Text by Monocle Edit Team
Download the Complete Self-Guided Hokkaido guide to enjoy discounted mobile internet rates for travel in Japan (Image provided by Monocle Edit Team)
JR Furano Biei Slow Train
The JR Summer Furano Biei Slow Train, a summer-limited service, runs from Asahikawa through Biei to Furano. This cute green sightseeing train features large panoramic windows, offering full views of rural landscapes, adorable wildflowers, and the continuous peaks of the nearby Daisetsuzan Mountain Range.
The Furano Biei Slow Train stops at popular spots in the area such as Biei, Miharashi, Kami-Furano, Naka-Furano, and Furano. To coincide with the flowering season, it also makes additional stops at the specially set-up temporary “Lavender Field” station. From there, it’s just a 7-minute walk to the famously renowned Furano Farm. Outside the vintage train carriages, Hokkaido’s brief summer bursts with the vitality of the earth and vibrant colors, displayed brilliantly before your eyes.
[Info]
Japanese Train Name: Furano 0? Plow? Violation Minben Chu/div>
Location: JR section from central Hokkaido’s Asahikawa to Furano
Operating Period: Every year from June to October, daily from mid-June to August
Website: www2.jrhokkaido.co.jp/global/chinese/index.html
In June, after the snow melts, Hokkaido’s summer arrives quickly—take a train to visit the summer flower fields (Image provided by Monocle Edit Team)
SL Steam Locomotive Niseko
This old train model, manufactured in 1945 (Showa 20), is paired with oil lamps deliberately hung along the window sills, a vintage-style coffee carriage, and staff in retro uniforms, creating a strong sense of nostalgia. The interior is decorated with autumn leaves and hot spring themes that complement the fall scenery outside. As the train moves along, the urban area fades away and the greenery deepens—you can see the forests and mountains take on rich, layered autumn hues. On clear days, don’t miss the route’s famous scenic highlight: the beautiful silhouette of Mount Yotei.
In recent years, some hot spring hotels along the route have partnered with the SL Steam Locomotive Niseko to offer day trip packages that include hotel pick-up and drop-off for an onsen experience. The comfortable hot springs combined with the beautiful train scenery make for a perfect autumn mini adventure.
[Info] Train Schedule
Japanese Train Name: SL Niseko
Location: Between Sapporo and Rankoshi
Operating Period: Every year from September to November, weekends only
Website: www2.jrhokkaido.co.jp/global/chinese/index.html
Note: Between Sapporo and Kutchan, all seats are reserved and require advance booking. From Kutchan to Rankoshi, seats are unreserved. Additionally, the SL Steam Locomotive Niseko runs one round trip per day.
The black, vintage-fronted SL steam locomotive takes passengers on a gentle exploration of northern Japan’s autumn (Image provided by Monocle Edit Team)
Besides various seasonal trains and special train types that attract tourists’ attention, Hokkaido’s extensive JR rail network also serves as a major public transportation system across its vast land. The iOS app MOOK Self-Guided Action E-Book City “Complete Self-Guided Hokkaido,” published by Monocle, not only provides detailed introductions to Hokkaido by region but also offers special features on trains, accommodations, and more, making it more convenient for users. Downloading the MOOK Self-Guided Action E-Book City “Complete Self-Guided Hokkaido” now also grants you a 10% discount on mobile internet services for travel in Japan. For details, visit the MOOK Self-Guided Action E-Book City at https://itunes.apple.com/tw/app/id495070783.
● Extended Reading: “The Ultimate Hokkaido Guidebook” – Get All Four Seasons of Northern Japan in One Place
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