Contents
Hokkaido has so much to offer and traveling on the biggest island in Japan can be a bit overwhelming.
While most people will fly into New Chitose Airport and set Sapporo as a base for sightseeing, we gathered transportation methods to another popular destination, Furano.
Take a look at 3 ways (train, bus, and car) to travel to Furano.
Transportation Methods From Sapporo to Furano
Method 1: JR (train) Time Saver
Sapporo and Furano are both well known and many think it’s a simple train ride between the two cities.
Surprisingly, there is no direct train and you must change trains at Takikawa.
- Take the JR Hakodate Honsen Limited Express Line from Sapporo Station (need limited express ticket)
- Get off at Takikawa Station
- Get on JR Nemuro Honsen Rapid Line to Furano Station
From Sapporo to Takikawa takes roughly 50min and from there to Furano is an hour, total traveling time of 2 hours.
The cost is 3,620yen for one way or 7,240yen round trip. (At the time of this post)
Method 2: Stopping at Asahikawa
If you’re headed towards Furano, why not stop by Asahikawa to enjoy ramen or the Asahiyama Zoo?
This route is perfect for those who want to enjoy both.
- Take the JR Hakodate Honsen Limited Express bound for Asahikawa from Sapporo Station (need limited express ticket)
- Enjoy Asahikawa
- Get on JR Furano Line to Furano Station
Sapporo to Asahikawa roughly takes about 1.5 hours and from Asahikawa to Furano is an hour and 20 mins.
The cost is 5,470yen for one way or 10,940yen round trip. (At the time of this post)
If you just want a quick look around Asahikawa, enjoy their famous ramen.
There are many ramen shops (of course non-ramen as well) near the station loved by the locals.
Shown in the picture is the shio ramen from Sugawara.
If you would like to experience something unique, hope on the bus from Asahikawa Station to the Asahiyama Zoo and get up close with the native wildlife.
Looking for Hokkaidoness things to do? Horse back riding is available all year and river rafting is a popular activity in summer.
Asahikawa is the 2nd largest city in Hokkaido and also has river rafting sites nearby. Both activities are easily accessible from Asahikawa Station.
Sapporo to Furano via Bus
Many travel agencies offer bus tours from Sapporo to Furano, making multiple stops along the way.
If you want to travel independently, taking the bus “Kosoku Furano Gou” is your best bet.
The Kosoku Furano Gou is widely used by the locals as a method of transportation between Furano and Sapporo.
It also goes as far as Sapporo Station, Bus Terminal, and Terminal Station.
The bus will make frequent stops and roughly takes 2.5hours to get to Furano Station, making it the most economical as the cost is 2,260yen one way or 4,150yen roundtrip.
This method is suited for those who want to experience the local taste instead of going around the touristy areas.
Please note that there is no advance reservation for riding this bus.
Make payment as you get off the bus.
IC Cards (prepaid transportation cards) are accepted and the bus is available hourly from 8 am until 6 pm. (As of 10/22/2018)
Please visit the Hokkaido Central Bus website for more info.
Sapporo to Furano via Car
Lastly, a little road trip on Hokkaido is never a bad idea.
There are tons of places to visit that aren’t on the guide books only accessible via car.
Recommended Driving Route to Furano
Take the National Highway 452 (Yubari Route) via Mikasa city which is about 110km in distance or a 2hour drive.
Sapporo to Mikasa/Iwamizawa is 1hour and from there to Furano is another hour.
2 hours if you go straight without making any stops, but why not make a few stops along the way to make the road trip more enjoyable.
Iwamizawa City – The Cute & Cozy
The first city you’ll come across is after departing Sapporo is Iwamizawa, a city with cute restaurants and cafes.
Yuuhigaoka Restaurant Zenshou
Quoted：夕日ヶ丘レストラン善生
Enjoy a nice meal in the evening as you watch the sunset in the mountains and have a taste of Zenshou rice, original rice grown on their own farm packed with Hokkaido nature.
You could definitely make a stop here for a lunch with local ingredients with a nice view.
Mikasa City – Neighbors with Iwamizawa
Mikasa city is located next to Iwamizawa and there are several spots you should consider visiting.
Mikawa City Museum for History Lovers
Quoted：三笠市立博物館
Mikasa is renowned for ammonites and the museum exhibits various kinds of giant ammonites species.
Learn about the history of Hokkaido through over 1000 fossils.
Mikasa Railway Village for Train Lovers
Quoted：三笠鉄道村
Mikasa was once a prosperous coal mining town and railroads were indispensable for transportation.
The last working steam locomotive is preserved at the Mikasa Railway Village and the restaurant was designed as a recreation of the dining car back in the day.
Perfect spot to enjoy and appreciate the iconic trains.
Katsurazawa Dam & Lake Katsurazawa for Outdoor Lovers
Lake Katsurazawa formed after the creation of Katsurazawa Dam has one of the cleanest water quality in Japan.
Enjoy lake side camping, hot springs in summer or even wakasagi (smelt) fishing during winer.
Visit the Katsurazawa Dam and join a tour for a guided walk through of off limits and restricted areas.
In addition, wakasagi fishing in winter is a must to do activity so don’t miss out.
Sapporo to Furano Transportation Summary
To summarize
Fastest: JR (train)
Economical: Bus
Tour around: Car (rental) *with an exception during snow season
If you just want to go to Furano, bus would be ideal. It may take longer than JR, but allows you to save money.
Rental car is convenient, but if you’re looking to visit Asahikawa, JR is recommended.
If you don’t plan on staying overnight at Asahikawa, make sure to arrive before noon so you’ll have ample time to enjoy the city.
Making stops at Mikasa and Iwamizawa is great if you’re driving. It wouldn’t take very long to visit, so you should arrive in Furano before it gets dark as long as you leave Sapporo in the morning.
Planning a trip around Hokkaido can be daunting due to travel times, but why not take this opportunity to enjoy yourself while you travel?
For Hokkaido activity experiences visit Basho Trip
