The Ultimate Guide to the Furano Lavender Express: Sapporo to Furano Day Trip
When summer arrives in Hokkaido, the island’s central valleys undergo a spectacular transformation. The rolling hills of Furano and Biei burst into vibrant ribbons of purple, pink, yellow, and red, drawing visitors from across the globe to witness some of Japan’s most iconic flower fields. For international travelers basing themselves in Hokkaido's capital, a day trip to these floral landscapes is a must.
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Josh K
6/10/20266 min read
While renting a car or taking a highway bus are options, there is no more quintessential or relaxing way to travel in Japan than by rail. Usually, getting from Sapporo to Furano requires taking a limited express train to Takikawa or Asahikawa and then transferring to a slower local line—a journey that can stretch to around three hours. However, during the peak summer months, Hokkaido Railway Company (JR Hokkaido) operates a special, direct seasonal service: The Furano Lavender Express.
This specialized tourist train bypasses the need for transfers, whisking you directly from Sapporo to Furano in under two hours. In this comprehensive guide, we will break down everything you need to know about riding the Furano Lavender Express, including the train's unique features, which rail passes cover the journey, and the crucial steps for securing a seat reservation as an international traveler.
What is the Furano Lavender Express?
The Furano Lavender Express is a seasonal Limited Express train that operates primarily between June and September, aligning perfectly with the blooming season of Hokkaido's famous lavender fields. Rather than utilizing standard commuter rolling stock, the railway deploys a specialized multipurpose limited express train set affectionately known as the "Lavender Formation."
As the train pulls into Sapporo Station, you will immediately recognize it by its striking design: a sleek front end painted in a deep, vibrant purple that mirrors the destination's famous flora. The train is built for comfort, scenery, and a touch of luxury, making the transit itself a memorable part of your Hokkaido itinerary.
Onboard Amenities and Experience The Lavender Formation is a five-car train designed with the scenic traveler in mind. Here is what you can expect once you step aboard:
The Lounge Car (Car 1): The standout feature of this train is its dedicated lounge car, known as the "Furano Lounge." It features beautiful brown-toned seating with a mix of spacious box seats centered around large tables (perfect for families or groups) and window-facing counter seats. These counter seats offer uninterrupted, panoramic views of the passing countryside. The lounge car is a shared space for all passengers to enjoy freely during the journey.
Passenger Carriages (Cars 2-5): The main passenger cars are outfitted in purple upholstery with multi-colored back cushions to evoke the feeling of a blooming flower field. The legroom is notably generous, accommodating international travelers comfortably.
Modern Conveniences: For those looking to keep their devices charged for a heavy day of photography, every seat is equipped with a power outlet. Free onboard Wi-Fi is also available throughout the train.
Memorabilia: During the ride, train staff often distribute commemorative boarding certificates, which make for a lovely, free souvenir. You can also purchase limited-edition memorabilia and snacks—including lavender-flavored ice cream—from the onboard service to get you in the mood for your destination.
The Route: From Urban Sapporo to Pastoral Furano
The train departs from Sapporo Station in the morning, typically running one outward journey and one return journey in the late afternoon.
Leaving the urban sprawl of Sapporo, the train heads northeast along the main rail line, stopping at Iwamizawa and Takikawa. At Takikawa, the train shifts onto a secondary line, heading east into the heart of the island. This is where the scenery truly begins to shine. The tracks follow the meandering path of the Sorachi River, weaving through lush, green mountains and skirting the edges of the pristine Lake Takisato.
The journey takes approximately 1 hour and 50 minutes, providing a smooth, scenic transition from the concrete grid of Sapporo to the wide-open skies and patchwork farms of the Furano basin.
Rail Passes: Maximizing Your Budget
Taking the Furano Lavender Express without a pass costs around ¥4,690 to ¥5,220 one-way depending on seasonality and seat charges, meaning a round trip will set you back over ¥10,000. Fortunately, this train is classified as a Limited Express, which means it is fully covered by several rail passes designed specifically for international tourists.
Covers Lavender Express?
