Local Guide
8 Must-see Sightseeing Spots in Furano, Biei and Tomamu

Furano and Biei are popular areas with scenery that is uniquely Hokkaido. The endless blue skies, gardens filled with colorful flowers, the majestic Tokachi Mountain range and the Daisetsu Mountains. There are many attractive places to visit in this area, and we will introduce some of the recommended sightseeing spots that you should definitely see if you go on a trip.

To the birthplace of lavender cultivation in Furano

 Two types of lavender,
Two types of lavender, "Nooshiyazaki" and "Okamurazaki," are cultivated (photo courtesy of Farm Tomita).

One of the largest lavender fields in Japan is located in Higashinaka, Kamifurano, the birthplace of lavender cultivation. 90,000 lavender plants are grown on 14 hectares. The lavender field is used for the production of raw materials for essential oil extraction and other uses, so it can only be viewed for one month. The fields are open to the public from the end of June, when the lavender is in bloom, to the end of July, when the lavender is harvested.
Surrounded by Hokkaido's representative mountains, such as the Tokachi Mountain Range and the Yubari Mountains, the view of the endless purple carpet stretching across the flat land is a spectacular sight that cannot be seen anywhere else.

The Lavender Bus Ride is a popular round-trip experience.

 A tour bus pulled by a lavender-colored tractor (photo courtesy of Farm Tomita)
A tour bus pulled by a lavender-colored tractor (photo courtesy of Farm Tomita)

Within the grounds, there is an observation deck, a promenade, and a small hill called "Kaze Koraru Oka" from which you can enjoy a 360-degree view of the lavender fields, offering beautiful scenery from various angles. In late July, visitors can watch the lavender harvesting process. The "Lavender Bus" (200 yen for adults, 100 yen for children from 4 years old to elementary school students) is popular for its leisurely tours through the fields, allowing visitors to fully enjoy the gradually changing scenery and flowers.
Visitors can also purchase limited-edition lavender white chocolate soft serve ice cream (320 yen) and other original products at the park's welcome house, "Lawares House.

Local Guide Comment
The "Lavender Bus" takes about 15 to 20 minutes to fully enjoy the park while enjoying the scent of lavenders. This area is recommended for those who want to appreciate the lavender in peace and quiet.
Farm Tomita Lavender East
  • Address No.16, East 6th Line North, Kamifurano Town, Sorachi-gun, Hokkaido MAP
  •  Direction Approx. 15 min. by car from JR Nakafurano Stn.
  •  Business hours 9:00-16:30 (Scheduled from June 29 to July 28. (Scheduled from June 29 to July 28, subject to change depending on blooming conditions)
  •  Closed Open to the public throughout the year.
  •  TEL 0167-39-3939 (Farm Tomita)
  •  Parking Free of charge

Touring the locations where popular TV dramas were shot

 The
The "log cabin" built by the main characters in the drama

Kita no Kuni Kara" is a classic drama set in Hokkaido. Written and directed by Satoshi Kuramoto, the series became a big hit drama from the Showa to the Heisei era. The setting for the series was the Furano area where the main character, Goro Kuroita, lived.
The "Furuugo Forest" was created when the "log cabin" used as a filming set at the time was relocated, and has been loved for more than 30 years as a tourist attraction where visitors can experience the world of the drama.

Properties are scattered throughout the lush forest

 Goro's third house
Goro's third house" remains as it was when it was filmed.

In addition to the "Log Hut," there is the "Goro 3rd House," shops/restaurants, galleries, etc., in the forest, where visitors can enjoy a walk through the forest while touring the spots. The "Forest Photo Gallery," tucked away in the outskirts of the forest, is a small gallery of a famous photographer from Furano. The gallery displays colorful photographs of Furano's landscape.
Also within a 10-minute drive are "Goro's Stone House," also used in the filming of "Kita no Kuni Kara '89 Homecoming," and "The House I Found," which the main character in "2002 Will" built from scrap wood, so a pilgrimage to these locations using a common ticket is recommended.

