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 Takeshi san. I am Marites and my family and I (around 5 of us) will be going to Japan on June 10-17. First we arrive in Tokyo (june10-13) and to hokkaido on June 14-17. In hokkaido we are planning to stay in Sapporo. What is best for us, to ride in a taxi or train if we wanted to go to otaro , furano and Sapporo beer tasting? What train is best for such a short visit?
Hi Marites,
I have no idea about the taxi fare so I cannot compare.
But train is very reliable and very convenient. You can find the timetable of Hokkaido trains in the link below:
http://www2.jrhokkaido.co.jp/global/english/ttable/index.html
Please see the link below to find the info about transportation in Sapporo.
http://www.sapporo.travel/learn/transportation/sapporo/?lang=en
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi san,
I’m so glad I found this website! I’m going to Sapporo May 10-17th, and I have a concern about going to Naka Furano to go to Farm Tomita. I’ve checked how to get there by train and found the JR train schedules for the Sapporo to Takikawa leg, and the Furano to Nakafurano leg, but I can’t find any timetable for the local JR Nemuro Main Line which I need to get the connection train from Takikawa to Furano. (Tomita’s website suggests going Sapporo-Takikawa- Furano-Nakafurano). Do you know where I can find this or what times do the trains run? I read your sample itinerary and I’ll probably use it to go to Furano but I’m not sure if there’ll be a connection train (From Furano to Takikawa) when I head back into Sapporo. I’ll probably leave Nakafurano on the 16:33 or 17:31 train, meaning I’ll be at Furano at 16:43 or 17:41. Alternatively, is it better to take the other route of going from Sapporo to Asahikawa station to Nakafurano station since we only need to change trains once (but it seems longer and 1530 yen more expensive per person) ? Also, is it easy to get a taxi to farm Tomita from nakafurano as my mother might not want to walk. Your advice will be greatly appreciated, this is the only problem I have in organizing my trip!
Hi Jessica san,
You can find the timetable in hyperdia:
https://jprail.com/category/destinations/kanto-area/mt-fuji-and-hakone
Train does not run very often between Takikawa and Furano. Nakafurano-Asahikawa-Sapporo route may be better.
Actually I have never got off at Nakafurano station. But there is no station staffs. You may not find any taxi there and might need to walk anyway.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi San,
I will be travelling to Hokkaido in August for 10 days. I will buy the 7-day Hokkaido Rail Pass and use it to go Otaru -> Noboribetsu. Then from Noboribetsu -> Hakadote. Then finally from Hakadote -> Sapporo. Each place i will stay a 2 days. On the 7th day, I want to take a day trip from Sapporo to Furano. May I know if the Furano Lavender Express is covered by the Hokkaido Rail Pass? What about the Furano-Norokko train? Is that covered too? If not, where can i buy and reserve seat for the Furano-Norokko train.
Thank you for your advise.
Hi Kato-san,
All trains which you want to ride are covered by Hokkaido Rail Pass. By the way, I think you can use Flex 4 days 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
You can pick any 4 days in 10 days period. It’s cheaper than 7 days pass and I think it’s enough for your trip.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Dear Takeshi-san,
I plan to visit Furano from Sapporo in July 23. I will buy JR Pass 7 days in advance. Do I need to book Furano Lavender Express /Furano Koyo Express in advance or I just come to Sapporo station and get on the train? In case I book in advance with reserved seat, do I need to pay extra fee? Thanks.
Hi DO HUY XUAN san,
I recommend you to book it in advance. You can book it at most of JR stations throughout Japan.
Reserved seat fee is covered by JR pass fully. You don’t need to pay any extra.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Can I purchase Hokkaido Rail Pass at Sapporo Chitose Airport. Please advise.
Hi Elise,
Yes, you can.
http://www2.jrhokkaido.co.jp/global/english/railpass/rail02.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hello,
I’m flying to Sapporo on May 7th from Tokyo early morning. Because Sakura will be in full bloom around that time in Hokkaido, I hope I get to view it. I wanted to visit Furano and Biei for flower fields but I read above that I may not be able to view it in early spring?
