If you’re looking for a day that combines striking landscapes, charming villages, and a taste of local flavors, this Hokkaido Furano Lavender & Biei Blue Pond tour offers a balanced and memorable experience. Starting from Sapporo, this roughly 9-hour adventure takes you through some of Hokkaido’s most iconic sights, including the surreal Blue Pond, vibrant flower fields, and peaceful forest paths. For $118 per person, it’s a good value considering the visits, transportation, and included buffet meal.

What we especially appreciate about this tour is the opportunity to see Biei’s Blue Pond, which is truly breathtaking with its shimmering, otherworldly blue hue. The scenic Roller Coaster Road provides a thrilling drive that’s both fun and picturesque. Plus, the Shikisai no Oka flower fields burst with color, offering a lively contrast to the tranquil Blue Pond. These sights are not only beautiful but also camera-friendly — perfect for capturing memories.

A potential consideration is that traffic delays, especially on weekends and holidays, can extend the day beyond the scheduled 9 hours. This could mean shorter or adjusted visits at some attractions. Also, since the tour has a maximum of 10 travelers, it’s quite intimate, which many find ideal, but it’s wise to arrive promptly as latecomers aren’t refunded.

This tour is best suited for travelers who enjoy scenic drives, stunning views, and colorful landscapes. It’s perfect for those who want a well-rounded day trip with some of Hokkaido’s visual highlights, especially if you appreciate a touch of fairy-tale atmosphere along the Forest Fairy Terrace.

Key Points

Stunning scenery: The Blue Pond’s surreal hues and flower fields provide fantastic photo opportunities.
Comfortable transport: Air-conditioned vehicle and a small group make for a relaxed experience.
Authentic local cuisine: Buffet lunch featuring regional flavors adds to the experience.
Flexible visiting: Some attractions may be shorter or canceled if traffic delays occur, especially on busy days.
Intimate group size: Max of 10 travelers ensures personalized attention and easy group interactions.
Advance booking: Most travelers book about 35 days in advance, indicating popular demand.

The Experience in Detail

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The Itinerary

The day kicks off early at Sapporo Station, where a friendly guide (often named in reviews as “Takashi” or simply “the guide”) greets you. The journey begins with a comfortable ride in an air-conditioned vehicle, making sure you stay cool while traveling through Hokkaido’s scenic countryside.

Your first stop is the Blue Pond in Biei, which is famous for its mesmerizing, almost surreal blue water. The vivid color results from natural minerals and reflects the sky beautifully, creating a scene that looks like it’s straight out of a fairytale. Many travelers mention that “we loved the way the pond’s color changes with the weather,” and that it looks especially stunning on a clear sunny day. It’s a quick walk from the parking lot to the pond, but enough time to soak in the view and take plenty of photos.

Next, you’ll enjoy a drive down Roller Coaster Road, known for its dramatic ups and downs, which makes the ride itself an entertaining highlight. The winding road offers glimpses of Hokkaido’s rural charm, with rolling hills and patchwork farmland visible through the car windows. Some reviewers appreciate the “thrill of the twists and turns,” making the journey part of the fun.

Afterward, it’s time for a buffet lunch, featuring local Hokkaido ingredients and flavors. Many travelers note that the buffet is “more than enough” and offers a variety of dishes, from fresh seafood to hearty vegetables. If you opt for the melon and ice cream add-on, be prepared for a sweet finish that’s almost as famous as the scenery.

The afternoon continues with a visit to Shikisai no Oka, a vibrant flower farm where fields stretch as far as the eye can see, filled with colorful blooms like sunflowers, cosmos, and lupines. Reviewers often comment that this is a “visual feast,” with the fields providing excellent opportunities for photos and leisurely strolling. The contrast of bright flowers against the blue sky is something you’ll want to remember.

