Furano and Biei, Hokkaido · Things to do
Things to Do in Furano and Biei: 10 Places with Hours, Fees and Access
10 things to do · checked October 20, 2026
10 things to do in Furano and Biei, Furano side first, then Biei, then the mountain
Hours, prices and access checked against each place's own page on October 20, 2026. They change; check before you go.
1Farm Tomitaファーム富田
Flower farm · Nakafurano
A flower farm in Nakafurano. Its Traditional Lavender Field, one of the oldest lavender fields in Japan, blooms from late June to late July (best early to mid July); the Lavandin Field blooms from late July to mid-August. Lavender East, a larger field about 4 km away, was open 20 June–20 July in 2026.
Lavender: late June to late July. Lavender East is a separate field, open 20 June–20 July in 2026.
- Access
- Lavender Farm Station on the JR Furano Line is a 7–8 minute walk, but it is a temporary station served only by the seasonal Norokko train (2026 runs: 6–7 June, 13 June–11 August, weekends 15 August–13 September, 19–23 September). Otherwise: JR from Furano Station to Nakafurano Station about 10 minutes plus about 25 minutes on foot, or Furano Bus from Furano Station to Nakafurano about 12 minutes. Asahikawa Airport is about 45 minutes by car. The farm asks visitors not to park on public roads.
- Hours
- 9:30–16:30 (as listed on the farm's page for 20 October 2026). Entry outside business hours is not allowed.
2Furano Cheese Factory富良野チーズ工房
Dairy workshop and shop · Furano
A cheese workshop on the edge of Furano with cheese-making, pizza and handmade-craft workshops and an Ice Milk Workshop selling gelato made from fresh Furano milk. Entry is free.
- Access
- About 3.4 km (about 9 minutes) by car from JR Furano Station. Free parking for 120 cars. The factory's access page gives no bus route from the station.
- Hours
- April–October 9:00–17:00; November–March 9:00–16:00. Pizza workshop 10:30–16:00. The 2026 Ice Milk Workshop season ends 22 October.
- Closed on
- 31 December–3 January; Mondays in January and February; second week of November (machine maintenance)
- Price
- Free entry. Gelato ¥400 single, ¥500 double; cheese soft serve ¥450 (Ice Milk Workshop page).
3Furano Marcheフラノマルシェ
Local produce and craft shopping complex · Furano Station
A complex of two buildings on Route 237. Marche 1 has a local products centre, a bakery with a café and a farm produce shop; Marche 2, across the road, has a lifestyle goods shop, a sweets and meal restaurant (Yukiya), Basu Stop 2 and Hanaya Hibiiro.
Closed 9–13 November 2026.
- Access
- About a 7-minute walk from JR Furano Station. 131 free parking spaces (Hokkaido Tourism Organization listing).
- Hours
- 10:00–18:00 (the Hokkaido Tourism Organization lists a 19:00 close from mid-June to late August)
- Closed on
- Whole building closed 9–13 November 2026 for maintenance, and 31 December and 1 January. Individual shops have their own closed days.
4Ningle Terraceニングルテラス
Forest craft-shop village · Shin-Furano Prince Hotel
A forest shopping area of 15 log cabins with nature-themed crafts, lit up at night. Entry is free.
- Access
- About 2 minutes on foot from the Shin-Furano Prince Hotel. The hotel is about 6 km from JR Furano Station: about 12 minutes by taxi, or about 17 minutes on the Furano Bus Lavender-go (7 runs a day). Entry may be restricted by weather, road conditions or parking.
- Hours
- Summer 11:00–19:45; winter 12:00–20:45
- Closed on
- Individual shops have their own closed days, and bad weather can close the area
- Price
- Free
5Furano Ski Resort富良野スキー場
Ski resort · Shin-Furano Prince Hotel area
A ski area that opened in 1962 and has hosted FIS World Cup events ten times; the hotel reports 28 slopes. The 2026–27 season is scheduled to open on 28 November 2026 (tentative) and to run to 5 May 2027.
2026–27 season: 28 November (tentative) to 5 May.
- Access
- From JR Furano Station the Shin-Furano Prince Hotel is about 6 km: about 12 minutes by taxi, or about 17 minutes on the Furano Bus Lavender-go (7 runs a day). The Lavender bus also runs between Asahikawa Airport and the hotel, and the airport is about 60 minutes away by car.
