Directions
Furano: A Gateway to Hokkaido’s Finest
Nature in Furano feels like a masterpiece barely touched by human hands. This quiet town in the heart of Hokkaido has a way of making roads, ski lifts, and the occasional hot spring seem like mere footnotes against its sweeping fields and towering peaks. Despite our best efforts to leave a mark, the landscape here effortlessly swallows up every man-made addition, leaving a place where nature still reigns supreme. In Furano, it’s as if the mountains, rivers, and endless fields of flowers are gently reminding us that no matter what we build, they were here first—and will be long after.
Getting There: Planes, Trains, and Automobiles
Option 1: By Air
Furano’s remoteness is part of its charm—but it’s also why most visitors arrive by plane. The nearest major airport is New Chitose, the gateway to Sapporo, which sees a steady stream of international and domestic flights. From Chitose, a two-hour drive (or two-hour-and-a-bit bus ride) brings you to Furano. Along the way, travelers can detour to the airport’s very own onsen, where weary limbs can soak while planes swoop and soar overhead.
For those who value proximity over amenities, Asahikawa Airport is a 45-minute drive to Furano. Smaller and quieter, Asahikawa has fewer bus connections, so unless one enjoys lingering indefinitely in airports, a rental car is highly recommended.
Option 2: By Train (The Pragmatic Choice)
Now, if there’s one thing Japan does well, it’s trains. Smooth, punctual, and rather therapeutic, they provide the most civilized way to glide through Hokkaido’s bucolic scenery. But—plot twist—there’s no direct train to Furano from Sapporo. Travelers must switch lines at Takikawa, a small town notable for its modest charm and nothing else whatsoever. This shuffle takes around two hours in total and costs a wallet-lightening 3,620 yen (one way).
If Takikawa sounds too tame, consider a pit stop at Asahikawa, home of the Asahiyama Zoo, where penguins waddle and polar bears stalk, all within a stone’s throw of excellent ramen shops. Asahikawa also serves as the launching point for rafting adventures and horse-riding escapades through Hokkaido’s wild interior—if getting to Furano becomes a secondary consideration.
Option 3: By Bus (The Economical One)
For those pinching yen, the Kosoku Furano Gou bus is the budget-friendly option, rolling from Sapporo to Furano in just 2.5 hours. The trip is peppered with occasional stops, allowing passengers to catch glimpses of rural Hokkaido—rice paddies, quaint villages, and the odd scarecrow holding a can of Boss Coffee. At 2,260 yen one way, it’s also the most wallet-friendly option. Just hop on, hop off, and pay when you alight. Reservations? Unnecessary. Just make sure to bring an IC card (those convenient, cashless payment cards) for smooth sailing.
Option 4: By Car (The Adventurer’s Route)
Sometimes, the road is more important than the destination. Hokkaido’s roads, unburdened by traffic and boasting dazzling views, beg to be driven. From Sapporo, a 110 km drive via National Highway 452 will get you to Furano in two hours. Along the way, consider pausing at Iwamizawa, a sleepy town with charming cafes and some of the fluffiest rice this side of Niigata.
Next, there’s Mikasa, a history buff’s dream. Visit the local museum to marvel at giant ammonite fossils (because, why not?), or the Mikasa Railway Village to savor the romance of a bygone age—back when trains were less about efficiency and more about style. Finish with a stop at Lake Katsurazawa, where smelt fishing in winter makes a strong case for staring at a hole in the ice for hours on end.
Making the Most of Your Furano Journey
So, what’s the best way to get to Furano? That, dear traveler, depends on your priorities. In a hurry? Train it. On a budget? Hop on a bus. Craving adventure? Get behind the wheel. Each mode has its own merits—and quirks.
- For Speed: JR train. Swift, straightforward, and decidedly Japanese. Just mind those transfers.
- For Budget: Bus. Slow and steady wins the financial race.
- For Adventure: Car. Open roads, flexible schedules, and off-the-beaten-path pit stops.
Planning a trip through Hokkaido can seem daunting, but the journey to Furano is part of its magic. From the moment one steps off a plane or train or shuts the door of a rental car, the sense of entering a world largely untouched by man—despite his best efforts—takes hold. Furano awaits, nestled in nature’s embrace, where the hills roll, the flowers bloom, and the human footprint remains, for the most part, a fleeting impression in the snow.