Hokkaido is known for its thrilling ski destinations, including the yearly Sapporo Snow Festival. However, the lavender and other flower fields in summer are equally worth seeing. Furano and Biei are the top sightseeing locations in Hokkaido, where you can see lavender, pansies and other colorful blossoms.
In the past, there was no direct service from Sapporo to Furano. Passengers got on an express train to Asahikawa or Takikawa and changed to a local train. The entire journey took approximately three hours. Thanks to the new Furano Lavender Express train launched by Hokkaido Railway Company, the special Limited Express train brings visitors from Sapporo to Furano directly in less than two hours with no transfer.
Inside the Train
Operating since 2021, the train comes in an attractive purple color at the head, symbolic of the lavender fields. There are five coaches: two non-reserved and reserved each, and a lounge car. The first car, the lounge car, has free seating for all passengers. With brown-colored seats, the coach consists of spacious box seats and large tables, which are recommended for groups. Some seats are window-facing with long counters to grasp the full view of the panorama. Cars 2 and 3 are reserved seats and Cars 4 and 5 are non-reserved seats. All four coaches are upholstered in purple with multi-colored back cushions, fulfilling the true ambiance of the journey. There is also a barrier-free space for wheelchairs. The leg room is quite spacious and all seats have power outlets for charging your phone and computer devices.
The train service hands out souvenir picture cards of the train. Passengers can also purchase other memorabilia, such as masks, pin badges and key holders. Lavender ice cream is also available.
Route and Calendar
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- External Link
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1glenn
Few sights can match flying over the California deserts in springtime, when miles upon miles of yellow and purple wildflowers are in bloom. Not a fan of the deserts in summer, but in winter and spring they can be amazingly beautiful.