Furano & Biei 6 hour Tour: English Speaking Driver only, No Guide

Experience the Charm of Furano & Biei with a Private 6-Hour Tour in Hokkaido

Imagine exploring some of Japan’s most picturesque rural landscapes in comfort and style, all tailored to your interests. This Furano & Biei 6-hour tour offers just that — a private, flexible experience with your own English-speaking driver, not a guide, for a very personalized day. For around $594, you get a car (up to three passengers) that whisks you from one scenic spot to another, with the ability to skip or linger as you wish.

What we love most about this tour is how easy it is to customize — whether you’re enchanted by lavender fields, curious about local wine, or eager to wander through flower gardens. Plus, traveling in a private, air-conditioned vehicle means you avoid crowded buses or trains, giving you plenty of space to relax and take in the views.

A consideration is that, since it’s a driver-only service, you’re not getting a guide with in-depth commentary, but the driver’s local knowledge can still enhance your experience. This tour suits travelers who appreciate the freedom to explore at their own pace and want a comfortable, private way to see Furano and Biei’s highlights without the hassle of planning on your own.

Key Points

• Fully customizable itinerary allows you to pick 3-4 sites that match your interests.
• Private, air-conditioned vehicle ensures comfort in Japan’s variable weather.
• Flexible timing with pickup and drop-off included from your hotel makes logistics simple.
• No guide included means you’ll get a chauffeur, but not a guided commentary.
• Excellent value for a small group — up to 3 or 4 travelers — at about $200 per person.
• Authentic experiences like lavender fields, cheese making, and flower gardens bring you close to the land.

Discovering Furano & Biei: A Balance of Comfort, Freedom, and Scenic Beauty

Traveling through Japan’s northern island of Hokkaido in summer means lush fields, vibrant flowers, and some of the country’s most striking natural scenery. This private Furano & Biei tour captures that essence, giving you the flexibility to tailor your day while traveling comfortably in a private car.

At around 6 hours long, this experience is ideal if you want an efficient but leisurely way to see the highlights without feeling rushed. The cost, at roughly $594 for up to three people, might seem high at first glance, but when you consider the convenience, personalized service, and the cost of individual transportation, it’s a solid deal. Plus, the ability to customize your stops means you can prioritize what interests you most — whether that’s lavender fields, flower gardens, or local wine.

What we love most is the ease of transportation and the chance to choose your stops. You’re not tied to a preset itinerary or group schedule, which means if one site doesn’t appeal or the weather turns, you can simply skip or move things around. The driver acts as a chauffeur, not a guide, but that’s often exactly what travelers want — the freedom to explore on their own terms.

One potential drawback is the lack of a guided commentary; if you’re seeking historical insights or in-depth stories, this might not be the right choice. However, for those who prefer to wander at their own pace, the flexibility and comfort more than compensate.

This tour best suits travelers who appreciate freedom, comfort, and authentic local scenery without the fuss of large group tours. It’s perfect for small groups or families who want to make the most of a short visit to Furano and Biei with the flexibility to change plans on the fly.

Exploring the Itinerary in Detail

Farm Tomita: The Lavender Icon

Your day begins at Farm Tomita, a must-visit during Japan’s lavender season. Since 1958, this farm has been producing lavender and its vibrant fields are world-famous. Visitors often say that the seven-color flower display — purple lavender, white baby’s breath, orange California poppies, and more — creates a rainbow landscape that’s unforgettable.

One of the most praised aspects? The early morning visit, when the crowds are thinner and the air is fresh, allows for better photos and a more peaceful experience. The farm’s gift shop offers lavender products, perfect for souvenirs, and you’ll find the best views just a short drive away at Lavender East, which is especially stunning in July.

A highlight from reviews is how the scenery here “comes to mind when you think of Furano,” emphasizing the emotional impact of the fields’ colors and scent. Visitors also note that the farm’s proximity makes it feasible to include in a half-day tour without feeling rushed.

Ningle Terrace: Forest Shopping

Next, you’ll visit Ningle Terrace, a charming collection of 15 log cabins hidden in the forest near the Shinfurano Prince Hotel. This quaint shopping area feels like something out of a storybook, with each cabin offering handmade crafts, local goods, and unique gifts.

Themes like the Owls Forest or the Glass House add character and variety, and many visitors mention the candles, handmade postcards, and craft activities as highlights. In the evening, the soft glow of the log houses and pathways makes for a magical setting.

Reviewers love the peaceful walk through the woods, with one describing it as “a perfect place to buy something special and enjoy some quiet time.” It’s a delightful stop for those who enjoy artisan crafts and serene natural surroundings.

Furano Cheese Factory: Dairy Deliciousness

For cheese lovers, the Furano Cheese Factory is an absolute treat. Watching cheese being made through glass windows, and learning about the process, adds a tangible connection to local farming. Many reviews highlight the fun of milking a mechanical cow and sampling fresh cheese gelato, pumpkin gelato, and other flavors like Furano wine cheese and onion cheese.

