"FURANO LAVENDER EXPRESS" Timetable, Fares, and How to Buy Tickets

This article provides information on the JR Hokkaido seasonal limited express train "FURANO LAVENDER EXPRESS", which connects Sapporo Station and Furano Station, including its timetable, fares, stations where it stops, seating information, how to buy tickets, whether ticketing is required, and IC card compatibility. Please note that operating days, times, and fares may change, so please check the latest information on Ekitan or the JR Hokkaido official website before using the service.

"FURANO LAVENDER EXPRESS" is a seasonal limited express train connecting Sapporo Station and Furano Station via the Hakodate Main Line and Nemuro Main Line. In 2026, it will be operated using the 261 series 5000 series "Lavender" train set, and all seats are reserved. It does not pass through Asahikawa Station or Lavender Field Station on the Furano Line.

What is "FURANO LAVENDER EXPRESS"?

"FURANO LAVENDER EXPRESS" is a seasonal express train that allows you to travel from Sapporo to Furano without changing trains. It operates mainly during the peak tourist season in Furano and Biei. It is a different train from the "Furano-Biei Norokko-go" which runs between Asahikawa and Furano via the Furano Line.

Train Features and Popular Points

The appeal of "FURANO LAVENDER EXPRESS" lies in the fact that passengers can enjoy the beautiful scenery of the lavender fields along the Furano Line and the rolling hills of Biei from the train windows. A temporary station called "Lavender Field Station" is set up only during the operating season, serving as the closest station to Farm Tomita and attracting many tourists. At Farm Tomita, passengers can enjoy lavender picking and fragrant local products such as lavender soft serve ice cream. The area around Nakafurano Station is also dotted with lavender fields, including Farm Tomita, and there are tourist farms that can be accessed on foot from the station. Even just strolling around the station area allows you to spend a special time surrounded by the scent of lavender. It is also an area with plenty of great subjects for travelers who want to enjoy photography.

Timetable for "FURANO LAVENDER EXPRESS"

Southbound (towards Furano) Timetable

Northbound (towards Sapporo) Timetable

"FURANO LAVENDER EXPRESS" operates several round trips a day between Sapporo Station and Furano Station during the summer season. "Lavender Field Station" is a temporary station that is only open during the operating season and is used by many tourists as the closest station to Farm Tomita.

Important Information Regarding Operating Days and Service Suspensions

"FURANO LAVENDER EXPRESS" operates only during the summer season, and its operating period and days vary from year to year. Since the operating period is set according to the lavender blooming status, it is important to check the operating period in advance if you wish to use it. In case of severe weather, service may be suspended on the Furano Line, so it is advisable to check the service information for the day of travel.

Operating Sections of "FURANO LAVENDER EXPRESS"

Main Sections

• Sapporo Station ~ Iwamizawa Station ~ Takikawa Station ~ Ashibetsu Station ~ Furano Station (via Hakodate Main Line and Nemuro Main Line)

Furano Station is the central station of Furano City, known for its lavender tourism and winter sports. The area around Biei Station, along the way, is known for its beautiful rural scenery of rolling hills called the Patchwork Hills. The Biei hills are dotted with photogenic spots such as the Blue Pond and the Patchwork Hills, attracting many tourists. The Blue Pond, with its mystical cobalt blue surface, is a popular tourist destination and can be accessed by bus from Biei Station. In addition to Farm Tomita, there are several other lavender tourist farms scattered around, including Kanno Farm and Lavender East Tomita. The Furano-Biei area is located in the geographical center, sometimes called the "navel of Hokkaido," and is relatively easily accessible from various parts of the prefecture.

Stations Where "FURANO LAVENDER EXPRESS" Stops

Main Stops

• Sapporo Station
• Iwamizawa Station
• Takikawa Station
• Ashibetsu Station
• Furano Station

Access to Popular Tourist Destinations from Furano Station

To get from Furano Station to Farm Tomita or the flower fields of Nakafurano, you can combine JR local trains, tour buses, regular buses, and taxis. Lavender Field Station is a temporary station that is only open during certain periods, and its operating days and trains that stop there are limited. If you plan to visit the Blue Pond or the hills of Biei, you will also need to factor in travel time from Furano Station to Biei Station. Roads in Furano and Biei tend to be congested in the summer, so be sure to check bus reservation availability and the last departure times in advance. Travelers with a lot of luggage can use coin lockers at the station or luggage storage at their accommodation to make sightseeing easier.

Fares for "FURANO LAVENDER EXPRESS"

Representative Section Fare

Breakdown of Basic Fare Ticket and Reserved Seat Fare

"FURANO LAVENDER EXPRESS" is a limited express train, so a basic fare ticket and a limited express reserved seat ticket are required. There are no unreserved seats.

Boarding and Alighting at Lavender Field Station

"FURANO LAVENDER EXPRESS" does not stop at Lavender Field Station. If you are going to Farm Tomita, please check how to transfer to a Furano Line train at Furano Station or another station.

Recommended 1-Night, 2-Day Itinerary

On the first day, we will travel from Sapporo Station to Furano Station on "FURANO LAVENDER EXPRESS", and in the afternoon we will visit Farm Tomita and the flower fields of Nakafurano before staying overnight in Furano City. On the second day, we will choose a location appropriate for the season from among Biei Hills, Shirogane Blue Pond, Ningle Terrace, etc., and return to Sapporo in the evening. If using a tour bus, please allow ample time between the train arrival time and the meeting time.

