Sapporo: Furano Flower Sea & Biei Blue Pond Tour w/ Pickup

Exploring Hokkaido’s Natural Beauty with the Furano & Biei Tour

If you’re visiting Sapporo and craving a day immersed in some of Japan’s most iconic rural scenery, the Furano Flower Sea and Biei Blue Pond Tour offers a well-rounded taste of Hokkaido’s postcard-worthy vistas. Priced at $77 per person and lasting roughly 10 hours, this tour takes you through a series of carefully chosen stops, each showcasing the island’s natural artistry. With a maximum of 13 guests, you’re led in a cozy environment that lends itself to personal photos and relaxed conversations.

What we like most about this experience are two key elements. First, the variety of landscapes—from the surreal blue waters of Bieis Blue Pond to the rolling, flower-filled hills of Furano, the tour covers a broad spectrum of natural beauty. Second, the all-inclusive nature—buffet lunch, unlimited melon, and flower field tickets—means you can focus on enjoying the scenery without worrying about extra costs or arrangements.

A minor consideration: the tour’s guide is a driver who speaks limited English, which has caused some disappointment among travelers expecting detailed commentary. If you prefer in-depth storytelling or guided insights, this might feel a bit lacking. Still, for those who simply want to see the sights, the itinerary’s highlights stand well on their own.

This tour suits travelers who value stunning scenery, a relaxed pace, and value for money. If you’re happy to see the sights and take plenty of photos without a guide explaining every detail, this experience is a strong choice. It’s especially good for small groups or solo travelers who want a manageable, intimate outing.

Key Points

• Diverse scenery from Blue Pond to Furano flower fields.
• All-inclusive with lunch, melon, and flower tickets.
• Small-group experience for personalized attention.
• Convenient pickup options close to Sapporo Station.
• Limited guidance on commentary—mostly driver-led.
• Seasonal flexibility—it adjusts timing for blooming flowers.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Discovering Hokkaido’s Most Photogenic Spots

We loved the way this tour balances the major sights with a relaxed, manageable pace. It’s designed to introduce travelers to Hokkaido’s unique landscapes without rushing through. As you make your way from Sapporo in an air-conditioned bus, you’ll be accompanied by a driver-guide who’s friendly and efficient, if not overly chatty.

The first stop at Biei Blue Pond is a highlight. Known globally for its stunning cobalt waters that shimmer differently under the sun, this natural wonder really lives up to its reputation. The photos speak for themselves—skeletal trees framing the water and mountains in the background make for an Instagram-perfect shot. The early morning light adds a mystical quality, which makes visiting in the morning optimal for photos.

Next, a brief stop at Shirahige Waterfall offers a chance to see a rare “underground waterfall,” where spring waters cascade white threads into turquoise waters. It’s a quiet, beautiful spot that provides a good contrast to the Blue Pond’s open expanse. It’s also a chance to stretch your legs and snap some candid shots.

Then, the drive along Roller Coaster Road is a treat — a 2.5-kilometer stretch of winding hills that create optical illusions, perfect from a window seat. It’s a fun, scenic drive that captures the playful side of Hokkaido’s landscape.

At lunch, you’ll enjoy a hearty local meal, often featuring miso ramen, grilled salmon, and dairy desserts, highlighting Hokkaido’s culinary strengths. Some travelers upgrade to “All-You-Can-Eat Melon,” a sweet Yubari melon feast, which is a real treat during the summer months. The value here is clear—your meal is included, and the quality is often praised for its freshness and Hokkaido flavor.

For the seasonal highlights, Four Seasons Color Hill showcases a rainbow of blooming flowers, from lavender to sunflowers. It’s a quintessential Hokkaido scene, especially during spring and summer. Here, you’ll also find adorable alpacas, or you can choose to feed them for an additional ¥500. Keep in mind that flowering times vary, so the guide may rearrange this stop to maximize the bloom.

Finally, a visit to Farm Tomita, a renowned flower farm in Furano, is the perfect ending. Its expansive lavender fields and vibrant seasonal displays are what many travelers dream of. If you visit in summer, this is a must-see — a true symbol of Hokkaido’s romantic landscapes.

