Sapporo to Furano & Biei Day Trip: A Local’s Honest Guide to Hokkaido’s Scenic Wonders
Hey there! I’ve lived in Sapporo for a long time, and if you’ve made it all the way here to Hokkaido, there’s a place I really think you should check out: the Furano and Biei area.
It’s totally doable as a day trip from Sapporo, and it lets you soak up those vast, incredible Hokkaido landscapes you’ve probably heard about. Today, I want to give you the real scoop – from a local’s perspective – on planning a day trip to Furano and Biei, sharing the honest truth while making sure you know just how amazing this area is!
Why Recommend Furano & Biei?
First off, the scenery is just top-notch. Furano is known for its wide-open fields and flower gardens stretching as far as the eye can see. It feels incredibly spacious. While famous for lavender, it’s truly beautiful in other seasons too.
Biei, on the other hand, features gently rolling hills, with drive courses called the “Patchwork Road” and “Panorama Road.” Honestly, this area blows me away every time I visit. If it’s your first time, you’re guaranteed to be impressed by its beauty. No doubt about it!
Furano: More Than Just Lavender, An Area for All Senses
When you think of Furano, lavender fields probably pop into your head, right? The most famous spot is likely “Farm Tomita.”
- Farm Tomita: It’s not just lavender here; it’s a flower paradise bursting with colors. The farm is quite large, but strolling around while enjoying the views is fantastic.
- Don’t Miss the Food: You absolutely have to try the cut melon slices! Furano is also famous for its melons. There’s a specific brand called “Furano Melon,” known for being incredibly sweet and delicious. Definitely give it a try if it’s in season. The lavender soft-serve ice cream is popular too.
- A Local’s Honest Take: During the peak summer season (mid-to-late July), let’s be real, it gets incredibly crowded. Getting into the parking lot can sometimes be a challenge. It’s wise to allow plenty of extra time or maybe visit slightly off-peak (late June-early July, or August). But, seeing those lavender fields in full bloom? Totally worth it, even with the crowds!
But Furano’s charm isn’t just about flower fields.
- Expansive Furano Views: Even just driving around, you’ll be soothed by the endless fields, pastures, and the Tokachi mountain range in the distance. This sense of scale is classic Hokkaido. It’s the best.
- Furano Gourmet: Furano Burger: Lately, the “Furano Burger” has become a popular local specialty. Several places offer them, featuringこだわりの (kodawari – commitment to quality) burgers made with local ingredients. Pretty much everything tastes good in Hokkaido, and these burgers are definitely not bad at all. A great lunch option during your drive.
【A Word on Furano】 Honestly, Furano is such a great place that I’d really love for you to spend a night if you can. There are wineries, cheese factories, famous drama locations… so much to see. But even on a day trip, you can definitely enjoy the highlights if you plan smart!
Biei: Breathtaking Hills and a Mystical Pond
Head a little north from Furano, and you’ll enter the Biei area. The scenery here has a different kind of charm.
- Hill Scenery (Patchwork Road & Panorama Road): Biei’s hilly landscape looks like a patchwork quilt, hence the “Patchwork Road.” There’s also the “Panorama Road” area for taking in vast views. It’s less about specific tourist spots and more about enjoying the scenery while driving.
- There are famous trees (like the Seven Stars Tree, Ken & Mary Tree), but personally, I also love the views from unnamed spots along the hills. The landscape changes so much with the seasons and time of day; I never get tired of it.
- Shirogane Blue Pond: This pond is truly, strikingly “blue.” How it looks changes with the weather and light, but that mesmerizing, mystical blue is something you have to see once.
- A Local’s Honest Take: The Blue Pond also gets very crowded, especially in summer and during autumn foliage season. It’s not uncommon to see long lines just for the parking lot. Going early in the morning is your best bet to avoid the biggest crowds.
- Night Illumination: They sometimes light up the pond at night, mainly during winter. It creates a completely different, magical atmosphere compared to the daytime. Check the Biei Tourist Association website for details if you’re interested.
Getting There from Sapporo: What’s the Best Way?
From Sapporo to the Furano/Biei area, it takes about 2.5 to 3 hours by car. Here are the three main ways to get there for a day trip:
- Rental Car:
- Pros: The freedom is unbeatable! Tourist spots in Furano and Biei are spread out, so having a car makes exploring efficient. Driving through the Biei hills is especially amazing. You can stop wherever you like for photos. This is my top recommendation.
