Timetable, Fares, and Ticket Purchasing Information for the "FURANO BIEI NOROKKO TRAIN"

This article provides information on the JR Hokkaido sightseeing train "FURANO BIEI NOROKKO TRAIN", which connects Asahikawa Station/Biei Station to Furano Station, including its 2026 schedule, fares, stopping stations, all reserved seats, and how to purchase tickets. The train is scheduled to have its final day of operation on September 23, 2026.

The information in this article is current as of July 2026. Operating days, times, fares, and ticket conditions may change, so please check the latest information on Ekitan or the JR Hokkaido official website before using the service.

The "FURANO BIEI NOROKKO TRAIN" is a JR Hokkaido sightseeing train that connects Asahikawa Station, Biei Station, and Furano Station via the Furano Line. It operates mainly during the lavender season, allowing passengers to enjoy the scenery of Furano and Biei. The name "Norokko" is a portmanteau of "noroi" (slow) and "torokko" (trolley). It stops at the temporary Lavender Field Station, from which you can walk to Farm Tomita. The train includes passenger cars with large windows that can be opened, allowing you to feel the breeze as you travel. Since it only operates on summer days, you need to check the operating dates if you plan to ride it. There are other trains with similar names and destinations, so it is a good idea to check the train name and destination on the departure information display before boarding.

What is Furano-Biei Norokko?

The "FURANO BIEI NOROKKO TRAIN" is a sightseeing train designed to allow passengers to enjoy the lavender fields of Furano and the rolling hills of Biei. The Furano Line runs from Asahikawa Station through Biei to Furano Station. Along the line, lavender fields and gently rolling hills stretch out. Lavender Field Station is a temporary station that is only open during the lavender season. The Norokko train's passenger cars are pulled by a diesel locomotive.

Train Features and Popular Points

The charm of the "FURANO BIEI NOROKKO TRAIN" lies in the fact that you can slowly enjoy the scenery of lavender fields and the hills of Biei. Because it travels at a leisurely pace, you can savor the scenery. The windows of the passenger cars are large and open, allowing you to feel the summer breeze as you travel. From Lavender Field Station, you can access Farm Tomita on foot. The lavender fields at Farm Tomita are at their best in mid-July. The hills of Biei are known for their landscape of patchwork-like fields. The Blue Pond is a world-renowned landscape that represents Biei. Information about points of interest along the route may be provided on board. Checking the stopping stations and travel time before boarding will make it easier to plan an itinerary that includes stops along the way. The impression of the scenery from the train window changes greatly depending on the season, so it is recommended to choose the time of year according to your purpose.

Timetable for the "FURANO BIEI NOROKKO TRAIN"

The "FURANO BIEI NOROKKO TRAIN" will operate on designated days from June to September 2026, with its final run scheduled for September 23, 2026. Trains 1 and 6 will depart from and arrive at Asahikawa Station, while trains 2 through 5 will depart from and arrive at Biei Station.

Downbound (towards Furano Station) Timetable

Timetable for Northbound Trains (towards Asahikawa Station)

The "FURANO BIEI NOROKKO TRAIN" operates only on summer days. Since the schedule may change depending on the season and timetable revisions, it's best to check the latest schedule on the Ekitan website before boarding. Because the number of trains is limited, be sure to check the round-trip schedule when planning your itinerary. If you have connecting trains or buses, choose connections that allow ample time from your arrival time for peace of mind.

• Limited Express Price, Ticket and Timetable - Ekitan

Important Information Regarding Operating Days and Service Suspensions

The "FURANO BIEI NOROKKO TRAIN" is a train with limited operating days, primarily during the summer months. Operating days and sections may vary from year to year. Stops at Lavender Field Station are limited to its operating period.

