Spots that showcase the best of Furano and Biei, and model itineraries by time! Hokkaido Lab ~A comprehensive Hokkaido travel guide to enjoy gourmet food, nature, and culture~

Spots that showcase the best of Furano and Biei, along with suggested itineraries broken down by time!

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: Last updated: September 6, 2020

Table of contents

2. Three must-see tourist spots
　2-1. Part 1: Shikisai no Oka (Hill of Four Seasons)
　2-2. Part 2: The Blue Pond
　2-3. Part 3: Farm Tomita
3. Top 3 tourist spots I'd like to visit if possible
　3-1. Part 1: Shinseikan
　3-2. Part 2: Bogakudai
4. Recommended shortest itinerary for those who want to do a little sightseeing before their flight.
5. Recommended itinerary from Asahikawa for those who want to explore at a leisurely pace in one day.
6. The early bird catches the worm: the best model itinerary for early mornings.
Summary

1. The Charms of Furano and Biei

This is the scenery that comes to mind when you think of Furano and Biei.
The charm of Furano and Biei lies in its scenery. Endless rolling hills stretch out, with the snow-capped Daisetsuzan mountain range visible in the distance... It's this kind of landscape that draws people in. Here are six spots where you can enjoy this wonderful scenery.

2. Three must-see tourist spots

2-1. Part 1: Shikisai no Oka (Hill of Four Seasons)

Flower fields at Shikisai Hill

Of the many flower fields in Furano and Biei, the place I consider to be the most picturesque is "Shikisai-no-Oka" (Shikisai Hill). It is one of the largest flower fields, offering a vast expanse of blossoms. In particular, it offers panoramic views towards the Tokachi-dake and Biei-dake peaks of the Daisetsuzan mountain range, allowing you to enjoy a quintessential Biei landscape with flower fields in the foreground and snow-capped mountains in the background.

Buggies and carts are available, allowing visitors to explore the spacious grounds. An alpaca farm is also located on the premises.

There's a shop selling snacks, soft serve ice cream, and drinks, but the specialty here is "Melon Soft Serve," which is soft serve ice cream served in a melon. Be sure to order it when you're there; you'll be amazed by its appearance!

The scenery is beautiful, but what's really great about this flower field is that it's a little bit off the beaten path from the national highway, so there are fewer people (just a little bit) compared to other major spots, making it feel like a hidden gem.

1_shiki2

Facility name: Observation Flower Garden Shikisai no Oka
Address: Shinsei 3rd, Biei-cho, Kamikawa-gun, Hokkaido
Opening hours: 09:00 - 17:00 (subject to change depending on the season)
Admission fee: Free (donations of 200 yen per person are requested)
There are separate fees for rides such as carts and for the alpaca farm.
URL:http://www.shikisainooka.jp/

2-2. Part 2: The Blue Pond

青い池

This is the Blue Pond, which I've been seeing a lot of photos of lately. It's located in Biei Town, on the way from Biei Station to Shirogane Onsen. The Blue Pond, whose color changes depending on the season, time of day, and weather, has been attracting attention as a tourist destination since the restrictions on entry were lifted around 2010.

This pond has a mysterious atmosphere, so please do visit it at least once. The best time to go is early in the morning until 10 AM when there are fewer people.

https://youtu.be/vpzS6WQL0MM
☆This video was filmed in July 2015.

Address: Shirogane, Biei-cho, Kamikawa-gun, Hokkaido
(Free parking available)

2-3. Part 3: Farm Tomita

Farm Tomita's Lavender Fields

When you think of Furano, you think of lavender. Wouldn't you love to see the vast expanse of purple at least once?

Farm Tomita is the most famous flower field in Furano. It has a history of over 100 years, and it is said to have started with lavender cultivation as a raw material for fragrances. The flower fields are extensive, and tourist-oriented items such as lavender soft serve ice cream (which has become commonplace) and purple lavender soda are also sold there.

It's a very classic lavender field, but it's definitely worth seeing, so why not visit it at least once? There are many similar lavender fields nearby, so be careful not to get confused.

3_farmtomita2

Facility name: Farm Tomita
Address: 15 Kisen Kita, Nakafurano-cho, Sorachi-gun, Hokkaido
Opening hours: 08:30 - 17:00 (subject to change depending on the season)
Admission fee: Free
URL:http://www.farm-tomita.co.jp/

3. Top 3 tourist spots I'd like to visit if possible

3-1. Part 1: Shinseikan

Shinseikan Observation Room

Shinseikan is a museum that houses numerous works by novelist Ryotaro Shiba, painter Kokuta Suda, and ceramic artist and Living National Treasure Tatsuzo Shimaoka...but it's not just any ordinary museum (although the fact that it has works by these three people is amazing in itself).

