Hokkaido · Private journeys
Furano & Biei tour,
made around you.
Flower hills, a blue pond and the flavours of the countryside. Explore from Furano or Biei for the day, or make room for a slower journey from Sapporo with your own vehicle and driver.
Plan my private tourLet us shape the route
Your Furano & Biei private tour starts here.
Tell us where you are staying, when you are travelling and the places you would love to see. We will help put the stops in a practical order and confirm a vehicle and quote for your group.
- Start from Furano, Biei or Sapporo
- Day trips and journeys with overnight stays
- English planning support before you travel
- Alphard and HiAce options, confirmed with your quote
Touring is quoted for your dates, route, hours, vehicle and luggage. Accommodation, meals, admissions and activities are included only when the written quote says so. An enquiry is not a confirmed booking.
Stay nearby. Explore further.
Furano & Biei day tours from a local base
Already staying in the area? Choose a Furano day, a Biei day or a winter journey centred on the Christmas Tree and Ningle Terrace. Each route starts locally, leaving more time for the places you came to see. Select a tab for the stop order, suggested times and seasonal alternatives.
Local departure · Furano
Flowers, dairy & a forest-craft afternoon
A relaxed Furano day keeps the focus on the southern part of the region. It works well if you prefer time for lunch, shopping and a family-friendly food stop over a long list of distant viewpoints.
- 09:00
Meet at your Furano hotel
Start with your luggage arrangements and the day’s priorities. Allow extra time through Nakafurano during the summer flower season.
- 09:30
Farm Tomita, Nakafurano
Allow around 60–90 minutes for the gardens, a gentle walk and a café stop. Lavender is seasonal; the actual flowers depend on the date and weather.
Farm Tomita in lavender season - 11:30
Lunch in Furano or Nakafurano
Keep a full lunch break rather than squeeze a meal between photo stops. Dietary needs and any restaurant reservation should be discussed in advance.
- 13:00
Furano Cheese Factory
Browse the dairy products and add ice cream or pizza if the relevant outlet is open. A workshop needs a separate reservation and additional time.
Furano Cheese Factory - 14:30
Ningle Terrace or an easy countryside stop
Choose forest craft shops when open, or a legal roadside viewpoint. This is an alternative stop, not a promise that every facility operates on every date.
Ningle Terrace in winter · Photo: Shin Furano Prince Hotel - 16:00–17:00
Return to your Furano hotel
Finish with time to settle in before dinner. For a winter visit, use a shorter route and replace flower fields with confirmed indoor or snow-season options.
Times are planning examples, not a fixed timetable. Pick two main experiences and keep the last stop flexible. This route does not include Biei’s Blue Pond; use the Biei day below or an overnight itinerary to avoid backtracking.
Local departure · Biei
Blue Pond, Shirahige Falls & the flower hills
This Biei tour groups the Shirogane sights together, then returns towards the cultivated hills. A morning at the pond helps avoid the busiest afternoon period, though queues and weather can still change the plan.
- 09:00
Start at Biei Station or your Biei hotel
If arriving by train, agree a realistic meeting time and tell us about suitcases. Station-to-attraction travel is part of the itinerary.
- 09:30
Shirogane Blue Pond
Allow 40–60 minutes including the approach from parking. The colour depends on light, rain and snow; winter may cover the surface.
Shirogane Blue Pond - 10:45
Shirahige Falls
Continue to the nearby Shirogane area and look down from the bridge. Allow 30–45 minutes and expect slippery surfaces in cold conditions.
Shirahige Falls - 12:00
Lunch and a rest break
Reserve time for a proper meal in Biei or along the return route. A convenience-store stop is not a substitute for checking dietary requirements.
- 13:30
Shikisai-no-oka
Allow around 60–90 minutes in the green season. Admission, carts and other activities are separate; weather and operating conditions affect what is available.
Shikisai-no-oka flower hills - 15:00
One countryside viewpoint
Choose a permitted viewpoint that fits the route. The fields are working farmland: stay out of crops and private land, and never stop where parking is prohibited.