Operating Section of the "FURANO BIEI NOROKKO TRAIN"

Main Sections

• Asahikawa Station to Biei Station (Furano Line)
• Biei Station to Nakafurano Station (Furano Line)
• Nakafurano Station to Furano Station (Furano Line)

Lavender Field Station is a temporary station that serves as the closest stop to Farm Tomita. Farm Tomita is a representative lavender field of Furano. The best time to see the lavender is usually around mid-July. In the hills of Biei, there are scenic routes such as Patchwork Road and Panorama Road. The Blue Pond is a pond with a fantastical cobalt blue surface. Furano is also known as the setting for television dramas. At Furano Cheese Factory, you can experience making cheese. Since getting to nearby tourist attractions is mainly done by bus or on foot, it is a good idea to check the local transportation options in advance. There may be a tourist information center near the station where you can get maps and brochures. For lines with limited service, it is a good idea to check the return train and bus schedules as well.

Stations Where the "FURANO BIEI NOROKKO TRAIN" Stops

Main Stopping Stations

• Asahikawa Station
• Biei Station
• Kamifurano Station
• Lavender Field Station (Temporary Station)
• Nakafurano Station
• Furano Station

The stations the train stops at may vary depending on the train and the day of operation.

Fares for the "FURANO BIEI NOROKKO TRAIN"

Representative Section Fares

All seats are reserved. You will need both a train ticket and a reserved seat ticket to board.

Breakdown of Train Ticket and Reserved Seat Fare

The "FURANO BIEI NOROKKO TRAIN" is all reserved seating. In addition to your regular train ticket, you will need a reserved seat ticket. There are no unreserved seats. Reserved seats can be purchased at Midori-no-madoguchi, Eki-net (online ticketing service), or through ticketless seat reservation services.

About Lavender Field Station

"Lavender Field Station" is a temporary station that is only open during lavender season. Farm Tomita is accessible on foot from the station. As it is a temporary station, only a limited number of trains stop there. The opening period varies from year to year, so be sure to check in advance.

How to Buy Tickets for the "FURANO BIEI NOROKKO TRAIN"

Eki-net (Internet Reservation)

You can reserve seats on JR Hokkaido's sightseeing trains through online reservation services such as "Eki-net." Reserved seats go on sale one month prior to the travel date at 10:00 AM. When making a reservation, you specify the travel date, route, train name, and number of passengers, and then select your seats. Payment can be made by credit card, and cash is also accepted depending on the purchase method. Changes and refunds after booking are subject to conditions and fees.

 

 

Reserved Seat Ticket Machines and Midori-no-madoguchi

You can also purchase reserved seat tickets at the station's reserved seat ticket vending machines and Midori-no-madoguchi. Since these trains only operate on limited days, be sure to check the operating dates before purchasing. Ticket vending machines often support multiple languages, making them easy to use even if you don't understand Japanese. At the ticket office, simply tell the staff your destination and desired departure time, and they will guide you to the appropriate train. Ticket offices can get crowded during peak seasons, so it's best to go with plenty of time to spare.

Travel Agencies

Major travel agencies offer travel packages that combine sightseeing in Furano and Biei with train travel.

How to Buy for Foreign Tourists

The "FURANO BIEI NOROKKO TRAIN" is operated by JR Hokkaido, so it can be used with the JR Pass or Hokkaido Rail Pass. Even when using a pass, you will need to obtain a separate seat reservation ticket if you wish to use a reserved seat. Some station ticket offices offer information in foreign languages. Special tickets for international tourists may have limited purchase conditions and sales locations, so it is advisable to check before traveling.

Do I need to get a physical ticket?

Even if you purchase your tickets online, you may still need to pick up a paper ticket at a designated ticket vending machine at the station. If you need to pick up a paper ticket, it's best to do so with plenty of time to spare, rather than right before boarding. Tickets cannot be reissued if lost, so please keep them safe during your journey.

Can I use contactless payment with an IC card or credit card?

There are sections of the Furano Line where IC cards cannot be used. It is advisable to prepare to purchase tickets with cash or from a ticket vending machine. While some transportation IC cards can be used across regions due to the nationwide interoperability service, the usable area is determined by each railway company, so be sure to check in advance whether your journey is within their service area.

Contactless payment via credit card is not available for boarding at ticket gates.

*Please note that you cannot board the train using only an IC card. A reserved seat ticket must be purchased separately.

Seat Information for the "FURANO BIEI NOROKKO TRAIN"

Seat Types

The "FURANO BIEI NOROKKO TRAIN" operates with passenger cars that have large windows that can be opened. Since the number of seats is limited, it is best to book early once your travel dates are decided. You may be able to choose between a window seat or an aisle seat when booking. If you want to sit together with your travel companions, booking together makes it easier to secure adjacent seats.

Distinctive Seating

The passenger cars have large, open windows, allowing you to enjoy the scenery while feeling the summer breeze. The seats are wooden box seats, giving the train a retro feel. Seats on the lavender field side offer stunning views of the vibrant landscape. The train travels at a slow speed, making it ideal for taking photographs. The scenery changes depending on the direction of travel, so it's a good idea to check your seat location when making a reservation. Window seats are best for those who want to enjoy the scenery, while aisle seats are better for those who prioritize ease of boarding and alighting. For longer journeys, it's recommended to check your seat location in advance before making a reservation for a more comfortable experience.

Large Luggage Storage Area

Space for large luggage is limited. Large items will need to be placed in the space at your feet.

Barrier-Free Facilities

There are steps in the passenger cars. If you will be using a wheelchair, it is recommended to contact JR Hokkaido in advance. The availability of multi-purpose rooms and wheelchair-accessible facilities may vary depending on the car and train set.

 

 

Ekiben (Station Bento Boxes) and In-Train Gourmet Food to Enjoy on the "FURANO BIEI NOROKKO TRAIN"

On the "FURANO BIEI NOROKKO TRAIN", snacks, drinks, and souvenirs may be sold on board. In Furano, melon and lavender soft serve ice cream are specialties. In Biei, you can enjoy dishes made with local vegetables. Furano wine and cheese are also popular souvenirs. Onboard sales vary depending on the train and season, so it's best to prepare drinks and snacks before boarding. Station shops may have limited operating hours, so it's a good idea to stop by early. When eating or drinking on board, please be considerate of others by avoiding foods with strong odors. Please dispose of empty containers and trash in the trash cans on board or at the station after disembarking.

Points to Note When Riding the "FURANO BIEI NOROKKO TRAIN"

The "FURANO BIEI NOROKKO TRAIN" operates only on summer days, so be sure to check the operating dates before planning your trip. The best time to see the lavender varies depending on the weather each year. Lavender Field Station is a temporary station, so only a limited number of trains stop there. Because the windows are open, you may be affected by wind and rain depending on the weather. Furano and Biei are very crowded during lavender season. Before boarding, be sure to check the train name, car number, and seat number written on your ticket. If you are bringing large luggage, please use the luggage racks or overhead compartments so as not to block the aisle. Onboard, it is good manners to keep phone calls to a minimum so as not to disturb other passengers.

Since the number of trains is limited, be sure to check the return train schedule as well. Before boarding, check the train service status for the day on Ekitan or the railway company's official website.

Summary

The "FURANO BIEI NOROKKO TRAIN" is a JR Hokkaido sightseeing train connecting Asahikawa/Biei with Furano. It operates during the lavender season and provides direct access to Farm Tomita from a temporary station. Since it only operates on summer days, be sure to check the operating dates before boarding.

Enjoy Hokkaido's summer aboard the "FURANO BIEI NOROKKO TRAIN", enveloped in the scent of lavender.

Ekitan Travel Media Editorial Department

The Ekitan Travel Media editorial team provides information on transportation in Japan, including Shinkansen (bullet trains), regular trains, intercity travel, and access to tourist destinations. We also offer easy-to-understand travel information for international visitors to Japan.
This article is published by Ekitan Co., Ltd., the provider of the train transfer information service "Ekitan," and is based on Japanese railway and transportation information. Ekitan's website and app are used by over 10 million users per month.