Local Guide Comment
If you are a fan of "From the North Country," this is the place to be! Going there will bring back the excitement of the drama.
Foothills Forest
  • Address 1-1 Higashifukugo, Furano-shi, Hokkaido MAP
  •  Direction Approximately 25 min. from JR Furano Station by car
  •   Direction From JR Furano Station: 40 min. on the Furano Bus "Furano Bus Route", 30 min. walk from the last stop "Furugo".
  •  Business hours April 14 - Late September 9:30 - 17:30 (last admission 17:00)
    Early October - November 24 9:30 - 16:00 (last admission 15:30)
  •  Regular holidays Open every day during the period
  •  Admission fee Adults 500 yen Elementary school students 300 yen
    Common ticket for 3 Properties (Pick-up House, Foothills Forest, Goro's Stone House) Adults 1,200 yen Elementary school students 600 yen
  •  TEL 0167-23-3388
  •  Parking Free of charge

Enjoy the spectacular view from "Tokachi-dake," one of Japan's 100 most famous mountains

 Mt. Tokachi with lingering snow seen from Mochidake-dai
Mt. Tokachi with lingering snow seen from Mochidake-dai

Daisetsuzan National Park, Japan's largest national park, is located almost in the center of Hokkaido and is lined with 2,000-meter-high mountains. Known as "Kamuimintara (Garden of the Gods)" to the Ainu people, the park still retains its pristine nature. Tokachidake Bogakudai is an observatory located halfway up Mount Tokachi (2,077 meters above sea level), an active volcano and the main peak of the Tokachidake Mountain Range, one of the mountains in the Daisetsuzan Mountain Range. Asahidake (2,291m), the highest peak in Hokkaido, and other mountains can be felt up close in the panoramic view from the 930m elevation. Parking is available adjacent to the Mangakudai, making it easy to enjoy the magnificent view.

The northern land is breathing

 Motodake-dai with autumn leaves dyed by the setting sun
Motodake-dai with autumn leaves dyed by the setting sun

It is also the trailhead for Tokachi-dake, which can be seen directly in front of the soaring Mt. Tokachi, and there are still wild traces of lava flow from the eruption from the foot of the mountain to the summit. The topography of Hokkaido is characterized by the abundance of alpine flora, even in the 2,000-meter-high mountains, and it is a pleasure to see small alpine plants in the vicinity of Bogakudai.
The view below can be seen from Asahikawa City to Furano City.

Local Guide Comment
The area is popular as a base for climbing around Mt. Tokachi in summer and as a spot for viewing the autumn leaves in fall. The lava flow from the eruption of Mt. Tokachi still remains, and you can experience the power of nature.
Tokachidake Bogakudai
  • Address Shirogane, Biei-cho, Kamikawa-gun, Hokkaido MAP
  •  Direction Approx. 35 min. by car from JR Biei Sta.
  •  Closed Closed during winter
  •  TEL 0166-92-4378(Biei-cho Tourist Association)
  •  Parking Free of charge

Mysterious pond with beautiful blue color

 The blue color of the pond changes depending on the day.
The blue color of the pond changes depending on the day.

Aoi Ike (Blue Pond) suddenly appears in a forest surrounded by white birches. The dead larch trees give the pond a mysterious charm. Photographers began to pay attention to the fantastic sight of the blue surface of the water, and the pond gradually became well known to tourists.
The water in the pond is clear and colorless. It is said that the pond appears blue to the human eye because the particles produced by the mixing of aluminum contained in the groundwater and the water of the Biei River act on the reflection of light.

Scenery created by a combination of various conditions

 On a windless day, the view is reflected on the surface of the pond.
On a windless day, the view is reflected on the surface of the pond.

The best time to visit Mangakudai is early in the morning when it is less popular. The soft morning sunlight and cool air flowing along the lakeside is mysterious, and you will feel as if you are monopolizing the scenery. Also, since the pond is surrounded by a boardwalk of white birch forests, you can take a stroll while taking a walk in the forest.
Another attraction is the scenery that changes with the seasons: fresh green trees in spring and summer, golden mountains in autumn, and fantastic white and blue scenery in winter. The illumination of the pond during the winter is also popular.
The Aoi Ike is easily accessible through the well-maintained parking lot adjacent to the park.

Local Guide Comment
It is a very fantastic view. You can enjoy various blue colors depending on the season and weather.
Shirogane Blue Pond
  • Address Shirogane, Biei-cho, Kamikawa-gun, Hokkaido MAP
  •  Direction Approximately 20 minutes by car from JR Biei Station
  •   Direction 20 min. by Dohoku Bus from JR Biei Station to Shirogane Aoi Ike Iriguchi bus stop.
  •  TEL 0166-94-3355(Roadside Station Biei "Shirogane Birke)
  •  Parking Free of charge
  •  Memo Night light-up period (November 1 to around the end of April): sunset to 21:00

    Night light-up period (October 24 to April 22, 2025): sunset to 21:00

Biei River sparkling in cobalt blue

 The fine stream flowing out of the cracks in the rocks is the origin of the name
The fine stream flowing out of the cracks in the rocks is the origin of the name "Shirohige" (white beard).

