Located near the center of the island and often called the “belly button of Hokkaido,” the Furano area is a picture-perfect destination where colorful flowers bloom in summer. Most famous of all are its lavender fields. This tour takes you to Furano’s best-known lavender spots, where you can fully enjoy the purple beauty of early summer.
The first stop after departing Sapporo Station is Highland Furano, a resort hot spring hotel surrounded by lavender fields and rich natural scenery. Walking paths are available, making it a lovely place to enjoy a stroll, forest air, seasonal flowers, and wild birds. Lunch here features a small fondue set made with Furano cheese and hamburger steak made with Kamifurano pork. Savor a menu centered on local ingredients.
The next stop is Campana Rokkatei, a shop by the beloved confectionery maker Rokkatei, set on a scenic hilltop. From the glass-walled interior, you can look out over the Daisetsuzan mountain range and rolling countryside while enjoying shopping with a view. Be sure to check out signature sweets such as the Marusei Butter Sandwich, the limited-edition Furano Mochi, and the attached gallery as well.
In the second half of the journey, visit Farm Tomita, a sightseeing flower garden with around 70 years of history, and Lavender East, one of Japan’s largest lavender fields, managed by Farm Tomita.
At Lavender East, lavender stretches across a vast 14-hectare site, creating a view like a great purple carpet spread across the land. Farm Tomita features 14 flower fields, where, alongside lavender, you can also admire charming seasonal blooms.
Both Lavender East and Farm Tomita have their own shops, offering original lavender-themed products. Especially not to be missed are Lavender East’s exclusive Lavender White Chocolate Soft-Serve Ice Cream, along with lavender oil, soap, and other lavender items.
Lavender blooms across broad rolling hills, decorating their gentle slopes in shades of purple. Why not set out by sightseeing but to experience this grand scenery, so distinctive to Hokkaido?
Category Archives: 2022夏
Find yourself surrounded by a carpet of purple at Highland Furano, Farm Tomita, and Lavender East.
A Classic Summer of Shakotan Blue and Seafood Bowls
“All of Shakotan” Scenic Cape Shakotan Tour (With Lunch, Excluding Multilingual Audio System)
Stretching out into the Sea of Japan, the Shakotan Peninsula is known for its jewel-like “Shakotan Blue” waters, dramatic cliffs, and striking rock formations. This scheduled sightseeing bus offers an ideal way to experience this remarkable region.
This tour visits Cape Kamui, Shimamui Coast, and the Shakotan Underwater Observation Boat “New Shakotan-go” at Bikuni Fishing Port.
Cape Kamui lies at the northwestern tip of the peninsula, with a 770-meter walking path leading to its edge. From the cape’s tip, a sweeping panorama of the open sea and a gently curving horizon unfolds.
Shimamui Coast, selected as one of Japan’s 100 best shores, is reached through a 30-meter tunnel originally carved to transport herring. Emerging from the dim passage, a vivid emerald sea opens up, revealing a truly breathtaking view.
The New Shakotan-go at Bikuni Fishing Port is one of the few underwater observation boats in Hokkaido. Views through onboard windows reveal the sea below, including emerald waters, unique rock formations, and fish swimming close by. On the return journey, a seagull feeding experience is also available.
*Boarding the New Shakotan-go is optional and requires payment on-site.
A seafood bowl lunch is included. On weekdays, it is served at Kaisen Ajidokoro Shinsei, and on weekends at Misaki no Yu Shakotan, offering a taste of Hokkaido’s fresh seafood.
The roadside station Space Apple Yoichi, visited both outbound and inbound, is another highlight. Apple pie made with locally grown Yoichi apples and rich, creamy soft-serve ice cream are especially popular.
Traveling along a dynamic coastal route, the scenery from the window becomes part of the experience. A succession of stunning views unfolds throughout the journey.
Scenic View of Biei’s Rolling Hills and the Iconic Seven Stars Tree from the Window
Best-of Asahikawa and Biei Tour (Excluding Multilingual Audio System)
This premium sightseeing course brings together two of Hokkaido’s signature attractions, Asahiyama Zoo in Asahikawa and the Shirogane Blue Pond, in a single day.
