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    Furano & Biei

    Japan

    Furano & Biei

    City

    The region around Furano and Biei in Hokkaido is renowned for its vast, gentle hilly landscapes and colorful flower fields. In Furano, the iconic lavender fields of Farm Tomita define the scenery, blooming fully from July to early August.

    by Felix Gillen

    1. Home
    2. Destinations
    3. Japan
    4. Hokkaido
    5. Furano & Biei
    The region around Furano and Biei in Hokkaido is renowned for its vast, gentle hilly landscapes and colorful flower fields. In Furano, the iconic lavender fields of Farm Tomita define the scenery, blooming fully from July to early August. Biei captivates with its agriculturally used "Patchwork Hills," stretching along scenic routes such as the Panorama Road. Another highlight is the mystical Blue Pond (Aoiike), whose unique coloration makes it a popular photo spot. Furano is also known for its cheese factory and as a significant ski resort in winter. To optimally explore the expansive landscapes, renting a car is recommended. The ideal time to visit for the flower spectacle is between mid-June and early August, while winter sports enthusiasts appreciate the region from December to March.

    Sights in Furano & Biei

    Discover the most important sights and attractions

    1Urespa Farm

    The Urespa Farm (Japanese: Ureshipa) near Nakafurano brings the region's agriculture to life. Here, you harvest seasonal vegetables directly from the field and then process them yourself, for example, as a topping for a pizza that you knead by hand and bake in an oven.Depending on the month, asparagus, sugar snap peas, cherry tomatoes, or corn are available. The experiences take place approximately from May to September and are booked in advance.Practical Tip: Early summer is asparagus season; in mid-summer, you can combine your visit well with the lavender fields in Nakafurano.
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    2Mustard Flower Field (Kigarashi)

    The キガラシ畑 (Kigarashi Fields) in the Furano and Biei region offer a spectacle of vibrant yellow blossoms. The mustard is sown as a green manure after the wheat harvest and blooms in late summer and early autumn, before being plowed back into the soil. Thus, the fields contribute to the famous patchwork landscape and reveal a different seasonal aspect than the lavender fields. Our Tip: Visit the fields in the early morning or late afternoon to make the most of the soft light for your photos. Since the blooming period is short and the fields change location annually, it's best to inquire locally for current locations. Do not enter the fields; they are private property.
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    3Furano Ski Resort (Furano Zone)

    Das Furano Ski Resort in Furano, Hokkaido, ist ein etabliertes Wintersportzentrum und genießt in Japan einen hervorragenden Ruf für seine Schneequalität und die vielfältigen Abfahrten. Die Furano Zone, eine der beiden Hauptbereiche des Resorts, spielte eine bedeutende Rolle als Austragungsort internationaler Wettkämpfe, darunter mehrfach der FIS Ski World Cup. Dies unterstreicht ihre Bedeutung im professionellen Skisport.Dich erwarten hier hervorragend präparierte Pisten, die sowohl für Anfänger als auch für fortgeschrittene Skifahrer und Snowboarder geeignet sind. Die lange Furano Ropeway bringt dich bequem auf den Berg, von wo aus du nicht nur Zugang zu verschiedenen Abfahrten hast, sondern auch einen beeindruckenden Panoramablick auf die umliegende Bergwelt, einschließlich des Daisetsuzan-Gebirges, genießen kannst. Unser Tipp: Um die besten Schneeverhältnisse zu erleben und gleichzeitig den größten Menschenmassen zu entgehen, empfiehlt sich ein Besuch unter der Woche, besonders im Januar oder Februar. Für ein unvergessliches Erlebnis bei Sonnenuntergang fahre die Pisten am späten Nachmittag hinunter, wenn die Landschaft in goldenes Licht getaucht wird.
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    Ningle Terrace

    4Ningle Terrace

    The Ningle Terrace in Furano is a village of small wooden huts nestled in the forest next to the New Furano Prince Hotel. The name derives from Ningle, small forest creatures from a work by screenwriter Kuramoto Sō, who lived in Furano and made the region famous with his TV series 'Kita no Kuni kara'. Here you'll find a number of ateliers where artisans create and sell their products, including wood carvings, glassware, candles, and other handmade souvenirs. Our tip: The best time to visit Ningle Terrace is in the evening, especially in winter, when the paths and huts are lit up. To avoid the biggest crowds, plan your visit during the week.
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    Restaurants in Furano & Biei

    1

    Fukinotou

    Restaurant in 12-3 Hinodemachi.
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    2

    Furano French Take

    Restaurant in 10-1 Saiwaichō.
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    3

    Suzushiro

    Restaurant in 13-20 Hinodemachi.
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    4

    Suzukake

    Restaurant in 8-22 Saiwaichō.
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    5

    Brasserie Kaifudo

    Restaurant in 3-11 Asahimachi.
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    Food & Drink in Furano and Biei

    The gastronomy in Furano and Biei thrives on the abundance of local products, from fresh vegetables to the famous Furano melons and regional cheese. Here you will find traditional Japanese cuisine, such as at Suzushiro, as well as innovative creations with local ingredients, for example at Furano French Take.