Nationwide JR Pass: Multi-region itineraries across Japan (7, 14, or 21 days)
Hokkaido Rail Pass: Island-wide exploration of Hokkaido (5 or 7 days)
Sapporo-Furano Area Pass: Regional day trips from Sapporo (4 days)
If you are staying in the Sapporo area and only doing regional day trips, the Sapporo-Furano Area Pass offers incredible value. Because a standard round-trip ticket from Sapporo to Furano costs about the same as the pass itself, the pass pays for itself in just one day trip. Furthermore, it covers your airport transfer from New Chitose Airport, as well as trips to Otaru, Asahikawa, and Biei.
Also check these guides:
6-Day Hokkaido Itinerary Using the JR Regional Pass: Explore Hokkaido by Train
Best Family-Friendly Hotels in Sapporo – Top 3 Picks for 2026
How to Reserve a Seat: A Guide for International Travelers
Crucial Warning: The Furano Lavender Express is an All-Reserved-Seat train. There are no unreserved cars. Even if you hold a valid rail pass, you cannot simply board the train and flash your pass. You must secure a designated seat ticket prior to boarding. Because this train operates only once or twice a day during peak tourist season, seats sell out incredibly fast.
Here is exactly how international travelers can secure their spot:
Method 1: Reserving in Person at a Ticket Office
To ensure you get a seat, make your reservation the moment you exchange your voucher for your actual rail pass at New Chitose Airport or Sapporo Station.
Locate the main Ticket Office at the station (look for the green seat icon).
Present your valid rail pass to the attendant.
State your travel date and request a seat on the "Furano Lavender Express" from Sapporo to Furano, as well as your return trip.
The attendant will issue a paper reserved-seat ticket at no extra charge. You must carry both your pass and this seat ticket to board.
Method 2: Using a Reserved Seat Ticket Machine
If the ticket office line is too long, look for the automated ticket machines that feature an illuminated passport reader.
1.Change the Language:
Tap the language button on the top right of the screen and select English.
2. Select Rail Pass Reservation:
Choose the option on the main menu designated for "Seat Reservation with Rail Pass."
3.Scan Your Pass:
Scan the QR code on your active rail pass using the machine's built-in reader. You may also be prompted to input your passport number for verification.
4.Input Route Details:
Enter your departure station (Sapporo) and arrival station (Furano), along with your intended date and approximate time of travel.
5. Select the Train:
Choose the "Furano Lavender Express" from the generated list of available trains.
6.Choose Your Seat:
Use the digital carriage map to select an open seat.
7.Print Your Ticket:Do not forget your return trip.
The machine will dispense your paper reserved-seat ticket. It is highly recommended to immediately repeat this process to book your return journey from Furano to Sapporo to ensure you are not stranded in the evening.
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Perfecting Your Furano Itinerary
Arriving in Furano is only the beginning of your floral adventure. The Furano Lavender Express typically arrives at Furano Station by mid-morning. From here, you have excellent options to explore the wider region.
Connect to the Furano-Biei Norokko Train To reach Farm Tomita (the most famous lavender farm in the area), do not leave Furano Station. Instead, transfer to the Furano-Biei Norokko Train. This is another special seasonal tourist train that travels at a leisurely pace along the local branch line.
The Norokko train features open-air windows and wooden bench seating facing outwards toward the landscape. It takes you directly to Lavender-Batake Station— a temporary, seasonal station constructed exclusively for the summer months. From this temporary platform, Farm Tomita is only a seven-minute walk away. Best of all, riding the Norokko train is also fully covered by all the rail passes mentioned above.
Explore Biei and the Blue Pond If you have energy left after exploring the lavender fields, you can take the local train further up the line to Biei Station. Biei is renowned for its "Patchwork Road," a series of rolling hills covered in different crops that look like a massive quilt. From Biei Station, frequent local buses run to the Shirogane Blue Pond, a stunning, mystical body of bright blue water containing half-submerged silver birch trees.
After a full day of sightseeing, you can catch a local train back to Furano Station, grab a quick dinner of famous Furano curry, and board the afternoon Furano Lavender Express for a restful, direct journey back to your hotel in Sapporo.
Taking a day trip from Sapporo to Furano doesn't have to mean stressful transfers or navigating local bus schedules in Japanese. By utilizing the Furano Lavender Express, international travelers can seamlessly inject a touch of comfort and style into their journey. Just remember the golden rules: purchase a regional rail pass to save money, and lock in those mandatory seat reservations the moment you arrive in Japan. Sit back, enjoy the lounge car, and let Hokkaido’s spectacular summer scenery come to you.