The Biei River flows through Shirogane Hot Spring and Biei-cho, with its water source in the Tokachi Mountain Range. Shirohige-no-taki Falls, located in the upper reaches of the river, is classified as a "submerged waterfall," which is rare in Japan. Groundwater gushing out from between the strata of the 30-meter-high cliffs splashes down into the mountain stream with great force. The mountain stream appears a beautiful cobalt blue and is also known as the Blue River.
Because of its mysterious beauty, it is popular not only as a photo spot but also as a power spot.

Waterfalls that change their expressions depending on the season

 Colorful scenery spreading out below
Colorful scenery spreading out below

Like the "Blue Pond," the secret of its blue color is due to the reflection of light, and the hue changes depending on conditions.
Visitors can enjoy beautiful scenery throughout the four seasons: in spring and summer when the trees are lush and green, in autumn when the leaves turn a beautiful shade of cobalt blue, and in winter when the contrast between the white of the snow and the black of the rock surface stands out and the spray and steam from the waterfall create a fantastic mist of ice on the trees.
Shirohige-no-taki Falls can be viewed from the Blue River Bridge over the Biei River, and is a popular photo spot along with Aoi Ike (Blue Pond). It is also illuminated at night.

Local Guide Comment
It is of course beautiful in the deep green of summer, but the autumn leaves in fall and the lights at night in winter are also magnificent, delighting the eye throughout the year.
Shirohige Waterfall
  • Address Shirogane, Biei-cho, Kamikawa-gun, Hokkaido MAP
  •  Direction Approx. 30 min. by car from JR Biei Station
  •   Direction Approx. 30 min. by Dohoku Bus from JR Biei Sta. to Biei Shirogane Hot Spring bus stop, approx. 3 min. walk from the bus stop.
  •  TEL 0166-92-4378(Biei-cho Tourist Association)
  •  Parking Free of charge
  •  Memo Night light-up period is from sunset to 21:00

Flower fields that fill the hills

 Flower fields and hills in stripes of different colors
Flower fields and hills in stripes of different colors

Biei Town is known for its beautiful hilly landscape. The colorful flower fields that take advantage of the hills are a popular attraction. The 14 hectares of hills are filled with colorful flowers, creating a vivid scene during the green season.
Starting with tulips and pansies in spring, and continuing with lavender, sunflowers, kochia, and other flowers from summer to fall, the flower garden has more than 30 varieties of flowers, offering a spectacular view that changes with the seasons.
In the distance are the Tokachi and Daisetsuzan mountain ranges, and when the mountains are covered with snow, you can see the colorful flowers and the snow-covered mountains.

Entertainment garden where you can experience life

 Tractor buses and carts are available for tours of the park
Tractor buses and carts are available for tours of the park

The park is not only a flower garden, but also offers a variety of activities. The park is a field for fun activities such as the Noroccocco train and carts that can take you around the park, and in winter, snowmobile touring and sleigh rides using the pure white snow field. Visitors can also experience petting and feeding the alpacas at the Alpaca Farm, which opened in 2011.
In addition, there is a restaurant and a store that serve farm products and locally harvested ingredients, as well as a pension with a view of the Biei landscape. This entertainment garden is filled with the owner's wish to let tourists know the beauty of agriculture in Biei.

Local Guide Comment
Everywhere you turn, you can see a colorful landscape that looks like a painting. The corn and croquettes at the store are also highly recommended!
Flower Garden with a View Shikisaino-Oka
  • Address Shinsei No.3, Biei-cho, Kamikawa-gun, Hokkaido MAP
  •  Direction Approx. 12 min. by car from JR Biei Station
  •  Business hours April, May, October: 9:00-17:00, June-September: 8:30-18:00, November, March: 16:30, December-February: 16:00 *Alpaca farm closes 30 minutes before each closing.
  •  Closed Open daily (Restaurant closed on Wednesdays from November to March)
  •  Admission fee Admission fee: Free
    Alpaca farm: 500 yen for adults and high school students, 300 yen for elementary and junior high school students
  •  TEL 0166-95-2758
  •  Parking Free of charge