Furano and Biei countryside - 16:00–17:00
Return to Biei
Finish at the agreed hotel or station. If you need to end in Furano or Asahikawa, request it as a different route and quote.
In winter, replace flower viewing with accessible scenery and confirmed activities. An evening illumination visit needs a later schedule and separate operating-date checks. Do not add a mountain road excursion without checking current access notices.
Winter day trip · Furano / Biei departure
Biei’s Christmas Tree & Ningle Terrace winter day trip
A solitary evergreen above white fields, a warm lunch and wooden craft shops glowing among the trees: this winter route gives the Christmas Tree the main place in your day, then ends with the atmosphere of Ningle Terrace. Keep the middle of the day relaxed, with time to warm up rather than rush between distant viewpoints.
- 09:00
Meet at your Furano or Biei hotel
Set the pickup time around your hotel and the confirmed Christmas Tree access arrangements. A Furano start needs more road time; from Biei, use the extra margin for a relaxed morning. Tell us about winter footwear, children and any walking limitations.
- 10:00–11:30
Biei’s Christmas Tree: the winter highlight
Make the snowy tree and open hills the priority, allowing around 60–90 minutes including permitted access and waiting time. The surrounding fields are private farmland, and vehicles cannot stop or park in front of the tree. Confirm the current viewing arrangements and any Biei Station-area shuttle before booking; the private vehicle cannot take you into a restricted area. Snow and visibility change the view.
A lone tree in a silver-white winter landscape - 12:00
A warm lunch in Biei
Sit down for lunch and a proper warm-up. Choose the restaurant around your dietary needs and opening days, with time for children to change gloves or dry off. Meals and any reservations are separate unless included in the written quote.
- 13:30
Furano Cheese Factory and a warm break
Continue towards Furano and browse the dairy products when the facility is open. A café or another indoor stop can replace this visit on closure days. Workshops need advance reservations and extra time; the factory photograph shows the entrance in the green season.
Furano Cheese Factory - 15:30–16:30
Ningle Terrace as the afternoon light fades
Finish among the small wooden craft shops and forest paths. In winter, snow and warm shop lights create a different mood from the daytime flower routes. Allow around 60 minutes, with the timing adjusted to daylight, opening hours and safe walking conditions. The path can be icy, and individual shops may close.
Ningle Terrace in winter · Photo: Shin Furano Prince Hotel - 17:00–18:00
Return to your Furano hotel
Finish in Furano with time to settle in before dinner. A Biei return is possible only with additional road time and a revised quote; agree that finish before booking. Heavy snow, closures or restricted access may require fewer stops or an alternative permitted viewpoint.
This is a winter model itinerary, not a fixed departure or a promise of snowfall, illumination or shuttle availability. The tree viewing arrangements must be confirmed first; the road in front is not a private-car photo stop. Shuttle tickets, meals, workshops and other admissions are separate unless stated in your quote. Check official Christmas Tree access and Ningle Terrace opening notices for your dates.
Make the countryside part of your Hokkaido journey
A Furano & Biei itinerary from Sapporo: 2, 3 or 4 days
All three examples start and finish in Sapporo. They describe a route to discuss with us, rather than a fixed package. Driving, stops and check-in need to fit the season, your group and the opening hours on your dates.
2 days / 1 night · Sapporo return
A first taste of Furano & Biei
Choose this compact route when you can give the region two proper sightseeing days. It balances the Furano and Biei clusters instead of making a rushed Sapporo return after the first afternoon.
Day 01
Sapporo → Nakafurano → Furano
Leave Sapporo around 08:00. Allow roughly 2½–3½ hours to reach the Furano area before stops in normal green-season conditions, with more time for traffic or snow. Choose Farm Tomita and lunch, then the Cheese Factory or a countryside stop.
