2025 Biei Blue Pond “Aoi-Ike”, Asahiyama Zoo and Farm Tomita

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Experience the scenic beauty of Hokkaido on this full-day tour visiting Blue Pond, Asahiyama Zoo, and Farm Tomita for stunning views and authentic encounters.

Introduction: A Taste of Hokkaido’s Highlights in One Day

If you’re looking to explore some of the most iconic sights around Sapporo without the hassle of planning every detail, the 2025 Biei Blue Pond, Asahiyama Zoo, and Farm Tomita tour offers a practical and scenic way to do it. For $75, you’ll spend approximately 10 hours traveling comfortably in an air-conditioned vehicle, visiting well-loved spots like the famous Blue Pond (“Aoi-Ike”), where the water’s color is a natural wonder; the Asahiyama Zoo, home to polar bears and red pandas; and the colorful flower fields of Farm Tomita.

What we love about this tour is how it combines nature, wildlife, and stunning scenery in one day, making it ideal for travelers who want a taste of Hokkaido’s highlights without the stress of self-driving or multiple bookings. The chance to see the Blue Pond’s unique hue and breathe in the fresh mountain air at Farm Tomita, especially when the lavender is in full bloom, makes this a memorable experience. Plus, the guided aspect ensures you get some local insights, even if in simple English.

A consideration to keep in mind is that the timing at each stop is quite tight—you’ll have around 2.5 hours at Asahiyama Zoo, a brief stop at the Blue Pond, and limited time at Farm Tomita depending on the season. If you love a leisurely pace or want to explore more deeply, this might feel a bit rushed.

This tour suits those who appreciate organized day trips, want to see the best of Biei and Furano in one go, and are comfortable with group settings. It’s especially good for first-timers to Hokkaido or travelers with limited time but a wish to see key attractions.

Key Points

• Convenient Full-Day Tour: Covering major sights around Biei and Furano, all in one comfortable trip.
• Natural Wonders: See the Blue Pond’s mysterious blue water—a must-see photographic highlight.
• Wildlife Experience: Get close to animals like polar bears and red pandas at Asahiyama Zoo.
• Seasonal Beauty: Farm Tomita’s flower fields, especially lavender, provide gorgeous views from spring to autumn.
• Value for Money: At $75, the tour includes all fees and taxes, making it straightforward and transparent.
• Limited Flexibility: Short visiting windows at each stop mean you’ll want to prioritize what’s most important to you.

A Deep Dive into the Tour Experience

Starting the Day: Convenience and First Impressions

The tour kicks off at the Sunagawa Service Area along the Hokkaido Expressway, where you can stretch your legs for about 15 minutes. This quick stop is a good chance to get a breath of fresh air and prepare for the day ahead. The vehicle is air-conditioned, which is a welcome relief considering Japanese summer heat or winter chill, and the group size maxes out at around 45 travelers—small enough to feel personable but large enough for some lively company.

Visiting Asahiyama Zoo: Animal Encounters and Personal Time

The highlight for many will be Asahiyama Zoo, a facility renowned for its innovative enclosures and a focus on animal behavior viewing. Here, you’ll see polar bears, arctic foxes, red pandas, and Hokkaido deer—each more charming than the last. The admission ticket is included, so your only concern is choosing what to see first.

Travelers noted that the timing at the zoo (about 2.5 hours) is enough to see the key exhibits, though it might feel a little rushed if you’re a serious animal fan. One reviewer, Cindy, mentioned, “the landscape and flowers were beautiful, and the blue pond was exceptionally memorable,” indicating that this stop left a lasting impression despite the short visit. You’ll have to buy your lunch separately, so plan ahead if you want to eat on-site or bring snacks.

The Blue Pond (“Aoi-Ike”): A Natural Phenomenon

The next stop is the Blue Pond, a place that truly lives up to its reputation. Created after the eruption of Mt. Tokachi, its water appears in an almost surreal shade of blue due to natural mineral deposits. The withered larch trees add a hauntingly beautiful contrast, perfect for photos and peaceful walks. You’re given about 30 minutes here, which flies by—so be sure to bring your camera.

A review from Abby praised the tour’s timing, saying, “the scenery provided at each location was short but sufficient,” which is perfect for the Blue Pond’s quick but breathtaking visit. This spot is especially popular among travelers who love photo opportunities and appreciate nature’s artistry.

Exploring Farm Tomita: The Flower Fields

Depending on the season, you’ll spend about 30 minutes to an hour at Farm Tomita. This is where lavender takes center stage, with fields spreading out in vibrant purples—an iconic symbol of Furano. The best time to see the lavender is between mid to late July, but the garden also offers other seasonal flowers from spring through autumn.

