Train check: Sapporo to Furano on the Lavender Express

Enjoy the views from the Lavender Express before you disembark at Furano Station in Hokkaido, Japan. Photo / Getty Images

Denise Stephens travels from Sapporo to Furano on the Lavender Express train

The train: The train was the North Rainbow Express-type which JR Hokkaido uses on its scenic routes. The carriages have wide-view windows and skylights, allowing a much better view than standard express trains. Comfort was superior too, with reclining seats upholstered in shades of lavender, green and gold.

Station experience: Sapporo JR station is a busy one with a good selection of shops selling food to take on the train. I bought sandwiches and coffee, then headed for the platform. This has signs indicating the spot to queue for each car, which makes boarding smooth.

On time: The train departed Sapporo on time at 9.07am, and was just a few minutes late getting into Furano.

Class: Ordinary.

The seat: Car 4, 12A, a window seat.

Price: $100 for a Furano-Biei ticket plus the reserved-seat charge. This ticket, available only in the summer, gives a return trip to the Furano-Biei-Asahikawa area plus use of local trains within that area.

Travel time: Two hours.

Fellow passengers: A mixture of day trippers and people going to Furano for the weekend.

How full: About three-quarters full.

Food and drink: None available on the train, but plenty of options at Sapporo station to take on the train.

Entertainment: Once the train gets out of Sapporo, it's all about the scenic views. The route passes through rice paddies and vegetable fields, with mountains in the distance. I spotted a huge statue just before Ashibetsu, gleaming white against the lush green landscape. This depicts the goddess Kannon and is the third largest statue in Japan.

Service: Announcements were made in English, Chinese and Korean as well as Japanese. There were tourist brochures and maps available in each carriage.

Toilets: Clean and functional.

Nice surprise: Car 3 had a lounge with comfortable couches on its lower level, which would be really nice for a group travelling together.

Luggage: There are luggage racks at the end of each car. Due to the scenic wide-view windows, the overhead rack is only big enough for coats and similar items.

Final word: The Lavender Express is the fastest train to Furano, and saves changing trains at Takikawa. It only runs during the summer when the famous lavender fields are in bloom. I recommend it as very comfortable way to enjoy the scenery.