Furano and Biei: Lavender, Blue Pond and transport

At a glance

The pinnacle of a Hokkaido summer trip: Furano (富良野) and Biei (美瑛). From late June through mid-July the lavender reaches its brilliant peak, followed by the Blue Pond and the hills of Shikisai-no-Oka. This is a practical guide to Furano’s lavender season and the Farm Tomita–Biei Blue Pond route, organized around fares, travel times, and transport. To state the conclusion first: if you have a rental car, it’s overwhelmingly easier.

Highlights — Must-See Spots in Furano & Biei

• Farm Tomita: A lavender landmark. Free entry, free parking, open year-round.
• Shikisai-no-Oka (四季彩の丘): Biei’s signature flower field. From 2026 the admission and parking fees have been revised.
• Blue Pond (青い池): A cobalt-blue pond with dead trees standing in it. The parking lot became paid from July 1, 2026.
• Shirahige Falls (白ひげの滝): An approximately 30-meter waterfall in the Shirogane Onsen area. There’s also a light-up.

Essential Info Table (Fares, Hours, Closures, Reservations)

As of September 2026, Lavender East is closed for the season. Recheck the Blue Pond parking fee and the revised Shikisai-no-Oka fees on the official websites (biei-hokkaido.jp / shikisainooka.jp). Based on ¥1 ≈ ₩9.5.

Suggested Itinerary — A Lavender-Season Day Trip

A one-day route by rental car Sapporo/Asahikawa → Farm Tomita (early morning) → Nakafurano → Shikisai-no-Oka → Blue Pond → Shirahige Falls → Shirogane Onsen.

• At the lavender peak (mid-July), arriving before 8 a.m. is the strongest way to avoid crowds. After 8:30 it gets busy fast.
• Many people also drive the Biei Panorama Road (including the Ken and Mary Tree) and the Eight Views of Biei.
• Touring the Eight Views of Biei by electric rental cycle is also popular.

Food & Cafés — Furano & Biei Local Cuisine

• Furano omu-curry (オムカレー): A Furano local dish. A combination of carrot butter rice and a runny omelet.
• Jingisukan: Matsuo Jingisukan, Furano Hitsuji-no-Oka (Biei Shirogane Onsen branch).
• Dinner: Heiwaen, Sushi-dokoro Takahashi, Restaurant Asperges, Jingisukan King.
• Cafés: The Biei area has many handmade burger and gelato cafés.

Transport & Access (+Tips for International Visitors)

• Rental car vs. JR + bus: Farm Tomita, Shikisai-no-Oka, and the Blue Pond are scattered far apart, so a rental car is overwhelmingly easier. Without a car, combine an electric rental cycle in front of Biei Station with Dohoku buses (roughly 8 buses a day).
• Sapporo → Furano: The Furano Lavender Express (running June–August) takes about 2 hours with no transfers. Via Asahikawa it’s about 2 hours 40 minutes to 3 hours 30 minutes, roughly ¥6,300–9,000 one way.
• International driving permit required: Necessary for Korea, Taiwan, and Hong Kong alike. Taiwan and Hong Kong need an IDP issued under the 1949 Geneva Convention.
• Peak season: In July, parking waits can reach up to an hour, and hotel prices rise 2–3 times. Booking rental cars, hotels, and limited express trains 2–3 months in advance is recommended.

Tips & Precautions

• Lavender timing: Early varieties begin in late June → peak in early-to-mid July → ending in early-to-mid August. The 2026 peak is estimated around July 15–20.
• Move early: To avoid crowds and parking waits, get going early in the morning.
• Biei buses: There are few routes, so check the timetable in advance.
• Taiwan, Hong Kong, and English-speaking readers: English signage is limited, so it’s a good idea to prepare navigation and map apps beforehand.

Seasonal Highlights

• Late June–mid-July: The lavender peak. Farm Tomita and Nakafurano are the busiest.
• Late July–August: Lavender finishes in stages, but summer flower fields such as Shikisai-no-Oka are at their peak.
• Autumn (Sep–Oct): The flower fields shrink in scale, but the fall colors and the quiet are the draws.
• Winter: The Blue Pond light-up and snowscapes. Driving is difficult without studded tires.

If lavender is your only goal, early-to-mid July is the answer; to see the flower fields as a whole, late July through August is also good.

FAQ

Q. When is the lavender at its peak? It starts blooming in late June, peaks in early-to-mid July, and finishes in early-to-mid August. In 2026 the peak is estimated around July 15–20.

Q. Is there an admission fee at Farm Tomita? No. Free entry, free parking, and open year-round.

Q. How much is Shikisai-no-Oka’s admission? With the 2026 revision, high school and up is ¥800, elementary and junior high ¥500, and under elementary free. From June to September, parking is a separate ¥500 per vehicle.

Q. Can I go without a rental car? It’s possible but inconvenient. You’d need to combine JR + Dohoku buses + an electric rental cycle, and service is infrequent. A rental car is strongly recommended.

Q. Is parking at the Blue Pond paid? Yes. The parking lot became paid from July 1, 2026. The exact fee requires official confirmation.

Q. Do I have to stay overnight? In lavender season a day trip from Sapporo is possible, but the journey is long, so an overnight in Furano or Biei makes for a more relaxed schedule. Book accommodation 2–3 months ahead.

Final Checklist

• Check the lavender bloom timing (early-to-mid July)
• Book a rental car or the Furano Lavender Express
• Prepare an international driving permit (Korea, Taiwan, Hong Kong)
• Book accommodation and rental car 2–3 months ahead
• Depart early in the morning to avoid crowds and parking waits
• Check sunset times for Shirahige Falls and Shirogane Onsen

Image note

The images are illustrative visual aids for route planning, not claims of a personal visit or on-location photography.