The overwhelming view of the magnificent sea of clouds

 A sea of clouds as if seen from an airplane window
A sea of clouds as if seen from an airplane window

UNKAI Terrace is located in the area of Hoshino Resorts Tomamu, where you can enjoy a 13-minute walk in the air on the UNKAI Gondola. This is a famous spot where many tourists visit to catch a glimpse of the sea of clouds. The sea of clouds, which appears only in the early morning, is a gift from nature created by the combination of Tomamu's topography and weather conditions.
There are a total of three cloud sea formation patterns, with the most impressive being the "Pacific Sea of Clouds," which flows in from the Pacific Ocean nearly 100 kilometers away. The dynamic movement of clouds flowing like a waterfall over the mountains is so impressive that visitors will lose track of time.

A variety of spots where you can experience the sea of clouds with all five senses

 Cloud Walk
Cloud Walk" that makes you feel as if you are walking on clouds

The "Cloud Walk," which opened in 2015, is a suspension bridge-like deck in the shape of a cloud looming from the slope, giving visitors the feeling of floating on the clouds. The Cloud Pool, a cloud-shaped hammock created in September 2017, offers the experience of lying on a cloud that everyone has dreamed of. This summer, the "Cloud Bar," an observation spot resembling a bar counter 3 meters above the ground and 13 meters long, is scheduled to appear. Visitors will be able to enjoy the sea of clouds in the morning.

Local Guide Comment
Encountering the sea of clouds, which never looks the same twice, is truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Wake up a little earlier and spend a refreshing morning.
UNKAI Terrace
  • Address Aza Naka Tomamu, Shimukappu Village, Yufutsu-gun, Hokkaido MAP in Hoshino Resorts Tomamu
  •  Direction 10 minutes by car from the Tomamu IC of the East Hokkaido Expressway.
    13 min. one way by gondola from "Resort Center
  • Hours of Operation May 8 - Oct. 14, 2025 5:00~8:00 (Last gondola ride up), 9:00 (Last gondola ride down)
    Operating hours may vary depending on the season.
    Operation may be cancelled due to weather conditions.
  •  Regular holiday Open all year round (closed: late October to early May)
  •  Admission Fee Adults 1,900 yen, Elementary school students 1,200 yen, Pets 500 yen
    Free for preschool children
    Free for guests staying at Hoshino Resorts RISONARE Tomamu and Tomamu the Tower by Hoshino Resorts.
    You can ride as many times as you like on the same day of purchase.
  •  TEL 0167-58-1111 (main phone)
  •  Parking Free of charge

A sightseeing train that has been loved for more than 20 years

 A diesel locomotive, now rare, pulls the carriages (photo courtesy of JR Hokkaido)
A diesel locomotive, now rare, pulls the carriages (photo courtesy of JR Hokkaido)

This sightseeing train will be in operation for a limited time during the flowering season (June to early September) in the Furano and Biei areas. The train stops at seven stations including Asahikawa Station, Biei Station, Lavender Field Station (temporarily opened for the Norocco train), and Furano Station. The train runs slowly between Furano and Biei, so you can take your time to enjoy the scenery from the train windows. Especially worth seeing are "Biei-cho Meruhen no Oka" (Biei-cho Meruhen Hill) with beautiful hills between Biei and Bibaushi, and the town-operated lavender garden between Lavender Field Station and Nakafurano.

Wooden chairs and tables that give a sense of warmth

 Seats for two facing the window are popular (photo courtesy of JR Hokkaido)
Seats for two facing the window are popular (photo courtesy of JR Hokkaido)

The carriages with wooden chairs and tables and even a stove will make you feel like a tourist. The windows are designed to open wide, allowing passengers to enjoy an open train ride, and a train certificate is issued, making the trip a memorable one.
Furano and Biei are quite crowded during the top season, and you may get stuck in traffic jams if you travel by car. If you make good use of the sightseeing train, you can enjoy your trip and make the most of your time.
The train consists of three cars and only one car has reserved seats. During the peak season of lavender, the train is crowded with many passengers. Early reservations are recommended.

