In central Hokkaido, Furano and Biei are the postcard image of the island’s countryside — a gently rolling patchwork of fields that ripple to the horizon beneath big skies and distant mountains. Furano is famous for its summer flower fields, above all the purple sweep of lavender, while neighbouring Biei enchants with sculpted hills, lone trees and the surreal Blue Pond. Whether you drive the panorama roads, cycle the lanes or ride the seasonal train, this is one of Japan’s most beautiful rural landscapes.

This guide covers the flower fields, Biei’s hills and Blue Pond, the best season and how to get there.

🗓️ Quick Reference
Location Central Hokkaido (near Asahikawa)
Highlights Flower fields, rolling hills, Blue Pond
Time needed 1–2 days
Best time Jul (lavender); summer–autumn
Good for Flowers, scenic drives, cycling, photography

Furano flower fields

  • Farm Tomita and other farms blaze with lavender and rainbow flower stripes in July — see our lavender guide .
  • Beyond lavender season, fields of poppies, sunflowers and salvia bloom into autumn.
  • Furano is also a winter ski resort and a melon/wine region.

Biei’s hills & Blue Pond

  • Patchwork Road and Panorama Road wind through rolling farmland dotted with famous lone trees (Ken & Mary Tree, Seven Stars Tree).
  • The Shirogane Blue Pond glows an unreal turquoise — a Hokkaido icon, magical when lit up in winter.
  • Shirahige Falls and onsen lie up the valley toward Tokachidake.

Best season & getting around

  • July for peak lavender; summer to autumn for the wider fields and hills.
  • A rental car is ideal for the scattered farms and viewpoints; cycling the gentle roads is glorious — see our Hokkaido cycling guide .
  • The seasonal Furano–Biei Norokko sightseeing train links the highlights by rail.

Combine your visit

The area sits in scenic central Hokkaido:

  • Add the alpine Daisetsuzan park and Asahikawa nearby — see our Daisetsuzan guide .
  • Taste the region’s dairy at farm cafés — see our dairy guide .

How to get there

  • JR to Biei/Furano via Asahikawa (train from Sapporo ~2–2.5 hours total).
  • Best explored by rental car; tour buses run in peak flower season.