Furano and Biei sit in the agricultural heart of Hokkaido, roughly two hours from Sapporo by car. In July the lavender fields turn hillsides purple. The rest of the year is quieter but no less photogenic. A rental car is strongly recommended.
Furano
Farm Tomita
The most visited flower farm in Hokkaido. Free entry. Peak lavender mid-July. The lavender soft serve is genuinely good. Arrive before 09:00 to beat tour buses.
Furano Cheese Factory
Free entry, cheese and butter-making workshops (900-1,000 yen). Camembert and smoked cheese are standouts. See our sweets guide.
Ningle Terrace
Log-cabin craft workshops in the forest behind the New Furano Prince Hotel. Charming in winter. Free to walk through.
Furano Ski Resort
Comparable snow to Niseko, fewer people, lower prices. See our ski resorts guide.
Biei
Blue Pond (Aoi Ike)
Volcanic mineral pond glowing cobalt blue. Famous after Apple used it as an iPhone wallpaper. Go before 09:00 or after 16:00. Parking 500 yen.
Shikisai no Oka
Strips of different flowers creating rainbow bands against mountains. Entry approximately 500 yen. See our flower guide.
Patchwork Road
Rolling agricultural hills divided into crop fields creating a natural patchwork. Best explored by car.
Getting There
By car: 2 hours from Sapporo. By train: JR via Takikawa or Asahikawa (2-2.5 hours). Day tours: Klook from ~$39.
See our car rental guide and rail guide.