Sapporo: Furano Flower Sea & Biei Blue Pond Tour w/ Pickup

Exploring Hokkaido’s natural beauty can seem daunting without a car, but this Furano Flower Sea & Biei Blue Pond tour promises a thoughtfully curated experience that covers some of the island’s most iconic sights. While it’s not a guided tour in the traditional sense—relying mostly on a driver who offers light commentary—it’s a great way to see the highlights without the hassle of planning every detail yourself.

What makes this particular outing stand out? First, you’ll get to photograph the surreal Blue Pond, with its shimmering, cobalt water. Second, the all-inclusive aspect—from buffet lunch to flower field tickets—adds convenience and value. Third, the small-group size (max 13 guests) ensures a more personal touch, fewer crowds, and ample photo opportunities. One potential hiccup? The lack of a dedicated guide speaking fluent English has been a complaint, with some travelers noting that the driver’s commentary was limited and sometimes hard to understand. Still, if you’re comfortable with a more independent sightseeing style, this tour offers a fantastic day out.

This tour suits travelers who want to tick off Hokkaido’s top sights comfortably and at a reasonable price, especially those interested in photography, nature, and experiencing authentic rural scenery. It might not be ideal if you’re looking for detailed guided commentary or traveling with very young children who need more assistance.

<h3 id="section-0">Key Points

• Stunning scenery at Blue Pond, flower fields, and the scenic Roller Coaster Road.
• All-inclusive package with lunch, melon, and flower field tickets.
• Hotel pickup within 3km of Sapporo Station makes starting hassle-free.
• Small-group experience for more personalized attention and fewer crowds.
• Limited English guidance from the driver, more suited for independent travelers.
• Seasonal flexibility for flower viewing, with adjustments made for bloom timings.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Exploring the Itinerary in Detail

Pickup and Departure

The day begins early at 8:00 AM, with options for hotel pickup within a 3km radius of Sapporo Station (around 7:30-8:00 AM). If you’re staying a bit further or prefer flexibility, you can opt to meet at the bus terminal directly. The guide will optimize the route for efficiency, so arriving 15 minutes early is recommended. The transportation is in an air-conditioned bus, providing comfort for the day’s long drive through Hokkaido’s scenic countryside.

Biei Blue Pond at 10:30 AM

Our first stop is the Biei Blue Pond, a scene that truly lives up to its reputation. The vivid, mineral-rich water here has become an international icon, frequently appearing on travel blogs and Instagram feeds. Travelers will love the chance to snap photos of its shifting hues—from deep blue to turquoise—depending on sunlight and weather. The surrounding skeletal trees and the backdrop of the Tokachi Mountains add to the surreal atmosphere.

One of the reviews highlights how the morning light enhances the pond’s mystical quality, making it ideal for photography. The 30-minute stop provides enough time to soak in the scenery and capture a few shots without feeling rushed.

Shirahige Waterfall at 11:20 AM

Next, you’ll visit Japan’s rare “underground waterfall” at Shirahige. Aluminum-rich springs cascade down into turquoise waters, creating an unusual and striking landscape. The contrast between the waterfall’s white threads and the calm Blue River below is mesmerizing. The 20-minute stop here allows for some quick exploration and photos.

More Great Tours Nearby

Roller Coaster Road Drive-Through at noon

As we cruise along the Roller Coaster Road, the 2.5km stretch of winding, undulating hills offers a unique optical illusion. Fields seem to roll into the sky, creating scenes perfect for a window seat photo. It’s an experience you won’t forget, especially if you enjoy quirky scenery and a dash of humor in your road trip. The drive-through lasts about 20 minutes and is a highlight for many, offering a chance to appreciate the rolling landscapes.

Lunch with Hokkaido Flavors at 12:20 PM

By midday, hunger sets in, and this tour delivers with a hearty buffet lunch featuring local Hokkaido favorites like miso ramen, grilled salmon, and dairy-rich desserts. The all-you-can-eat melon upgrade is a popular add-on, with travelers raving about Yubari melons, Hokkaido’s sweet pride. This meal provides fuel for the afternoon and a chance to relax and chat with fellow travelers.

Reviewers note the food as satisfying and good value, especially considering the variety and quality compared to typical tour lunches. If you have dietary restrictions, the tour allows for some flexibility—though no refunds are offered if you skip the meal.

Four Seasons Color Hill (Seasonal: May-October)

Post-lunch, the tour visits Four Seasons Hill—a rainbow-hued hillside blooming with lavender, poppies, and sunflowers. This spot is a photographer’s dream, with panoramic views and vibrant colors. You might also get to meet some adorable alpacas (feeding experience at ¥500) to add a fun, tactile element. Be aware that flowering varies with the weather, and the itinerary may adjust to ensure you see the best blooms.

