Overview
Located in central Hokkaido, Furano offers a lot to those wanting to experience the best of Japanese skiing in a truly Japanese environment.
Furano also serves as a great base to explore the ski resorts and backcountry mountains of central Hokkaido such as Tokachidake, Asahidake, Kamui, Tomamu and Sahoro.
The transfer time from Furano to Rusutsu is between 4 and 6 hours depending on your choice of transfer.
Train, bus, private taxi transfer and self-drive are all possible options for transport from Furano to Rusutsu.
Furano to Rusutsu Bus
- Price: ¥5,600 per adult / ¥4,100 per child
- Transfer Time: 5.5 to 6 hours (including waiting time between buses)
Taking the bus from Furano to Rusutsu is relatively direct with just one change of vehicle required at Chitose Airport.
- Stage 1: Furano to Chitose Airport (2.5 to 3 hours)
- Stage 2: Chitose Airport to Rusutsu (2 to 2.5 hours)
A comfort break along the way is provided for both stages, so you can get out and stretch your legs.
Buses pick up off all over the Furano area, so whether you are staying in Shin Furano, Kitanomine or Furano Town, bus services are a good option.
Buses drop off at Rusutsu Resort Hotel & Westin Rusutsu.
Bus transfers must be booked at least 2 weeks in advance but as early as possible is recommended.
Pros
- Well priced
Cons
- Change of vehicle and a 30 to 60 minutes wait at Chitose Airport is required
- Longer transfer time than a private taxi transfer
Furano to Rusutsu Taxi
- Price: ¥6,100 to ¥55,000 per person - depending on vehicle type and number of passengers
- Transfer Time: 4 hours
Private Taxi Transfers are the most convenient and fastest option for transfer from Furano to Rusutsu with a variety of vehicle sizes offered.
The driver will meet you at your accommodation in Furano and drop you off at your accommodation in Rusutsu.
Private taxi transfers must be booked at least 2 weeks in advance but as early as possible is recommended.
Tip
- You can book a stop off at a supermarket to buy groceries for an additional charge. If you are staying in self-catering accommodation in Rusutsu and plan to cook some of your own meals, this can be really useful.
Pros
- Available 24 hours a day
- Most convenient
- Much faster than bus services
Cons
- More expensive than other options
Train from Furano to Rusutsu
- Price: Approximately ¥6,250 to ¥8,300 per person
- Transfer Time: 5.5 to 6.5 hours
Japan has a world-class network of trains that famously run on time to the second!
Furano Station is centrally located in Furano Town. Tickets can be purchased on the day of travel from ticket machines or a sales counter.
Niseko Train Station is the closest train station to Rusutsu ski resort but is a 30 minutes drive, so is not an ideal option.
There are two possible route options that take place in four stages:
Option 1
- Stage 1: JR Nemuro Line: Furano Station -> Takikawa Station (66 minutes)
- Stage 2: Limited Express Lilac Line: Takikawa Station -> Sapporo Station (53 minutes)
- Stage 3: JR Rapid Airport Line: Sapporo Station -> Otaru Station (30 minutes)
- Stage 4: JR Hakodate Line: Otaru Station -> Niseko Station (90 minutes)
Option 2
- Stage 1: JR Furano Line: Furano Station -> Asahikawa Station (73 minutes)
- Stage 2: Limited Express Lilac Line: Asahikawa Station -> Sapporo Station (84 minutes)
- Stage 3: JR Rapid Airport Line: Sapporo Station -> Otaru Station (30 minutes)
- Stage 4: JR Hakodate Line: Otaru Station -> Niseko Station (90 minutes)
Some Train Services will allow you to complete stages 3&4 without changing trains. More commonly a change of trains at Otaru Station or Sapporo Station is required. This change is pretty straightforward at Otaru Station, which is a small station with just a few platforms. Most often this entails disembarking from your train, crossing the platform to the opposite track and boarding the train shortly after arriving at that platform.
Niseko Station to Rusutsu Ski Resort (30 mins)
Donan Bus Company operates a bus service departing from Niseko Train Station and dropping off at Rusutsu ski resort with several departures daily.
Alternatively, you can take a local taxi from the taxi rank at Niseko Station, which will likely cost at least ¥5,000. Please ensure you have your destination written out in Japanese as most taxi drivers in Japan do not speak conversational level English.
Tip
- If travelling during day light, try and get a window seat on the right-hand side of the train for the section of the journey around Otaru as there are fantastic views out of the Sea of Japan to be had.
Japan Rail Pass: For guests visiting Rusutsu as part of a longer itinerary of travel elsewhere in Japan, either side of their ski experience, a Japan Rail Pass can be a fantastic investment, allowing unlimited train travel on most Japan Rail trains, for periods of 7, 14 or 21 days to suit your travel schedule.
- Look up winter season train timetables on JR Hokkaido
- Search Japan's train schedules using the Japan Transit Planner.
Pros
- Free if you hold a JR Rail Pass
- Less expensive than private taxi transfer
Cons
- A little complex if not familiar with trains in Japan
- 3x changes of trains required
- Not ideal for passengers with ski / snowboard bags
Drive from Furano to Rusutsu
- Price: Varies by vehicle type and hire duration
- Transfer Time: 4 hours
If you are coming from Chitose Airport or Sapporo to Furano before heading on to Rusutsu, you can hire a car from Chitose Airport or Sapporo.
Alternatively, Furano Town has two car hire options located close to Furano Town Train Station for those wanting to drive themselves the 4.5 hours drive from Furano to Niseko.
The route is pretty straightforward with road signs in English but driving in January and February can be a little tricky for those without experience of driving in challenging winter conditions. Snow & ice covered roads are commonplace and visibility can be poor when snow is falling, which is not uncommon in Hokkaido!
If you are comfortable driving in these conditions, having a vehicle in Rusutsu opens up the possibility of day tripping to Niseko or Kiroro ski resorts, off-the-beaten-path Onsen (hot springs) in the area or authentic dining in the area.
Larger 7 or 8-seater vehicles, such as Toyota Hi-Ace or Mistubishi Delica, are commonly available to book in advance and can easily transport ski and snowboard bags.
Hire vehicles are four-wheel drive, come with winter tyres already fitted (so no snow chains are required) and English language GPS can be booked.
All drivers must bring their own national driver's license and a valid International Drivers Permit to legally drive in Japan. Car hire companies will not hand over the keys without these documents.
Pros
- Flexibility to get around in the local area and do day trips to other ski resorts
Cons
- Challenging driving conditions – snowy / icy roads & poor visibility
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Rusutsu Transfers
Whether you are coming from New Chitose Airport, Sapporo City, Otaru City or one of the other Hokkaido Ski Resorts, there are numerous options for the transfer to Rusutsu.
Book now through our Pre-Trip Concierge Service
Available for guests that have booked accommodation with us.
Rusutsu Accommodation
Rusutsu Resort is well serviced by two ski in / ski out resort hotels with plenty of restaurants and facilities.
Ideal for groups and families wanting an all in ski holiday experience.
Furano Ski Resort
Located in Central Hokkaido, Furano offers a lot to those wanting to experience the best of Japanese skiing in a quieter, truly Japanese environment.
Furano Accommodation
Furano has a mix of Ski In / Ski Out Resort Hotels, Japanese Pensions and self catering apartments located at the base of the Furano Ski Resort.
All information is correct to the best of our knowledge at the time of writing.