From New Chitose Airport to Furano
By Car
There are three major ways to arrive at Furano from New Chitose Air Port, by train, by bus and by rental car. Please be aware that the time required differs in summer (from April to November) and in winter (December to March).
The most convenient method to get around in Hokkaido is to hire a car and drive. Streets are much wider and less complicated (except the capital city Sapporo or the second largest city Asahikawa) in Hokkaido compare to the ones in other parts of Japan. Roads in Hokkaido enchant a lot of cruisers and riders from all over Japan during summer. However traffic accidents occur during the season because of high speed driving. Another reason of accidents is “road kill”. Please be careful with wild animals passing by free way.
Reception desks for applying rental car are conveniently located outside of the arrival gate of the airport. Free maps are available. Please make sure to apply for international driver’s license before your departure. Some international driver’s license is unacceptable in Japan. Please visit and ask at the transportation authority in your neighborhood.
Driving Routes
Northern Road Navi English Web Site: http://northern-road.jp/navi/eng/index.htm
New Chitose Airport English Web Site: http://www.new-chitose-airport.jp/language/english/index.html
By Train (Japan Railway)
There are two ways of reaching Furano from New Chitose Airport by JR train. First switch train at Sapporo Station then transferring at Takikawa Station or transferring at Asahikawa Station.
The route via Takikawa Station is often used and takes approx. 2 hours from New Chitose Airport Station. 9 direct express train “Limited Express Super White Allow” services from New Chitose Airport Station to Takikawa Station or Asahikawa Station are available.
Train ride via Asahikawa Station is fascinating, enjoying rolling hills of Biei and famous lavender fields around Kamifurano and Nakafurano.
From June to August, JR provides direct express train service named “Furano Lavender Express” from Sapporo Station to Furano Station. “Lavender Express” runs during winter ski/snowboard season as well. Please check the up date detail at JR Hokkaido English Web Site.
JR offers special discount rail pass to international guests and long term travelers. You may consider to perchance it to travel around Hokkaido and Japan efficiently.
JR Hokkaido English Web Site: http://www2.jrhokkaido.co.jp/global/index.html
By Bus
Year-around express bus is provided by Chuo Bus Co. one service an hour from 8am to 6pm from the bus terminal located on the basement of Sapporo Station. It takes approx. two and a half hours in summer and approx. 3 hours in winter. This en-suit shuttle bus service promises you a comfortable ride to Downtown Furano.
From December to April two separate companies, Good Sports and Hokkaido Resort Liner, operate direct shuttle bus service from New Chitose Airport to Kitanomine / Furano Ski Resort. This 3-hour- service must be booked previously. After getting to Furano, the bus makes stop at major hotels to ensure your continent ride. Please be aware that the time schedule could be defected by bad weather.
Chuo Bus Timetable & Fares (Sapporo < > Furano)
Good Sports Shuttle Bus (New Chitose Airport to Furano)
English Web Site: http://goodsports.co.jp/eng/index.html
Hokkaido Resort Liner Timetable (New Chitose Airport to Furano)
From Asahikawa Airport to Furano
By car (Rent a car)
“Nissan Rent-A-Car” and “Toyota Rent-A-Car” have a reservation desk inside the airport to let you get ready for a fun drive as soon as you land here. Since Asahikawa and Furano are in the same district you can drop off the car in Furano with no extra charge. Booking recommended during busy summer season.
The route from the airport to Furano is very simple. Just hit the Rt.273 straight down to Furano. Bunch of lovely tourist spots, lavender fields, rolling hills, museums, galleries and such, are located along the way. You will experience bumper to bumper condition in Mid June lavender season.
We do not recommend driving during winter when streets are covered with ice or snow (or both). Extremely poor visibility will be brought by occasional snow storm. There a couple of passes to drive over on the way as well. It does take a practice to drive in Hokkaido in winter.
Northern Road Navi English Web Site : http://northern-road.jp/navi/eng/index.htm
Asahikawa air port web site (Japanese only) http://www.aapb.co.jp/index.html
E-mail: info@aapb.co.jp
By Bus
“Lavender Go” connects Asahikawa Station to Furano via Asahikawa Airport It takes approx. an hour in summer and approx. one and a half hour in winter. This hourly service is provided daily one an hour from 10am~7pm. It is not connected to flight schedule so please check out the time table carefully. “Lavender Go” takes you to New Furano Prince Hotel, via Furano Station then Kitanomine Ski Zone / Hotel Area.
Lavender-go by Furano bus |
