If you’re visiting Hokkaido and craving an authentic taste of its stunning rural scenery, this Furano & Biei 4-hour tour offers a flexible, private way to see some of the most iconic sights. For $346.17 per group (up to three people), you get your own English-speaking driver, a comfortable air-conditioned car, and the freedom to customize your stops. It’s a half-day adventure that can include anything from the famous lavender fields of Farm Tomita to the colorful flower gardens of Flower Land Kamifurano.
What we love about this experience is its flexibility—you decide what to see, making it perfect for those who want a personalized visit without the hassle of large tour groups or rigid schedules. The second highlight is the combination of scenic beauty and local craft — whether that’s tasting regional wines or shopping for handmade souvenirs. The only potential downside is that, as a no-guide tour, you’ll need to be comfortable asking questions and navigating a bit on your own, but this can be a plus for those seeking independence.
This tour suits travelers who appreciate customized itineraries and want to see the highlights without spending all day on a bus. It’s especially great if you’re traveling with a small group or family and want a more intimate experience. If you’re a nature lover or a foodie, this half-day tour offers a wonderful sampler of Furano and Biei’s best.
Key Points
- Flexible, custom itinerary tailored to your interests
- Private transportation ensures comfort and convenience
- Visits to iconic sites like Farm Tomita and Shirogane Blue Pond
- Opportunities for wine tasting, cheese making, and flower viewing
- Suitable for small groups or families seeking personalized service
- Includes highway, parking, and fuel fees, no hidden costs
An In-Depth Look at the Furano & Biei Tour
If you’ve ever wondered what makes Furano and Biei such special places in Hokkaido, this tour is a fantastic way to experience them firsthand. For just four hours, we explore a curated selection of the region’s most beloved sights, all in the comfort of your private car with an English-speaking driver. The experience is designed to be highly adaptable, so you can craft your perfect itinerary—whether you’re passionate about flowers, wine, or scenic landscapes.
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The Comfort of Private, Air-Conditioned Travel
Traveling in a private vehicle means you can relax and focus on the scenery rather than navigating public transport or crowded buses. The car is air-conditioned, which is essential during the summer months when Furano’s lavender is in full bloom or in the warmer seasons when flower gardens are bursting with color. With pickup and drop-off included, you’ll avoid the hassle of figuring out transport logistics, especially if you’re staying outside central Furano or Asahikawa.
Customizable Itinerary: Your Choice of 3-4 Sites
The real magic of this tour is its flexibility. The listed stops are suggestions, but you can choose to spend your time exploring what interests you most. For example, one group might prioritize the iconic lavender fields of Farm Tomita and then visit the Furano Cheese Factory. Another might prefer seeing the colorful flower gardens at Kamifurano and then sampling local wines.
This approach means you’re not tied to a predetermined schedule, making each tour unique and tailored to your preferences. You’ll love the way your driver guides you through options, offering local insights and helping you make the most of your time.
Key Stops and What to Expect
Farm Tomita
Your first stop is Farm Tomita, a must-see for any visitor. Here, you’ll witness the sprawling lavender fields that have been cultivated since 1958. During July, the lavender is at its peak, filling the air with a fragrant scent. The fields are beautifully arranged with seven different flower colors, including purple lavender, white baby’s breath, and orange California poppies, creating a scene that’s straight out of a painting.
A tip from past visitors: arriving early in the day means fewer crowds and a more peaceful experience. Don’t forget to browse the gift shop for lavender-scented products to take home. Just 4 km away, Lavender East offers an even more immersive lavender experience with vast, dedicated fields—ideal if you have more time.
Ningle Terrace
Next, you’ll visit Ningle Terrace, a charming collection of 15 wood log houses nestled in the forest near Shinfurano Prince Hotel. This is more than just shopping; it’s a chance to connect with local artisans and find unique handmade gifts. Each house has a theme—like the Owl’s Forest or Glass House—and offers items you wouldn’t find elsewhere.
Many visitors appreciate the peaceful atmosphere, especially at sunset when the log houses glow softly. If you’re into crafts, you can even participate in making candles, ornaments, or postcards—adding a memorable personal touch to your trip.
Furano Cheese Factory
Cheese lovers will be delighted at the Furano Cheese Factory. Watching cheese being made through the glass walls is fascinating, and the opportunity to try your hand at milking a mechanical cow makes it interactive. The factory also produces cheese gelato and pumpkin or sugar cane flavors, giving you a delicious taste of regional specialties.
If you’re interested, you can reserve ahead for a cheese, ice cream, or butter making experience—a fun activity for families or friends. Plus, the shop on-site offers a range of cheese varieties and local products to take home.
