How to get from Sapporo to Biei

Traveling from Sapporo to the hill town of Biei is straightforward once you understand your options, from fast JR trains to scenic self-drives and no-stress guided tours.

At A Glance (Sapporo to Biei)

Mode	Duration	Best For
🚆 JR Train via Asahikawa (Sapporo → Asahikawa → Biei)	~2–2.5 hours including transfer at Asahikawa	Most travelers, reliable in all seasons
🏷️ Cost: ~¥4,000–6,500 one-way depending on seat type and train » check JR train times/fares | JR Hokkaido timetable search
🚌 Express Bus via Asahikawa or Furano	~3–4 hours depending on connections	Budget-minded travelers, those prone to motion sickness on trains
🏷️ Cost: ~¥3,000–4,500 total Sapporo → Biei » compare highway buses | Hokkaido Chuo Bus info
🚗 Self-Drive / Rental Car (Doo Expressway)	~2.5–3 hours via expressway, longer on local roads	Families, photographers, flexible itineraries
🏷️ Cost: Car rental from ~¥7,000–10,000/day + tolls (~¥4,000 one-way) and fuel » compare Hokkaido rentals
🧭 Guided Day Tour from Sapporo	~9–12 hours round-trip (full day)	First-time visitors, no-driving, language support
🏷️ Cost: ~¥8,000–15,000 per person including transport and key sights » sample Klook day tours | Biei tours on GetYourGuide

Which Option or Route Should You Choose?

• Fastest and most convenient overall: The JR train via Asahikawa balances speed, comfort, and frequency. It is the go-to choice if you are already near Sapporo Station or arriving by train into the city.
• Cheapest / most economical: The express bus plus local train/bus usually comes out slightly cheaper than limited express trains, especially if you do not need a rail pass and are flexible with departure times.
• Most scenic and flexible schedule: A self-drive trip lets you detour via viewpoints like Panorama Road, Patchwork Road and Shirogane Onsen, and stop whenever you see a photo-worthy field or café.
• Lowest effort, maximum sightseeing in one day: A guided day tour from Sapporo wraps transport, commentary and highlights such as Farm Tomita, the Blue Pond and Biei’s flower hills into one easy package.
• If you are staying overnight in Biei: Consider a mix – take the JR train to Biei, then book a rental car or bike locally or join a local sightseeing tour the next day.

How to Book and Practical Tips

• Reserve rail in advance during peak seasons: For summer lavender season and winter holidays, limited express seats can sell out. You can check schedules and plan routes on JR Hokkaido’s own timetable search, then either buy tickets at JR counters or compare fares and timetables on platforms like Trip.com’s Sapporo–Biei train listings.
• Use passes if you will ride trains a lot: JR Hokkaido offers area passes such as the Sapporo-Furano Area Pass and Furano–Biei Rail Pass; check the latest details and sample itineraries on the JR Hokkaido Furano & Biei train page.
• Book express buses ahead of time: Seats on popular routes between Sapporo, Asahikawa and Furano can sell out on weekends. You can compare bus operators and departure times on 12Go Asia’s Sapporo–Asahikawa page and then cross-check with official operators like Hokkaido Chuo Bus.
• Pre-book rental cars in Sapporo: Hokkaido self-drives are very popular, so secure your vehicle before you land. Compare options and pick-up points using Booking.com’s Sapporo car rental search or Hokkaido-wide listings.
• Arriving via New Chitose Airport: Take the JR Rapid Airport train or an airport bus into central Sapporo first, or pre-book a door-to-door transfer with services like Welcome Pickups in Sapporo or GetTransfer’s Japan transfers. As an alternative, you can also hail regular taxis with the GO taxi app or via the Uber taxi option in Sapporo.
• Stash big luggage before heading to Biei: Coin lockers at JR stations fill quickly in summer. If you are doing a short side-trip, consider offloading suitcases at a partner shop via Radical Storage in Sapporo so you can travel light to Biei.
• Think about bikes or scooters for other legs of your Japan trip: Biei itself has local cycle hire near the station, but if you also want to rent bicycles, scooters or motorbikes in bigger cities like Tokyo you can compare prices on BikesBooking’s Japan listings.
• Book accommodation early in July–August: If you plan to stay overnight, search well in advance – lavender and autumn foliage seasons are incredibly popular. You can browse stays in and around town on Booking.com’s Biei accommodation page.

