Free Shikisai-no-Oka Flower Viewing Ticket + Flower Field Tractor Tour: Hokkaido Biei Furano Flower Fields, Patchwork Road (drive-by), Seven Star Tree, Shirogane Blue Pond, Shirasu Falls, Shikisai-no-Oka, Farm Tomita (departing from Sapporo)

Biei and Furano pack a lot of Hokkaido into one day: a blue pond, a waterfall, rolling farm country and two famous flower gardens. I like that you get both the brief roadside views along Patchwork Road and proper time on foot at Shikisai-no-Oka and Farm Tomita. The included Shikisai admission ticket and round-trip transport from Sapporo make this an easy way to reach several far-flung sights without arranging your own route.

I also like the human touches that can make a long group day run smoothly. Guides such as Rita, Xiao Hong and James Wong have been praised for clear explanations, timely messages and help with photos, though your guide will depend on the departure. The main trade-off is time: a full day on the road gives you only 30 to 45 minutes at several stops, and the flower display depends on the season and weather.

• A full-day route from Sapporo links Biei and Furano sights that are spread across the countryside.
• Patchwork Road is a drive-by stop, with a short pause at the famous Seven Stars Tree.
• Shirogane Blue Pond and Shirahige Falls offer a sharp change of scenery from the flower fields.
• Shikisai-no-Oka admission is included, with about 40 minutes to explore; a tractor tour is available as an option.
• Farm Tomita is a summer highlight, with flower beds and local treats such as lavender ice cream and melon.
• Meals, drinks and insurance are not included, so plan for your own lunch and personal costs.

A long day that makes the countryside manageable

This is a practical way to see several signature sights in Biei and Furano if you are based in Sapporo and do not want to drive. The distance between stops makes a guided bus trip useful: you can watch the fields roll past instead of navigating, parking and keeping to a schedule yourself. The trade-off is a day shaped by the group timetable, not your own pace.

The tour begins early, with departure listed around 7:50 or 8:00, and returns to Sapporo at about 18:10 or 18:20. The stated return points are JR Sapporo Station North Exit Bus Terminal and Odori Park subway station, Exit 31. Confirm your exact departure point and meeting instructions before the day, and arrive at least 10 minutes early. The actual return time can shift with traffic.

Expect a packed day rather than a slow country visit. You get short stops for the roadside sights, then roughly half an hour to 45 minutes at the major attractions. That balance helps you cover ground, but it means you should choose your priorities before you arrive: a quick photo at the pond, for instance, leaves less time to linger than a self-drive visit would.

Patchwork Road and the Seven Stars Tree

The first countryside stop is Patchwork Road, a name for the area’s rolling farm country and fields in changing colors. From the bus, you see broad views shaped by different crops and the gentle hills of Biei. The tour allows about five minutes here, so think of it as a scenic pause rather than a walk through the fields.

The Seven Stars Tree gets a separate stop of about 10 minutes. This lone tree became famous after appearing in a 1976 advertisement and on packaging for Seven Stars cigarettes. Its appeal is simple: one tree against open farmland and sky. It is a quick photo stop, not a full attraction, and the view will change with the season. In summer, fields and crops provide color; in winter, the scene can be quieter and snow-covered.

A practical point: these are working rural areas, so stay with the group and respect marked access. The tour describes Patchwork Road as a drive-by, and the schedule does not promise time to wander among fields.

Shirogane Blue Pond: color that changes with the light

Shirogane Blue Pond is a man-made pond created as part of measures to help prevent mudslides after Mount Tokachi erupted in 1988. Its mineral-rich water can look blue, with the shade shifting according to the light and conditions. Bare larch trunks rising from the water add to the pond’s distinctive look, and the site has also appeared as an Apple desktop image.

You have about 30 minutes here. That is enough for a walk around and photos, but not a leisurely nature outing. The color is not a fixed filter: weather, light and season affect what you see. If the pond looks more muted on your visit than in a postcard, that is part of the real place, not a failed stop.

The pond is one of the most visually unusual parts of the route, and it gives the day a welcome change from fields and gardens. Still, it is popular and the visit is brief, so be ready to make the most of the time rather than expecting a quiet, extended stay.

Shirahige Falls, a short stop with a different mood

About 20 minutes are set aside for Shirahige Falls, where water flows from gaps in the rock into the blue river below. The stop is compact, but it brings a fresh contrast to the pond and the open farm views. In summer, the waterfall and surrounding greenery feel cool; the water’s blue tone is part of the draw.

The schedule gives you enough time to take in the falls and get a few pictures, not to explore the area at length. A visitor can find the stop refreshing, but it is best understood as a scenic break on a day of several highlights rather than a destination that needs hours.

Shikisai-no-Oka: the main flower-field stop

Shikisai-no-Oka is a broad flower garden in Biei, with about 15 hectares of rolling fields. In summer, flowers such as lavender and sunflowers add bands of color, with the Tokachidake mountain range in the distance when conditions allow. The garden is the clearest expression of the classic Hokkaido summer image: open farmland, flowers and wide views.

You have about 40 minutes here, and admission is included. That saves you a separate entrance purchase and gives you time to walk around and take photos. The garden also offers a tractor bus for a more relaxed circuit. The ride is described as an option, so do not assume it is part of the included ticket; check the current terms if you want to take it.