First of all, the building itself is a three-story wooden house said to be over 200 years old. It was relocated all the way from Itoigawa in Niigata Prefecture. The interior of the building is also wonderful, and you'll be captivated by the gleaming black wooden floors and thick beams.

Another major draw of this museum is the view from the observation room on the third floor. According to the director of the Shinseikan Museum, "We chose the best viewpoint in the Biei-Furano area." Indeed, you can see beautifully from the distant Daisetsuzan mountain range to the hills of Biei in the foreground, making it the best viewpoint. There are also sofas in the observation room, so you can relax and enjoy the view.

This is a hidden gem that's definitely off the beaten path of typical tourist routes. If you've read this article, you should definitely visit!

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Facility name: Shinseikan
Address: Shinsei no Oka, Biei-cho, Kamikawa-gun, Hokkaido
Opening hours: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM (Closed from early November to late April)
Admission fee: 1,000 yen
URL:http://www.waneibunkasha.com/sinseikan.html
Reference URL:https://www.biei-hokkaido.jp/search/sightseeing/000250.html

3-2. Part 2: Bogakudai

View of Mount Tokachi from Bogakudai

While previous viewpoints offered views of hills and mountains, Bogakudai offers a unique perspective, overlooking Furano and Biei from the middle of the mountainside.

One of the amazing things about Hokkaido is that the trees become much shorter as soon as you climb to a slightly higher elevation. This observation deck is just over 900m above sea level, but there are few trees and the view is unobstructed. You can see the hills of Furano and Biei spread out below, and Mount Tokachi towering behind you, in a 360-degree panoramic view.

Address: Shirogane, Biei-cho, Kamikawa-gun, Hokkaido
(Free parking available)
Operating period: June to early October
Reference URL:http://www.biei-hokkaido.jp/search/sightseeing/000239.html

4. Recommended shortest itinerary for those who want to do a little sightseeing before their flight.

Many people probably want to do a little more sightseeing in the few hours before their flight. Furano and Biei are close to Asahikawa Airport, making such a short sightseeing trip possible.

This time, we'll introduce a model itinerary of approximately 4 hours by rental car, perfect for those heading to Asahikawa Airport for a 13:00 flight.

09:00 (4 hours until flight) Depart from hotel in Asahikawa city by rental car.
↓ (approximately 40 minutes)
09:40 (3 hours 20 minutes until flight) Arrived at Shikisai-no-Oka
↓ (40 minutes)
10:20 (2 hours 40 minutes until flight) Departure from Shikisai-no-Oka
↓ (Approximately 30 minutes) Drive along the scenic Biei Hills Panorama Road.
10:50 (2 hours 10 minutes until flight) Arrived at Blue Pond
↓ (20 minutes)
11:10 (1 hour 50 minutes until flight) Departure from Blue Pond
↓ (Approximately 40 minutes) Drive along the Shirakaba Road
11:50 (1 hour 10 minutes until flight) Arrived at Asahikawa Airport
(Refuel, return rental car, grab lunch and souvenirs, then head to boarding gate)
(The journey from the Blue Pond to New Chitose Airport takes approximately 3 hours.)

*During the peak season from July to September, traffic congestion is common. Please allow ample time for travel while checking road conditions.

road1 It might feel a little rushed, but this course allows you to fully capture the beautiful scenery of Shikisai-no-Oka and the Blue Pond. Along the way, you'll pass through the "Panorama Road" that winds through the hills of Biei, and near the Blue Pond, you'll find the "Shirakaba Kaido" (White Birch Road), a beautiful road lined with white birch trees on both sides, making it a truly Hokkaido-style drive.

In addition to flights departing from Asahikawa Airport in the early afternoon, you can also take the same route on flights departing from New Chitose Airport in the evening or at night. Please feel free to use this for a quick sightseeing addition to your trip.

5. Recommended itinerary from Asahikawa for those who want to explore at a leisurely pace in one day.

Furano and Biei are a bit difficult to get to from Sapporo. Therefore, Asahikawa is closer and more convenient as a base for sightseeing.

This is the perfect itinerary for sightseeing by rental car after staying overnight in Asahikawa.

09:00 Depart from the hotel in Asahikawa city by rental car.
↓ (Approximately 60 minutes)
10:00 Arrived at the Blue Pond
↓ (Approximately 20 minutes) Enjoy the blueness of the Blue Pond
10:20 Departure from Blue Pond
↓ (Approximately 15 minutes) Drive along the Shirakaba Road
10:35 Arrived at Bogakudai
↓ (Approximately 15 minutes) Overlooking the plains of Furano
10:50 Departure from Bogakudai
↓ (Approximately 50 minutes) Drive along the Shirakaba Road again
11:40 Near Mimauchi StationLa Malta 到着
↓ (Approximately 60 minutes) Enjoy open sandwiches and potato dishes at a popular cafe.*Closed on Tuesdays
↓ If it's full, then go to the next restaurant at Shikisai-no-Oka.PhloxholeI also recommend their soup curry.
12:40 Departure from lunch location
↓ (Approximately 10 minutes) Proceeding while getting lost
12:50 Arrived at Shikisai-no-Oka
↓ (Approximately 60 minutes) Enjoy the flower fields while visiting the shop and alpacas in that order.
13:50 Departure from Shikisai-no-Oka
↓ (Approximately 10 minutes) Still getting lost as I continue on.
14:00 Arrived at Shinseikan
↓ (Approximately 60 minutes) Relax while enjoying the best view in Biei.
15:00 Departure from Shinseikan
↓ (Approximately 30 minutes) This time we got onto the national highway and proceeded smoothly.
15:30 Arrived at Farm Tomita
↓ (Approximately 40 minutes) Enjoy a lavender-filled experience with fields, soft serve ice cream, and ramune soda.
16:10 Departure from Farm Tomita
↓ (Departing for the accommodation for the day)
(Approximately 50 minutes to Asahikawa, approximately 2 hours 30 minutes to New Chitose Airport, and approximately 3 hours to Sapporo)

road2 This plan allows you to take your time at each spot. If you want to fully enjoy the atmosphere of Furano and Biei while taking in the scenery, please use this as a reference.

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6. The early bird catches the worm: the best model itinerary for early mornings.

Furano and Biei are major tourist destinations in Hokkaido, attracting visitors from all over the world. Therefore, crowds during peak season are unavoidable. For those who want to avoid these crowds as much as possible, we'll introduce a course that starts early in the morning.

This is a rental car sightseeing course departing from Asahikawa.

06:00 Depart from the hotel in Asahikawa city using the rental car that was rented the day before.
↓ (Approximately 60 minutes) Breakfastseico martI secured some supplies at a convenience store in Hokkaido while driving around Hokkaido in the early morning.
07:00 Arrived at the Blue Pond
↓ (Approximately 30 minutes) Enjoy the less crowded Blue Pond
07:30 Departure from Blue Pond
↓ (Approximately 15 minutes) Drive along the Shirakaba Road
08:45 Arrived at Bogakudai
↓ (Approximately 15 minutes) Overlooking the hills of Biei bathed in the morning light
09:00 Departure from Bogakudai
↓ (Approximately 50 minutes) Descend the mountain, skimming along the middle of the mountainside.
09:50 Arrived at Farm Tomita
↓ (Approximately 40 minutes) Lavender Extravaganza
10:30 Departure from Farm Tomita
↓ (Approximately 25 minutes) Drive along the national highway
10:55 Near Mimauchi StationLa Malta 到着
↓ (Approximately 55 minutes) Enjoy open sandwiches and potato dishes at a popular cafe.*Closed on Tuesdays
11:50 Departure from La Malta
↓ (Approximately 10 minutes) Proceeding while almost getting lost
12:00 Arrived at Shinseikan
↓ (Approximately 60 minutes) After admiring the impressive paintings, enjoy the scenery of Biei.
13:00 Departure from Shinseikan
↓ (Approximately 10 minutes) Driving through the hills of Biei
14:10 Arrived at Shikisai-no-Oka
↓ (Approximately 50 minutes) Get snacks at the shop
15:00 Departure from Shikisai-no-Oka
↓ (To tonight's accommodation)

*On days when the predicted minimum temperature in Furano is 5℃ or lower, the roads around the Blue Pond and Bogakudai may freeze. Please check the road conditions carefully and drive safely.

road3 If you wake up a little earlier, you can comfortably visit even the most popular spots. Avoiding traffic and making the most of your time, this is truly the best course. If you dislike crowds, please consider this!

★Fly with JAL! A tour to Furano, Hokkaido, where you've always wanted to see this!★

Summary

How did you like our introduction to some great spots in Furano and Biei? It's a very large area, but you can enjoy the scenery even while traveling, making it a truly Hokkaido-like place, so please do visit it sometime.

Please also check out these related articles.