- Hours
- Lifts from 8:30 until closing; spring skiing 9:00–16:00. Night skiing 16:00–18:00 on weekdays, 16:00–19:30 on weekends, holidays and 26 December–3 January; the Furano zone from mid-December and the Kitanomine zone from late December, to 21 March 2027. Season and hours may change.
- Price
- One-day lift ticket, adult, 2026–27: ¥7,500 (28 November–4 December), ¥9,000 (5 December–22 March), ¥7,500 (23 March–5 May). Lift tickets for elementary school children and under are free.
6Shikisai-no-Oka展望花畑 四季彩の丘
Flower garden on hills · Biei (Bibaushi)
A flower garden of about 15 ha on rolling hills near Bibaushi, open all year. A tractor bus runs round the garden from late April to late October; in winter (early December to late March) it offers snow rafting, sleds and snowmobile courses. The garden's 13 October 2026 post reports kochia in autumn colour.
- Access
- Bibaushi Station on the JR Furano Line, about 25 minutes on foot (the station is unstaffed); about 12 minutes by car from JR Biei Station. Parking is paid June–September, ¥500 per visit, cash only; there is space for 300 cars and 30 large buses.
- Hours
- January 8:40–16:30; February–April 9:10–17:00; May and October 8:40–17:00; June–September 8:40–17:30 (last entry 17:15 July–September); November–December 9:10–16:30
- Closed on
- 31 December and 1 January. The restaurant is closed on Wednesdays.
- Price
- July–September: high school and older ¥800, elementary and junior high ¥500, under elementary age free. The garden's 4 October 2026 news post is headed 'admission and parking free from 1 October'. Tractor bus ¥500 (elementary and junior high ¥300). Winter: snow rafting ¥1,200, sled ¥500, snowmobile forest course from ¥15,000 (booking needed for tours).
7Patchwork Road and Panorama Roadパッチワークの路・パノラマロード
Cycling courses through farmland · Biei town and hills
Two signposted courses around Biei's farmland. Patchwork Road is 15 km with a maximum elevation gain of 160 m (stops include the Ken & Mary Tree, Seven Stars Tree, Parent and Child Trees and Hokusei-no-Oka View Park). Panorama Road is 25 km with 221 m of gain (stops include Shin-ei-no-Oka, Shikisai-no-Oka, Takushinkan and Sanai-no-Oka; the Blue Pond is a further 16 km). The association asks visitors to look and photograph from the road and not to enter the fields.
- Access
- Both courses start from JR Biei Station (Panorama Road also passes Bibaushi Station). Rental bicycles: Matsuura, Terashima and Sugimoto near Biei Station, Guide-no-Yamagoya at Bibaushi Station, Shirogane BIRKE at Shirogane. Convenience stores and ATMs are only near JR Biei Station; there are few toilets, shops or vending machines on the routes. Brown bears live across Hokkaido.
8Shirogane Blue Pond (Aoi-ike)白金 青い池
Pond with light-up · Shirogane, Biei
A pond that formed from water collected in a dam built for disaster prevention on Mt. Tokachidake. The Biei Tourism Association says the colour comes from different river waters mixing and from sunlight scattering off fine particles, and that after snowmelt or heavy rain the water can be diluted or muddy. In winter snow hides the blue surface, so the town lights the pond; the 2025–26 light-up ran 24 October 2025 to 22 April 2026, sunset to 21:00, and the 2026–27 dates had not been posted when checked.
Car park ¥1,000 per car since 1 July 2026.
- Access
- About 20 minutes from JR Biei Station by car or by Dohoku Bus (Biei–Shirogane line, which runs every day; a Biei & Shirogane Area 1-Day Free Pass is sold).
- Hours
- Car park: May–October 7:00–19:00; November–April 8:00–21:30. Light-up starts at 17:00 in October and November, 16:30 in December, 17:00 in January, 17:30 in February, 18:00 in March and 18:30 in April (2025–26 times); lights may be cancelled in bad weather.
- Price
- No entry fee stated. Car park from 1 July 2026: ¥1,000 per ordinary car (it was ¥500), ¥300 per motorcycle, ¥6,000 for a vehicle 6 m or longer.
