In summer there are a couple of direct JR "Furano Lavender Express" limited express trains between Sapporo and Furano. The one way trip takes about two hours, costs 5440 yen and is fully covered by the Japan Rail Pass and Hokkaido Rail Pass. In 2026, they operate on weekends and national holidays between June 6 and September 23 and everyday from June 13 to August 11.
Seat reservations are required on all the limited express trains in Hokkaido.
The trip can also be made by local trains entirely, in which case an additional transfer is required along the way. Total travel time is about three hours, but the fare is only 3080 yen.
Useable from April 26 to October 13, 2025 (on sale until October 10), this ticket consists of a round trip by limited express train (unreserved seats) from Sapporo to Furano or Asahikawa, and unlimited train travel along the JR Furano Line between Furano and Asahikawa. The ticket is valid for up to four consecutive calendar days and costs 7790 yen if used from Sapporo.
By highway bus to Furano
2.5 h
¥2,700
Hokkaido Chuo Bus operates highway buses about every two hours between Sapporo (Sapporo Station Bus Terminal, Chuo Bus Terminal) and Furano Station. The trip takes 2.5 hours, costs 2700 yen one way or 5100 yen for a round trip. Seat reservations cannot be made.
By car
2-3 h
Furano is about a two hour drive from Sapporo, using the Doo Expressway between Sapporo and Mikasa (around 1500 yen in tolls). By toll-free roads, driving time increases by about 30 minutes.
Biei is about a 2.5 hour drive from central Sapporo, using the Doo Expressway between Sapporo and Asahikawa (around 4000 yen in tolls). By toll-free roads, driving time increases by about 30 minutes.
Above fees and schedules are subject to change. Be sure to check current yen exchange rates.
Getting around
Four municipalities, Furano City, Nakafurano Town, Kamifurano Town and Biei Town, make up the area commonly referred to as Furano and Biei.
Because attractions are spread over the entire region and public transportation is rather poor, a rental car is the recommended means for getting around. There are a few rental car outlets around Furano Station, and even more of them at Asahikawa Airport and in central Asahikawa.
Driving around Furano
Alternatively, cycling is an attractive way of getting around. Rental bicycles are available for typically 200 yen per hour for a regular bicycle and 600 yen per hour for an electrically powered bicycle. Do not underestimate distances. Furano and Biei, for example, are over 30 kilometers apart from each other.
The JR Furano Line connects Furano with Biei and Asahikawa. Trains run roughly once per hour, and the one way trip between Furano and Biei takes about 40 minutes, costs 800 yen and is covered by the Japan Rail Pass and Hokkaido Rail Pass.
During summer, the Furano-Biei Norokko, a special train for tourists, operates along the Furano Line. In 2026, there are three round trips on weekends and national holidays between June 6 and September 23 and everyday from June 13 to August 11. The train is covered by JR passes and carries nostalgic cars with wide windows. Seat reservations are mandatory. The train stops at the temporarily constructed Lavender-Batake Station, a short walk from Farm Tomita. Note that the train will be replaced by a different tourist train from 2027.
Furano-Biei Norokko
The bus network around Furano is rather poor, and many sights and flower farms are not served by public transportation, at all. One bus line of general interest is the Lavender-go bus, which connects Asahikawa Station with Asahikawa Airport, Biei and Furano every 1-2 hours.
Sightseeing buses are numerous around Furano, but a lot of them run only in summer and do not target foreign tourists or have reservation systems that are difficult to use.
Relatively easy to use by foreigners are the Biei View Buses, which run from early June to mid October (June 6, June 15 to October 3, and October 9-12, 2026). Starting and ending at Biei Station, these buses run twice per day around Biei. The tours take around three hours and cost approximately 5000 yen, although prices vary by travel date. Reservations can be made via the internet (until four business days in advance) or at the tourist information office in front of Biei Station on the day, as long as vacant seats are available.
A variety of tours around Furano and Biei are also offered through Klook.
Sightseeing buses waiting in front of Biei Station
Hotel Hanafuji Inn in Furano offers family rooms with air-conditioning, private bathrooms, and modern amenities. Each room includes a tea and coffee maker, refrigerator, and free toiletries.
Dining Experience
Guests can enjoy a continental breakfast with juice and fruits. The family-friendly restaurant serves American cuisine in a welcoming atmosphere.
Leisure Facilities
The hotel features a sun terrace, outdoor seating area, and lounge. Additional amenities include free WiFi, bicycle parking, and ski storage.
Convenient Location
Located 33 km from Asahikawa Airport, the property offers mountain views and easy access to skiing activities. Free on-site private parking is available.
Guest Satisfaction
Highly rated for its breakfast, room cleanliness, and attentive host.
Cottage Morino Nakamatachi in Furano offers family rooms with air-conditioning, private bathrooms, and fully equipped kitchens. Each room includes a dining table, work desk, and seating area.
Essential Facilities
Guests enjoy a garden and free WiFi. Additional amenities include bicycle parking, luggage storage, and free on-site private parking.
Convenient Location
Located 43 km from Asahikawa Airport, the lodge provides easy access to local attractions.
Guest Satisfaction
Highly rated for its friendly host, quiet rooms, and well-equipped kitchen.
