Furano has a lot more to offer than just the lavender fields.
My article below will show you exactly how to make the most of your two full days in Furano.
It all began in the 1940s when lavender was first cultivated in Hokkaido. However, lower prices and weaker purchasing power led to the shift from agricultural purposes to tourist attractions across the region – and Furano was no exception.
Today, Furano is packed with visitors when summer is around the corner and the lavenders come into full bloom.
The entire town can be easily covered by bike and car, allowing you to tick off some other amazing natural landscapes like the Torinuma Park, Mt. Furano-Nishi, and Fukiage open-air Onsen.
Read on to explore the best way to reach Furano and around, the best places to visit, and more.
Read More: An Ultimate Hokkaido Travel Guide In 2024: Transportation & Sample Itinerary
Best Time To Visit Furano
If you’re here for the lavender fields, make sure to hit Furano in summer! When July comes, the endless lavender fields turn into an enchanting purple blanket.
When I think of Furano, it’s all about seeing lavender in the summer. But if you’re planning to visit during other times, there’s still a bunch of cool stuff to do. Notorious Insta-worthy spots like the Forest Fairy Terrace or Yumoto Ryounkaku for a relaxing bath will fit the bill.
If you’re into skiing, hit up the Furano Ski Resort! And don’t miss Furano Winery for a sip and some fantastic sights like lupine flowers and tulips blooming in May. There’s something for everyone, no matter when you swing by!
How To Get To Furano Without A Car?
By Train
Furano sits right in the middle of Hokkaido, about 20 minutes south of Biei in the vast hilly land of Hokkaido. A road trip is the best call to rock Furano in your own way – but what if the idea of renting a car and mapping out your own road trip is not your thing?
Rest assured! An express train will come in handy.
It runs from Sapporo to Furano as it requires a layover in Asahikawa. Otherwise, you may consider an overnight stay in Asahikawa to break the trip down for a relaxing journey.
This trip takes just about an hour, and you can use the Biei Furano four-day Pass or the JR Hokkaido Rail Pass for a smooth journey.
From June to August, Furano Lavender Express will come into play. This journey is only available in the summer, taking two hours to Furano from Sapooro.
For a straightforward journey, you can catch a JR Limited Express from Sapporo to Takikawa (about one hour). Then, hop onto a local train to Furano in another hour. If you time it right, the whole adventure should take roughly two hours, and cost around JPY 4000.
Express train tickets are covered by the Japan Rail Pass, Hokkaido Rail Pass, or Sapporo-Furano Area Rail Pass.
Other than express trains, Furano also operates local trains but they take longer to finish due to multiple layovers and switchings along the way.
On the flip side, local trains are fairly affordable, roughly costing two-thirds of the express train tickets.
An Organized Tour
A day trip from Sapporo usually includes a stop at Biei on top of your visit to Furano. To make the most of your day trip, the tour starts early and lasts around ten hours, with meals provided. Here is one of the best day tours to Furano from Sapporo to consider:
Hokkaido: Biei Blue Pond and Furano Flower Farm Day Trip
Best Ways To Get Around Furano
After arriving in Furano, in addition to self-driving, you can choose to take trams, chartered taxis, bicycles, sightseeing buses, and other transportation methods.
By Bicycles
Rental bikes are offered around transport stations such as JR Furano Station and Nakafurano Station, with prices hovering around JPY 500 an hour to 3,000 if exceeding five hours.
If your fitness level agrees, check out the Furano Biei Cycling Route to complete its suggested 80-kilometer loop.
Before you get on the ride, be aware of the steep terrain that may hold you back in doubt. Compared to Biei, Furano terrains are steeper, longer, and consist of uninterrupted slopes. They may look fabulous in the pictures, but the challenging terrains here will demand extra attention.
By Train (On The JR Furano Line)
The JR Furano Line links Furano, Biei, and Asahikawa. Trains run about once an hour, and the trip from Furano to Biei takes around 40 minutes, costing JPY 750. Good news for Japan Rail Pass and Hokkaido Rail Pass holders – your fare is covered.
