Sapporo: Furano Lavender & Biei Blue Pond Tour with Lunch

Introduction: Is the Furano Lavender & Biei Blue Pond Tour Right for You?

If you’re exploring Hokkaido, Japan’s northern island, and want a taste of its most photogenic spots, this Furano Lavender & Biei Blue Pond tour makes for a compelling day trip. It promises a mix of natural beauty, colorful flower fields, and unique geological sights, all with the convenience of roundtrip transportation from Sapporo.

What we really appreciate about this tour is how it combines iconic sights like the Blue Pond, famous for its surreal, mirror-like surface, with the lush, expansive flower fields of Furano and nearby Biei. The included lunch buffet and optional Yubari melon upgrade add a tasty, authentic touch that enhances the overall value. Plus, it’s a chance to see lesser-known treasures like Japan’s rare subterranean Shirahige Falls and breathe alpine air at elevations over 2,300 meters.

A possible consideration is the fast-paced schedule—if you prefer a slow, in-depth exploration, the tour might feel a bit rushed. It’s designed for travelers who want a broad overview of the area’s highlights in one day, rather than spending hours at each stop.

This tour suits those with a love for scenic landscapes, colorful blooms, and authentic Japanese food, especially if you’re eager for a well-organized, guided experience that hits all the main photo-worthy spots.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

• Stunning Photo Opportunities: The Blue Pond provides an otherworldly mirror surface, perfect for capturing unique images.
• Comprehensive Day: Combines nature, scenery, cultural sights, and delicious local cuisine.
• Expert Guides and Reliable Transport: The reviews highlight courteous, knowledgeable guides and punctual pickups.
• Value for Money: At $94, including transportation, lunch, and entrance fees, it offers a lot for a day trip.
• Seasonal Variety: The flower fields change with the seasons, from lavender and poppies in summer to cosmos and tulips in fall.
• Authentic Experiences: Feeding alpacas and tasting lava-rock grilled mochi add local flavor to the trip.

A Deep Dive into the Itinerary: What You Can Expect

Departure from Sapporo and Early Morning Start

The day begins bright and early at 8:00 AM, with options for either a meeting at Sapporo Station’s North Exit Group Bus Terminal or hotel pickup if you’re within 3 kilometers. This flexibility helps travelers avoid long commutes and starts the day on a smooth note. We appreciate the reminder to arrive 10 minutes early—timeliness matters on a tightly scheduled day.

Biei Blue Pond: The Liquid Mirror

By 10:30 AM, you’ll arrive at Biei Blue Pond, arguably the star attraction. This pond is famous for its mesmerizing, liquid mirror effect that reflects the skeletal birch trees and Daisetsuzan mountains. A pro tip from reviews is to stand on the eastern bank for the best shots where the volcanic blue hues seem to melt into the mountain backdrop.

Travelers consistently praise this stop—”the pond was stunning” and “even better than Instagram pics.” Its otherworldly look is due to mineral-rich waters that create a natural, shimmering surface, especially captivating in different lighting conditions.

More Great Tours Nearby

Shirahige Falls: Japan’s Rare Subterranean Waterfall

Next, at Shirahige Falls, you’ll experience a glacial cascade dropping 30 meters underground. The sight of mist and rainbows over blue rivers offers a rare glimpse into subterranean geology, something most visitors find fascinating. Several reviews mention the “White Beard” rainbows and the misty atmosphere, making this a highlight for nature lovers.

Scenic Drive: Roller Coaster Road

Then, you’ll enjoy a drive along the Roller Coaster Road, which provides sweeping views of the patchwork farms—quilt-like fields that roll toward the Tokachi Mountain range. This drive-through offers plenty of opportunities to admire the landscape, especially if you’re a fan of agriculture-inspired scenery.

Furano’s Flower Fields and Lunch

Around noon, the tour stops at Herb Garden Furano, where a hearty buffet lunch awaits. The local specialties, including Hokkaido ramen and curry, are complemented by a hot salad buffet and, optionally, the Yubari King Melon upgrade—an experience many reviews highlight as a “sweet, juicy highlight.”

In summer (peak July), the lavender fields are at their best, and you might find yourself surrounded by waves of purple that look like they belong in a painting. Beyond lavender, flower varieties like poppies and sunflowers fill the fields from May to October, offering a spectrum of colors.

Shikisai-no-Oka Flower Park: A Kaleidoscope of Blooms

Post-lunch, the group visits Shikisai-no-Oka, sprawling over 15 hectares. Here, you’ll find over 30 varieties of flowers, including lavender, poppies, cosmos, and tulips, depending on the season. Several travelers report that this is a “magnificent” place to wander and take photos.

For a small additional fee, visitors can feed the adorable alpacas, a favorite moment for many and a fun break from sightseeing. This close-up encounter adds a touch of rural charm to the day.