Flower Land Kamifurano
Flower enthusiasts will find Flower Land Kamifurano a highlight. This garden showcases a rotating display of lupines, sunflowers, poppies, lilies, cosmos, and marigolds, depending on the season. The gardens are spacious, perfect for leisurely walks, or you can hop onto the “tracker bus” to cover more ground.
You might enjoy participating in flower-pressing or lavender pillow making, which makes for a thoughtful souvenir. The surrounding land produces seasonal produce—think asparagus in early summer or melons in midsummer—which you can sample at local eateries.
Furano Wine Factory
Hokkaido’s wine scene has gained recognition, and the Furano Wine Factory is a key part of that. Established in 1972, it focuses on creating high-quality wines from grapes cultivated in the region. You can tour the facility, see the fermentation process, and most importantly, sample the wines and grape juices available in the shop. It’s a great stop for wine aficionados or those curious about regional beverages.
Shirogane Blue Pond
One of the most photographed natural sights in Biei, the Shirogane Blue Pond gets its striking color from aluminum runoff from nearby hot springs. It’s best enjoyed bright and sunny, when the vivid blue waters shimmer against the pine trees. It’s a bit of a drive, but the view is well worth it, especially if you’ve never seen a lake quite like this.
Zerubunoka Atomunooka and Ken & Mary Tree
Finally, you might choose to visit Zerubunoka Atomunooka, a hillside garden filled with seasonal flowers, and the Ken and Mary Tree, famous from TV commercials. Both spots provide excellent photo opportunities and a relaxing end to your tour.
Why This Tour Is Worth It
For the value, this private tour strikes a good balance. The cost includes highway, parking, and fuel fees, so no hidden charges. If you’re someone who values personalized attention and flexibility, the ability to choose your stops is a big plus. The driver’s local knowledge enhances each visit—without the need for a guide, you get to set the pace and explore at your own rhythm.
Most travelers find it remarkably convenient. As one reviewer notes, “Going with a private tour gives you excellent immersion,” and many appreciated the “beautiful summer” scenery, describing it as a trip they’d cherish for a lifetime. The overall rating is perfect, reflecting the satisfaction of those who’ve taken this journey.
Considerations
Since it’s a driver-only experience, you’ll need to be comfortable navigating your interests and asking questions on your own. Also, entrance fees are not included, so you should budget for those if you plan to visit multiple sites. Keep in mind that some stops are seasonal—like lavender fields only blooming in July—so timing your visit is key.
Who Would Love This Tour?
This experience is best suited for travelers who want a tailored, intimate look at Furano and Biei. It’s ideal if you prefer flexible scheduling and want to avoid large tour groups. Families, couples, or small groups who enjoy a relaxed pace and personal service will find this especially appealing. Those interested in local products—wine, cheese, crafts—will also gain a lot from these stops.
FAQs
How long is the tour?
This is a 4-hour tour, giving you enough time to see several highlights without feeling rushed.
Is transportation included?
Yes, you’ll travel in a private, air-conditioned vehicle with pickup and drop-off from your hotel.
Can I customize the stops?
Absolutely. The tour is fully customizable, allowing you to pick 3-4 sites from the list based on your interests.
Are entrance fees included?
No, you’ll need to pay for entrance fees separately, but highway and parking costs are covered.
Is this a guided tour?
No, there’s no guide, only an English-speaking driver. You’re responsible for your own explorations at each stop.
What’s the best time to visit?
While you can go year-round, July is ideal for lavender and flower fields, and summer months offer the best scenery.
Is this suitable for kids?
Yes, activities like cheese making or flower viewing are family-friendly, but you should check activity reservations in advance.
Are there any restrictions for children?
Car seats are limited; you might need to bring your own if required, as rear-facing seats are unavailable.
How do I book?
Most travelers book about 16 days in advance. Simply choose your preferred sites and confirm your dates with the provider.
Final Thoughts
This Furano & Biei private tour offers a flexible, comfortable, and personalized way to explore some of Hokkaido’s most scenic and culturally interesting spots. With its blend of natural beauty, local craftsmanship, and regional specialties, it provides a well-rounded mini-adventure for those who want to see the highlights at their own pace.
Whether you’re a nature lover eager to see lavender in full bloom, a foodie wanting to sample regional wines and cheeses, or simply someone looking to enjoy the picturesque landscapes without the constraints of a large group, this tour fits the bill. It’s especially valuable because of its customizable nature—allowing you to craft an experience that resonates with your interests.
If you’re after a hassle-free, intimate day in Furano and Biei, this tour will serve you well, leaving you with lasting memories of some of Japan’s most photogenic landscapes—and maybe a few souvenirs to remember the trip by.