In the heart of Hokkaido, the Furano line connects Asahikawa to Furano by crossing rolling hills, lavender fields and emblematic agricultural landscapes of northern Japan. The Furano Biei Norokko Train, a seasonal tourist train operated by JR Hokkaido, offers a rare rail experience, large open windows on the countryside and voluntarily slow pace.
Its operation will end in 2026, making it an experience to plan without delay for a summer trip to Hokkaido.
A panoramic train in the heart of the landscapes of Furano and Biei
The Furano Biei Norokko Train runs between Asahikawa and Furano, via Biei, on the Furano line. This section of rail is known for its cultivated hills, isolated farms and, in summer, its lavender fields that made Furano famous.
The train was designed to highlight the landscape. Its large windows and retro atmosphere allow you to feel the fresh air of Hokkaido while enjoying an unobstructed view. The speed of traffic, slower than an express train, favours observation and photography.
In July and August, when the lavender is in full bloom, the journey becomes a real panoramic journey. In Biei, the soft-shaped hills make up an agricultural patchwork that changes colour according to the season. This line is often integrated into a summer itinerary combining nature, photography and rural discovery.
A rail experience that will disappear in 2026
The Furano Biei Norokko Train, which was commissioned in 1998, will have been operating for nearly three decades. The locomotive used is over 45 years old and passenger cars exceed 40 years of operation. With the production of many spare parts stopped, JR Hokkaido announced the end of its operation for fiscal year 2026.
This announcement gives a particular dimension to the journey. For lovers of Japanese tourist trains, it is one of the last opportunities to discover this historical composition on the Furano line. In a planning logic, it is advisable to anticipate the reservation, especially during the high summer season.
Period of circulation and calendar
Furano Biei Norokko Train runs from June to September. The most requested period corresponds to the flowering of the lavender, usually from the beginning to the end of July, with variations depending on the weather.
Please note that between 16 August and 23 September, all seats are in reserve. Outside this period, the composition includes cars with reserved seats and an unreserved car, subject to modification by the operator.
When building a route to Hokkaido, it is relevant to combine this journey with a few nights in Asahikawa, Biei or Furano in order to avoid too fast round trips and enjoy the landscapes at different times of the day.
Furano Biei Norokko Train rates and reservation
The basic fare for a single journey between Asahikawa and Furano is 1,380 yen. Children between the ages of 6 and 11 are entitled to a reduced rate at half a price.
For reserved cars, a surcharge of 840 yen is required for a single journey. When booking is mandatory on all cars, this surcharge applies to all passengers in addition to the base ticket.
Reservations must be made at JR Hokkaido stations, particularly at New Chitose airport or Sapporo station after arrival on the island. It is not possible to use the JR East reservation system for this train. This is important in the organisation of a stay, especially for travellers arriving directly at Sapporo or at the international airport.
What rail passes to use in Hokkaido
Furano Biei Norokko Train is eligible for several passes, including the Sapporo-Furano Area Pass, the Hokkaido Rail Pass and the Japan Rail Pass. However, even with a pass, the surcharge for reserved seats remains required when booking is required.
In optimized planning, the choice of the pass will depend on the number of long distance trips planned on the island. For a route focused on Sapporo, Otaru, Asahikawa and Furano, a regional pass may be relevant. On the other hand, for a larger route including Hakodate, Kushiro or Abashiri, the Hokkaido Rail Pass offers wider coverage.
How to integrate the Norokko Train into a route in Hokkaido
The Furano line lends itself well to a loop circuit from Sapporo. A first stop in Asahikawa allows you to visit the d’Asahiyama Zoo or the Hokkaido Art Museum. Then the Norokko Train route to Biei and Furano is the landscape highlight of the stay.
In Biei, the panoramic hills and the famous blue pond attract photographers and lovers of natural landscapes. In Furano, the visit to lavender farms and local farms easily integrates into a full day.
To avoid crowding, it is advisable to prefer departures on weekdays and to opt for morning hours. In times of heavy traffic, combining the train with a local car rental can offer more flexibility to explore isolated views.
Audio GPS guide on the Furano line
Local trains running on the Furano line offer audio guide service via a GPS application. This allows for geo-localized comments on the landscapes crossed, local history and agricultural specificities of the region.
The application requires a prior download and charges for communication according to the mobile operator. For a well prepared stay, it is recommended to download the app upstream and check the compatibility of the phone with local networks.
This service enriches the journey by providing a cultural and geographical context, particularly useful for individual travellers wishing to deepen their understanding of the territory.
Other tourist trains to discover in Hokkaido
Hokkaido offers several leisure trains that enhance its natural landscapes. These include the Ryuhyo Monogatari Train, which runs along the coasts where the ice drifts in winter, the SL Fuyu-no-Shitsugen Steam train in the Kushiro region, and the Kushiro Shitsugen Norokko Train through the wetlands.
In summer, the Furano Lavender Express is a faster alternative to connecting Sapporo to Furano. It does not offer the same open panoramic experience as the Norokko Train, but it remains convenient to optimize travel time.
Integrating a tourist train into a trip to Hokkaido makes it possible to vary the rhythms, avoid driving over long distances and fully enjoy the landscapes without logistical constraints.
The Furano Biei Norokko Train embodies a unique way to travel the campaign of Hokkaido, at a pace adapted to observation and contemplation. With the announcement of the end of its operation in 2026, it becomes a strong element to integrate into a summer route on the island. Well anticipate reservations, choose the appropriate pass and organize the stages around Asahikawa, Biei and Furano make it a very coherent time in the discovery of northern Japan.
If this article has brought you useful information and can help other travellers prepare for their stay, a Google review will always be appreciated. |
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