Shooting Star the Bed & Breakfast in Furano offers 1-star guest house accommodations with air-conditioning, private bathrooms, and free WiFi. Each room includes a bath, hairdryer, yukata, TV, electric kettle, and free toiletries.
Leisure Facilities
Guests can enjoy a garden, hot tub, and shuttle service. Additional amenities include a seating area, tatami floors, and mountain views. Free bicycles are available for exploring the area.
Breakfast and Services
A highly rated breakfast is provided by the property. Daily housekeeping service ensures room cleanliness. Yoga classes are available for relaxation.
Location and Access
Located 37 km from Asahikawa Airport, the guest house is situated on a quiet street with mountain views. Free on-site private parking is available.
Fenix West in Furano offers spacious rooms with air-conditioning, balconies, and private bathrooms. Guests enjoy free WiFi, streaming services, and modern amenities including a kitchenette and washing machine.
Dining Experience
The on-site restaurant serves lunch in a modern ambience. Additional facilities include a coffee shop and laundry service, ensuring convenience for all visitors.
Convenient Location
Located 42 km from Asahikawa Airport, Fenix West provides free on-site private parking. The property is highly rated for its room comfort, size, and attentive staff.
FURANO B&B in Furano offers air-conditioned rooms with private bathrooms, free WiFi, and garden views. Each room includes a refrigerator, TV, and electric kettle.
Convenient Facilities
Guests can relax in the lounge or enjoy the garden. The property provides free on-site private parking, ski storage, and a continental breakfast with warm dishes and juice.
Activities and Location
Skiing is available nearby. Asahikawa Airport is 42 km away. The quiet street offers a peaceful environment.
A 10-minute taxi ride from JR Furano Train Station, the completely non-smoking Pension Lavender offers a homely lounge with a wood-burning stove and a large flat-screen TV. The heated rooms have free Wi-Fi.
The simply furnished, Western-style rooms at Lavender Pension have a lamp and a nightstand. All rooms have a shower room and toilet.
The pension is within a 5-minute walk of the Furano Ski Resort's Kitanomine Zone and a 25-minute drive from Farm Tomita. Asahigaoka Park is 1.7 km away. On-site parking is free.
Free black tea and coffee are provided at the lounge, and the terrace offers mountain views. You can use the free Wi-Fi, and slippers are provided. Luggage storage is available at the front desk and safe deposit is available in each room.
A Western breakfast set is served at the dining room, which has tall windows.
Just a 1-minute walk from Kita-no-Mine Gondola Station at Furano Ski Resort, Chalet Fuyuri offers apartment-style accommodations with a living room and kitchen. Free wired Wi-Fi is available and guests can sit on the spacious sofa and watch DVDs on the flat-screen TV. A free shuttle is available from JR Furano Train Station, which is a 10-minute drive away.
The air-conditioned apartments have a balcony, a dining area and a loft. An all-in-one washer/dryer is provided, while the full kitchen comes with a stove, a microwave, a toaster and a fridge. Guests can cook their own meals using the provided kitchenware and electric kettle. Bathrobes and slippers come with the en suite bathroom.
Outdoor activities such as rafting, fishing and hot air balloon rides can be arranged at the front desk. Rental laptops are available and guests can request for a free shuttle to tour Furano city.
Fuyuri Chalet is a 15-minute drive from Furano Cheese Factory and Furano Wine Factory.
No meals are served.
Winery Hotel and Condominium HITOHANA in Furano offers family rooms with air-conditioning, private bathrooms, and mountain views. Each room includes a balcony or terrace, free WiFi, and modern amenities such as a refrigerator and TV.
Exceptional Facilities
Guests enjoy ski-to-door access, free bicycle use, and a restaurant serving French and local cuisines. Additional facilities include a lounge, public bath, lift, 24-hour front desk, concierge service, and free on-site private parking.
Delicious Breakfast
A buffet breakfast is served daily, featuring local specialities, warm dishes, fresh pastries, pancakes, fruits, and juice. The child-friendly buffet caters to families with young children.
Prime Location
Located 42 km from Asahikawa Airport, the hotel is highly rated for its attentive staff, excellent breakfast, and laundry services.
Nozo Hotel in Furano offers family rooms with air-conditioning, private bathrooms, and modern amenities. Each room includes a work desk, refrigerator, and free toiletries.
Wellness and Leisure
Guests can relax at the spa and wellness centre, sauna, and fitness centre. The terrace and open-air bath provide outdoor spaces, while the restaurant serves Japanese, sushi, and international cuisines.
Convenient Location
Located 42 km from Asahikawa Airport, the hotel is near skiing and cycling activities. Free WiFi is available throughout the property.
Guest Satisfaction
Highly rated for its attentive staff, comfortable rooms, and excellent service support.
Hotel Munin Furano in Furano offers family rooms with air-conditioning, bidet, and free WiFi. Each room includes a work desk, TV, and electric kettle.
Relaxing Facilities
Guests can enjoy a garden, terrace, open-air bath, and on-site restaurant. Additional amenities include a lounge, public bath, lift, daily housekeeping, and free private parking.
Convenient Location
Located 42 km from Asahikawa Airport, the hotel provides skiing activities. Nearby attractions include Kitanomine Ski Resort and Furano Ski Resort.
Guest Satisfaction
Highly rated for its attentive staff, comfortable rooms, and communal lounge.