• Limited Express Fare, Ticket and Timetable - Ekitan

How to Buy Tickets for "FURANO LAVENDER EXPRESS"

Eki-net - JR Hokkaido Official App

JR East's "Eki-net" and JR Hokkaido's reservation service allow you to purchase reserved seat tickets using a credit card. Due to the peak season, early reservations are recommended during peak times.

Reserved Seat Ticket Machines and Midori-no-madoguchi

You can purchase your basic fare ticket and limited express reserved seat ticket at the station's reserved seat ticket vending machines or Midori-no-madoguchi. Since all seats are reserved, please reserve your seat before boarding.

Travel Agencies

Major travel agencies also handle reserved seat tickets for "FURANO LAVENDER EXPRESS" and tour packages that include lavender viewing.

How to Buy for Foreign Tourists

"FURANO LAVENDER EXPRESS" can be used with eligible JR Pass or JR Hokkaido passes. All seats are reserved, so please reserve your seat before boarding.

Reservation and Pass Usage Procedures for Foreign Tourists

When making a reservation, search for trains from Sapporo Station to Furano Station on JR Hokkaido's foreign language website and select a seat with all reserved seating. As this is a seasonal train, days not displayed on the search screen may not be operating days. For products that require receiving a paper ticket after booking, please have your reservation number, the credit card used, and your passport ready. Even if you meet the eligibility requirements for the JR Pass or JR Hokkaido Rail Pass, you must reserve a reserved seat before boarding. IC cards cannot be used between Takikawa Station and Furano Station, so travelers without a pass will need to prepare a paper ticket and a limited express reserved seat ticket for the entire section.

 

 

Do I need to get a physical ticket?

Even if you purchase your tickets through an online reservation service, in most cases you will need to pick them up at a designated ticket vending machine at the station before boarding.

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

You cannot use only a transportation IC card for the entire journey from Sapporo Station to Furano Station. Please purchase a basic fare ticket and a limited express reserved seat ticket in advance.

Contactless payment via credit card is not available for boarding this train on its route.

Seat Information for "FURANO LAVENDER EXPRESS"

Seat Type

"FURANO LAVENDER EXPRESS" will operate in 2026 using the 261 series 5000 series "Lavender" train set, and all seats will be reserved. There will be no unreserved seats.

Distinctive Seating

In 2026, the train will be operated using the 261 series 5000 series "Lavender" train set. Car No. 1 will have a free space called the Lavender Lounge. The train set may be subject to change.

Large Luggage Storage Area

There is space provided within the train for storing luggage.

Barrier-Free Facilities

If you wish to use wheelchair-accessible facilities, please check with JR Hokkaido before boarding. Facilities and usage conditions may vary due to changes in train cars, etc.

How to Use the Lounge, Wi-Fi, and Luggage Facilities

The 261 series 5000 series trains have reserved seats in standard class cars as well as a Lavender Lounge that can be used freely. Please share the lounge with others and do not occupy it for extended periods while leaving your luggage there. Wi-Fi and power outlets are available on board, but the connection may be unstable in mountainous areas. The large luggage compartment and luggage racks are on a first-come, first-served basis, so please keep your valuables with you until you reach your seat.

Flowering Season and Clothing Tips

The best time to see lavender varies depending on the weather and variety. If your main purpose is to see the flower fields, please check the official website for the blooming status. Furano can get chilly in the mornings and evenings even in summer, so it's a good idea to bring a light jacket. Some areas in the fields have little shade, so bring a hat, sunscreen, and comfortable walking shoes.

Enjoy Bento Boxes and In-Train Gourmet Food on "FURANO LAVENDER EXPRESS"

This train does not offer onboard sales service. If you wish to enjoy a meal, it is recommended to purchase bento boxes or other food items in advance at the station bento shops or stalls around Asahikawa Station or Furano Station. Around Furano Station, there are plenty of restaurants where you can enjoy local delicacies such as Furano melon and omurice curry. Although not sold on board, Asahikawa Station has a wide selection of restaurants where you can enjoy Hokkaido cuisine, including Asahikawa ramen. Around Furano Station, there are also many restaurants serving local specialties such as Furano omurice curry.

Food to Enjoy in Furano

Before boarding, we recommend preparing bento boxes and drinks at Sapporo Station, and upon arrival in Furano, enjoying local cuisine such as omurice curry, cheese, milk, melon, and wine. Restaurants around the flower fields tend to get crowded during lunchtime in the summer, so it's a good idea to have several dining options in mind. Choose food that is easy to carry to eat on the train, and be sure to check how to keep any fresh produce purchased during sightseeing cool.

Points to Note When Riding "FURANO LAVENDER EXPRESS"

"FURANO LAVENDER EXPRESS" operates only during the summer season, so be sure to check the operating period and times in advance if you wish to use it. The peak season for lavender tourism is extremely crowded, so we recommend booking your reserved seat early. Many travelers also choose to rent bicycles to freely explore the Furano and Biei areas. Checking the lavender blooming status in advance through official information from Farm Tomita will make your trip more satisfying.

If you get off at Lavender Field Station, checking the schedules for the next trains in both directions will help you make the most of your sightseeing time. Even in summer, it can get chilly in the mornings and evenings, so it's a good idea to bring something to wear over your clothes.

Summary

"FURANO LAVENDER EXPRESS" is a seasonal limited express train connecting Sapporo Station and Furano Station. In 2026, all seats are reserved, and both a basic fare ticket and a limited express reserved seat ticket are required. Please check the operating dates and times in advance and reserve your seat early.

Enjoy a special summer trip through Hokkaido aboard "FURANO LAVENDER EXPRESS", where you can admire the lavender fields dyed purple and the rolling hills of Biei.

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.
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.