The journey begins in Sapporo, traveling to Asahiyama Zoo for approximately two hours of exploration, followed by a visit to the Shirogane Blue Pond. While the route covers a considerable distance, the experience remains engaging aboard a guided sightseeing bus. A stop is also included at Sunagawa Highway Oasis, offering time to rest and shop. This hub for Sorachi specialties is an excellent place to pick up local souvenirs and sweets.
Asahiyama Zoo is designed to showcase the animals’ natural abilities and behaviors to their fullest. Known as “behavioral exhibits,” these features allow close observation of dynamic scenes, from orangutans crossing overhead ropes to polar bears diving and swimming in pools, all in environments that closely resemble their natural habitats.
After the zoo visit, the tour continues to the Shirogane Blue Pond in Shirogane, a scene of striking, almost painterly beauty. Depending on the weather and angle of light, the water shifts between cobalt and emerald blue, with standing larch trees rising from its surface, creating a truly mesmerizing natural landscape.
The return journey features sweeping views of Biei’s hills, the Patchwork Road, and the iconic Seven Stars Tree, offering classic Hokkaido scenery from the window.
Covering nearly 320 km, this route would be demanding to drive independently. A scheduled sightseeing bus allows the journey to unfold comfortably under the care of professional drivers. Discover Hokkaido’s green season with ease and comfort.
Visit Lake Shikotsu and Lake Toya, both famed for their beautiful waters, plus Mount Usu, part of a UNESCO Global Geopark, all in one day!Lake Shikotsu and Lake Toya Tour (Multilingual Audio Tour)
Travel through Hokkaido’s magnificent natural landscapes aborad a bus equipped with a multilingual guidance system in four languages: Japanese, English, Chinese, and Korean.
Lake Shikotsu was once ranked No. 1 in Japan for water quality for 11 consecutive years, and is known for having some of the clearest water in the country. Step off the bus and take in the lake’s deep blue waters, shimmering as they reflect the surrounding light. Near the shore, the Lake Shikotsu Visitor Center is a place where sightseers can learn more about the area’s dramatic volcanic history as well as the plants and animals that inhabit the surrounding landscape.
After enjoying Lake Shikotsu, the tour continues on to Lake Toya, with a rest and shopping stop along the way at Kinoko Oukoku Otaki Main Store. With more than 2,000 kinds of souvenirs on offer, it is a great place to browse, especially for specialty mushroom products, just as the name suggests.
Lake Toya is a caldera lake formed by a volcanic eruption around 100,000 years ago. Lunch will be served at Toyako Kohantei on the lakeshore*. Enjoy a set meal generously prepared with locally sourced seafood, vegetables, pork, and other regional ingredients, for a true taste of Hokkaido’s abundant nature. As the planned stay here is approximately 70 minutes, those wanting some fresh air can also enjoy a stroll along the lakeside after lunch.
*During certain periods, lunch will be at the traveler’s own discretion instead, with approximately 60 minutes allotted for the stay and meal at Kinoko Oukoku.
After taking in the scenery at Lake Toya, head to Mount Usu, the first site in Japan to be recognized as a Global Geopark, a natural heritage designation for areas of major geological significance. Ride the Usuzan Ropeway for a scenic journey through the air, then admire the dramatic natural vistas from the summit terrace and walking trails. As an optional stop, visitors can also go to the Showa Shinzan Bear Ranch, where the bears play and relax, and even enjoy a feeding experience.
This course is perfect for becoming immersed in the natural beauty created by Hokkaido’s lakes, forests, and mountains. Sit back, relax, and set out on a grand Hokkaido journey in comfort with a professionally operated bus tour!
Farm Tomita, Shikisai-no-Oka and Blue Pond Tour (With Lunch, Multilingual Audio Tour)
Travel by bus equipped with a multilingual guidance system in four languages, Japanese, English, Chinese, and Korean, as you explore the highlights of Furano and Biei, where colorful flower fields and rolling hillscapes stretch as far as the eye can see.
The first stop is Furano Wine House, a hilltop restaurant with sweeping views over Furano City. Dine while taking in lavender fields, vast pastoral scenery, and a panoramic view of the Tokachidake mountain range. Here, diners can enjoy a set meal featuring a petit fondue made with Furano cheese and a hamburger steak made with Kamifurano pork. Savor the flavors of Furano and Biei through a meal made with local ingredients.
True to its name, the Wine House also offers a wide selection of products, including wine, 100% natural grape juice, and lavender-themed goods.
After a meal, continue to Farm Tomita, a sightseeing flower farm that has been cultivating lavender since 1958. Centered around lavender, its 14 flower fields create a vibrant landscape filled with seasonal blooms. The grounds also feature shops stocked with original items such as soaps, perfumes, and massage oils, along with a café, gallery, and lavender distillery, offering plenty to see and enjoy.
Passing along the dramatic Roller Coaster Road, the next destination is Shikisai-no-Oka. More than 30 varieties of flowers are planted here, blooming one after another from May through late October. The best season is from late July to late September. The sight of the gently sloping hills painted in patchwork colors is truly breathtaking.
A ride on the tracor bus, the Shikisai Norokko-go, is also recommended for a leisurely 15-minute tour around the grounds (optional, extra charge). Shikisai-no-Oka is also home to alpacas, and as an optional activity, visitors may enter the farm area. Enjoy meeting animals up close and even feeding them.
On the return journey to Sapporo, enjoy views from the bus of the Patchwork Road and the famous Seven Stars tree. The final highlight of the tour is the Shirogane Blue Pond. Now one of the most iconic and sought-after sights in the Biei area, it draws visitors from across Japan and beyond. Its cobalt-blue waters, paired with the stark silhouettes of standing dead larch trees, create a dreamlike, almost painterly scene. The way its appearance shifts with the weather and the angle of the light makes it feel truly mysterious.
In the Furano and Bieo area, gently rolling hills unfold beneath a tapestry of colorful flower fields. From the bus window and at each stop along the way, unforgettable scenery awaits at every turn.
Highland Furano, Farm Tomita, Shikisai-no-Oka, and Blue Pond Tour (With Lunch, Multilingual Audio Tour)
Travel by bus equipped with a multilingual guidance system in four languages, Japanese, English, Chinese, and Korean, as you explore the highlights of Furano and Biei, where vibrant flower fields and rolling hillscapes stretch across the landscape.
Departing from Sapporo Station, your first stop is Highland Furano, a nature-rich hot spring resort surrounded by expansive forests and lavender fields. The vivid purple stretching across the landscape truly feels like a “sea of lavender.” Walking paths are also available, allowing visitors to enjoy bathing in the air of the forest and observing seasonal plants and wild birds.
Lunch here features a set meal with a petit fondue made from Furano cheese and a hamburger steak made with Kamifurano pork. Savor the flavors of Furano and Biei through a menu crafted with local ingredients.
After a meal, continue to Farm Tomita, a sightseeing flower farm that has been cultivating lavender since 1958. Centered around lavender, its 14 flower fields create a vibrant landscape filled with seasonal blooms. The grounds also feature shops stocked with original items such as soaps, perfumes, and massage oils, along with a café, gallery, and lavender distillery, offering plenty to see and enjoy.
Passing along the dramatic Roller Coaster Road, the next destination is Shikisai-no-Oka. More than 30 varieties of flowers are planted here, blooming one after another from May through late October. The best season is from late July to late September. The sight of the gently sloping hills painted in patchwork colors is truly breathtaking.
A ride on the tracor bus, the Shikisai Norokko-go, is also recommended for a leisurely 15-minute tour around the grounds (optional, extra charge). Shikisai-no-Oka is also home to alpacas, and as an optional activity, visitors may enter the farm area. Enjoy meeting animals up close and even feeding them.
On the return journey to Sapporo, enjoy views from the bus of the Patchwork Road and the famous Seven Stars tree. The final highlight of the tour is the Shirogane Blue Pond. Now one of the most iconic and sought-after sights in the Biei area, it draws visitors from across Japan and beyond. Its cobalt-blue waters, paired with the stark silhouettes of standing dead larch trees, create a dreamlike, almost painterly scene. The way its appearance shifts with the weather and the angle of the light makes it feel truly mysterious.