Local Guide Comment
You can enjoy the wonderful view while feeling the fresh breeze. There are many things to see and do in the surrounding area, and you are sure to enjoy Hokkaido to the fullest.
Furano Biei Norokko-go
  •  Business hours June 22 - August 18
    August 24 - September 23 (Saturdays, Sundays, and national holidays only)
    *Open all year round during the period
    Must be confirmed by timetable
  •  Admission fee Furano-Lavender Field 230 yen, Furano-Biei 640 yen, Furano-Asahikawa 1,070 yen, etc. (varies depending on the section used, reserved seat 520 yen, both half fare for children)
  •  Memo JR Hokkaido Telephone Reservation Center 011-222-7111 (6:30-22:00)

After enjoying sightseeing, spend a relaxing time at a unique hotel.

All Guest rooms are spacious and relaxing.

 Guest rooms are suites of more than 100 square meters
Guest rooms are suites of more than 100 square meters

Hoshino Resorts Tomamu, about 90 minutes by train from New Chitose Airport, is surrounded by a vast 1,000 hectares of nature and is a resort that can be visited any time of the year. In summer, "UNKAI Terrace" offers spectacular views, and the "Farm Area" lets you experience the magnificent nature of Hokkaido. In winter, you can enjoy not only the ski slopes but also the "Ice Village," a town of ice, where you can fully enjoy your stay even if you don't ski. Within the area, there are two accommodations, "Hoshino Resorts RISONARE Tomamu" and "The Tower," that can be selected according to the purpose of your trip, allowing you to enjoy a stay that is perfect for you.

Hoshino Resorts RISONARE Tomamu" is a hotel nestled on a mountainside surrounded by the resort's forest. The 32-story high-rise hotel has only four Guest rooms per floor. The 32-story high-rise hotel has only four guest rooms per floor, providing a spacious and luxurious atmosphere.
All Guest rooms are suites. All rooms are equipped with a jet bath with magnificent views and a private sauna. Traveling with children can be made even safer and more comfortable.
We also offer the "Mamanakudama Suite" and the "Pet Room" where you and your dog can spend time together. The Tower" is the resort's first and only building with a private sauna.

Hoshino Resorts RISONARE Tomamu

Casual and active living

 Diverse Guest room types from twin to four-suite (Photo: Family Four-suite)
Diverse Guest room types from twin to four-suite (Photo: Family Four-suite)

Hoshino Resorts Tomamu, about 90 minutes by train from New Chitose Airport, is surrounded by a vast 1,000 hectares of nature and is a resort that can be visited any time of the year. In summer, "UNKAI Terrace" offers spectacular views, and the "Farm Area" lets you experience the magnificent nature of Hokkaido. In winter, you can enjoy not only the ski slopes but also the "Ice Village," a town of ice, where you can fully enjoy your stay even if you don't ski. Within the area, there are two accommodations, "Hoshino Resorts RISONARE Tomamu" and "The Tower," that can be selected according to the purpose of your trip, allowing you to enjoy a stay that is perfect for you.

The Tower by Hoshino Resorts is a landmark of Tomamu, located in the center of the resort. The twin towers of the high-rise hotel are designed to resemble a forest in summer and winter, respectively. The Tower is close to a variety of Restaurants and Property, and is recommended for those who wish to spend their time actively. A total of 535 Guest rooms are available in various types, including standard rooms and family rooms. They can accommodate a wide range of needs, including couples and families. In particular, the Family Twin and Family Force rooms have low beds and are safe for small children.

Hoshino Resorts Tomamu the Tower by Hoshino Resorts

A hotel where you don't stop at just sleeping, but rather, where your trip will be more exciting

 Superior Rooms
Superior Rooms" have storage space under the bed and can be used spaciously by two or three persons.

Asahikawa, a base city with good Direction to Furano and Biei, is a town that fascinates you with its individuality every time you visit, from the Asahiyama Zoo with its many attractions to the seasonal delicacies you will encounter in the local gourmet ladder. Located in the center of Asahikawa, OMO7 Asahikawa by Hoshino Resorts is also the departure point for airport buses, providing convenient Direction. Public spaces that are also part of the city and Guest rooms that emphasize ease of use for tourists, the Property offers a new way to enjoy Asahikawa, not only as a place to stay overnight, but also as a place to keep the excitement of your trip alive for a long time.

Hoshino Resorts OMO7 Asahikawa by Hoshino Resorts
The information in this article is current as of the date of the update. Please check before visiting as they are subject to change.