Day 02
Furano → Biei → Sapporo
Visit Shikisai-no-oka in the flower season, then Blue Pond and Shirahige Falls if conditions permit. Keep lunch and a return buffer; leave the Biei area early enough for the drive back rather than promise a precise arrival.
A Shirogane hotel is also possible, but changes the route order. Avoid adding Otaru, a full zoo visit or an airport departure deadline to this short plan without removing other stops.
3 days / 2 nights · Sapporo return
Flowers, Blue Pond & an onsen evening
A second night creates room to enjoy Biei without carrying the return drive through every sightseeing decision. It is a good starting point for couples and families who prefer a slower pace.
Day 01
Sapporo → Furano
Travel to Furano, then choose a flower garden and a food or craft stop. Keep the afternoon flexible after the drive. Check into a Furano hotel and leave time for dinner.
Day 02
Furano → Biei → Shirogane
Spend the morning around Biei’s hills and Shikisai-no-oka in season. After lunch, visit Blue Pond and Shirahige Falls. Check in to a Shirogane onsen hotel before its dinner time; choose any night outing around that commitment.
Day 03
Biei → Asahikawa option → Sapporo
Choose a short Asahikawa food or city stop if it fits your interests, then return to Sapporo. A proper Asahiyama Zoo visit needs several hours and a revised departure plan; it is not a quick extra photo stop.
End: Sapporo hotelFor a completely relaxed version, use the third morning for Biei and return directly to Sapporo. Onsen meals, room types and hotel availability are booked separately unless included in your written quote.
4 days / 3 nights · Sapporo return
Slow travel through the Furano–Biei countryside
Four days are useful when gardens, local food and time to rest all matter. Two nights in the Furano area reduce packing and let you adjust one day around the weather.
Day 01
Sapporo → Furano, with an easy arrival
Drive to Furano and choose one main garden or countryside stop after lunch. Check in early enough to enjoy the hotel and arrange dinner without a late arrival.
Day 02
A local Furano day
Use the Furano one-day route above, choosing the flower sites, dairy stop or craft shops that match the season. Optional workshops need advance reservations. Leave the evening free instead of adding a return to Sapporo.
Overnight: same Furano / Nakafurano hotelDay 03
Furano → Biei → Shirogane
Visit the flower hills and countryside before continuing to Blue Pond and Shirahige Falls. A Shirogane stay places you near the pond, but dinner times and any illumination schedule still need checking.
Day 04
Biei → Asahikawa or a direct Sapporo return
Choose a substantial Asahikawa activity or a quieter Biei morning, then return to Sapporo. Agree the final arrival time first; an airport drop-off requires a separate flight buffer and may mean a different last-day route.
End: Sapporo; airport transfer by separate arrangementWinter itineraries need fewer outdoor stops, extra road time and confirmed seasonal activities. None of these routes guarantees lavender, a blue water surface, snow activities or hotel availability.
Arriving at New Chitose Airport instead? See our airport-to-Furano transfer guide. For transport comparisons, use the Sapporo to Furano & Biei travel guide.
Choose your highlights
Five places to visit in Furano & Biei
The best route groups nearby sights and gives each visit enough time. Start with the experiences that matter most, then add a flexible stop if the roads and weather allow it.
A solitary evergreen in a silver-white landscape
The Christmas Tree of Biei in winter
Biei’s Christmas Tree is a favourite winter view, but the surrounding snow-covered fields are private farmland. Stay out of fields and follow the current viewing-area rules. The tourism association currently prohibits vehicle stopping or parking in front of the tree and directs visitors to permitted access arrangements, including the Biei Station-area shuttle when operating. Ask us to plan around those rules; a private car does not mean roadside access is guaranteed.
Official visitor information ↗Nakafurano · Summer colour
Farm Tomita lavender fields
Allow around 60–90 minutes for the gardens and a gentle walk. July is generally the main lavender month, with varieties and weather changing the timing. Other flowers extend the green season. Check the farm’s bloom updates for your dates; winter is a different visit and does not offer the purple fields shown here.