In the Furano and Bieo area, gently rolling hills unfold beneath a tapestry of colorful flower fields. From the bus window and at each stop along the way, unforgettable scenery awaits at every turn.
【Sapporo Afternoon Tour】The Mt. Okura Ski Jump Stadium and Hitsujigaoka Observation Hill Tour (Multilingual Audio Tour)
Travel in comfort aboard a bus equipped with a multilingual guidance system in four languages: Japanese, English, Chinese, and Korean. We will introduce you to some of Sapporo’s most distinctive highlights in a short amount of time.
Discover Sapporo’s top attractions with this well-rounded itinerary, which features scenic city views from the bus and guided stops at two major highlights: Mt. Okura Ski Jump Stadium and the Sapporo Hitsujigaoka Observation Hill.
From the elevated vantage point of the bus, take in sweeping views of Odori Park—the green corridor running east to west through the heart of the city—the stately Hokkaido Governor’s Official Residence nestled among trees, the Toyohira River beloved by locals and host to summer fireworks displays, and the striking Sapporo Dome with its graceful, silver, curved silhouette.
Mt. Okura Ski Jump Stadium, an active venue on the eastern slope of Mt. Okura at an elevation of 307 meters. From the summit observation deck, take in a sweeping panorama of central Sapporo and the vast Ishikari Plains beyond, framed dramatically by the steep approach slope below. Gazing down from the ski jump start point, the 145.0-meter hill record distance is truly breathtaking. See the scale for yourself and experience the thrill from above.
Sapporo Hitsujigaoka Observation Hill is home to the famous statue of Dr. William S. Clark, depicted with his right arm outstretched toward the horizon. In summer, sheep graze across the lush green lawn, with the cityscape of Sapporo stretching out in the distance, a scene that captures the very spirit of Hokkaido. Strike the same post beside Dr. Clark and snap a memorable photo as you embrace his inspiring message, “Boys, be ambitious.”
Let our scheduled sightseeing bus take you to the iconic landmarks that every visitor to Sapporo wants to see.
【Sapporo Morning Tour】Shiroi Koibito Park, the Mt. Okura Ski Jump Stadium and Central Wholesale Market Tour (Multilingual Audio Tour)
Travel in comfort aboard a bus equipped with a multilingual guidance system in four languages: Japanese, English, Chinese, and Korean. We will introduce you to some of Sapporo’s most distinctive highlights in a short amount of time.
Our first stop is the Mt. Okura Ski Jump Stadium. Often associated with Prince Chichibu Yasuhito, affectionately known as the “Prince of Sports,” the facility traces its origins to 1932, when Baron Kishichiro Okura commissioned its design from Lieutenant Helsel of Norway at the Prince’s suggestion. In 1970, it was renovated in preparation for the Sapporo Olympic Games and later served as the venue for the 90-meter ski jumping competition at the 11th Winter Olympic Games in Sapporo 1972.
From the observation deck at the 307-meter starting point of the jump hill, enjoy a breathtaking panoramic view stretching beyond the approach slope to the cityscape of Sapporo and across the vast Ishikari Plain.
Once we depart Mt. Okura Ski Jump Stadium, our journey continues to Shiroi Koibito Park. This popular attraction features the Chocotopia Factory, where visitors can observe the production process of Hokkaido’s iconic confection, Shiroi Koibito, as well as the Tudor House, a charming recreation of medieval English architecture.
In summer, the park’s Rose Garden comes alive with vibrant English roses and old garden varieties in full bloom. Adjacent to the park is the Miyanosawa Shiroi Koibito Soccer Stadium, where onlookers may even catch a glimpse of FC Consadole Sapporo’s training sessions.
Following our visit to Shiroi Koibito Park, we continue to our final stop, the Sapporo Central Wholesale Market, Outer Market. Here, seafood, vegetables, and fruits from across Hokkaido are gathered in one lively marketplace. Numerous local eateries serve fresh seafood bowls and set meals made with the day’s best catch, and lunch is at your leisure.