By Furano-Biei Norokko Train
In the summer, there’s a special treat: no-Biei Norokko, a tourist train on the Furano Line. This charming train has nostalgic cars with big windows, offering both reserved and unreserved seats. If you’ve got a JR pass, seat reservations are free, otherwise, it’s a JPY 840 add-on.
The train stops at Lavender-Batake Station, a short stroll from Farm Tomita. Perfect for a scenic ride and easy access to the lavender fields!
Looking to leave your bags in a safe hand? Check out the storage at the train stations. Alternatively, you can also leave your bags at the rental bike store (usually without any extra cost).
Best Things To Do In Furano
Hit Up The Magical Feel At Ningle Terrace
Winter is possibly the best time to celebrate the magical vibe at Ningle Terrace. This is one of the most talked-about places to visit in Furano which is behind the Prince Hotel.
An enchanting series of timber cottages are sheltered within a wooded area, where local talents and artisans offer their DIY keepsakes that show off Furano. It’s like a forest path with wooden walkways, log house shops, coffee spots, and craft workshops.
When the sun is out and winter comes near, Ningle Terrace snuggles you up with a heart-warming feel when the twinkling lights are on, turning the place into a wonderland.
Spruce Up Your Instagram Feeds At Farm Tomita
No visit to Furano is complete without a stop at Farm Tomita. This is a big deal in Hokkaido, pulling in over a million visitors each year.
From late June to early August, the lavender blooms, making it look like a Hokkaido summer postcard. Plus, its excellent location won’t have you walk that far as it’s only 25 minutes from the JR Furano Station.
Right here, all kinds of flower fields take turns to beckon your attention. The best time to come is late June to early August when everything’s bursting with color.
It becomes extremely busy from late June to early August. If you’re driving, plan ahead or take the train for a smoother ride.
Other Great Lavender Spots in Furano
- Lavender East: opened in 2008, the field is located four kilometers east of the main farm Tomita, boasting 14 hectares of lavender fields. Peppered with shops, a cafe, and a deck, Lavender East is a hot spot to soak up the summer view.
- Flower Land Kamifurano: it is perched above a hill where the unobstructed views over the Tokachi mountains wrapping the flower fields are a feast for the eyes.
Delight Your Taste Buds At Tomita Melon House
Not far away from Farm Tomita, the Melon House is scrambled with visitors on any given sunny day, looking to get a thirst-quenching bite out of their famous melon sweet treats.
Right here, you’ll find a great diversity of tasty options for every appetite. From melon bread pastries to ice cream and shakes, you name it! That being said, it’s often regarded as the home of the best melons in town, so come prepared to be spoiled with choices!
Price-wise, the offerings here are a tad pricier than those at the neighboring Tomita Farm. But trust me! It’s totally worth a visit.
Just a heads up, they only accept cash or IC cards, no credit cards here.
Beyond the eateries, there’s a small sunflower field behind the eateries. The cheerful sunflowers add a burst of brightness, creating a perfect backdrop for some memorable photos.
Ride The Scenic Panorama Road
A romantic road trip can’t get any better! Wind your way down the scenic Panorama Road and get carried away by its sweeping wraparound vista.
My favorite thing to do driving down this road is stop by Shin’ei Hill Observatory Park which boasts a fantastic view of the area. If time allows, stop by over sunset and you won’t be disappointed.
There are plenty of rental bike shops around the Motomachi area to get one for a leisurely ride.
Visit The Flower Land Kamifurano
Call it a one-stop shop with a vast outdoor space that offers breathtaking views of the Tokachi mountain range and an indoor area great for shopping.
Right here, lavender is just the beginning. You may also find kikarashi flowers, poppies, sunflowers, and more blooming from June to September.
Don’t miss out on their tractor bus tour for a glimpse into the area and enjoy hands-on activities.
Final Words:
With proximity to Sapporo, Furano is a whimsical countryside where my dream cottage-core was totally fulfilled.
It’s worth more than just a short day trip but if you’re running out of time, an organized tour definitely fits the bill. Make sure to have Farm Tomita, Ningle Terrace, and Panorama Road ticked off your bucket list. They are absolutely gorgeous to snag away some amazing pictures.