JR Hokkaido's new 'Aoi Hoshi' (Blue Star) train will run to Furano's lavender fields from 1 July 2027
JR北海道「青い星」編成 2027年夏 富良野線運行計画
The all-Green Car sightseeing train starts a month later than first planned. In June, a 'Kunpu no Oka' limited express covers the same Asahikawa – Furano route with stops at Biei and Lavender Farm.
When1 Jul – 30 Sept 2027
WhereJR Furano Line, Asahikawa – Furano (selected days)
JR Hokkaido has published its summer 2027 plan for the Aoi Hoshi ("Blue Star"), one of two new sightseeing trains in its Star Train project. The Blue Star was due to start in early June 2027; to finish the interior to the standard it wants, the railway has moved the start to 1 July 2027.
From July to September the train runs as "Aoi Hoshi Oka no Irodori" on selected days between Asahikawa and Furano, through the hills of Biei and Kami-Furano at the height of the lavender season. Trains are planned to leave Asahikawa at about 9:20 and 13:44 (arriving Furano about 10:47 and 14:52) and Furano at about 12:00 and 15:20 (arriving Asahikawa about 13:25 and 16:29). Every seat is a reserved Green Car seat, and the train has an observation room.
A ride-only ticket from Asahikawa to Furano costs ¥4,880 one way for an adult. Sales begin in early June 2027, with each day's seats going on sale one month before. Prices are lower for shorter sections.
In June 2027, before the Blue Star starts, JR Hokkaido will run a special limited express called "Kunpu no Oka" on selected days, using the 261 series 5000 "Hamanasu" set (four cars, all reserved, with a free-use lounge in car 1). It keeps to almost the same times as the Blue Star. Asahikawa – Furano costs ¥3,060 (¥1,380 fare + ¥1,680 limited express charge), and tickets go on sale one month before each day.
For visitors
- The operating days are marked on a calendar in JR Hokkaido's release — check the dates before you plan your trip.
- Stops on the way include Biei, Biba-ushi, Kami-Furano, Lavender Farm (a seasonal station) and Naka-Furano. The release notes that doors may not open in every car at some stations.
- Times are marked "about" and the train used may change at short notice. Check the timetable again near your travel date.
- JR Hokkaido hasn't said which rail passes cover these trains yet — ask at a JR ticket office before you buy.
Sources
- JR Hokkaido — Star Train project: summer 2027 Furano Line plan for the Aoi Hoshi set (28 Oct 2026, PDF) (official, Japanese)
Summarised in our own words from the sources above; last checked 6 Nov 2026. Plans can change — confirm with the operator before you travel.
Local experiences
Things to do near Hokkaido (Biei / Furano)
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