Tomita Farm at 3:40 PM

Our final stop is Farm Tomita in Furano, famous for its sprawling lavender fields and seasonal floral displays. The farm is a symbol of Hokkaido’s romantic countryside, and it’s easy to see why travelers find it captivating. You’ll have about 50 minutes here to stroll through the vibrant fields, browse lavender-themed products, and soak up the scents and sights that encapsulate Furano’s charm.

Return to Sapporo

The journey back begins around 4:10 PM, with a scenic drive through more beautiful landscapes. Expect to arrive at Sapporo Station or your original pickup point by late afternoon, ready to reflect on a day filled with stunning views and memorable moments.

Practical Aspects and Considerations

Transportation and Group Size

The air-conditioned bus offers comfort during the approximately 6-7 hour day. With a maximum of 13 guests, the group size strikes a balance between social interaction and space for photography and rest. Some travelers noted that the road conditions can be bumpy at times, but this is typical for rural road trips.

Value for Money

At $77 per person, this tour packs a lot into a single day. The inclusion of admission tickets, lunch, and melon makes it quite a cost-effective way to experience Hokkaido’s scenic highlights. Compared to trying to visit these spots independently, which would involve rental cars or multiple tickets, the convenience is a major bonus.

Limitations and Drawbacks

A common critique involves the lack of a dedicated English-speaking guide. Many reviews mention that the driver’s English was limited, with some describing it as “light” or “basic,” making it harder to learn about the places in-depth. For travelers seeking detailed commentary, this might be a drawback, but for those content with enjoying the scenery and taking photos, it’s less impactful.

Seasonal Considerations

Flower blooming times vary, and the tour adapts to ensure you see the best colors. During peak seasons (spring and summer), expect some route adjustments to avoid congestion—up to 45 minutes sometimes. The Four Seasons Hill is only accessible from May to October, so plan accordingly.

Accessibility and Suitability

This tour isn’t ideal for travelers over 80 or those needing extensive assistance, given the bus travel and walking involved. Solo travelers can participate easily, but hotel pickup is only guaranteed if staying within 3km of Sapporo Station.

Authentic Insights from Reviews

One traveler expressed disappointment about the guidance, noting that the driver, a Chinese-speaking individual, provided limited English commentary. Conversely, others appreciated the efforts of the driver, especially when attempting to communicate in English and answer questions, making the experience more personable. The scenery consistently receives praise, with multiple reviews emphasizing the beautiful views of Blue Pond and the vivid flower fields.

The food also gets high marks, with many travelers enjoying the local flavors and the generous melon buffet. Several reviewers mention the cleanliness and comfort of the vehicle, which is vital for making the long day enjoyable.

Final Thoughts: Who Is This Tour For?

This day trip offers a fantastic way to see some of Hokkaido’s most photogenic spots without the hassle of self-driving or complex bookings. It’s best suited for independent travelers or small groups who are comfortable with limited commentary and want to focus on the scenery and photos. The small-group size enhances the experience, making it more intimate and less rushed.

Those looking for a quick, efficient overview of Biei, Furano, and surrounding highlights will find this tour ideal. It’s particularly well-suited for photographers, nature lovers, and foodies eager to sample local flavors in a relaxed setting.

However, if you prefer an in-depth guided experience with comprehensive storytelling, you might find the tour’s commentary somewhat sparse. Also, those with mobility issues or who desire more personalized attention might want to consider alternatives.

In terms of value, it’s an affordable way to access multiple top sights with minimal hassle—perfect for travelers wanting a curated snapshot of Hokkaido’s rural beauty.

FAQs

Is hotel pickup available?
Yes, if your accommodation is within 3km of Sapporo Station, your pickup is confirmed. Other districts require approval.

Can I meet at the bus terminal instead?
Absolutely, you can choose to meet directly at the group bus terminal instead of hotel pickup.

What should I do if I have dietary restrictions?
You can skip lunch if needed; however, no refunds are provided for skipping meals.

Are flowers blooming all year round?
Flowering depends on the season. The tour adjusts stops based on bloom timings, but no refunds are issued if flowers are not in peak bloom.

Can solo travelers join?
Yes, but hotel pickup is only guaranteed if you’re staying within 3km of Sapporo Station. Solo travelers can meet at the station.

What language is guidance provided in?
The driver can handle basic conversations in English, Chinese, and Japanese, but detailed commentary in English is limited.

How long is each stop?
Most stops are between 20-60 minutes, allowing enough time for photos and brief exploration.

What about transportation?
The trip is in an air-conditioned bus, with a small group for a comfortable experience.

Is this suitable for children?
It’s ideal for older children and teenagers who can sit for extended periods and enjoy scenic views.

How flexible is the schedule?
The itinerary is fixed but may be slightly adjusted during peak seasons to avoid congestion, ensuring you see all key sights.

This Hokkaido day tour packs a lot into a manageable, well-priced package for those eager to experience the island’s most photogenic and iconic sights, all while keeping things relaxed and manageable. Whether you’re a shutterbug, a nature lover, or simply seeking a scenic escape from Sapporo, it’s a worthwhile adventure.

You can check availability for your dates here: