The Furano and Biei area in central Hokkaido is one of Japan's most photographically celebrated agricultural landscapes. Furano is famous for lavender fields (peak: late July), particularly Farm Tomita. Biei is known for the 'Patchwork Road' — gently rolling hills with geometric crop fields and lone landmark trees — and the legendary Blue Pond (Shirogane Aoike). Together they represent the quintessential Hokkaido rural summer experience.
| Travel time | 2 hours by JR Limited Express (to Furano/Biei separately via Asahikawa change) |
|---|
How to get there
- Mode
- JR Train
- Service
- JR Limited Express Kamui or Lilac to Asahikawa (1h 25min), then JR Furano Line to Biei or Furano
- Duration
- 1h 25min + 30-60min (Asahikawa to Biei/Furano)
- Cost one way jpy
- 3500
- Cost usd approx
- 23
- Note
- JR pass covers this route; seasonal Lavender Express runs direct Sapporo-Furano in July-August
- Mode
- Car
- Route
- Hokkaido Expressway to Takikawa, then national routes
- Duration
- 2-2.5 hours
- Note
- Car strongly recommended for Biei Patchwork Road access; public transport is impractical for rural Biei
- Mode
- Seasonal Direct Train
- Service
- Furano Lavender Express (limited summer service, July-August only, Sapporo direct to Furano)
- Duration
- 2h 10min direct
- Cost one way jpy
- 3600
Highlights
- Farm Tomita lavender fields (peak late July) with Tokachi mountain backdrop
- Shirogane Blue Pond (Aoike) — surreal turquoise water, dead birch trunks
- Shikisai-no-Oka flower hillside — multi-coloured striped flower bands
- Biei Patchwork Road — Ken and Mary's Tree, rolling farmland
- Furano Winery — cool-climate wine tasting with valley views
- Nakafurano lavender fields and flower parks
Tips for visiting
- A rental car is strongly recommended — the Patchwork Road and Blue Pond are impractical by public transport
- Blue Pond has a parking fee (¥200); arrive early for smaller crowds
- Lavender peak is highly variable year to year — Farm Tomita website posts bloom status updates
- The seasonal Lavender Express (July-August) is convenient for train travelers but does not reach Biei