Sapporo: Furano Lavender & Biei Blue Pond Tour with Lunch

The striking part of this day is the variety. You go from the Blue Pond’s milky blue water and the underground-fed Shirahige Falls to Furano’s broad flower fields, all without changing hotels or figuring out rural bus connections. I especially like the included buffet lunch and the chance to add unlimited Yubari melon, plus the small group size of no more than nine people.

The main caution is the clock. This is a packed day, and some stops feel brisk, especially when the fields are crowded. The driver-guide service can also vary: GEM and Headlay Lee-GEM are praised for clear English and smooth driving, but some departures may offer little commentary beyond timing and meeting instructions.

Key points at a glance

• Apple wallpaper scenery: The Blue Pond offers shifting aquamarine water, pale birch trunks, and views toward the Daisetsuzan area.
• A full Hokkaido food stop: The buffet includes ramen, curry, salads, local hot dishes, and an optional unlimited Yubari King Melon upgrade.
• Three very different flower-field experiences: Shikisai-no-Oka has wide planted displays and alpacas, while Farm Tomita is the classic lavender stop.
• Small-group transport from Sapporo: The shared vehicle carries up to nine people, making rural sightseeing much easier than relying on infrequent local transport.
• A short but scenic day: You leave around 8 AM, return around 6 to 7 PM, and spend much of the day moving between Biei and Furano.

Why this Sapporo day trip works

At $94 per person, this is a useful way to reach two rural parts of central Hokkaido in one day. Biei and Furano are not practical quick side trips from Sapporo by local transport, particularly if you want to combine the Blue Pond, Shirahige Falls, several flower fields, and lunch.

I like that the tour gives you a driver, fuel, tolls, and lunch in one price. You are paying for access to the countryside as much as for the sightseeing itself. The long road time is the tradeoff, but it saves you from planning transfers and driving unfamiliar roads.

The vehicle is shared, with a maximum of nine people. That is smaller than a large coach, though it is still a group outing rather than a private tour. Everyone needs a dedicated seat, and luggage space is limited, so bring only what you need for the day.

The day is strongest in July, when Furano’s lavender is at its most famous. It still has value outside peak lavender season, since Shikisai-no-Oka lists tulips in May and cosmos in October, while Farm Tomita’s Irodori Field can show poppies and sunflowers from May through October. Flower displays always depend on the season, so do not book in autumn expecting July’s purple fields.

Starting at Sapporo Station at 8 AM

You can meet at the Sapporo Station North Exit Group Bus Terminal at 3 Chome Kita 7 Jonishi, Kita Ward. A hotel pickup option is available within 3 kilometers of Sapporo Station.

The departure rule is strict. Arrive at least 10 minutes early, because the vehicle does not wait for late arrivals. After booking, you must provide a WhatsApp number. The support team uses a WhatsApp group to send the GPS-pinned meeting map, vehicle plate number, and final timing reminder by 8 PM the night before.

I find this useful, especially for a busy station where a vague meeting point can waste time. Keep WhatsApp active on the morning of the tour, and check the vehicle details before leaving your hotel. If you cannot be reached at departure, the booking is forfeited without a refund.

The tour runs in English, Chinese, Japanese, and Traditional Chinese. The level of English guiding may differ by driver. GEM is specifically praised for clear explanations, careful driving, and a warm, professional manner. Headlay Lee-GEM is also named as a strong driver-guide. Still, one account describes the service as closer to transport with basic time instructions, so I would not book this if detailed interpretation at every stop is essential.

Blue Pond: 30 minutes of strange blue water

The first major stop is Biei Blue Pond, reached at about 10:30 AM. You get roughly 30 minutes here, enough to walk to the viewing area, take photographs, and look closely at the unusual water.

The color comes from mineral-rich water, which gives the pond its pale blue to aquamarine appearance. Dead birch trunks rise from the surface, creating the almost unreal image that helped make the site famous as an Apple MacOS wallpaper location.

The color can shift with light and weather. On a bright day, the water may look more turquoise; under cloud, it can appear flatter or grayer. That uncertainty is part of the appeal, but it also means the famous online image is not guaranteed.

For photographs, try the eastern bank, where the water, white trunks, and distant Daisetsuzan peaks may line up in one frame. Thirty minutes is enough for a focused visit, but not for a slow walk or extended photography session. If you use a tripod or need quiet time, this stop may feel short.