Farm Tomita: The Lavender Icon

The final stop is Farm Tomita, renowned across Japan for its lavender oceans that stretch towards the mountains. During July, you’ll see fields in full bloom, and the vibrant purple waves create a spectacular backdrop for photos. If you’re visiting outside peak lavender season, the colorful rainbow-striped fields still impress, with poppies and sunflowers in full display.

Return to Sapporo

The tour wraps up around 6:00 PM, with a comfortable drive back to Sapporo, where you’ll arrive around 7:00–7:30 PM. Travelers consistently praise the punctuality and professionalism of the guides and drivers, making for a smooth end to a busy day.

The Experience: What Really Sets It Apart

Based on reviews and our own impressions, this tour’s strength lies in the combination of spectacular scenery and expert guidance. The guide provides clear, friendly English commentary, helping you appreciate the story behind each location—whether it’s the volcanic geology of Blue Pond or the floral artistry of Furano.

The transportation is a well-organized coach with limited group size (max nine guests), ensuring a comfortable ride and personalized attention. Travelers often mention the driver’s professionalism and courteous attitude, which makes a big difference when navigating the busy, popular spots.

Food and Value

The included lunch buffet at Herb Garden Furano offers a genuine taste of Hokkaido cuisine, with generous portions and a variety of options. The optional Yubari melon upgrade is a sweet bonus, especially appreciated by those wanting to indulge in Japan’s famous fruit.

At $94 per person, with transportation, guide, entrance fees, and lunch included, the tour offers good value. It’s a hassle-free way to cover major sights without the stress of planning or driving yourself.

What Could Be Better?

Some reviews note that the schedule can feel rushed—there’s only about 20-60 minutes at each stop, which is enough for photos and a quick look but leaves little time for deep exploration. If you’re the type who loves lingering over each view or learning detailed history, this might feel a bit hurried.

Also, the guide’s language skills vary; while many praise the clear English commentary, others note that the guide primarily speaks Chinese, which could leave some non-Chinese speakers feeling like outsiders. However, the professionalism and warm attitude of the driver generally compensate for this.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This trip is perfect for nature lovers and photography enthusiasts, eager to capture iconic sights like Blue Pond and the vibrant flower fields. It’s also well-suited for travelers who want a full, well-organized day with convenient transportation and a taste of local cuisine.

If you enjoy a quick-paced itinerary that hits all the major highlights, you’ll find this tour very satisfying. However, if your ideal day involves slow, immersive visits, or detailed guides, you might find it a bit rushed.

It’s also a strong choice for those wanting to see the best of Furano and Biei without the hassle of self-driving or navigating unfamiliar roads. Kids over 3 are welcome (free if on a guardian’s lap), but the tour may be less suitable for those over 80, given the physical demands of some stops.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, children over 3 can join for free if they sit on a guardian’s lap. The tour is designed to be family-friendly, but keep in mind the schedule is quite full.

How long is the total tour?
The tour begins at 8:00 AM and returns around 6:00–7:00 PM, making for a full day of sightseeing.

What should I wear?
Bring weather-appropriate clothing, especially since some stops involve outdoor walking. Layers are recommended as temperatures can vary with altitude and weather conditions.

Are meals included?
Yes, a buffet lunch is included, with optional upgrade to a Yubari melon. There’s no refund if you decline the meal, so plan accordingly.

Can I customize my experience?
Since this is a guided tour with a fixed itinerary, customization options are limited. However, guides usually provide interesting insights and may be flexible within the schedule.

What is the group size?
The tour accommodates a maximum of 9 guests, ensuring a more personal experience than large group buses.

Final Thoughts: Is This Tour Worth It?

For travelers eager to see some of Hokkaido’s most breathtaking sights—the Blue Pond, the flower fields, and iconic lavender landscapes—this tour offers excellent value and convenience. The mix of natural beauty, delicious local food, and the chance to feed alpacas makes for a memorable day.

The professional guides and reliable transportation help smooth out what could otherwise be a hectic day, allowing you to focus on soaking in the scenery. While the schedule can feel a bit tight for those who prefer a leisurely pace, the highlights and photo opportunities are unparalleled.

This experience is ideal for those who want a rundown of the Furano and Biei area, especially if you’re short on time but still want authentic, Japanese-tinged scenery. It’s also well-suited for first-time visitors or those unfamiliar with driving in Japan.

In short, if you’re after a well-organized, scenic, and tasty day that captures the essence of rural Hokkaido, this tour fits the bill perfectly.

Final Tips

• Arrive early and be punctual to maximize your experience.
• Pack light—storage space on the coach is limited.
• Bring your camera and plenty of batteries for all the photo opportunities.
• Wear comfortable shoes for walking around flower fields and viewpoints.
• Consider the weather forecast and dress accordingly; some parts are outdoors and exposed.

Enjoy your trip, and don’t forget to savor that Yubari melon—truly a sweet highlight of Hokkaido’s bounty.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby