Furano and Biei are two towns in the centre of Hokkaido, a long way from Sapporo by public transport. They are known for rolling hills, wide farm fields and, in summer, bright flower fields. In winter the same hills are white with snow. The sights are spread out, so a car or a guided tour makes the day much easier.
Getting there
Buses and trains run from Sapporo towards these towns, but the connections are not always frequent, and the sights lie between the towns. Many visitors choose a rental car or a tour from Sapporo. A tour takes away the driving, and a car gives you the freedom to stop at each field.
Check first: Bus and train times, tour dates and the routes. Use the operator's timetable or the tour company's page. Do not use a time or a price from a blog.
For the city side of the trip, read the Sapporo guide. Many visitors also start the day from the Sapporo Station area.
The flower fields
In summer, the farms and hills around Furano and Biei are full of flowers. The colours change with the weeks, and each field has its own season. Lavender is one of the best-known flowers, and the fields are most colourful in the warm months.
Bloom times change every year. A late spring or a cool summer can move the peak. Check the bloom reports before you choose a day, and keep one spare day in your plan if you can.
Check first: Bloom reports, opening days and the entry rules of each field. Use the Furano and Biei tourism sites on the day you travel.
The hills and the roads
The roads between the farms are long and quiet. They run over low hills, past fences, barns and trees. Stop at the viewpoints, and take a slow walk where the paths are open. Keep your speed low, because farm vehicles and animals can use the same roads.
Winter
In winter the fields are white, and the snow makes the roads quiet. Furano has ski slopes, and the powder snow draws many visitors in the cold months. Winter driving needs care. Roads can be icy, and daylight is short.
Check first: Road conditions, snow warnings and the winter tyre rules for hired cars. Use the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) for weather and the road authority for road conditions.
Choosing a car or a tour
- A car: best for families and couples who want to stop often. Check the rental terms, the insurance and the driving rules before you drive.
- A tour: best for solo visitors and people who do not want to drive. Check what is included, and the return time to Sapporo.
- A bus: possible for the main stops, but check the service for the day.
Who it suits
Couples often enjoy a slow drive with long stops at the fields, and a night in one of the towns. Families like the open space, the animals on the farms and the hills to walk. Plan rest stops, and keep snacks and water in the car.
Mistakes to avoid
The first mistake is planning too many stops. The distances are long, and the roads slow you down.
The second mistake is going on a day with no bloom or no snow report. Check the local news before you set off.
The third mistake is driving late back to Sapporo. Check the road and the light before the return, and leave a margin.
Food and rest
The towns in this area are known for dairy and for local vegetables, and some cafes and restaurants serve dishes made with them. Use Tabelog to find a place near the fields with good reviews. Many small shops close early in the evening, so plan your meal before the afternoon ends.
Respect the fields
The flower fields and the crop rows are a farmer's working land. Stay on the paths, do not walk into the rows, and keep children close. Follow the signs about photos and entry, and leave gates as you found them.
What to do next
Furano and Biei work best as a day or two from Sapporo, with a car or a tour. Read the Sapporo guide to plan your base, and open the planner to see how the fields fit with the rest of your Hokkaido trip.