9Shirahige Falls白ひげの滝
Waterfall · Shirogane, Biei
A rock face with many thin falls running into the Biei River, about 3 km upstream of the Blue Pond. The view from the bridge nicknamed 'Blue River' is recommended. The association lists it as open in winter, when spray and steam coat the trees with rime.
- Access
- About 30 minutes by car from JR Biei Station, or about 30 minutes by Dohoku Bus to the Biei Shirogane Onsen stop and then about 3 minutes on foot. Free parking at the Shirogane Tourist Center; a notice of 14 August 2026 also offers a free car park on the former Shirogane Park Hill Valley ski area grounds, used at your own risk.
10Tokachidake Onsen and Fukiage Onsen十勝岳温泉・吹上温泉
Mountain hot springs · Kamifurano (Mt. Tokachidake)
Hot spring inns on the slopes of Mt. Tokachidake in Kamifurano. On 16 October 2026 the Japan Meteorological Agency lowered the Tokachidake alert from Level 3 to Level 2 (crater-area restriction, about 1.5 km from the 62-2 crater). Kamifurano Town reports that Ryounkaku and Kamihoro-so at Tokachidake Onsen are operating normally and that Hakuginso at Fukiage Onsen plans to reopen for day bathing on 1 November 2026 after equipment maintenance.
Status as of 16 October 2026, from Kamifurano Town.
- Access
- Kamifurano Town's Tokachidake Line bus is back on normal service; ask the town for the timetable. From the Biei side, Prefectural Road 966 is closed for winter between Bogakudai and Fukiage Onsen Shirogane-so from 11:00 on 19 October 2026 to 11:00 on 23 April 2027, so there is no through drive from Biei Shirogane Onsen to either hot spring in that period.
Good to know
Furano and Biei are one trip with two bases, about 34 km apart on Route 237 (about 40 minutes by car; a JR local train from Furano to Biei takes about 36 minutes). The Furano side has Farm Tomita, the Cheese Factory, Furano Marche, Ningle Terrace and the ski resort. The Biei side has Shikisai-no-Oka, the Patchwork and Panorama cycling roads, the Blue Pond and Shirahige Falls.
The season decides the plan. Farm Tomita's Traditional Lavender Field blooms from late June to late July, best in early to mid July; the lavandin field follows from late July to mid-August. In winter the Blue Pond is lit at night because snow hides the blue water, and Furano Ski Resort is scheduled to open on 28 November 2026 (tentative).
Dated notices as of 20 October 2026: the Tokachidake alert was lowered to Level 2 on 16 October, and Kamifurano Town says Ryounkaku and Kamihoro-so are operating normally. Prefectural Road 966 from the Biei side to Fukiage Onsen has been closed for winter since 19 October. The Blue Pond car park has cost ¥1,000 per car since 1 July 2026, and Furano Marche is closed 9–13 November.
What each season offers
Dates and prices are the ones each place lists for 2026 or 2026–27. Where a place has not posted next year's dates, the table says so.
| When | Flower fields and hills | Blue Pond and Shirahige Falls | Furano town | Snow and hot springs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Late June–July | Farm Tomita Traditional Lavender Field blooms late June–late July (best early to mid July). Lavender East was open 20 June–20 July in 2026. The Norokko train to Lavender Farm Station ran from 6 June on listed days. | Blue Pond car park ¥1,000 per car, open 7:00–19:00 (May–October). Shirahige Falls: free car park at the Shirogane Tourist Center. | Cheese Factory 9:00–17:00 (April–October). Marche 10:00–18:00. Ningle Terrace summer hours 11:00–19:45. | — |
| Late July–August | Farm Tomita Lavandin Field blooms late July–mid-August (best late July–early August). Shikisai-no-Oka charges admission July–September: ¥800 for high school age and older. The Norokko ran on weekends 15 August–13 September in 2026. | As above. | Marche is listed as open to 19:00 from mid-June to late August (Hokkaido Tourism Organization). | — |
