Hokkaido Farm Tomita Shikisai Hill Waterfall& Blue Pond Day Tour

Exploring Hokkaido’s Natural Beauty: Farm Tomita, Shikisai Hill, Waterfalls, and Blue Pond

A day trip from Sapporo to the heart of Hokkaido offers a compelling mix of vibrant flower fields, surreal water features, and stunning rural landscapes. For $90, you’ll spend roughly 9 to 10 hours discovering Furano and Biei, two regions famous for their seasonal beauty. The tour includes visits to Farm Tomita for lavender and flowers, the Shikisai-no-Oka flower park, the Blue Pond, and Shirahige Falls, along with that quintessential Biei scenery along Patchwork Road. The experience is guided, with pickup offered, making it a convenient way to see these iconic sights without the hassle of driving yourself.

Two things we particularly like about this tour are the variety of stops—it offers a well-rounded taste of Hokkaido’s natural and agricultural charms—and the photo opportunities at each location, perfect for travelers eager to capture postcard-worthy images. However, a potential downside is that some reviews note the timing can be out of sync with seasonal blooms, which might lessen the visual impact if you visit at the wrong time. Still, even in shoulder seasons, the scenery can be quite beautiful.

This tour is best suited for nature lovers and photographers who want an efficient way to experience multiple highlights in one day. If you’re after a flexible, unhurried exploration or are visiting during peak bloom season, this might not be the ideal choice. But if you’re after a broad overview of Biei and Furano’s highlights with guided ease, it’s a solid, value-packed option.

Key Points

• Convenient Guided Tour: The tour includes hotel pickup and a knowledgeable guide, making it accessible and informative.
• Diverse Highlights: From flower fields to waterfalls and Blue Pond, there’s a wide range of scenery.
• Seasonal Considerations: Blooming seasons vary; some stops may be less impressive outside peak bloom.
• Photo Opportunities: Iconic sites like Patchwork Road and Blue Pond are perfect for memorable snapshots.
• Average Group Size: With a maximum of 30 travelers, it strikes a good balance between intimacy and social experience.
• Cost-Effective: At $90, it offers a comprehensive glimpse of Biei and Furano without the hassle of self-driving.

A Detailed Look at the Hokkaido Farm Tomita Shikisai Hill Waterfall & Blue Pond Day Tour

Introduction to the Tour Experience

This full-day adventure from Sapporo is designed to showcase some of the most picturesque spots in central Hokkaido. For about $90 per person, you’re looking at a journey that includes a mix of flower-filled landscapes, surreal blue waters, and cascading waterfalls. The tour lasts around 9 to 10 hours, so it’s a full day of sightseeing, typically with pickup included, making logistics straightforward.

Two aspects stand out immediately. First, the variety of stops ensures you get a broad taste of the region’s diversity—from the vivid lavender fields of Farm Tomita to the colorful flower gardens of Shikisai-no-Oka. Second, the timing of the tour offers some of the most iconic views during the bloom season, but as some reviews point out, if you’re visiting outside that window, some sites might feel less impressive or be less vibrant.

A possible drawback is that certain stops can feel rushed, such as Blue Pond, where one reviewer mentioned wanting more time to stroll around. Also, since the tour is guided, save for a few moments, it’s less flexible than a self-drive adventure. But for travelers who prefer the comfort of a guided group with transportation included, this setup keeps things simple and reasonably priced.

Who is this tour best for?

If you’re after a quick, guided overview of Furano and Biei’s highlights, especially during peak seasons, this tour can be very rewarding. It’s ideal for first-timers or those with limited time who want to see the best photo spots and scenic views without the hassle of planning each stop. However, if you’re visiting outside prime blooming periods or seek a more leisurely pace, you might want to consider other options.

The Itinerary Breakdown

Stop 1: Patchwork Road (Biei)

We start our journey along the famous Patchwork Road, where rolling hills are split into colorful sections that resemble a giant quilt. The views are both quintessentially Japanese rural and intensely photogenic, with classic photo spots like the Ken and Mary Tree and Seven Star Tree. The short 10-minute stop includes admission, and you’ll get a quick but memorable glance at the scenery that’s often featured in travel brochures.

According to reviews, this spot is a fantastic introduction and sets the tone for the day. It’s a great spot for capturing expansive landscape shots or simply enjoying the peaceful countryside.

Stop 2: Shikisai-no-Oka Flower Park

Next, we visit Shikisai-no-Oka, a sprawling 15-hectare flower park. Here, the fields burst into vibrant colors—from purple lavender to yellow sunflowers and pink cosmos—spreading across gently rolling hills. The park’s layout allows for easy walking between different flower zones, making it perfect for photography or just soaking in the seasonal spectacle.

Many reviewers appreciate the beauty of the flower displays even in shoulder seasons like October, although timing does matter for the best experience. The 1.5-hour visit offers enough time to wander, take photos, and enjoy the tranquil surroundings.

Stop 3: Shirogane Blue Pond

The Blue Pond is arguably one of Hokkaido’s most surreal sights. The turquoise water, often set against a backdrop of moss-covered trees and volcanic terrain, creates a landscape that feels almost otherworldly. Formed by dam construction to prevent volcanic mudflows, the pond’s vivid color is best seen during good weather, and it’s a favorite among photographers.

