Navigating the local Furano area in winter is convenient, with several dedicated bus lines connecting the two main resort bases - Kitanomine and Furano - to the Furano Town dining and transit hub near JR Furano Station.
Timetables and routes for each winter season are confirmed close to the start of winter season, usually in October / November time
Furano Winter Buses - 2025-26
Lavender Bus
This is the primary regional connector, but it also serves as a crucial local link.
- Route: Connects New Furano Prince Hotel (Furano Base) to the Kitamonmine area to JR Furano Station, then continues toward Asahikawa Airport and Asahikawa city.
- Best For: Getting from the Furano base area to the train station or the Kitanomine residential area (stops include Kisen and Hotel Naturwald).
- Key Detail: It runs year-round. During winter, a "Special Lavender Bus" (Dec 1 – Mar 31) often adds extra local loops between the station and the resort to handle the additional ski visitors.
Goryou Line Bus
A standard city bus route that is particularly useful for those staying in the "pension" or residential areas of Kitanomine.
- Route: Loops from JR Furano Station through the Kitanomine area and out toward Goryo.
- Best For: Accessing supermarkets or local accommodations away from the immediate ski slopes.
- Key Detail: It does not run on Sundays or National Holidays, so plan accordingly if your travel falls on a weekend.
Shin Furano Hotel Shuttle (Resort Connector)
The resort provides a vital link bus between the two main skiing base areas.
- Route: Connects the Kitanomine Gondola (at the base of the Kitanomine Zone) and the New Furano Prince Hotel (at the base of the Furano Zone).
- Best For: Skiers who want to switch zones during the day or guests staying at one hotel who want to use the facilities (like the Soh’s Bar or Ningle Terrace) at the other.
- Fare: Typically complimentary for hotel guests or those with a valid lift pass.
Furano Evening Shuttle Bus
This is the "dinner bus" that makes staying in the resort area easy for foodies who want to dine in Furano Town
- Season: Operating during the winter season only
- Route: Runs between the New Furano Prince Hotel, the Kitanomine area, and Downtown Furano (stops like Furano Marche and JR Furano Station).
- Cost: A small flat fare per ride (around ¥500)
- Bonus: You can often purchase an "Evening Shuttle Pass" which sometimes includes small discounts or perks at participating local restaurants.
All information is correct to the best of our knowledge at the time of writing. As details and operation of the service may be subject to change, please double check the details with the service provider.