I will have JR pass and I’m planning to rent a bicycle in Biei. Planning to take the train back to Tokyo from Sapporo and wanted to stop at some stations. I’m not sure if we can squeeze Matsumae in our plan but can you suggest a few stops on our way back from Sapporo to Tokyo that might be worth looking? It takes about 9 hours by train to come back to Tokyo, so I was hoping if it’d be worth it to stop somewhere? I know I’m trying to pack a lot in such a short trip but if possible I’d like that.
Thank you in advance for taking your time to reply 🙂
Hi Shikha,
In early May, Furano and Biei do not have any flowers yet. If you expect to see flower field, you will be disappointed. It will be just brown and green. It may be chilly to take a bike in this season. If you are okay to see fresh spring green, you can go there.
Hakodate is Must-See place on the way to Tokyo. Matsumae is very popular to see cherry blossom but you have to take a bus to get there from Kikonai. There is no railway from Kikonai to Matsumae.
http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e5380.html
If cherry blossom season will be a bit behind the forecast, Kitakami is a nice place to drop by.
http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e5077.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hello!
I would like to ask about the JR Hokkaido Twinkle Bus (Bus tours that make the rounds to all the famous and scenic spots centering around Furano and Biei). Do you know when does it starts this year? Is is available every day starting from June 2017? Thank you.
Regards, Desrene
Hi Desrene,
At this point, there is no information. JR Hokkaido has not released any info yet. But in last season, the bus ran from July 2 to Aug 7 only. I think it will not be much different from last year. If you visit there in June, I don’t think you can take the bus.
I don’t know when JR Hokkaido will release the info. But last year, the info was came out in mid May.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JRPail.com
Thank you so much for the prompt reply!
What would then be the best way to travel around Furano in June?
Below are the places I would like to visit!
Furano:
Cheese Factory
Farm Tomita, Tomita Melon House
Popura Farm (Furano)
Flower Land Kamifurano
Kanno Farm, Shikisai No Oka 四季彩の丘, 拓真館
Biei: Patchwork no Michiパッチワークの路, Panorama Road パノラマロード, blue pond
Asahikawa: Asahidake Onsen, Asahikawa zoo and Daisetsuzan National Park
Is it ok to advise me?
Thank you!
Hi Desrene,
You have to drive or hire taxi to access to most of places in Furano. Some places can be accessed by train, such as Farm Tomita. But other places are too far to access by walk and there is no public transportation.
I have never used taxi for sightseeing in Furano. So I have no idea how much it will cost. But it will be very expensive. You will spend 10000 yen or more quickly if you take taxi.
You may use rental cycle in Biei.
You can access to Asahiyama zoo from Asahikawa by bus, and Daisetsuzan, Asahidake Onsen from Asahikawa station by bus too.
You may get some info at the link below:
http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e6825.html
http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e6775.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Mr. TAKESHI,
We plan to be in Sapporo from April 22-25,2017. Is it advisable to visit Furano and Biei during this time of the year? Will we be able to see anything worth while. We are planning to purchase a JR Pass.
Hi Mable,
It depends on what you expect to see. Late April is a sort of transition season. You may still be able to see snow there. It’s almost no chance to see flowers and fresh greens in this season. If you are okay to see a big country view of Hokkaido, Biei is a nice place. But if you expect to see spring or early summer scene, it’s not recommended.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Mr. Takeshi,
Thank you so much for your reply.
Could you please suggest an itinerary for us for these dates
being able to maximize the use of the JR Pass?
What about Noboribetsu? Is it worthwhile going there for 2 nights. Travelling from Sapporo?
It is a bit difficult for me to see the train route from Noboribetsu
to Tokyo Shinjuku. Can you please assist me with this?
