The towns of Furano and Biei are popular sightseeing destinations, known for their breathtaking rural landscapes, vibrant flower fields, and picturesque rolling hills. Particularly famous during the summer months, these areas offer stunning natural beauty with attractions like the lavender fields of Farm Tomita and the mesmerizing Blue Pond. Furano and Biei can be reached from Sapporo by train, bus, or car.
Fields of lavender in Furano
The Main Attractions
Farm Tomita in Furano is one of Japan’s most renowned lavender farms. Its lavender begins coloring in late June, usually reaches its peak in early to mid-July, and is harvested progressively afterward. The farm also features other flower fields, a perfume shop where visitors can watch production, and shops selling lavender-themed products and lavender-flavored ice cream. Farm Tomita is a 25-minute walk from Naka-Furano Station.
The Blue Pond in Biei
The Blue Pond (Aoi Ike) in Biei is famous for its striking blue color, thought to result from sunlight scattered by tiny particles formed as mineral-rich water mixes with river water. Surrounded by birch trees and larch trees protruding from the water, the pond offers a surreal and tranquil atmosphere, making it a popular spot for photography. The Blue Pond is accessible by bus from Biei Station, taking about 20 minutes.
Shikisai no Oka flower garden in Biei
Shikisai no Oka is a panoramic flower garden in Biei that showcases a rainbow of seasonal flowers from spring to autumn. Visitors can explore the vast gardens on foot, by tractor bus, or by renting carts and bicycles. Shikisai no Oka is a 12-minute taxi ride from Biei Station.
Ningle Terrace in Furano is a quaint village of log cabins set in a forested area, hosting various artisan shops selling handcrafted goods like glassware, woodwork, and paper items. Illuminated at night, it offers a magical ambience perfect for an evening stroll. Ningle Terrace is adjacent to the Shin Furano Prince Hotel, about a 10- to 15-minute taxi ride from Furano Station.
Patchwork Road in Biei is a scenic area named for its patchwork-like fields of different crops. The area is best explored by car or rental bicycle, with several observation points like the Ken and Mary Tree and Seven Stars Tree offering panoramic views of the countryside. Patchwork Road is a short drive from Biei Station. Stay on paved public roads and designated viewing areas; do not enter fields or farm tracks, and keep access clear for farm vehicles.
How to Get There
Furano and Biei can be reached from Sapporo by train, bus, and car. A car gives the most flexibility for visiting the scattered attractions, while trains and buses require planning around local connections. For a day trip, choose a manageable number of stops and check the return timetable before setting out.
By Train
To travel from Sapporo Station to Furano Station, take the JR Hakodate Main Line to Takikawa and change to the Nemuro Main Line. Take the Limited Express Lilac or Kamui from Sapporo to Takikawa Station (about 50 to 55 minutes), then transfer to the JR Nemuro Line to Furano Station (about 60 to 70 minutes). The total journey takes around 2 to 3 hours, depending on the connection, and costs 4,760 yen one-way for an adult, including an ordinary reserved seat on the limited express. Lilac and Kamui are all-reserved-seat trains, so arrange your seat reservation before boarding.
To reach Biei, take the Limited Express Lilac or Kamui from Sapporo to Asahikawa Station (about 1 hour and 25 minutes), then transfer to the JR Furano Line to Biei Station (about 35 to 40 minutes). The total journey takes around 2 to 3 hours, depending on the connection, and costs 6,320 yen one-way for an adult, including an ordinary reserved seat on the limited express.
The JR Furano Line train
By Bus
Hokkaido Chuo Bus operates the regular Kosoku Furano highway bus service between Sapporo and Furano.
Direct Buses: Depart from Sapporo Ekimae stop 2 and take about 2 hours and 40 minutes to reach Furano Station, depending on traffic. The adult one-way fare is 2,700 yen.
Alternatively, you can take a bus from Sapporo to Asahikawa and then transfer to a local bus or train to Furano or Biei.
By Car
To travel from Sapporo to Furano by car, take the Do-o Expressway (E5) to Takikawa IC, then follow Route 38 to Furano. Allow around 2 hours and 10 minutes in good conditions, with extra time for traffic and stops. For an ordinary car, the standard one-way toll from Sapporo IC to Takikawa IC is 2,350 yen; joining the expressway elsewhere changes the total.
To reach Biei from Sapporo, take the Do-o Expressway (E5) to Asahikawa-Takasu IC, then continue through Asahikawa to Route 237. Allow around 2 hours and 30 minutes, depending on traffic. The standard one-way toll from Sapporo IC to Asahikawa-Takasu IC is 3,380 yen for an ordinary car.
Driving allows flexibility to explore the scenic countryside at your own pace. For more information on local driving, check our article on Car Rental in Sapporo.
Article by Maria Fukuda. Photos by Yoshitaka/pixta (1), sakapea/pixta (2), kazukiatuko/pixta (3), STUDIO EST/pixta (4). All rights reserved. Last updated 23-Sep-2026.
