How to Get to Biei: From Sapporo, Asahikawa, Tokyo and the Airports
No shinkansen reaches Biei: you fly into Hokkaido and continue by train or bus through Asahikawa. This guide orders the routes by the starting points Thai travellers actually use.
早わかり
- The standard route is to fly into New Chitose or Asahikawa, take a train to Asahikawa, then the Furano Line to Biei Station.
- For spread-out viewpoints a rental car is usually easiest, but check international driving permit rules and Japanese traffic rules first.
- Fares, timetables and pass conditions change often; check JR Hokkaido and the airlines directly.
Biei lies inland in central Hokkaido, with no shinkansen and no large airport in town, so you travel in stages. The route Thai travellers most often use starts with a flight into New Chitose Airport near Sapporo, a train to Asahikawa, then the Furano Line to Biei. The other option is flying into Asahikawa Airport, which is closer to Biei. Each has different strengths. This article is split by starting point, compares the vehicles and covers luggage and bookings.
The quick summary
The most direct way is to fly into Asahikawa Airport, which is close to Biei, but international direct flights there are fewer than to New Chitose, so you often connect through Tokyo or another city. The most popular route is landing at New Chitose and taking a train or bus to Asahikawa via Sapporo, which in total takes roughly two to three hours or more depending on connections. With a rental car, you can drive from the airport or from Sapporo straight to Biei.
From Tokyo
The shinkansen from Tokyo currently reaches only as far as the Hakodate area, not Sapporo or Asahikawa. So the sensible route to Biei is to fly from Tokyo (Haneda or Narita) to New Chitose, or straight to Asahikawa Airport if a suitable flight exists. Several airlines fly domestically, and flight times and fares vary by season, so compare on each airline's website. Going north by rail and sea takes very long and does not suit travellers with limited time.
From Osaka and Kyoto
From Osaka or Kyoto there is no sensible direct rail route to Biei. Fly from Kansai or Itami airports to Hokkaido and then continue by the rail route above. Direct flights and times vary by season, so check with the airlines. If time is short, do not try to chain shinkansen and ferries or long-distance trains, since that takes days and is rarely cheaper than flying.
From the airport or nearby cities
From New Chitose, take the airport rail line to Sapporo, then a limited express to Asahikawa, and then the Furano Line to Biei Station. The last leg is short from Asahikawa, but trains on this section are less frequent than on the main line, so check times before planning. There are also local buses from Asahikawa to Biei. If you land at Asahikawa Airport, a bus or taxi can take you directly to Biei, and if you stay in Furano, Biei Station lies along the same line.
Train vs bus vs rental car
| 選択肢 | 最適な用途 | 長所 | 注意点 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Train | Car-free visitors who want punctuality | Links Sapporo, Asahikawa and Furano on schedule | Furano Line trains are infrequent; plan times |
| Bus | Places the train does not reach | Some routes reach viewpoints directly | Seasonal timetables; some run only part of the year |
| Rental car | Visiting scattered spots | Most flexible, stop for photos as you like | Drive on the left, valid licence needed, slippery winter roads |
Passes and related tickets
There are several nationwide passes and regional JR Hokkaido passes, but prices, valid areas and valid days change often, so do not rely on figures from older articles. A simple method is to list every rail trip you plan, such as airport to Sapporo, Sapporo to Asahikawa and Asahikawa to Biei, then compare the total with pass prices published on the official site. With only a few trips, separate tickets may be better value, but if you plan to visit several Hokkaido cities, a pass can pay off.
Luggage and reservations
- Limited express trains between Sapporo and Asahikawa have reserved and non-reserved seats; check the large-luggage rules before buying.
- The Furano Line is a local train with limited luggage space, so avoid oversized bags if you go by rail.
- Rental cars should be booked ahead, especially in flower season; check the international permit and winter tyres.
- In winter, trains and buses can be delayed or cancelled by snow; leave slack and avoid booking a flight home on the same day.
On a trip with several connections, train times, station exits and the route to your lodging all matter. A Japan eSIM that works right after landing makes it easier to check maps and train times.
よくある質問
よくある質問
How do I get from Sapporo to Biei?+
Take a limited express from Sapporo to Asahikawa and then the Furano Line to Biei Station, or drive a rental car direct.
Do I need a JR Pass to reach Biei?+
Not necessarily; add up each ticket and compare with the pass on offer. With only a few trips, separate tickets may be better.
Is there a direct train from the airport to Biei?+
No; you change at least once, at Sapporo or Asahikawa. If you land at Asahikawa, a bus or taxi works.
Can a Thai licence holder rent a car in Hokkaido?+
You must check the latest requirements, such as the international driving permit and the documents the rental company asks for, with the relevant authorities and the company.
Is it hard to reach Biei in winter?+
Trains and buses mostly keep running, but heavy snow can cause delays. Leave slack, and do not drive yourself without snow experience.
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