Thank you so much
Hi Mable,
Noboribetsu is a good place to stay. It’s very well known Onsen town. You can get Noboribetsu Onsen from Noboribetsu station by bus. It takes 20 minutes to get Onsen from the station.
Hakodate is also highly recommended to visit. It’s my more favorite town in Hokkaido.
http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e6750.html
http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e5350.html
Timetable from Sapporo to Tokyo, Hakodate and Noboribetsu are located on the way.
http://www2.jrhokkaido.co.jp/global/english/ttable/01.pdf
Shinjuku is 15 minutes away from Tokyo station by local train.
I have visited both places a week ago. I will post my trip report sometimes in next week. You may find some more info from my trip report. Please stick around.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Do you know, or can you estimate based on previous years, what will be the first weekend of operation of these trains in 2017?
Hi Duncan,
Please see the links below:
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/seasonal-trains-schedule/schedule-of-2015-summer-seasonal-trains-of-japan-railways.html#Furano_Lavender_Express_Furano_Koyo_Express
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/seasonal-trains-schedule/schedule-of-2016-summer-seasonal-trains-of-japan-railways.html#Furano_Lavender_Express_Furano_Koyo_Express
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi,
My plans to Hokkaido.
June 7 leave morioka to furano
June 14 leave furano to narita airport ter 2 for homeward bound to singapore on ANA flight @ 5pm.
Please advise what is best option for me.
1. To get a JR rail pass – 7 days
(Now that I’m in japan, how to purchase it?)
2. To get JR EAST -south Hokkaido rail pass and then use local bus to travel to furano.
I hope to hear your suggestions.
Thank you
Susan
Hi Susan,
JR pass is better choice but there are some issues. First, you have to order online. I have never used online purchasing of JR pass. If you google it, you will find some companies. As I have never used it, I cannot recommend any companies. And also if you order JR pass online, you may not be able to receive until June 7th. Because you have to receive actual exchange order and use it to exchange actual JR pass.
So JR East south Hokkaido pass is more realistic. You can purchase it at Morioka station.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi takeshi San
Thank you for your prompt reply.
I google a website and it said it can deliver the exchange order in 2 days but I’m not sure if that is realistic considering that it is the weekend now.
In what way is the JR rail pass more suitable than JR east? Is it cost saving or more options on trains?
So if I decide to use JR east, how do I book my trip to furano? Does the JR east pass gives me option to travel the local lines in Hokkaido? I like the shortest option to reach furano.
By the way, is the JR office opens on Sunday in morioka? What is the opening hours?
Thank you for your help.
Susan
Hi Susan,
It’s because of cost. The difference in price is quite small between these two passes but JR pass covers trip to Furano from Sapporo. These two passes cover same trains. The differences are coverage area and price only.
You may book a ticket when you purchase/exchange the pass. Please see the link below to find the info about Morioka station hours.
http://www.jreasthokkaido.com/e/
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi takeshi San,
Please confirm that with JR rail pass I could travel from sapporo JR station to furano station now and not wait until summer?
Do I use the hyperdia to check on the trains schedule?
I just want to be sure that when I plan my return on 14 June to narita airport, I will not miss my flight at 5pm.
Also, If I have the exchange order I could exchange for the pass at morioka station.
Thank you.
Hi Susan,
Please see the links below:
http://www.japanrailpass.net/en/exchange.html
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/seasonal-trains-schedule/schedule-of-2016-summer-seasonal-trains-of-japan-railways.html#Furano_Lavender_Express_Furano_Koyo_Express
You can get Furano by other express train and local train.
http://www2.jrhokkaido.co.jp/global/english/ttable/index.html
It takes 8 hours to get Tokyo from Sapporo. And you will spend another one hour to get Narita from Tokyo. So you have to stay closer to Tokyo before departure day. You may check the timetable at Hyperdia. And also you can use JR Hokkaido timetable in the link above and JR East timetable in the link below:
http://www.eki-net.com/pc/jreast-shinkansen-reservation/english/wb/common/timetable/index.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com