The Practicalities: What to Expect and What to Consider

The itinerary is thoughtfully designed for those who want to see the highlights without feeling rushed. Departing around 8:00 AM from Sapporo, the tour is mostly driven, giving you a break from navigating. The small group size ensures you’re not lost in a crowd, and the hotel pickup makes for a smoother start—just make sure your accommodation is within 3km of Sapporo Station for guaranteed pickup.

Timing is tight but reasonable. Stops are generally about 20-60 minutes, allowing enough time for photos and quick walks, but not so long you feel stranded. The scenic drive back offers a chance to relax and reflect on the day.

One important note: the guide is primarily a driver, and the English commentary is minimal, which frustrated some travelers. As one reviewer put it, “there was no tour guide, just a driver who spoke little English,” making it less educational but still visually rewarding. If you’re someone who prefers detailed explanations of the places you visit, this might be a drawback.

The price point is quite fair considering all included meals, admission tickets, and transportation. It’s good value for those who want a comprehensive, scenic day without the hassle of organizing transport and tickets themselves. However, keep in mind that extra expenses—such as souvenirs or additional snacks—are not included.

Weather can impact the experience, especially for flower viewing. The tour adjusts to bloom times, but if flowers aren’t in full display, you might find the scenery less vibrant. Still, the Blue Pond and scenic drives remain consistently photogenic.

Authentic Experiences and Real Traveler Feedback

Many travelers rave about the stunning scenery and the value for money. One said, “Great day among beautiful colours and nature!” The stops at Blue Pond and Farm Tomita often receive the highest praise for their visual impact.

However, some reviews point out the guide’s limited commentary. “The guide did not speak English and he did not tell anything about the places we went,” shared one traveler. This may matter if you’re eager to learn the stories behind the sights. Nonetheless, others appreciated the driver’s friendliness and the smooth logistics.

The food also receives positive remarks, with many travelers enjoying the local flavors and the melon feast. The included buffet lunch helps keep costs predictable and the experience relaxed.

Final Thoughts: Who Should Consider This Tour?

This tour is best suited for travelers who want a rundown of some of Hokkaido’s most photogenic sites without the stress of planning. It’s ideal if you’re okay with limited guided commentary but want reliable transportation and all the logistics taken care of.

If you’re a photography enthusiast, you’ll love the stops, especially Blue Pond and Farm Tomita, which offer iconic backdrops. For food lovers, the included lunch and melon feast add extra value. And if you’re traveling in peak flower seasons, the tour’s flexibility for blooming times is a plus.

However, if you prefer more guided storytelling or are traveling with someone over 80 who might find the roads bumpy or the walking strenuous, consider whether this fit’s your style. And for those who prioritize detailed historical or cultural explanations, this might feel a bit light in that regard.

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FAQs

Is hotel pickup guaranteed?
Yes, if your accommodation is within 3km of Sapporo Station, you’ll get prompt confirmation. Other districts need approval.

Can I skip lunch if I have dietary restrictions?
Yes, you can skip the included meal, but refunds aren’t available.

What if flowers aren’t blooming?
The guide will adjust stops to visit alternative flower fields, but no refunds are given for natural variations.

Can solo travelers join?
Yes, but hotel pickup requires at least two guests. Solo travelers can meet at Sapporo Station.

Is English guidance provided?
The driver can handle basic conversations, but detailed commentary in English is limited.

What should I bring?
Bring your camera, weather-appropriate clothing, and some cash for optional extras like alpaca feeding.

To sum it up, this day trip offers a beautiful and practical way to see some of Hokkaido’s most famous sights. It balances scenic beauty with ease of access, making it a good fit for travelers who want a stress-free, picture-perfect experience. While the guide’s limited commentary might disappoint those craving detailed insight, the stunning views and included amenities make it a worthwhile outing. Whether you’re a first-timer or returning visitor eager for fresh angles of Hokkaido’s landscapes, this tour delivers a neat, memorable package—just be prepared for some weather-dependent magic and a quiet guide.

You can check availability for your dates here: