to take train many times. Otherwise single fare is cheaper. Before you choose the pass, you have to make the detailed plan and make sure how much you will travel by train.
If you take a train from Tokyo, JR pass is most recommended. But it’s quite far.
https://jprail.com/destinations/hokkaido-area/how-to-get-sapporo.html
In winter time, there is no direct train from Sapporo to Furano. You have to take express train to Takikawa and transfer to local train to Furano. You may get the timetable at hyperdia:
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/basic-informations/timetable-and-reservation/hyperdia-perfect-guide-train-timetable-and-route-search-engine.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Hello!
Quick question.
I will be traveling from Sapporo to Furano and Furano back to Sapporo.
Will we be able to use the Hokkaido rail pass if we were to take the express train to Takikawa then local train to Furano?
Since there will be no express train running to Furano in December
Thank you!
Hi A.Ali,
Of course you can. It gives you unlimited ride.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Can I bring a bicycle on the train? Its a full sized bicycle (not a foldable one).
Hi Jeremy,
No. It must be taken part and in the bag.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
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
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
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
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
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
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
Hi Lee Lai King,
Regarding booking, please see the following link:
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/tips-for-japan-rail-pass/how-to-reserve-seat.html
Basically you cannot purchase and book the train ticket at online without speaking Japanese.
And see the following link to get some ideas about other way to get Furano.
http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e6829.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail