The easiest way to get around in the Furano and Biei Area is by car, but most major sights and attractions are accessible by a combination of trains and busses. If you decide to rent a car, it is advised to do so from one of the bigger cities in the vicinity. You can use our car rental widget in the FAQ menu below. 

Travelers can also opt for the following sightseeing busses to get around:

Biei View Bus

• Coverage: sights around Biei (starts and ends at Biei station)

• Duration: one day (tour is around 3 hours)

• Price: 3000 Yen

• Where to buy: here

Round Trip Bus Tours

• Coverage: sights around Furano and Biei

• Duration: one day (tour is around 6 hours)

• Price: 6000 Yen

• Where to buy: here

Furano Kururu Bus

• Coverage: sights around Furano (starts and ends at Furano station)

• Duration: one day 

• Price: 2500 Yen

• Where to buy: here

Public transportation: 

To get from Sapporo to the Furano and Biei area by public transportation, travelers need to take a train. Detailed instructions are as follows:

1. Take the JR Limited Express "Laview" or "Super Kamui" train from Sapporo Station to Asahikawa Station. The journey takes approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes.

2. Transfer to the JR Furano Line at Asahikawa Station and continue to Furano Station. The journey takes approximately 1 hour and 10 minutes.

Valid rail passes: 

• Hokkaido Rail Pass

• Japan Rail Pass

Nearest airport:

The nearest and most convenient airport is Asahikawa Airport. 

• by car: approximately 1 hour

• by public transport: approximately 1 hour

Rental cars:

We recommend staying in the Furano & Biei Area between two and three days.
 

Hiking:
The hiking season in this area typically runs from Spring until Autumn.

Flower blossoms:

• Tomita Farm:

  • the flower viewing season usually takes place between June and September

  • click here for more information
     

• Shikisai No Oka:

  • the opening hours differ depending upon the season.

  • click here for more information
     

• Furano Lavander Fields

  • the lavender season here starts in late June until mid-July

  • click here for more information

Winter sports:
Ski resorts in Japan typically run from December until the end of April. Though this can differ from year to year, depending on the amount of snow. 

• Nakafurano Hokusei Ski Area: click here for more information

• Furano Ski Resort: click here for more information

Scenic transportation:

• Furano Ropeway: click here for more information

There are several festivals here throughout the year. Please be advised that the following list is based upon previous entries of those festivals and that the dates might have changed slightly in the following year. It is also possible that the entire festival is cancelled in the case of heavy rainfall or a natural disaster. Please check with the official organisers' website for the most up-to-date information. 
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For the exact location of any of the festivals listed here, you can consult our map above by clicking on the icon in the upper most corner of the map to open the map legend. Festivals are hidden by default but can be made visible by clicking on the "Festivals" checkbox in the map legend.

• Nakafurano Lavender Fireworks Festival

  • Date: July 13th

  • Time: 10:30 - 21:00 (Fireworks: 20:00 - 20:45)

• Kamifura no Hana and Flame Four Seasons Festival

  • Date: July 14th

  • Time: 10:00 - 21:00 (Fireworks: 20:20 - ???)

• Nachi Biei Fire Festival

  • Date: July 24th

  • Time: 12:00 - ???

• Hokkaido Belly Button Festival

  • Date: July 28th and 29th

The nearest and most convenient airport is Asahikawa Airport. 

• by car: approximately 1 hour

• by public transport: approximately 1 hour

We recommend the following options for staying connected in Japan:

• Sakura Mobile Travel Sim (data only)
• Sakura Mobile Travel Sim (data + voice)
• Sakura Mobile Unlimited Wifi / Pocket Wifi