🚆 Option #1 — JR Train via Asahikawa (Most Popular, Scenic)

Fast connections Frequent departures All-weather friendly

• Overview: Travel from JR Sapporo Station to Asahikawa by limited express (Lilac, Kamui or similar), then transfer to the JR Furano Line local train to Biei. This route is straightforward, scenic and runs many times per day.
• Typical schedule & duration: Limited express trains between Sapporo and Asahikawa take about 1 hour 25 minutes, and the Furano Line from Asahikawa to Biei takes about 30–40 minutes, plus a short transfer time at Asahikawa.
• How to book (with price): Standard one-way fares from Sapporo to Biei are typically around ¥4,000–6,500 depending on whether you choose non-reserved, reserved or Green Car seats. You can check and compare times and approximate fares using Trip.com’s Sapporo–Biei train route or directly via the JR Hokkaido timetable search, then buy your ticket at JR ticket machines or counters in Japan.
• Seat types & rail passes: On the Sapporo–Asahikawa leg you can pick non-reserved, reserved or Green (first class) seats. If you are spending several days in central Hokkaido, look at the Sapporo-Furano Area Pass and Furano–Biei Rail Pass introduced on the JR Hokkaido Furano & Biei travel page.
• Pros: Comfortable, fast and easy to understand; plenty of services per day; great scenery as you approach Asahikawa and Biei. Cons: Requires one transfer; seats may sell out in high season, so non-reserved cars can be crowded.

Step-by-step: JR Train via Asahikawa

1. Check timetables and passes: Before your travel day, use the JR Hokkaido timetable search to find a convenient Sapporo → Asahikawa → Biei connection. If you will ride trains for several days, compare area passes on the JR one-day Furano & Biei model course.
2. Buy your ticket in Sapporo: At JR Sapporo Station, use the green ticket machines or visit the “Midori no Madoguchi” ticket office. Staff can help you choose trains and seat types; bring your passport if you are buying a tourist rail pass.
3. Board the limited express at Sapporo: Follow signs to the platform for Asahikawa-bound limited express trains (Lilac, Kamui, Okhotsk etc.). Double-check the car number on your ticket; non-reserved cars are clearly marked on platform displays.
4. Transfer at Asahikawa: On arrival in Asahikawa, follow signs for the JR Furano Line. Biei is usually 3–5 stops away depending on the service. Allow at least 10–15 minutes to change platforms, especially with luggage.
5. Arrive in Biei: Get off at JR Biei Station. Immediately outside the station you will find the Biei Tourism Association’s information center and bus stops for local routes to spots such as Shirogane Blue Pond and Shikisai-no-Oka; see their official access guide for current details.

Getting to the main embarking points (JR Sapporo Station)

• From central Sapporo (Odori / Susukino): Take the Namboku or Toho subway lines to Sapporo Station (connected underground) or walk 10–20 minutes depending on your hotel. Look for signs to the JR concourse once you arrive.
• From New Chitose Airport: Ride the JR Rapid Airport train directly to Sapporo Station (about 40 minutes), or book a private transfer to your hotel in town and walk or subway to the station later in the day.
• Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap

🚌 Option #2 — Express Bus via Asahikawa or Furano

Budget-friendly Simple route More travel time

• Overview: Take an express highway bus from Sapporo (usually Sapporo Station or Sapporo Bus Terminal) to Asahikawa or Furano, then transfer to a local bus or JR train into Biei. This is a relaxed and economical option.
• Typical schedule & duration: Sapporo–Asahikawa buses take about 2.5–3 hours, and Asahikawa–Biei by train or bus adds another 40–60 minutes. Depending on your transfer, total travel time is around 3–4 hours.
• How to book (with price): One-way fares on highway buses between Sapporo and Asahikawa or Furano are typically around ¥2,500–3,100. Add ~¥500–1,000 for the onward leg into Biei. You can compare and pre-book buses on 12Go Asia and then confirm schedules directly on the Hokkaido Chuo Bus site.
• Seasonal direct buses: In summer, there are often seasonal sightseeing and direct buses linking Sapporo with Furano and Biei (for lavender fields, Blue Pond, etc.) operated by companies like Hokkaido Chuo Bus or via tour-style routes listed on sites such as Japan Bus Online. These typically require advance reservation.
• Pros: Cheaper than limited express trains; no changes of platform in big stations; reserved seating on many services. Cons: More susceptible to traffic and winter road conditions; fewer departures per day than trains.

Step-by-step: Express Bus via Asahikawa or Furano

1. Check your target hub: Decide whether you prefer to change at Asahikawa (better if you want JR trains and city amenities) or at Furano (for combining with Furano flower fields). Look up routes and timetables on Hokkaido Chuo Bus or comparison sites like 12Go Asia.
2. Depart from Sapporo: Most long-distance buses leave from Sapporo Station or Sapporo Bus Terminal. Arrive 15–20 minutes early to find your gate and queue in the correct line.
3. Transfer to Biei: From Asahikawa, you can either take the JR Furano Line local train to Biei or use a regional bus following the guidance on the Biei Tourism Association access page. From Furano, local trains and buses also operate toward Biei and Asahikawa.
4. Confirm return times: If you are going round-trip in one day, note your last return bus or train in advance to avoid being stranded, especially in winter when daylight is short.

Getting to the main embarking points (Sapporo Bus Terminal / Sapporo Station)

• From central Sapporo: Sapporo Bus Terminal is next to JR Sapporo Station. Follow signs from the station concourse to the bus area; allow extra time the first time you navigate it.
• From New Chitose Airport: Take the JR Rapid Airport train into Sapporo or an airport limousine bus, then walk to the long-distance bus stands.
• Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap

🚗 Option #3 — Self-Drive / Rental Car from Sapporo

Maximum flexibility Great for detours Requires confident driving

• Overview: Pick up a rental car in Sapporo and drive to Biei via the Doo Expressway and Asahikawa, or meander along slower local roads if weather and time allow. This is ideal if you want to stop at viewpoints, cafés and farm shops along the way.
• Typical route & duration: The fastest route uses the expressway from Sapporo towards Asahikawa, then local roads to Biei. Expect around 2.5 hours of driving in good conditions (longer in winter or during holiday traffic).
• How to book (with price): Small cars in Hokkaido often start around ¥7,000–10,000 per day, plus expressway tolls (roughly ¥4,000 one-way) and fuel. Compare cars and pick-up locations on Booking.com’s Sapporo car rentals or the broader Hokkaido listings.
• Road safety and winter driving: Hokkaido winters bring snow and ice, and rural roads can be dark at night. Review the “Safe driving in Hokkaido” information linked from the Hokkaido Prefectural Government’s English page and check live conditions before setting off.
• Pros: Total freedom with timing and stops; easy to reach out-of-the-way viewpoints like Panorama Road or Shirogane Onsen without worrying about timetables. Cons: Expressway tolls and fuel add up; not ideal if you are uncomfortable driving in snow or on the left.

Step-by-step: Self-Drive from Sapporo to Biei

1. Reserve your car: Book a vehicle with snow tires (winter) and a navigation system. Many rental companies near Sapporo Station and in central Sapporo are listed on Booking.com Cars.
2. Pick up the car and exit Sapporo: Collect your car in central Sapporo, set your GPS for Biei, and follow signs for the Doo Expressway toward Asahikawa. If you are not rushed, consider stopping at a service area en route.
3. Drive via Asahikawa to Biei: Near Asahikawa, leave the expressway and follow local Route 237 towards Biei. You will pass farmland and low hills before entering the town.
4. Explore Biei’s scenic roads: Once in Biei, follow local signs or maps from the Biei Tourism Association to drive the Patchwork Road and Panorama Road, or continue east toward Shirogane Blue Pond and Shirahige Falls.