Finally, the tour winds up at the Forest Fairy Terrace, a quiet woodland area that feels like stepping into a storybook. Small paths meander through mossy trees and peaceful clearings, perfect for a reflective walk. Many find this ending especially calming after a busy day of sightseeing.

Transportation and Group Size

Traveling in a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle is a highlight, especially given the long drive between locations. The small group size (max 10 travelers) means you’re likely to get more personalized attention, and the guide can tailor some explanations or tips based on your interests. This intimate setting offers a chance to ask questions and share impressions without feeling rushed.

Practical Considerations

The tour departs promptly at 8:00 am from Sapporo Station, with an email sent the night before containing the guide’s contact info and vehicle details—an important detail to ensure smooth meet-up. The overall timing is designed to maximize your experience, but keep in mind that traffic delays, common on weekends and holidays, might cause the return to be later than planned. It’s wise to keep your schedule flexible afterward.

Since attraction visits may be shortened or canceled due to delays, it’s best to go into the day with a relaxed attitude. The tour’s price balances well against the included visits, transportation, and buffet lunch, offering good value for a full day of sightseeing.

Authenticity and Value

While this isn’t a private tour, the small group size and varied stops make for an authentic experience of Hokkaido’s landscape. The scenery itself is the real star—you’ll love the views at Blue Pond and flower fields, which are genuinely stunning even on a cloudy day. Many reviewers mention the “beautiful scenery” and “amazing photo ops” as the main draw.

The buffet lunch adds a local flavor touch, giving you a taste of Hokkaido’s culinary richness. For some, the included melon and ice cream are a delightful treat, especially after a morning of sightseeing. While the optional tractor bus at Shikisai no Oka costs 500 JPY, it’s an easy addition if you want to cover more ground without walking.

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Who Will Get the Most from This Tour?

This experience suits travelers who appreciate scenic drives, picturesque landscapes, and a relaxed pace. It’s ideal if you want a snapshot of Hokkaido’s best sights without the hassle of self-driving or planning multiple stops. The small group setting makes it perfect for those who prefer a more personal touch. It also caters well to first-time visitors wanting a rundown of Furano and Biei highlights.

The Sum Up

This Hokkaido Furano Lavender & Biei Blue Pond tour provides a well-rounded day of stunning scenery, cultural flavor, and relaxed travel. Its highlights—Blue Pond’s surreal blue water, the vibrant flower fields, and peaceful forest paths—are genuine visual treats that will leave lasting memories. The included buffet lunch and small-group setting add value, making it a comfortable way to explore without feeling rushed.

While traffic delays can sometimes shorten visits, the tour’s overall structure offers a good balance of sights and comfort. It’s best suited for travelers who want an easy, scenic day with plenty of photo opportunities and a taste of local life. If you’re after authentic, picturesque experiences in Hokkaido, this tour is a solid choice.

FAQ

What time does the tour start?
It departs at 8:00 am from Sapporo Station, so plan to arrive a little earlier to ensure a smooth start.

How long is the tour?
It lasts approximately 9 hours, including all visits and travel time.

Are meals included?
Yes, a buffet lunch featuring local ingredients is included. Melon and ice cream are optional add-ons.

What should I bring?
Comfortable walking shoes, sun protection, and a camera are recommended. Pack a light jacket as it can be cool, especially in the mornings.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Most travelers find it suitable, especially since the group size is small and the pace relaxed. Just keep in mind the walking involved at flower fields and Fairy Terrace.

Can I participate if I have limited mobility?
The tour involves some walking at the Blue Pond, flower fields, and Fairy Terrace, so it might be challenging for those with mobility issues.

What happens in case of traffic delays?
Traffic, especially on weekends or holidays, may cause the tour to run longer, and attractions might be shortened or skipped. The tour provider covers overtime fees to help manage this.

This tour is a lovely way to see some of Hokkaido’s most photogenic spots while enjoying a day of comfort and good company. Perfect for those who love landscapes and a touch of fairy-tale magic.