The factory also offers the chance to make your own cheese, ice cream, or butter if pre-booked, making it a hands-on, tasty experience. With its scenic setting and interactive elements, this stop appeals to families and foodies alike.

Flower Land Kamifurano: A Garden Paradise

From June to September, Flower Land Kamifurano bursts into color, with lupines, lavender, poppies, and more blooming in succession. You can walk through expansive gardens, take photos, or hop on the tracker bus used by thousands of visitors each year.

The garden offers seasonal activities like lavender pillow-making or flower-pressed postcards, which are fun whether you’re traveling with kids or just young at heart. The food here is also notable, with local produce like potatoes, onions, and corn available, especially in fall.

Visitors mention how the changing seasons bring different shades of beauty, making this a flexible spot to visit depending on the time of year.

Furano Wine Factory: Vintages in the Making

Furano’s reputation extends beyond flowers — it’s also a rising star in the wine world. The Furano Wine Factory, housed in red-brick buildings, showcases the local grape-growing expertise that started in 1972. The naturally suited climate produces some excellent wines, which you can taste right at the factory.

Many travelers appreciate sampling a variety of wines and grape juices, especially during the bloom season when the grape blossoms add to the picturesque setting. If you’re a wine enthusiast, this stop offers insight into Japan’s lesser-known wine culture.

Shirogane Blue Pond: Nature’s Masterpiece

One of the most iconic sights in Biei is the Shirogane Blue Pond, famous for its stunning blue hue caused by aluminum from nearby hot springs. The view feels almost surreal and draws over a million visitors annually. The early morning light offers the most vivid pictures, but the pond is beautiful year-round, with winter light-ups adding a different charm.

Many reviews emphasize how this site is a photo-worthy highlight and a truly unique natural phenomenon. Nearby hot springs also make it a relaxing spot for a quick soak.

Zerubunoka Atomunooka & Ken and Mary Tree

Finally, you’ll visit Zerubunoka Atomunooka, a hillside garden filled with a variety of flowers from May to October. It’s a lovely spot for a peaceful walk, with blooms like sunflowers and poppies creating vibrant scenery.

The Ken and Mary Tree, famous from commercials, is nearby, adding a fun photo op and a taste of local pop culture. There’s also a cozy café and gift shop to wind down your day.

Why This Tour Offers Great Value

While the price might seem steep at first glance, remember that you’re paying for personalized service, comfort, and the freedom to choose your stops. Since entrance fees are not included, you can budget for tickets at each site, but the driver’s flexibility often means you won’t feel pressured to rush or linger too long.

Many travelers have praised the driver’s friendliness and knowledge, even though they note he’s not a guide offering commentary. One reviewer mentioned that their driver was early and very accommodating, which enhances the experience.

The tour’s small group size (up to 3-4 people) ensures a quiet, intimate experience, perfect for families or couples. It’s particularly suitable for travelers who want to focus on the scenery and local attractions without the hassle of navigating public transport.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This private tour is ideal for those who appreciate flexibility and comfort. If you value the ability to customize your day and prefer traveling in a private vehicle rather than a large group tour, this fits the bill. It’s perfect for small families, couples, or friends who want a relaxed pace and authentic experiences.

Travelers with a keen interest in flower gardens, local cheeses, and Japanese wine will find this particularly appealing. It’s also great for anyone wanting to visit Furano’s top sights without the stress of planning, especially if you prefer a laid-back approach with the ability to adapt plans on the fly.

FAQs

Is this tour suitable for families?
Yes, the private nature and flexible stops make it suitable for families, especially those with children who enjoy outdoor activities like flower gardens and cheese tasting.

What is included in the price?
The tour includes an English-speaking driver, a private vehicle, and pick-up and drop-off at your hotel. Entrance fees to attractions are not included.

Can I customize the itinerary?
Absolutely. The tour is fully customizable, allowing you to select 3-4 sites from the list based on your preferences.

How long is the tour?
Approximately 6 hours. It’s a good half-day option, giving you enough time to enjoy several sites comfortably.

Do I need to book entrance tickets in advance?
No, you’ll pay for entrance tickets at each site as you go, but planning ahead for popular sites like Farm Tomita and Flower Land Kamifurano is recommended in peak season.

What if the weather is bad?
The tour requires good weather. In case of poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Is this tour suitable outside of July?
While the lavender fields are best in July, many site activities like flower gardens and the Blue Pond are enjoyable in other seasons, though the scenery will change.

Are there any age restrictions?
No specific restrictions. However, note that car seats are limited; if you need one, contact the provider directly.

To sum it up, this Furano and Biei private tour offers a perfect blend of comfort, flexibility, and authentic experiences. It’s a fantastic option for travelers who want to explore the scenic countryside at their own pace, indulge their love of flowers and local flavors, and enjoy the stunning natural beauty of Hokkaido’s rural landscape. Whether you’re a nature lover, a foodie, or simply seeking a hassle-free day in Japan’s countryside, this tour can be a highlight of your trip.