Tag Archives: Nature of Hokkaido

Furano Lavender Story Tour (Farm Tomita, Lavender East Course) (Excluding Multilingual Audio System)

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Recommended Points:
New Furano Prince Hotel
Ningle Terrace – A shopping area in the middle of a forest right in front of the hotel. Numerous lodges line the streets that are encircled by trees which add a magical feel to the atmosphere.
Kaze-no-Garden (Wind Garden) – Was once the filming location for a TV drama series. Over 450 varieties of flowers bloom one after the other creating a fairytale land-like scene.

Farm Tomita – The most popular summer destination in Hokkaido where fields and fields of different shades of purple lavender bloom.
Lavender East – Located approximately 4 kilometers from Farm Tomita toward the Tokachidake Mountain Range. The commanding view of the Tokachidake Mountain Range and Yubari Mountain Range framed by the vast fields of lavender is simply remarkable.

Hokuryu Sunflower, Farm Tomita and Biei Tour (Excluding Multilingual Audio System)

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●The village of Hokuryu Sunflower
It is the biggest sunflower field in Japan that has 1.5 million of sunflowers with a maze in the field of 23 ha. This is a gentle slope, so you can feel vast scale to take a picture with the sky from down side. Also you can buy local specialties of Hokuryu town in the shop.
●Snow Museum
The exterior of the building resembles a medieval castle, with Byzantine Architecture evident in various parts of the building. The interior is all decorated with images of snow. Everything from the architecture of the building to the displays inside, is made with images of beautiful snowflakes that fall upon Mt. Taisetsu.
●Restaurant OMP (lunch)
Open kitchen buffet restaurant serving the meals made with Hokkaido’s finest ingredients. Enjoy stone oven-baked pizzas, teppanyaki grill, nigiri sushi and much more. Here you can eat seasonal dishes to your heart’s content.
●Farm Tomita is known as a birthplace of lavender fields in Hokkaido, and is the most popular site. In July and August, poppy, cosmos, and common gypsophila bloom alongside the lavender. The farm is like one large theme park that is sure to be fun for every one, no matter what age.

A Classic Summer of Shakotan Blue and Seafood Bowls
“All of Shakotan” Scenic Cape Shakotan Tour (Includes Meal)

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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.

ROYCE’ Cacao & Chocolate Town, Mt. Moiwa Observation Deck, and Sapporo Central Wholesale Market Tour (Excluding Multilingual Audio System)

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● Royce’ Cacao & Chocolate Town (Paid areas are optional and individually paid.)
・This facility adjoins the factory of Royce’, Hokkaido’s representative chocolate brand. Exhibits and hands-on experiences let visitors learn about cacao cultivation, cacao history, and production processes.
・Factory observation: Take a look at the chocolate production line through glass (1st-floor free area).
・Chocolate bar-making workshop: Create your own original chocolate (additional fee required).
・Factory shop: A spacious shop offering exclusive products and sweets available only here (1st-floor free area).

● Free-Time Lunch at the Sapporo Central Wholesale Market Outer Market
・Fresh seafood bowls: The Outer Market has many eateries serving seafood bowls and sushi made with seasonal fish.
・A treasure trove of Hokkaido cuisine: Enjoy ikura, uni, crab, and other local specialties on the spot.
・Free-choice style: Participants can choose any restaurant they like, allowing for a personalized lunch experience.
・Market exploration: You can also shop for souvenirs such as dried goods and local delicacies.

● Mt. Moiwa Observatory
・Panoramic views of Sapporo: From Mt. Moiwa at 531 m elevation, look out to see the cityscape and the Ishikari Plains. Both daytime and night views are spectacular.
・Ropeway + mini cable car: Ride the ropeway to the mid-station, then take the “Morris Car” cable car to the summit.

Scenic View of Biei’s Rolling Hills and the Iconic Seven Stars Tree from the Window
Best-of Asahikawa and Biei Tour

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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 (Audio Tour, Food Included)

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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 (Multilingual Audio Tour)

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*Farm Tomita : Enjoy the history of lavender and flowers in season at Farm Tomita, a tourist lavender farm in Japan. In the gift shops on site seasonal flowers, soaps, perfume and other original products made of lavender.
　
*Shikisai-no-Oka Hills: The vast fields of flowers that bloom over the hills of Shikisai-no-Oka make up the beautiful patchwork scenery of Biei. Between 30 to 40 varieties of flowers are planted in the fields that were once owned by farmers, which bloom every year between May and late October. Peak season is between late July and late September. The sight of rolling hills covered in colorful flowers is absolutely spectacular! The first Alpacas to be raised in Hokkaido, are being raised on Shikisai-no-Oka. They are quickly becoming popular mascots to children who visit from all over the world.
　
*Blue Pond : In recent years, the Blue Pond has become a super popular site in the Biei area. The dead Japanese larch trees that stand amidst the milky blue water of the pond create a mysterious atmosphere.
　
*Furano Wine House: The Furano Wine House is located on a hill overlooking the city of Furano, the lavender fields, vast pastoral landscapes and the panoramic view of the Tokachidake Mountain Range. It is a “”local production for local consumption,”" restaurant where guests can enjoy delicious Western food while taking in the amazing view. The 100% Furano Grape Juice, the brainchild of wine-making experience, products made with lavender, and many other original items are sold.
Lunch menu consists of Furano Wine House famous “”Petite Fondue + Hamburger Steak + Rice + Coffee or Tea.

Highland Furano, Farm Tomita and Blue Pond Tour (Multilingual Audio Tour)

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●Highland Furano: A large hot spring and accommodation facility situated near vast forests and lavender fields. Visitors can enjoy views of the impressive Tokachidake Mountain Range and a bright purple “sea of lavender.” A footpath leads through the forest, where visitors can enjoy “forest bathing,” bird-watching and viewing wildflowers. For lunch we will enjoy petite fondue + hamburger steak + rice * coffee or tea. We especially recommend the petite fondue.
　
●Farm Tomita: The oldest and most historic lavender farm in Japan. Discover the history of lavender and seasonal flowers. At the gift shop on site, you can purchase seasonal flowers, soaps, perfumes and other original items made from lavender.
　
●Blue Pond: One of the most popular sights of Biei in recent years. The mysterious pond appears blue on the surface, with dead pine trees creating an eerie and fantastic atmosphere.

Asahidake Sky Garden Course (Excluding Multilingual Audio System)

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Taisetsu National Park (230,000 ha) located in the heart of Hokkaido is a mountain range 50 kilometers long, comprising Asahidake, the highest peak (elevation 2,291 meters), and connecting peaks averaging around 2,000 meters in elevation.
The Asahidake Ropeway connects the foothills (elevation 1,100 meters) with the Sugatami station (elevation 1,600 meters). The ropeway offers sweeping vistas of the Asahidake Mountain Range, the Sugatami Pond (at elevation 1,670 meters), as well as other beautiful views of the flower-covered fields in the sky.

 

The leaves begin to turn color around mid September, spreading a welcoming carpet of vibrant colors across the mountainside.
From the “”Sugatami”" summit station, visitors will make their way through the alpine vegetation to the “”Sugatami Pond,”" which is about 1.7 kilometers round-trip.
The pond is an emerald green pond about 50 meters in diameter, with a circumference of about 400 meters. The pond is named “”Sugatami,”" which translates to “”mirror,”" due to the beautiful reflection of Mt. Asahidake that can be seen on the surface of the lake.
For lunch we will convene at the Asahidake Ropeway Sugatami restaurant, where we will enjoy a meal made with delicious local ingredients.
It is only a 3-minute walk from the hotel to the ropeway, so after your meal you can enjoy a ride on the ropeway and the epic scenery of flower gardens in the sky.