Getting to the main embarking points (Rental Car Branches)

• From JR Sapporo Station: Many major rental companies have branches around the station’s north and south exits. Plan your pick-up location carefully when you book so you know which exit to use.
• From New Chitose Airport: If you land and want to drive straight away, you can also rent a car at the airport and head towards Biei, or drive first into Sapporo for sightseeing before continuing on.
• Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap

🧭 Option #4 — Guided Day Tour from Sapporo

Hassle-free Great for first-timers Fixed schedule

• Overview: Join a full-day coach tour from Sapporo that usually includes Furano’s flower fields, Biei’s hills, the Blue Pond and sometimes Asahikawa Zoo. Transport, commentary and key admission fees are bundled together.
• Typical schedule & duration: Depart Sapporo around 7:30–9:00 in the morning and return by early evening (roughly 10–12 hours door to door). You will spend most of the day on a comfortable coach with several sightseeing stops.
• How to book (with price): Many tours cost about ¥8,000–15,000 per adult depending on inclusions and season. You can browse itineraries such as the Furano & Biei day trips on Klook, other Klook routes and Biei-focused trips on GetYourGuide, or look at model courses suggested by JR Hokkaido.
• Pickup points: Tours usually depart from major hotels in central Sapporo or from JR Sapporo Station. Exact locations and times are shown when you book.
• Pros: No need to navigate roads or timetables; clear photo stops and commentary; ideal if you have only one free day. Cons: Less flexibility at each stop; itineraries can be crowded in peak season.

Step-by-step: Guided Day Tour

1. Compare itineraries: Decide whether you prefer a tour that focuses more on flower fields, on the Blue Pond and waterfalls, or on a mix including Asahikawa Zoo. Use providers such as Klook, GetYourGuide and Trip.com to compare reviews and inclusions.
2. Confirm pickup and language: Check whether the tour includes hotel pickup or a central meeting point, and confirm the language of the guide or audio guide.
3. Prepare for the day: Bring layers, rain protection, comfortable walking shoes and some snacks. Weather in the Biei hills can be cooler and windier than in Sapporo, even in summer.
4. Meet your guide and enjoy the ride: Arrive at the pickup point 10–15 minutes early with your booking confirmation ready on your phone.

Getting to the main embarking points (Tour Meeting Spots)

• From your hotel: If your tour includes hotel pickup, simply wait in the lobby a few minutes before the scheduled time and follow staff instructions on where the bus will stop.
• From JR Sapporo Station: For station-based pickups, allow extra time to find the precise bus bay or hotel entrance listed on your voucher.
• Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap

FAQ (Sapporo to Biei)

How long does it take to travel from Sapporo to Biei?
Most travelers reach Biei from Sapporo in about 2–2.5 hours by JR train (via Asahikawa), 3–4 hours by express bus plus local connections, and around 2.5–3 hours by car in good conditions.

Do I need to reserve train seats in advance?
You can ride in non-reserved cars without a reservation, but in busy periods (late July, early August, Golden Week and New Year) it is wise to reserve seats for the Sapporo–Asahikawa limited express. Purchase reserved-seat tickets at JR counters or ticket machines once you arrive in Japan, or use a rail pass that includes reserved seats if eligible.

Is winter travel between Sapporo and Biei difficult?
Trains generally run reliably in winter, though delays are possible during heavy snow. Roads can be icy and visibility low, so winter self-driving is best for experienced drivers only. If you are not used to snow, stick to trains or guided tours and allow extra buffer time.

Can I visit Biei as a day trip from Sapporo?
Yes. Many visitors take an early morning train or tour bus from Sapporo, spend several hours around Biei and nearby spots like the Blue Pond or Shikisai-no-Oka, and return in the evening. For a more relaxed pace, consider staying overnight in Biei or nearby Furano.

Where should I stay if I want to explore both Furano and Biei?
Biei, Furano and the smaller surrounding towns all make good bases. Biei offers quick access to patchwork hills and the Blue Pond, while Furano is better for large flower farms. You can easily split nights between the two and use JR trains, buses, or a rental car to move around.