Furano and Biei are the beating heart of Hokkaido in summer — when lavender, roses, and sunflowers blanket the hillsides in rolling bands of color. Farm Tomita has been the symbol of this region for over 60 years, and the deep, enigmatic blue of Biei's Blue Pond pulls visitors from every corner of the world. Whether you come in summer or winter, the Furano-Biei landscape never disappoints.
#1 Farm Tomita
Japan's most celebrated lavender farm, operating since 1903 and cultivating lavender seriously from the 1970s onward. From late June to early August, the sweeping purple fields fill the air with lavender fragrance. The farm is free to enter year-round and has a well-stocked shop selling lavender products, food, and the must-try lavender soft-serve ice cream.
- Free admission and free parking
- Lavender peaks from late June to mid-July
- Pick up lavender soap and perfume as gifts
#2 Shirogane Blue Pond
A natural pond with a startling cobalt-blue color caused by volcanic minerals from Mt. Tokachi flowing down the Biei River. Standing dead larch trees rising through the surface create a scene that looks almost surreal. The pond became world-famous when Apple chose it as a Mac wallpaper. In winter, nightly illumination transforms the frozen surface into something genuinely otherworldly.
- Morning and afternoon light brings out the deepest blue in the water
- Autumn and winter are just as rewarding as summer
- The car park charges a fee during the tourist season
#3 Shikisai-no-Oka
A 15-hectare flower garden on a hillside in Biei, with dozens of flower varieties planted in rows that form a quilt-like pattern against a backdrop of blue sky and the Tokachi mountain range. You can rent a buggy car or ride a horse to tour the garden. Entry is free, with a restaurant and gift shop on site — a relaxed spot for photos and enjoying the landscape.
- Rent an ATV to tour the hillside garden at a modest cost
- Different flower varieties bloom across the seasons, so it rewards a visit any time of year
- Free to enter, but vehicle rental costs extra
#4 Patchwork Road, Biei
A scenic driving route through the northern outskirts of Biei, where fields of different crops planted in alternating blocks of color look exactly like a patchwork quilt from above. Along the way you'll pass famous solitary trees — the Oak of Ken and Mary and the Seven Star Pine — that photographers travel from around the world to shoot. The hills shift from lush green in summer to gold in autumn and brilliant white in winter.
- Best explored by rental car or bicycle for maximum freedom
- Ken and Mary's Tree is the iconic stop for photos along the route
- The driving loop is roughly 20 to 30 km and takes about half a day
#5 Shirahige Falls
An unusual waterfall where water seeps directly from underground through a 30-metre cliff face into the cobalt-blue Biei River below. Volcanic minerals give the river the same intense blue color as the nearby Blue Pond. The best view is from Shirogane Bridge. In winter, an illumination event lights up the frozen falls and surrounding rocks after dark.
- Free to view from Shirogane Bridge — no entry fee
- Easy to combine with the Blue Pond, just a few minutes away
- Winter light-up runs after sunset — worth timing your visit for
#6 Ningle Terrace
A cluster of craft shops set in the forest within the grounds of the New Furano Prince Hotel, designed by celebrated writer So Kuramoto — author of the television drama <em>From the North Country</em>. Small cabin-style shops line a wooden boardwalk through the trees, selling one-of-a-kind local handcrafts. At night, soft lighting turns the whole forest path into something out of a fairy tale.
- Visit in the evening to catch the atmospheric lantern glow
- Shop hours vary by season — check ahead before visiting
- The adjacent Ningle Terrace restaurant serves local dishes that pair well with a winter evening
#7 Furano Winery
Japan's northernmost winery, operated by the local Furano municipality since 1972. It sits on a north-facing hillside with a lovely view over the town. You can tour the production process and wine cellar at no cost, then taste Furano's distinctively bold wines. Out front, a small lavender garden is worth a stroll.
- Both the tour and the tasting are free
- No public bus service — you'll need a car or taxi
- The Winehouse restaurant next door has a menu designed to complement the local wines
#8 Hokusei-no-Oka Observatory Park
A hilltop park in Biei featuring the distinctive pyramid-shaped observatory that anchors the Patchwork Road area. From the top you get a sweeping view of colorful agricultural strips rolling toward the Tokachi mountains. On-site there's a tourist information centre, a glass art studio, and a gift shop. Entry is free, and the panoramic photo opportunities are hard to beat.
- Open May to October only — closed in winter
- Climb the observatory for a free 360-degree view
- Stop at the glass art studio to watch a live glassblowing demonstration
Where to stay in Furano for this trip
A well-located hotel means less commuting and more sightseeing. Here are real, top-rated stays in Furano — compare Agoda · Booking · Trip.com in one click.
Fenix Furano
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La Vista Furano Hills
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Hostel Tomar
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Hotel Munin Furano
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Tours, tickets & activities in Furano
Day tours, attraction tickets and travel essentials for Furano — book ahead on Klook with mobile e-tickets.
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Before You Pack
Furano and Biei rank among Japan's finest destinations for anyone who loves the outdoors and photography. Budget at least 2 nights to explore each site properly — the landscape rewards those who linger.