Overview
With a population of approximately 350,000 people, Asahikawa is smaller than Sapporo but is well worth a visit, with Asahiyama zoo, cable car to Mt Asahi and restaurants in the Asahikawa Ramen Village the main attractions.
The transfer time to Furano is 1 to 1.5 hours depending on your choice of transfer.
Train, bus, private taxi transfer and self-drive are all possible options for transport from Asahikawa Airport to Furano.
Asahikawa to Furano Taxi
- Price: Varies depending on vehicle type and number of passengers
- Transfer Time: 1.5 hour
Local taxi companies Ashikawa Goudou Taxi and Kobato Kotsu offer taxi transfer services from Asahikawa and Furano.
Reservation in advance is recommended.
Please ensure you have your destination written out in Japanese as most taxi drivers in Japan do not speak conversational level English.
Pros
- Most convenient
- Faster than bus services
Cons
- More expensive than other options
Train from Asahikawa to Furano
- Price: Approximately ¥5,500 per person
- Transfer Time: 1.5 hours
Japan has a world-class network of trains that famously run on time to the second!
Train tickets can be purchased on the day of travel from ticket machines or a sales counter.
Asahikawa train station is centrally located in the city.
The route is direct:
- JR Furano Line: Asahikawa Train Station -> Furano (73 minutes)
Furano Train Station is located in Furano Town, 5 to 10 minutes’ drive from Kitanomine village or Shin Furano.
If you plan which train you plan to get in advance, most accommodations in Furano will provide a pick up and drop service between Furano Station and your accommodation, if you book it with them in advance with a couple of weeks’ notice. Alternatively, you can take a local taxi for approximately ¥2,500 for the 5 to 10 minutes’ drive. Please ensure you have your destination written out in Japanese as most taxi drivers in Japan do not speak conversational level English.
Japan Rail Pass: For guests visiting Furano as part of a longer itinerary of travel elsewhere in Japan, either side of their ski experience, a Japan Rail Pass can be a fantastic investment, allowing unlimited train travel on most Japan Rail trains, for periods of 7, 14 or 21 days to suit your travel schedule.
- Look up winter season train timetables on JR Hokkaido
- Search Japan's train schedules using the Japan Transit Planner.
Pros
- FREE if you hold a JR Rail Pass
Cons
- Not ideal for passengers with ski / snowboard bags
Asahikawa to Furano Bus
- Price: ¥1,100 per person
- Transfer Time: 2 hours
Taking the bus from Asahikawa to Furano is a popular method of travel.
Furano Bus operates bus services from Asahikawa Train Station to Furano.
The service is convenient and direct.
Buses drop off in Kitanomine village, Shin Furano and Furano Town, so wherever you are staying, the Asahikawa to Furano bus is an option open to you.
If you let your accommodation provider know which bus you have booked, most will meet you at your drop off location in Furano and take you to your accommodation for check in.
Similarly for departure from Furano to Asahikawa, if you let your accommodation provider know which bus you have booked with sufficient notice, most will pick you up from your accommodation and drop you off at the bus pick up location in plenty of time.
Pros
- Well priced
- Reasonably convenient
Cons
- Only a few bus departure times per day
Driving from Asahikawa to Furano
- Price: Varies by vehicle type and hire duration
- Transfer Time: 1.5 hours
Asahikawa has lots of car hire options for those wanting to drive themselves the 1.5 hours drive from Asahikawa to Furano.
The route is pretty straightforward with road signs in English but driving in January and February can be a little tricky for those without experience of driving in challenging winter conditions. Snow & ice covered roads are commonplace and visibility can be poor when snow is falling, which is not uncommon in Hokkaido!
If you are comfortable driving in these conditions, having a vehicle opens up the possibility of day tripping to Tomamu, Sahoro, Asahidake or Kamui Ski Links ski resorts, to off the beaten path Onsen hot springs in the area or for authentic dining in Furano Town.
Larger 7 or 8-seater vehicles, such as Toyota Hi-Ace or Mistubishi Delica, are commonly available to book in advance and can easily transport ski and snowboard bags.
Hire vehicles are four-wheel drive, come with winter tyres fitted (so no snow chains required) and English language GPS can be booked.
All drivers must bring their own national driver's license and a valid International Drivers Permit to legally drive in Japan. Car hire companies will not hand over the keys without these documents.
Pros
- Flexibility to get around in the Furano area
Cons
- Challenging driving conditions – snowy / icy roads & poor visibility
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Furano Transfers
Whether you are coming from New Chitose Airport, Asahikawa Airport, Sapporo, Asahikawa or one of the other Hokkaido Ski Resorts, there are numerous options for the transfer to Furano.
Book now through our Pre-Trip Concierge Service
Available for guests that have booked accommodation with us.
Furano Accommodation
Furano has a mix of Ski In / Ski Out Resort Hotels, Japanese Pensions and self catering apartments located at the base of the Furano Ski Resort.
All information is correct to the best of our knowledge at the time of writing.