- Cons: Might be a bit challenging if you’re not used to driving here. Winter driving means snowy roads, requiring extra caution. You also have expressway tolls and gas costs.
- Cost/Time: Using the expressway, it’s roughly under 2 hours from Sapporo IC to Furano IC. Car rental costs vary by car type and season but start around ¥10,000 per day as a rough guide. (This is just an estimate, so “always” check the rental company’s website yourself!)
- JR (Japan Railways):
- Pros: Relaxing, as you don’t have to drive. Limited express trains from Sapporo Station sometimes run directly to Furano Station without transfers (like the seasonal “Furano Lavender Express”).
- Cons: You need to figure out transportation (bus, taxi, rental cycle) once you arrive at Furano or Biei Station. Getting between spots can be a bit inconvenient.
- Cost/Time: About 2 hours by limited express from Sapporo to Furano Station. The fare is around ¥5,000-¥6,000 one way. Check the JR Hokkaido website (English available) for details. (Fares and timetables can change, so “always” check the latest info yourself!)
- Bus:
- Pros: Relatively affordable. Intercity buses run from Sapporo Station to Furano Station.
- Cons: Often takes longer than the JR (around 3 hours). You’ll still need separate transportation from the station.
- Cost/Time: Fares start around ¥2,500 one way. Travel time is roughly 3 hours, depending on the route. Several bus companies operate this route (e.g., Hokkaido Chuo Bus – It’s a Japanese page, but try using your browser’s translate function).
A Local’s Honest Take: If you want to see a lot efficiently on a day trip, renting a car is definitely the most convenient option. However, remember that roads and parking lots get crowded during the summer tourist season, so planning with extra time is crucial. If using JR or bus, research your local transport options (tour buses, taxis, rental cycles) beforehand for a smoother trip.
Sample Day Trip Itinerary (By Rental Car)
This is just an example, how about something like this?
- Morning:
- Leave Sapporo early (around 7:00-8:00 AM).
- Take the expressway to Furano (approx. 2 hours).
- First, enjoy the flower fields and scenery at “Farm Tomita” (and grab some delicious Furano melon!).
- Lunchtime:
- Have lunch in Furano town or at a café with a nice view (Furano Burger is a good choice!).
- Afternoon:
- Drive to Biei (about 30 mins).
- Drive the “Patchwork Road” and “Panorama Road.” Stop for photos wherever you like.
- Visit the mystical “Shirogane Blue Pond.”
- Late Afternoon/Evening:
- If you have time, maybe stop by another Biei spot (like “Shikisai-no-Oka” flower garden).
- Start heading back to Sapporo (around 4:00-5:00 PM).
- Night:
- Arrive back in Sapporo (around 7:00-8:00 PM).
This is quite a packed plan, so treat the times as a guide and enjoy it at your own pace!
Tips for Enjoying Furano & Biei
- Best Season: For lavender, mid-to-late July is peak. But honestly, the fresh green of spring, the autumn colors, and the winter snowscapes are all incredibly beautiful in their own right. Personally, I also recommend early summer (June) for vibrant greens or autumn (September-early October) for pleasant weather and fewer crowds.
- What to Wear: Even in summer, mornings/evenings can be cool, and the daytime sun can be strong. Bring layers and a hat. Comfortable walking shoes are a must.
- Dealing with Crowds: The peak summer season gets really busy! Be prepared, especially on weekends and holidays. Leaving early or aiming for weekdays is smart.
- Be Mindful of Time!: While a day trip is definitely doable, remember that the round trip from Sapporo takes a significant chunk of time. Be prepared that enjoying Furano and Biei properly will likely take up most of your daylight hours. You’ll often get back to Sapporo well after dark! So, maybe don’t try to cram too much in; focusing on key spots might be better.
Final Thoughts: Definitely Worth the Trip from Sapporo!
The Furano and Biei area, reachable on a day trip from Sapporo. Yes, the travel time takes a bit, but the stunning scenery and experiences waiting for you more than make up for it. Vast landscapes, beautiful flowers, rolling hills, a mystical pond… it’s a place where you can truly feel the grandeur of Hokkaido.
Sapporo city is great fun, of course, but if you have a spare day in your schedule, I highly recommend taking a drive out to this incredible area. It’ll surely be an unforgettable part of your trip!