Official visitor information ↗Seasonal colour across Biei’s hills
Shikisai-no-oka
Plan 60–90 minutes for the paths and viewpoints, with more time for an activity. Flower displays vary through the green season; winter is a different visit. Admission and rides have separate conditions, so check the current prices before you choose a cart or tractor ride.
Official visitor information ↗Water, reflections and a changing palette
Shirogane Blue Pond
Give this stop 40–60 minutes including the walk from parking. The pond can look different after rain, during snowmelt or under cloud, and a snow-covered winter surface is not the blue-water scene in a summer photograph. Ask about a morning visit and check the current parking and illumination information.
Official visitor information ↗An easy pairing with the Shirogane area
Shirahige Falls
Pair the falls with Blue Pond rather than make a separate cross-country journey. The bridge provides a view into the river gorge; allow 30–45 minutes and take care on icy surfaces. Share any mobility needs before travel so the approach and walking conditions can be checked.
Official visitor information ↗Hills and tree viewpoints are often beside working farms. Stay on public paths, respect closures and use designated access. Current road, volcanic-access and facility notices take priority over any model itinerary.
Your priorities. Our help with the route.
Plan your Furano private tour with HokkaVia
Have a favourite route or hotel in mind? Send the dates, pickup place, adults and children, bags and the latest time you need to be back. Mention child seats, mobility needs or a workshop before booking.
A vehicle quote is built around the actual hours and route. Tell us whether you need a day tour, a hotel-to-hotel sightseeing journey or a Sapporo return with overnight stays.
Compare vehicle and luggage options ↗
Read our pricing and service conditions ↗
Use either enquiry form on this page; there is no need to send both. Hotel availability, room arrangements and any activities must be confirmed for your dates.
Find the right overnight base
Where to stay: five Furano & Biei hotels
Choose the location before comparing the room. Furano town is convenient for evening dining, Kitanomine and Nakagoryo suit a resort stay, Nakafurano places you between the two sightseeing clusters, and Shirogane works well for an onsen night near the pond.
Price levels below are relative planning categories, not live nightly rates or HokkaVia hotel quotes. Mid-range, upscale and premium rates overlap by season. For a fair price comparison, request the same dates, number of guests, room type, meals, taxes and cancellation terms from each official booking site. Peak lavender and ski dates can cost substantially more.
Shin Furano Prince Hotel
Price level: Upscale resort
A large resort base close to Ningle Terrace and the Furano ski area. It suits travellers who want on-site dining and hot-spring facilities rather than a central-town location.
Check the exact room, meal plan and operating dates. Seasonal maintenance or renovation notices can affect facilities; do not assume every restaurant or activity is open.
Check official rooms & prices ↗
Nozo Hotel
Price level: Mid-range to upscale
A contemporary Kitanomine hotel with a public bath and sauna, dining facilities and family-room options. It is a useful choice for a modern stay near the ski-resort neighbourhood.
Choose a room type that actually fits your party; a family room label is not a promise of any particular bed arrangement. Check maintenance dates and the meal plan.
Check official rooms & prices ↗
La Vista Furano Hills
Price level: Mid-range to upscale
Consider this town base if you value access to Furano’s station area and dining choices alongside hot-spring bathing. It offers a different location from the hillside resorts.
Compare room occupancy, breakfast, bathing arrangements and taxes for the same dates. Allow transport time from the hotel to the gardens; the sights are spread across the wider region.
Check official rooms & prices ↗
Shirogane Park Hills
Price level: Mid-range onsen resort
A Shirogane hot-spring base to consider when Blue Pond and Shirahige Falls are central to the route. Staying here makes an onsen evening possible without returning to Furano the same night.
Compare half-board and room-only plans, dinner arrival deadlines and your room’s layout. Check the latest refurbishment and transport notices directly with the hotel.