Cindy noted, “the landscape was beautiful, and the lunch was delicious,” indicating that the scenery alone makes this worth the trip, though you’ll need to optimize your time here. When flowers aren’t blooming, the shop offers lavender products like cosmetics and aroma oils—great souvenirs if you want a tangible memory of your visit.

Additional Stops and Comfort Breaks

The tour includes two short stops at Campana Rokkatei, famed for its souvenirs, and the Iwamizawa Service Area—perfect for quick breaks. These stops add comfort and a chance to stretch before the return journey. The entire day wraps up around 7:00–7:30 pm, giving you plenty of time to reflect on the day’s sights.

Practical Details: What You Need to Know

The cost of $75 includes all fees and taxes, making it transparent and straightforward. However, lunch is not included, so you might want to bring snacks or plan to purchase food during the zoo visit or at Farm Tomita. The tour is designed for most travelers, including those who might have mobility concerns, but keep in mind the short durations at each stop.

The tour is scheduled to adapt to weather conditions and seasonal flowering times, which means some flexibility is built in, but timing may vary slightly. If you’re visiting in November, flowers won’t be in bloom, but the shop at Farm Tomita offers lavender products, which is a nice consolation.

Transportation and Group Size

Traveling in a comfortable, air-conditioned bus, you’ll be part of a group of up to 45 people. While this size is manageable, it’s still a group experience—so if you prefer solitude or a private tour, this might not be ideal. The driver and guides are noted for their safety-minded approach and clear communication, though the tour language is mainly Japanese, with simple English explanations.

Timing and Pacing

One common review highlighted the short window at each stop, but this is typical of full-day sightseeing tours. For those wanting more time at each location or to explore independently, this could feel limiting. Still, the organized schedule helps you see the main highlights efficiently, especially if you’re on a tight itinerary.

Authentic Experiences: What Travelers Say

Multiple reviews praise the guides for their knowledge and organization, making the day flow smoothly. Abby, who called the tour “organized and on time,” appreciated the safety considerations and the multilingual communication, despite it being primarily in Japanese.

Cindy enjoyed the excellent lunch and the beautiful scenery, emphasizing how the landscape, flowers, and even the wine she sampled added to the overall experience. The Blue Pond captivated everyone, often described as “exceptionally memorable,” aligning with the tour’s reputation for showcasing Hokkaido’s natural beauty.

Marcus noted that the tour is “more about the scenery than history,” which is perfect if your main interest is visual and experiential rather than historical details. The short but sweet visit to each site proves that the focus is on quality and breathtaking views.

The Sum Up: Who Should Consider This Tour?

This full-day sightseeing experience offers a balanced introduction to Biei and Furano. It’s best suited for travelers who want organized adventure, easy transportation, and the chance to see iconic sights in a single day. It’s perfect for first-time visitors, those on a limited schedule, or anyone eager to capture beautiful photos of Japan’s scenic countryside, especially the Blue Pond and the colorful flower fields.

If you love wildlife, stunning landscapes, and seasonal blooms, this tour delivers a satisfying snapshot of Hokkaido’s natural charm. However, if you prefer more leisurely, in-depth explorations or have specific interests like birdwatching or detailed history, you might find this tour somewhat rushed.

In short, it offers great value, convenient logistics, and a taste of Hokkaido’s best scenery—making it a popular choice for travelers seeking a focused, scenic day trip.

FAQ: What You Need to Know

Is lunch included in the tour?
No, lunch is not included. You will need to either buy food at the zoo or bring snacks with you.

How long do we spend at each stop?
You’ll have around 2.5 hours at Asahiyama Zoo, 30 minutes at the Blue Pond, and about 30 minutes to an hour at Farm Tomita, depending on the season.

Is the bus comfortable?
Yes, the vehicle is air-conditioned, ensuring a comfortable ride through Hokkaido’s scenic routes.

What’s the best time to see the lavender at Farm Tomita?
The peak time is from mid to late July, but other flowers bloom throughout spring to autumn.

Can I expect guides to speak English?
Guides provide simple explanations in English, but the main language used during the tour is Japanese. Expect some language barriers.

What if I want to customize the schedule?
This is a fixed group tour with set timings, and requests for seat requests are not accepted. It’s best suited for those happy with the schedule provided.

How does the tour handle weather?
The schedule may adapt depending on weather conditions, and some activities or timings could be adjusted or shortened.

What is the maximum group size?
Up to 45 travelers can join, which balances a social experience with manageable logistics.

This full-day tour strikes a fine balance between convenience and scenic highlights, perfect for those eager to see the best of Biei and Furano in a single, enjoyable day.