Crowds are another factor. Blue Pond is one of Hokkaido’s best-known photo stops, and the main viewing area can be busy. Your driver usually gives you clear instructions and lets you explore on your own, so note the return time carefully.

Shirahige Falls and the blue river below

Around 11:20 AM, the group moves to Shirahige Falls for about 20 minutes. The name means White Beard, a reference to the fine streams of water dropping from the rock face.

The waterfall is unusual because its water emerges from underground before falling about 30 meters into the river below. The flow creates spray and, in suitable light, small rainbows above a striking blue channel.

This is a compact stop. You are there to look from the viewing area, take photographs, and feel the cool mist rather than walk a long trail. I like the contrast with the Blue Pond: both have unusual blue water, but the pond is quiet and still while Shirahige Falls is all movement and spray.

Allow extra care on wet surfaces, and keep your camera ready before reaching the viewpoint. The schedule gives you only 20 minutes, so this is a quick look rather than a full nature walk.

Roller Coaster Road through Biei

The drive-through section on Roller Coaster Road takes you across a series of sharp rises and dips. The road is known for its pronounced elevation changes, and the vehicle passes through open farmland with views toward the Tokachi peaks.

You do not get a formal walking stop here. Think of it as a scenic part of the drive, useful for seeing how broad and open the Biei area is between the main attractions. The patchwork fields can look almost quilted from the road, with long views across cultivated land.

This section also explains why a driver is so useful. You can watch the countryside instead of concentrating on directions, parking, and changing roads. Just keep your expectations realistic: the value is in the view from the vehicle, not in a long photo stop.

Lunch at HERB GARDEN FURANO

At about 12:20 PM, you get one hour for lunch at HERB GARDEN FURANO. The included buffet features a ramen bar, curry station, salads, and local hot dishes.

The meal is a practical break after the morning’s stops. You can choose familiar food or sample several dishes without committing to one large plate. The buffet setting also makes it easier for a mixed group with different tastes.

The optional unlimited Yubari King Melon upgrade is the food highlight for many people. Hokkaido melon is known for its sweetness and juicy texture, and the upgrade can make sense if you particularly want to try it rather than simply have a standard meal.

Keep in mind that the lunch is included even if you decline it, with no refund for skipping the meal. The restaurant can be crowded, and one hour passes quickly when you are collecting food and finding a seat. I would not plan to use lunch as a long, relaxed restaurant experience.

The tour does not include extra snacks or drinks, so carry a small supply for the road. Food and drinks are not allowed in the vehicle, and neither are smoking or alcoholic drinks. Bring something you can finish during the designated meal or outside the vehicle.

Shikisai-no-Oka: flower fields and alpacas

The next major stop is Shikisai-no-Oka at about 2 PM, with admission included and one hour to explore. The site covers about 15 hectares and is designed around broad bands of planted flowers.

In July and August, you may see lavender, poppies, and sunflowers arranged in large blocks. In May, tulips are the main seasonal draw, while cosmos bring color around October. The displays are planned rather than wild, but the scale gives you the sweeping flower photographs people come to Furano for.

The alpaca area adds something different. You can buy a small bucket of feed for ¥500 and get close to the animals. That cost is separate, and the encounter is optional. If you are traveling with children, the alpacas can break up the repeated pattern of walking, photographing, and moving on.

One hour is enough to see the main flower areas and decide if you want to spend time with the alpacas. It is not enough to examine every section at an unhurried pace. Wear shoes that are comfortable for walking and bring a hat or weather protection, since much of the appeal is outdoors.

Farm Tomita and the July lavender peak

The final flower stop is Farm Tomita, scheduled for about 3 PM with 50 minutes on site. This is Furano’s most famous lavender destination, especially in July when the rows of purple flowers run toward the Tokachi Mountains.

If lavender is your main reason for booking, this is the stop that matters most. Peak timing can vary, and the tour description specifically identifies July as the best period for the classic lavender view. Outside that window, the farm still has the Irodori Field, where poppies and sunflowers can appear from May to October.

The stop is shorter than some visitors might want, especially if the grounds are crowded. You will need to choose between photographs, browsing, and simply enjoying the fields. If your priority is buying souvenirs or trying every food item, you may have little time for a slow walk.