    Furano Melon

    The sweet melons with orange flesh are in season in summer. At farm shops, they are sold cut into wedges or as a half melon with soft-serve ice cream.

    Omu-Curry

    Furano's local dish is curry rice with an omelet on top. The eateries have agreed on common rules, such as local ingredients and a glass of Furano milk with it.

    Cheese and Wine

    The Furano Cheese Factory and the municipal winery can be toured; both offer tastings.

    Lavender Soft Ice

    At the lavender farms, you can find pale purple lavender-flavored soft-serve ice cream in summer.

    Vegetables of Biei

    The hills of Biei are farmland: potatoes, corn, wheat, and asparagus come directly from the fields to the area's cafés and farm shops.

    Historical Heritage and Artistic Inspiration

    The culture and art scene of Furano and Biei is deeply influenced by Hokkaido's unique natural landscape and its relatively recent settlement history. The region was systematically developed for agriculture only in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, long after the indigenous Ainu people inhabited the island.This agricultural development shaped local traditions and architecture, often characterized by functional farmhouses and distinctive barns. For decades, many artists and photographers have drawn inspiration from the expansive hilly landscapes, fostering a strong connection between nature and visual art.Cultural distinctiveness manifests in seasonal festivals that honor the agricultural cycle, such as harvest or flower festivals. The region's heritage is less rooted in historical buildings of national significance, but rather in the cultivated landscape and the way of life of its residents, who find beauty in nature and their labor.

    Exploring Locally

    Furano and Biei, known for their vast landscapes, employ diverse transport, but metro or tram services are absent. Instead, buses (especially seasonal sightseeing and local routes) and JR train connections are crucial for regional exploration; the JR Hokkaido Rail Pass or local single tickets are ideal.For exploring the scenic hilly landscapes, bicycles and e-bikes, available for rent in many places, are the best choice to discover Biei's "Patchwork Road" and "Panorama Road" independently. Taxis are available but can be costly, while ride-sharing services are less common.Although the town centers of Furano and Biei are pedestrian-friendly, the widely scattered attractions are difficult to reach without a vehicle, which is why a rental car, especially outside bus routes or during the off-season, often represents the most flexible option to fully experience the region's beauty.

    Accommodations in Furano & Biei

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    Nearby

    Hokkaido

    Hokkaido

    Hokkaido is the northernmost of Japan's four main islands, covering a fifth of the country's land area yet home to only four percent of its population. Volcanoes, primeval forests, and lakes characterize the island: In winter, skiers worldwide flock to Niseko for powder snow; in summer, lavender fields bloom around Furano. Other highlights include the capital Sapporo, the port city Hakodate, the wilderness of Shiretoko National Park, and the culture of the Ainu, Northern Japan's indigenous people.
    Sapporo

    Sapporo

    Sapporo, Hokkaido's capital, presents itself as a modern metropolis with wide avenues and unique European city planning. You'll discover a rich history of beer brewing here, extensively documented in the Sapporo Beer Garden & Museum. The central Odori Park forms the city's green heart and hosts the famous Snow Festival in winter, while the Sapporo TV Tower offers panoramic views. Hokkaido's historic Government Building, known as the "Red Brick Office," testifies to the city's early development. In the evening, the lively entertainment district of Susukino invites exploration. For a pleasant exploration, visiting in the summer months of July and August is recommended, when the climate is mild. Be sure to try the local specialty Soup Curry or the famous Miso-Ramen, offered in many small eateries.

    Otaru

    Otaru on Hokkaido, a former port city, is known for its historic canal and Sakaimachi Street. The Otaru Canal with its red-brick warehouses bears witness to its heyday as an important trading hub. On Sakaimachi Street, you'll find specialty shops for glassware, music boxes, and local sweets. Visit the Otaru Music Box Museum and enjoy fresh seafood in the local sushi restaurants. An evening boat trip offers an atmospheric perspective of the canal under gas lamps. Otaru is particularly charming in winter during the Snow Light Festival or in colorful autumn.

    Toya-See & Noboribetsu

    The region around Toya Lake and Noboribetsu in Hokkaido offers a fascinating mix of volcanic landscapes and relaxing Onsen culture. At Toya Lake, a crater lake, you can enjoy picturesque views and explore Nakajima Island or take the ropeway up active Mount Usu to observe the geological activity. Noboribetsu is known for its Jigokudani, the "Hell Valley," where you'll experience sulfurous steam and bubbling springs up close, a testament to the region's intense volcanic activity. The hot springs here are among Japan's most famous and offer relaxation after a day in nature. Visit Noboribetsu preferably in the cooler months to enjoy the full Onsen experience, while at Toya Lake, a short fireworks display is held nightly over the lake from late April to October. Plan at least one full day for both locations.

    Akan

    Akan, nestled within the majestic landscape of Akan-Mashu National Park, invites you to immerse yourself in a world of untouched nature and rich indigenous culture. Here, on the shores of the mystical Lake Akan, you will find a unique blend of relaxation, adventure, and deep insights into the Ainu way of life.

    Sources & method

    • Photos: Wikimedia Commons. Each photo carries its credit.
    • Place data such as addresses and ratings comes from Google Maps.
    • The content is based on web research from public, traceable sources. How the content is made · The role of AI