The flower display varies by season. Summer, particularly July and August, is described as the peak period for lavender and sunflowers, but blooming conditions depend on nature. If you travel outside the main flowering period, Shikisai-no-Oka can still offer broad views, though it will not look like a peak-season flower poster. Winter is a different experience altogether, with a snow-covered scene rather than a sea of blooms; this particular route is presented chiefly as a flower-viewing tour.

Forty minutes is enough to see the gardens at a steady pace, but you will need to watch the clock if you want the tractor ride, photos and a walk. This is one of the stops where a self-drive day could give you more freedom. For a first visit, though, the included ticket and planned transport make it easy to get a taste of the place.

Lunch and a pause at the Herb Garden

The itinerary allows about 45 minutes at the Herb Garden, where lunch is at your own expense. This is your main chance to eat during the day, so bring some cash or a payment method and avoid assuming that a meal is included. The tour highlights local ice cream as part of the Hokkaido experience, and the area is a chance to try a treat if you have time after eating.

A short meal stop can feel hurried, especially on a long day. Bringing a small snack is sensible, particularly if you know you get hungry between meals. Food and beverages are not included in the tour price.

Farm Tomita: flowers, lavender and something sweet

Farm Tomita is the final major garden stop, with about 45 minutes to explore. It is known for its colorful flower fields, including a display made up of several types of flowers, and for lavender in summer. The farm has free admission, so the tour’s value here is transport and a place in the day’s route, rather than a paid entry ticket.

The stop is also a good chance to sample local sweets. Lavender ice cream and melon are among the treats associated with the visit, though purchases are your own expense. If you are keen on both the gardens and a snack, keep an eye on the time: 45 minutes passes quickly when you are taking photos or browsing.

Farm Tomita and Shikisai-no-Oka are not interchangeable. The first combines flower displays with food and shop stops; the second gives you broad, rolling garden views and the option of a tractor circuit. Seeing both in one day gives you a useful comparison, though you only get a short visit at each.

Guides, transport and the real value of the price

At a starting price of US$47.29, this tour offers strong practical value if you want several countryside stops without arranging transport from Sapporo. The price includes round-trip transfers, an English- or Chinese-speaking guide and admission to Shikisai-no-Oka. Farm Tomita has free admission, while food, drinks, personal purchases and insurance are not included. Confirm whether an optional tractor ride has a separate charge.

Guide quality can shape a group day. Guides named in accounts of the trip include Rita, Xiao Hong and James Wong, who were appreciated for sharing flower and food information, sending useful updates, explaining sights clearly and helping with photos. Those names are examples, not a promise about who will lead your departure. For a small group, the driver may also serve as the attendant, in which case explanations can be brief.

The route is most valuable if you are short on time, prefer not to drive, or want a guided overview of Biei and Furano. If you want hours in one garden, a long lunch or unplanned stops, a private car or an overnight stay in the area will suit you better.

What to know before you book

This is a group tour, and vehicle type depends on how many people sign up. Seats are allocated on a first-come basis, and special requests can be noted but are not guaranteed. Luggage storage and delivery are not provided, and child seats are unavailable. Infants and children must be included in the passenger count.

Traffic and weather can alter the schedule, and stops may be changed or shortened. Peak holiday periods, including Japan’s Obon period from August 8 to August 16, can bring heavier traffic and crowds. Avoid booking a flight, Shinkansen or dinner for the same evening, and carry a power bank and light snacks. Warm clothing is recommended for winter or mountain visits.

You will receive travel information the evening before departure, usually between 17:00 and 21:00. Check your email, including the spam folder, and follow the latest message if more than one arrives. The tour can be cancelled if the minimum group size is not met or in extreme weather; the operator says it will notify you the day before. If you need to cancel yourself, a full refund is available when you cancel at least 24 hours before the activity date. Late arrivals and no-shows are not refunded.

Should you book this Biei and Furano day trip?

Book it if you want a convenient sampler of Biei and Furano from Sapporo, especially in summer, when the gardens are in flower. You will see a mix of farm country, a distinctive blue pond, a waterfall and two well-known flower stops, with transport and Shikisai admission included. The value is strongest for first-time visitors who would rather spend the day looking out the window than planning a long rural drive.

Skip it if you need unhurried time at each stop or want to build your day around one garden. This route trades flexibility for coverage, and its flower appeal depends on the season. If that compromise suits you, the long day can be a satisfying way to see a lot of Hokkaido without renting a car.

FAQ

How long is the tour?

The schedule starts around 7:50 or 8:00 and returns to Sapporo at about 18:10 or 18:20. Traffic can affect the actual arrival time.

What is included in the price?

Round-trip transfers, an English- or Chinese-speaking guide and admission to Shikisai-no-Oka are included. Meals, drinks, personal expenses and insurance are not included.

Is the tractor tour at Shikisai-no-Oka included?

A tractor bus is available as an option, but the information provided only confirms that admission to Shikisai-no-Oka is included. Check the current package details to confirm any tractor ride cost.

How much time do I get at the main stops?

The schedule allows about 30 minutes at Shirogane Blue Pond, 20 minutes at Shirahige Falls, 40 minutes at Shikisai-no-Oka, 45 minutes at the Herb Garden and 45 minutes at Farm Tomita.

Where does the tour return in Sapporo?

The listed return points are JR Sapporo Station North Exit Bus Terminal and Odori Park subway station, Exit 31. The actual arrival time depends on traffic.

Can I bring luggage or request a child seat?

Luggage storage and delivery are not provided, and child seats are unavailable. Children and infants must be included in the passenger headcount.