Seven days is a comfortable length for exploring the central part of Hokkaido. This private tour covers a region where rolling hills, volcanic rivers, and agricultural landscapes define the scenery. The route connects the famous fields of Furano and Biei with the northern city of Asahikawa and the historic port town of Otaru. The focus is on natural beauty and the quiet charm of the countryside.
The rolling hills of Biei and Furano
A large part of this itinerary is dedicated to the areas around Biei and Furano. The region is known for its patchwork of farmland and its dramatic, open views.
One of the most famous sights is the "Patchwork Road," a vast hilly area northwest of Biei. The road gets its name from the different crops planted in each section, which create a colourful pattern across the land. South of this lies the Panorama Road, a popular tourist route with elevated plateaus that offer 360-degree views of the surroundings.
The road network itself is an attraction. Driving through Kamifurano, you can take the renowned "Roller Coaster Road," a straight 4-kilometre route characterised by its abrupt ascending and descending slopes. It passes by beautiful hills and paddy fields at the base of the Mt. Tokachi Range.
Blue waters and white falls
Water features are a major highlight in the Biei area. The Blue Pond, located near the town of Biei, is a man-made body of water created to stop damage from mudflows from Mt. Tokachi. Its colour ranges from vibrant turquoise to emerald to cobalt blue, and this can change with the seasons, wind, and clouds.
Nearby in the Shirogane Onsen Area are the Shirahige Waterfalls. These falls originate from ground streams that gush out of the cliff-side, a rare type of waterfall even in Japan. The Biei River below them is often called the “Blue River” due to its deep hue, creating a stark contrast with the white water of the falls. From November to April, the falls are illuminated with lights in the evening.
Lavender fields and flower gardens
Hokkaido’s summer season is defined by its flower farms. Farm Tomita is one of the most photographed spots in the region, with orderly fields of flowers on gentle hills. While the farm has blooms from April to October, the iconic lavender fields are best viewed from early to late July.
Another key flower site is Hinode Lavender Garden. This scenic spot has lavender fields to the west and the Tokachi Mountain range to the east. During the blooming season from late June to early August, its 4.2-hectare area of hills is dyed a brilliant purple.
Shikisai no Oka, or Four Seasons Hill, is a large flower garden carpeted with blooms from April to October, including tulips, lupine, lavender, and sunflowers. Ueno Farm is an original English-style garden that takes advantage of the local climate.
A hidden village and a northern zoo
The itinerary includes stops that show different sides of Hokkaido. In Furano, a small village of log-houses sits in the forests, near the New Furano Prince Hotel. This hidden village has a magical air, and local artisans come to sell their wares there.
For a change of pace, the tour visits Asahiyama Zoo, Japan's northernmost zoo. It is a highlight of the Asahikawa area, specializing in cold climate species. The zoo is home to more than 700 animals from 124 species, housed in environments close to their natural habitats.
A day in historic Otaru
The final part of the tour focuses on the port city of Otaru. The city is full of historical architecture and time-old traditions. A key example is the Kitaichi Glass Sangokan Kitaichi Hall, which is a repurposed stone warehouse and now houses Hokkaido crafts.
Practical notes
- A seven-day length is suitable for this itinerary, allowing time for travel between Biei, Furano, Asahikawa, and Otaru.
- The best season for flower viewing is summer, from late June to early August for lavender, with blooms available from April to October at some sites.
- The route involves driving on roads like the Panorama Road and Roller Coaster Road, where traffic is light and views are expansive.
- The Shirahige Waterfalls are illuminated with lights in the evening from November to April.
Planning a private tour
Our private tour operator can arrange a custom itinerary based on this 7-day route. The schedule can be adjusted to focus on specific interests, whether that is flower photography, natural landscapes, or local crafts.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Patchwork Road in Biei?
It is a vast hilly area northwest of Biei known for its different crops planted in each section, which create a colourful pattern across the land.
Where is the Blue Pond and why was it made?
The Blue Pond is located near the town of Biei. It is a man-made body of water created to stop damage from mudflows from Mt. Tokachi.
What makes the Shirahige Waterfalls a rare type of waterfall?
These falls are located in the Shirogane Onsen Area and originate from ground streams that gush out of the cliff-side, a rare type of waterfall even in Japan.
What is the Roller Coaster Road in Kamifurano?
It is a renowned, straight 4-kilometre route characterised by its abrupt ascending and descending slopes. The road passes by beautiful hills and paddy fields at the base of the Mt. Tokachi Range.
Plan your trip
See the full itinerary: 7 DAYS CENTRAL HOKKADIO PRIVATE TOUR
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