Check official rooms & prices ↗
Furano Resort Orika
Price level: Upscale / premium resort
A rural-view resort in Nakafurano with spacious room categories and dining options. It is worth comparing for a quieter overnight setting between the Furano and Biei parts of your journey.
Check seasonal operating dates, available meal plans and transport to dinner or activities. A hillside view does not mean the flower gardens are within walking distance.
Check official rooms & prices ↗This is a shortlist to compare, not a ranking or a claim of a HokkaVia inspection. Hotel photographs show examples, not a guaranteed booked room or view. Lodging is separate from transport unless your quote explicitly includes it. Official information checked on 31 October 2026.
Before you travel
Furano & Biei tour FAQ
Can I book a private Furano and Biei tour?
Send an enquiry with your dates, pickup place, party size, luggage and priorities. HokkaVia will discuss a practical route, vehicle availability and a written quote. The route ideas here are examples; sending the form is not a confirmed reservation.
Should I start my day tour in Furano or Biei?
Start near the cluster you most want to explore. Furano works well for Nakafurano’s flower gardens, dairy and forest-craft stops. Biei is useful for the hills, Blue Pond and Shirogane. Ending in a different town changes the driving time and quote.
Is one day enough for Furano and Biei?
A locally based day can cover a selected group of sights. A Sapporo return adds substantial travel, so prioritise a few places. Two or more days allow time for both clusters, meals and seasonal traffic without treating each stop as a hurried photograph.
When is the lavender season at Farm Tomita?
July is generally the main lavender month, with timing varying by variety and weather. Other flowers can be seen in the green season. Check the farm’s current bloom updates; this page does not promise a particular display on your travel date.
Can these tours run in winter?
A winter route needs different stops, more driving margin and confirmed seasonal operations. Flower fields are not a winter attraction and Blue Pond can be snow-covered. At the Christmas Tree, follow the current permitted-access arrangements: private farmland cannot be entered and vehicles cannot stop or park in front of the tree. Any shuttle, illumination or snow activity has its own operating dates.
Will Blue Pond look like the photograph?
The water’s appearance changes with light, rain, snowmelt and the season. Snow can conceal the surface in winter. A photograph is an example of the landscape, not a guarantee of the colour or visibility on your day.
How long is the drive from Sapporo?
For planning, allow roughly 2½–3½ hours to the Furano area before sightseeing in normal green-season conditions. Exact hotels, traffic, rest stops, snow and road conditions change this. Biei and Shirogane need additional route planning; agree a return buffer rather than rely on a fastest map time.
Are the hotel, meals and entrance fees included?
Only items listed in the written quote are included. Transport, accommodation, meals, garden entry, carts and workshops should be checked separately so you can compare like-for-like. Hotel price categories here are not bookable rates.
Can you accommodate children, large bags or ski equipment?
Give the number and ages of children and the sizes of suitcases, strollers or ski bags when enquiring. Request child seats or mobility assistance before booking. Vehicle suitability and any special equipment must be confirmed for the group.
Can we use trains and buses instead?
Public transport can work for selected stops, but station-to-attraction connections and seasonal services matter. Do not assume a train reaches Blue Pond or every garden. Use our Sapporo–Furano/Biei travel guide to compare transport before deciding on a vehicle.
Can we finish at New Chitose Airport?
An airport finish can be discussed as a different itinerary. Provide the flight time and agree a substantial check-in and road buffer. An airport deadline may require removing sightseeing stops; the Sapporo-return models are not automatic airport-departure plans.
Which enquiry form should I use?
Either form sends your enquiry through the existing HokkaVia charter form. Use one form only, include the route or hotel names that interest you, and keep the email address accurate so the team can reply with the quote.
Ask about your dates and route ↑
Visitor information checked on 31 October 2026. Seasons, opening hours and hotel operations can change; follow each facility’s current notices.
Farm Tomita photograph: 663highland / Wikimedia Commons · CC BY 2.5. Ningle Terrace photograph: Shin Furano Prince Hotel. Winter tree landscape illustration and other sightseeing images: HokkaVia.