The order of the flower stops can change. One departure did Farm Tomita first rather than following the published order, apparently to suit traffic or operations. Weather, road conditions, and crowd levels can also change the sequence. The important point is that the tour includes both locations, not that every group follows the same minute-by-minute route.

The road back to Sapporo

The return drive begins around 3:50 PM, with drop-off expected between 6 and 7 PM. The exact time depends on traffic, weather, and the day’s operating decisions.

Some groups may leave a stop earlier than the printed schedule if the driver is managing road time. That can be frustrating if you expected every stop to use its full allowance, so listen carefully when the return time is announced and stay near the vehicle.

The driver normally remains with the vehicle while you explore. That means you get independence at the sights, but not a walking guide beside you at every location. I see this as a good fit for people who like to wander and take photographs without a constant commentary, but a weaker fit for anyone seeking detailed cultural or botanical explanation.

Price, group size, and what you receive

At $94, the price is reasonable for a full day from Sapporo that includes return transport, fuel, tolls, a buffet lunch, and a driver-guide. The distance covered is substantial, and doing the same route independently would require careful scheduling and separate transport costs.

The price is less attractive if you want a private vehicle, long visits at each stop, or a fully guided walking experience. This is a shared outing with a maximum of nine people, not a custom photo tour.

The highest-value extras are the ones that match your priorities. The unlimited melon upgrade suits anyone who considers Hokkaido food part of the day. The ¥500 alpaca feed is modest if you want an animal encounter. Neither is necessary to enjoy the core scenery.

The tour has a 4.6 rating from 13 ratings, with especially strong praise for the flower fields, buffet, melon, punctuality, and drivers such as GEM. The less positive experiences focus on rushed timing and limited commentary. That split gives you a useful picture of the product: the destinations are the reliable strength, while the guiding style and pace require some flexibility.

Who should book this day trip?

I would choose this tour if I had one free day in Sapporo and wanted to see Furano and Biei without renting a car. It is especially suited to photographers, first-time Hokkaido visitors, flower lovers, families who enjoy short stops, and anyone who wants lunch handled in advance.

It also works well if you prefer exploring independently after receiving a clear meeting time. Several drivers, including GEM, have been praised for giving people enough freedom at the stops while keeping the day organized.

I would think twice if you dislike long drives, need generous time at each attraction, or want deep commentary about local nature and farming. The tour is not suitable for people over 80, and children under 3 ride free but must sit on a guardian’s lap.

FAQ

Where does the tour start and finish?

It starts and ends at the Sapporo Station North Exit Group Bus Terminal, located at 3 Chome Kita 7 Jonishi, Kita Ward, Sapporo. Hotel pickup is available within 3 kilometers of Sapporo Station.

What time does the tour leave Sapporo?

Departure is at about 8 AM. You should arrive at least 10 minutes early because latecomers cannot be accommodated.

How many people are in the shared group?

The shared tour has a maximum of nine guests. Every passenger requires a dedicated seat, and luggage space is limited.

Is lunch included?

Yes. The buffet lunch at HERB GARDEN FURANO is included. It offers ramen, curry, salads, and local hot dishes. There is no refund if you decide not to eat the included meal.

Is the Yubari melon included?

Unlimited Yubari King Melon is an optional upgrade, not part of the standard lunch inclusion. The tour price does not include extra snacks or beverages.

What languages are available?

The listed languages are Chinese, English, Japanese, and Traditional Chinese. The amount of English commentary can vary by driver, so you should expect clear timing instructions but not necessarily detailed guiding at every stop.

Can the itinerary order change?

Yes. The order of stops may change because of weather, traffic, or operational needs. The tour still includes the listed locations, but the sequence and exact timing may differ.

Should you book it?

Book it if your goal is to collect Hokkaido’s greatest rural sights in one efficient day: Blue Pond, Shirahige Falls, Biei’s rolling farm roads, Shikisai-no-Oka, and Farm Tomita. The included lunch and small vehicle make the $94 price easier to justify, especially in July.

Skip it if you want a slow flower-farm visit or a guide who walks and explains every stop. For everyone else, this is a practical introduction to Biei and Furano, with scenery doing most of the talking and a very sweet melon finale if you choose the upgrade.