Popular Sightseeing Tours in Biei

A day trip to Biei's Blue Pond can be combined with surrounding attractions. The recommended itinerary suggests visiting the famous 'Blue Pond' in the morning to admire its unique blue water and dreamlike scenery with dead trees. Afterwards, you can visit the nearby 'Shirahige Waterfall' to witness its blue spring water cascading from rock crevices. In the afternoon, plan a tour along the 'Patchwork Road' or 'Panorama Road' to enjoy picturesque wheat fields, potato fields, and seasonal flowers. If time permits, you can also visit 'Shikisai-no-oka' to experience farm fun or take a tractor bus, embracing the pastoral landscape of Biei. For transportation, driving is the most convenient, or you can consider taking a sightseeing bus or electric bicycle.

The most common and convenient way to travel from Sapporo to Biei is by JR train. You can take a JR limited express train (such as the Furano Lavender Express or Asahiyama Zoo Train) from Sapporo Station to Asahikawa Station, which takes about 1 hour and 20 minutes to 1 hour and 30 minutes. After arriving at Asahikawa, transfer to a JR Furano Line local train to Biei Station, which takes about 30 minutes. The entire journey takes approximately 2 to 2.5 hours. Alternatively, if you prefer flexibility, you can rent a car in Sapporo and drive there, enjoying the Hokkaido scenery along the way, but consider winter road conditions and parking convenience.

For a two-day, one-night trip to Furano and Biei, it is recommended to focus on Furano on the first day. In the morning, visit the famous 'Farm Tomita' to admire lavender and other flowers, and enjoy lavender ice cream. In the afternoon, head to the 'Furano Jam Garden' or 'Ninguru Terrace' for a cultural experience. Stay overnight in Furano or Biei. On the second day, move to Biei to explore the natural beauty of 'Blue Pond' and 'Shirahige Waterfall', and drive or cycle along 'Patchwork Road' and 'Panorama Road' to admire the vast pastoral landscapes, including famous landmarks like 'Tree of Seven Stars' and 'Parent and Child Tree'. Renting a car for self-driving is recommended for greater flexibility in your itinerary.

The best flower viewing season in Biei is mainly in the summer, especially from July to August. During this period, various flowers such as lavender, sunflowers, poppies, and salvias bloom vibrantly, painting the landscape in colorful patches. Recommended flower viewing tours include visiting 'Shikisai-no-oka' to admire the expansive flower fields and taking a park bus for easy touring. Cycling or driving along 'Patchwork Road' and 'Panorama Road' will take you past numerous private farms and flower fields, offering an authentic Biei experience. Additionally, Furano's lavender also blooms during this time, which can be included in your plan.

When traveling to Biei with children, the itinerary should focus on being relaxing, enjoyable, and interactive. It is recommended to visit 'Shikisai-no-oka,' which not only offers vast flower fields but also features an alpaca farm for close encounters with animals. Tractor buses or golf carts are available for rent, reducing the need for extensive walking. You can also visit local farms in Biei to experience fruit and vegetable picking. When visiting 'Blue Pond' and 'Shirahige Waterfall,' be mindful of walking distances and consider using a stroller or baby carrier. For dining, choose cafes or restaurants that serve local fresh ingredients, allowing children to taste Hokkaido's delicacies, and ensure ample rest time.

For a self-guided trip to Biei, self-driving is highly recommended for maximum flexibility, allowing you to explore the vast pastoral landscapes in depth. If you're not driving, consider taking local sightseeing buses or renting electric bicycles. Must-visit attractions include the dreamlike 'Blue Pond' and its source, 'Shirahige Waterfall'; the 'Patchwork Road' and 'Panorama Road,' formed by diverse crop fields, where you can see famous landmarks like the 'Tree of Seven Stars,' 'Parent and Child Tree,' and 'Ken & Mary Tree'; and the expansive flower fields of 'Shikisai-no-oka.' When planning, consider combining Biei with nearby Furano; a trip of two days or more would be more fulfilling.

For a summer day trip focused on flower viewing, both Biei and Furano have their own charm, and the choice depends on your preference. If you prefer vast lavender fields and lively tourist farms, Furano would be a more direct choice, such as the famous Farm Tomita. Biei, on the other hand, is known for its unique 'Patchwork Road' and 'Panorama Road,' where various crops and seasonal flowers create a colorful pastoral landscape, complemented by natural attractions like the 'Blue Pond.' Biei's flower viewing experience is more about driving or cycling through a living painting. If time permits, both are worth visiting. If you have to choose one, Furano is ideal for pure flower appreciation, while Biei offers a blend of natural landscapes and floral beauty.

Renting a car for sightseeing in Biei is very convenient and highly recommended because the attractions are spread out, and public transportation options are limited. Driving allows you more freedom and flexibility to explore hidden corners and enjoy the scenic beauty along the way. Precautions include: booking your car in advance, especially during peak seasons. You must have your international driving permit and original domestic driver's license. Some roads in Biei are country lanes, so pay attention to road signs and speed limits. In winter, be extra cautious of icy or snowy road conditions and consider renting a vehicle equipped with snow tires. Ensure you are familiar with traffic rules and drive safely to enjoy your driving experience in Hokkaido.

Biei is renowned for its abundant local produce, and its culinary experiences are closely tied to fresh ingredients. It is recommended to look for restaurants serving 'Biei Wagyu' or 'Biei Pork' dishes to savor the flavor of high-quality local meats. Additionally, many cafes and bistros use seasonal fresh vegetables, potatoes, and corn to create dishes that represent the authentic taste of the countryside. Don't forget to try local specialty desserts, such as rich soft-serve ice cream made with Hokkaido milk, and bread or pastries made with local wheat. Most of these eateries are set amidst natural scenery, offering a comfortable dining environment, allowing you to enjoy Biei's tranquility while savoring delicious food.

For an in-depth tour of the Biei region, in addition to popular attractions like the Blue Pond and Shikisai-no-oka, you can explore the various corners of 'Patchwork Road' and 'Panorama Road' more deeply. For instance, seek out more iconic solitary trees like the 'Tree of Seven Stars,' 'Parent and Child Tree,' and 'Ken & Mary Tree,' and experience their unique charm in different seasons. You can also arrange visits to small local farms or workshops to learn about Biei's agricultural culture or engage in hands-on activities. Furthermore, renting an electric bicycle and leisurely cycling along country paths allows for a closer connection to Biei's pastoral atmosphere and changing light, enabling you to capture breathtaking scenes that photographers dream of.