Furano and Biei transport: Flower fields, Blue Pond and seasonal trains

Plan onward buses from Biei Station, the walk from Lavender Farm Station to Farm Tomita and the discontinued Furano-Biei Norokko Train using official information.

Last checked:

  • Hokkaido
  • Furano and Biei
  • Transport
  • Buses

Attractions around Furano () and Biei () are spread out. Travel planning therefore needs to distinguish reaching a railway station from getting from that station to an attraction. Based on official information from the Biei and Furano tourism associations and JR Hokkaido (checked 2026-10-28), this article covers buses to Shirogane, the seasonal station near Farm Tomita and the sightseeing train that has ceased operating. Start with the Hokkaido travel overview and Furano and Biei travel guide to choose your area.

Key points

  • At Biei Station (), passengers can transfer to Dohoku Bus services toward Shirogane. This is a starting point for checking Blue Pond connections.
  • Farm Tomita () was previously reachable on foot from Lavender Farm Station (), a walk of approximately 7 minutes according to official tourism information. This does not mean the seasonal station has identical train services every year.
  • JR Hokkaido has announced that the Furano-Biei Norokko Train () last operated on 23 September 2026. It cannot be treated as a regular transport option after that date.
  • Whether buses and seasonal trains connect depends on the year, operating dates and individual timetables.

Distinguish stations from attractions first

The following connections are drawn from official information checked on 2026-10-28. A railway station and an attraction may be in different places. Reaching Biei Station does not mean you have reached the Blue Pond.

Destination or area Officially confirmed transport relationship Planning consideration
Shirogane and Shirogane Blue Pond Transfer at Biei Station to Dohoku Bus toward Shirogane Check actual bus services on your date
Farm Tomita Official Furano tourism information gives an approximately 7-minute walk from Lavender Farm Station The walking time is from the station to the farm; it does not guarantee that trains serve the station that year
Sightseeing train between Furano and Biei The Furano-Biei Norokko Train last operated on 2026-09-23 Do not treat services listed in old articles or timetables as still running

For visitors without a rental car, check the segments arrival at the station, branch bus connection and walk to the attraction separately. Even if a travel guide says a place is a short walk from a station, first verify that you can reach that station by train on your travel date.

Shirogane: Transfer to a bus at Biei Station

The Biei Tourism Association lists transfer from Biei Station to Dohoku Bus for the Shirogane area. This establishes the route’s general direction, but the mere existence of a bus does not confirm a suitable return service on every date.

Planning item Verified information Key check
Departure station Biei Station Will your arrival connect with a bus?
Destination area Shirogane Does the chosen service stop where you need it?
Transport method Dohoku Bus Actual outward and return departures on your travel date

If you also want to visit Farm Tomita, verify Shirogane transport and access to the farm independently before deciding whether to do both in one day. Departure points, travel months and services vary; a fixed “visit everything in one day” timetable cannot replace checking actual departures.

Farm Tomita: Seasonal station and discontinued train

The walk from Lavender Farm Station to Farm Tomita is station-to-attraction information. The Norokko Train’s last operating day is the status of a train service. They need to be treated separately.

Item Official announcement Planning significance
Lavender Farm Station to Farm Tomita Approximately 7 minutes on foot Applies only after you have reached the station
Furano-Biei Norokko Train Last operated on 23 September 2026 Do not include past sightseeing train services in a new year’s plans
New season’s operations Check new operator notices Verify trains and stops before relying on the walking route from the station

If travelling mainly by train and bus, first identify whether access to an attraction relies on a bus connection whose direction can be checked or a seasonal train stopping at a particular station. Combining these into a single year-round transport guide can lead to incorrect assumptions about what is possible.

Which transport strategy fits?

Main focus Useful starting information What not to assume
Shirogane Blue Pond and Shirogane area Biei Station and Dohoku Bus The same outward and return services operate every day
Farm Tomita Walking link from Lavender Farm Station The seasonal station is definitely operating in your travel year
Riding a distinctive sightseeing train First check new JR Hokkaido announcements Bookable Norokko Train services remain after its final run
Renting a car Learn general procedures from Japan car rental guide Unverified road or parking information on this page is a current rule

Notes

Timetables, operating dates and fares change by year and season. Check official information again before leaving. A previous year’s transport guide may contain complete train schedules, but this does not mean they can be reused on your next trip.

Further reading

Sources