After enjoying delicious cuisine and picking up plenty of souvenirs, guests may choose to disembark at one of Sapporo’s most iconic landmarks, the Sapporo Clock Tower, conveniently located near Odori Park.
Though compact in duration, this course is rich in experiences and reasonably priced, a satisfying and efficient way to explore Sapporo aboard a scheduled sightseeing bus.
Asahiyama Zoo One-Day Tour (Excluding Multilingual Audio System)
Located in Asahikawa City, near the heart of Hokkaido, Asahiyama Zoo is Japan’s northernmost zoo and a beloved destination for visitors from across the country and around the world. About 150 km from Sapporo, this attraction is easily reached by direct scheduled sightseeing bus.
The journey takes about 2 hours and 30 minutes, but with engaging commentary from your professional guide, the time will fly by. Enjoy fascinating insights into Hokkaido’s history, scenic views, and fun local trivia that make the ride itself part of the experience.
Asahiyama Zoo is renowned for its creative enclosures designed to showcase animals in their most natural and dynamic forms.
At the Seal House, watch seals swim gracefully through a towering cylindrical tank. At the Polar Bear House, witness powerful dives up close. In the Penguin House, a glass tunnel offers a unique underwater perspective, where penguins appear to soar overhead as if flying through the sky.
Beyond these highlights, the zoo features around 30 animal habitats, including the Red Panda House, Orangutan House, and Beast House. Popular programs such as the lively “”Mogu Mogu Time,”" when visitors can observe animals during feeding, along with informative talks by zookeepers, add to the experience. With so many opportunities to connect with the animals, it’s no wonder this beloved zoo welcomes many repeat visitors.
On the return journey, enjoy a relaxing break at Sunagawa Highway Oasis, a popular stop where fine products from across Hokkaido come together in one place. Browse for souvenirs at Oasis Plaza, featuring renowned local sweets, regional sake, and specialty gourmet items, or explore Sorachi Market, a farmers’ market offering fresh produce and artisanal goods from the Sorachi region. The site is also home to the very first shop of the beloved confectionery brand Kitakaro, where visitors can savor exclusive menu items available only here.
With ample time scheduled for our visit to Asahiyama Zoo, this course allows guests to explore the park at a relaxed pace, rather than rushing from one sight to the next.
Why not take advantage of this comfortable, convenient, scheduled sightseeing bus and set out to meet the zoo’s lively, charming animals?
Hike through autumn colors at Hokkaido’s highest peak.
Asahidake “Garden in the Sky” Walking Tour (with Lunch)
At 2,291 meters, Asahidake is the highest mountain in Hokkaido. After a scenic 190-kilometer drive from Sapporo, enjoy a hike in this “garden in the sky” near the center of Hokkaido.
The journey from Sapporo takes about three hours, with a rest stop along the way Upon arrival at the Asahidake Ropeway, enjoy lunch at the Sugatami Shokudo on the second floor. The menu features a hearty stewed hamburger steak topped with chunky locally grown Higashikawa vegetables. Made with 100% Hokkaido beef, it’s juicy and well-balanced, perfect for fueling up before your hike.
After lunch, take the ropeway at your own pace up to Sugatami Station at 1,600 meters. From the station, set out on a scenic hike. A 1.7-kilometer walking loop (about one hour) leads past alpine plants such as chinguruma, the reflective Sugatami Pond that mirrors Asahidake on calm days, and occasionally wildlife such as the Ezo pika.
On the return journey, stop at Sunagawa Highway Oasis, where products from across Hokkaido come together. Brows Oasis Plaza for famous sweets, local sake, and regional specialties, or visit Soraichi Market for fresh produce and local goods from the Sorachi area. The site also features the first shop of the popular confectionery maker Kitakaro, offering exclusive items you can only find here.
With about three hours each way and roughly 400 km in total, this comfortable journey is made easy by the sightseeing bus. Don’t miss the chance to experience these seasonal views that can only be enjoyed for a short time each autumn.
