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 easily 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 expansive fields bloom with vibrant purple lavender from late June to early August, creating a spectacular visual display. The farm also features other flower fields, a perfume workshop, 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, a result of minerals dissolved in the water reflecting sunlight. 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 New Furano Prince Hotel, about a 10-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.
How to Get There
Furano and Biei can be reached from Sapporo by train, bus, and car. The fastest way to travel is by car, but taking a train or bus offers scenic routes through the heart of Hokkaido.
By Train
To travel from Sapporo Station to Furano Station, you can take the JR Furano Line via Takikawa. Take the Limited Express Lilac or Kamui from Sapporo to Takikawa Station (about 50 minutes), then transfer to the JR Nemuro Line to Furano Station (about 70 minutes). The total journey takes around 2 hours and 20 minutes and costs approximately 4,290 yen.
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 minutes). The total journey takes around 2 hours and costs approximately 5,070 yen.
The JR Furano Line train
By Bus
The Furano Bus company operates seasonal highway buses from Sapporo to Furano during the summer months.
Direct Buses: Depart from the Sapporo Station Bus Terminal and take about 2 hours and 50 minutes to reach Furano. The fare is around 2,570 yen one-way.
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 Hokkaido Expressway to the Takikawa exit, then follow Route 38 to Furano. The journey takes around 2 hours and 10 minutes and costs approximately 3,630 yen in toll fees.
To reach Biei, from Sapporo take the Hokkaido Expressway to Asahikawa, then Route 237 to Biei. The journey takes around 2 hours and incurs similar toll fees.
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.