However, some reviews mention feeling rushed here, wishing for more time to explore the surroundings. The 40-minute stop means you’ll get a quick glimpse, but don’t expect to meander extensively.

Stop 4: Shirahige Falls

A short 30-minute visit takes us to Shirahige Falls, or “White Beard Falls,” where waters cascade down a rocky cliff face. Located in the hot spring town of Shirogane Onsen, the falls offer a peaceful natural spectacle. The name comes from the appearance of the water flowing like a white beard—an image that sticks with visitors.

This stop is quieter, perfect for a quick photo or a moment of reflection before heading to the next highlight.

Stop 5: Farm Tomita

The grand finale, Farm Tomita, is one of Hokkaido’s most famous flower farms. Known worldwide for its lavender fields, the farm sprawls across beautiful farmland, offering stunning views of purple blooms stretching to the horizon. Depending on the season, you might see asters, marigolds, or other seasonal flowers.

Here, you’ll have about 80 minutes to walk around, take photos, and enjoy the farm’s charm. Many reviewers mention the delicious scent of lavender and the impressive visual spectacle. It’s a fitting end to a day filled with colorful scenery.

Transportation and Group Size

The tour includes transportation aboard a comfortable bus, with a maximum of 30 travelers—keeping it small enough for some personal interaction but still large enough to feel lively. The guide plays a key role; many reviews praise guides like James Wong for their humor and consideration, especially in explaining sites and managing the schedule.

For those concerned about comfort, note that the bus ride is described as smooth, and the total duration includes transportation time between stops. However, some reviews mention that the bus may not be the most modern, and the schedule can be rigid, so flexibility is limited.

Cost and Value

At $90 per person, this tour provides access to some of Hokkaido’s most iconic sights in a single day with guided ease. Given the admission costs of each site are included, and the convenience of pickup and transportation, it offers good value—especially for travelers who want to avoid the complexity of driving or organizing their own itinerary.

Seasonal Considerations

A recurring theme in reviews is the importance of timing. Blooming seasons profoundly impact the visual appeal—lavender and flower fields are at their best in summer, while fall foliage can take center stage in October. If visiting outside peak periods, some stops might not live up to expectations, and guides often acknowledge this.

Summary and Who Should Consider This Tour

This Hokkaido day tour is ideal for first-time visitors wanting a broad overview of Biei and Furano’s highlights without the stress of planning. It’s perfect for photographers eager to capture well-known scenic spots, and nature lovers who want a taste of Hokkaido’s diverse landscapes.

However, if you’re after a more flexible, leisurely experience or visiting during an off-peak season, you might find this tour somewhat rushed or less vibrant. Still, the guided nature, inclusion of transportation and entry fees, and the variety of stops make it a solid choice for those wanting a structured introduction.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is included in the price?
The $90 fee covers transportation, guide services, and all admission tickets for the stops included in the itinerary.

Is hotel pickup available?
Yes, pickup is offered, but it requires a minimum of 2 participants. Note that lunch is not included if you choose the hotel pickup option.

How long does the tour last?
The total duration is approximately 9 to 10 hours, including travel time and stops.

Can children join this tour?
Yes, children aged 0-1 are free if they don’t occupy a seat. Children 2 and older are charged the same as adults.

Is this tour suitable during off-season?
It can be, but some sites might not be at their best outside the blooming season. The guide may acknowledge this and adjust expectations accordingly.

Is the tour crowded?
The maximum group size is 30 travelers, which allows for a manageable experience and opportunity for interaction.

Are there any specific dietary restrictions?
Lunch is not included, so you might want to bring snacks or plan for your own food during the day.

What should I wear or bring?
Comfortable clothing and shoes suitable for walking, plus sun protection or rain gear depending on the weather.

What if I want more time at certain stops?
The schedule is fairly rigid, so if you desire extra time, it’s best to discuss this with your guide beforehand or consider a private tour option.

Final Thoughts

The Hokkaido Farm Tomita Shikisai Hill Waterfall & Blue Pond Day Tour offers a delightful snapshot of central Hokkaido’s landscapes. It’s a practical, guided way to see some of the most photographed spots in Biei and Furano without the stress of self-driving or complex planning. The stops are thoughtfully chosen to showcase the region’s natural beauty, from colorful flower fields to the surreal Blue Pond and majestic waterfalls.

While the experience may feel rushed during busy seasons or if you prefer a more relaxed pace, the tour provides excellent value for travelers eager to capture stunning images and learn about Hokkaido’s rural charm. It’s well-suited for first-timers or anyone looking for a structured day of sightseeing with a friendly, knowledgeable guide.

If you travel during peak flower season or enjoy a tightly structured itinerary, this tour can be a highlight of your trip. Just be prepared for some early mornings, a fair amount of bus riding, and a schedule that’s designed to maximize your sightseeing in one day.

Whether you’re here for the blooms, the waterfalls, or just to tick off some iconic sights, this tour can be a memorable part of your Hokkaido adventure.