| September–October | Shikisai-no-Oka runs its tractor bus to late October, reported kochia in autumn colour on 13 October 2026, and made admission and parking free from 1 October. The last 2026 Norokko days were 19–23 September. | The association's October 2026 posts show the Blue Pond in autumn leaf. The 2025–26 light-up began on 24 October 2025; the 2026–27 start had not been posted. | The Cheese Factory's 2026 Ice Milk Workshop season ends 22 October. | Tokachidake alert at Level 2 since 16 October 2026. Route 966 from the Biei side closes for winter on 19 October. |
| December–March | Shikisai-no-Oka winter season (early December–late March): snow rafting ¥1,200, sled ¥500, snowmobile forest course from ¥15,000. | Blue Pond lit from sunset to 21:00 in the 2025–26 season, because snow hides the blue surface. Shirahige Falls is listed as open in winter. | Ningle Terrace winter hours 12:00–20:45. Cheese Factory 9:00–16:00 (November–March), closed Mondays in January and February and 31 December–3 January. | Furano Ski Resort, adult one-day ticket ¥9,000 from 5 December to 22 March. Hakuginso (Fukiage Onsen) day bathing is planned from 1 November. |
| April–early May | Shikisai-no-Oka tractor bus from late April; hours 9:10–17:00 (February–April), 8:40–17:00 (May). | The Blue Pond light-up ended on 22 April in 2025–26. Route 966 reopens on 23 April 2027 at 11:00. | Cheese Factory 9:00–17:00 from 1 April. | Spring skiing 23 March–5 May at Furano Ski Resort, adult ¥7,500, 9:00–16:00. |
By kind of trip
Lavender season, late June to early August
Farm Tomita's lavender is at its best in early to mid July, and the lavandin field peaks in late July to early August. Shikisai-no-Oka charges admission from July to September, and Furano Marche stays open to 19:00 in summer, per the Hokkaido Tourism Organization.
Farm Tomita · Shikisai-no-Oka · Patchwork Road and Panorama Road · Furano Cheese Factory
Biei without a car
The Dohoku Bus Biei–Shirogane line runs every day: about 20 minutes to the Blue Pond, or about 30 minutes to the Biei Shirogane Onsen stop and a 3-minute walk to Shirahige Falls. Patchwork Road (15 km) and Panorama Road (25 km) start at JR Biei Station, where rental bicycles are available.
Shirogane Blue Pond (Aoi-ike) · Shirahige Falls · Patchwork Road and Panorama Road · Shikisai-no-Oka
A winter trip, December to March
Furano Ski Resort opens on 28 November 2026 (tentative). The Blue Pond is lit from sunset in winter, Shirahige Falls is listed as open, and Ningle Terrace keeps winter hours of 12:00–20:45.
Furano Ski Resort · Shirogane Blue Pond (Aoi-ike) · Shirahige Falls · Ningle Terrace
An hour or two around Furano town
Furano Marche is a 7-minute walk from JR Furano Station. The Cheese Factory is about 9 minutes by car with free parking, and Ningle Terrace is about 12 minutes by taxi at the Shin-Furano Prince Hotel.
Mid-October colour and a hot spring
Shikisai-no-Oka reported kochia in autumn colour on 13 October 2026 and the Blue Pond was posted in autumn leaf the same month. For the hot springs, Kamifurano Town's notice of 16 October covers which inns are open.
Shikisai-no-Oka · Shirogane Blue Pond (Aoi-ike) · Tokachidake Onsen and Fukiage Onsen
Questions
When does the lavender bloom at Farm Tomita?
Farm Tomita lists the Traditional Lavender Field as blooming from late June to late July, best viewed in early to mid July, and the Lavandin Field from late July to mid-August, best in late July to early August. Lavender East, about 4 km away, was open 20 June–20 July in 2026. Lavender Farm Station is a temporary station served only by the seasonal Norokko train; the 2026 days have ended and 2027 days had not been posted when checked.
How do I get around Biei without a car?
The Dohoku Bus Biei–Shirogane line runs every day from JR Biei Station to the Blue Pond (about 20 minutes) and to the Biei Shirogane Onsen stop for Shirahige Falls (about 30 minutes plus a 3-minute walk). The Biei Tourism Association also lists rental bicycles near Biei Station and signposted Patchwork Road (15 km) and Panorama Road (25 km) courses. Convenience stores and ATMs are only near JR Biei Station, so carry water.
Does the Blue Pond look blue in winter?
The Biei Tourism Association says snow hides the blue surface in winter, which is why the pond is lit at night. The 2025–26 light-up ran 24 October 2025 to 22 April 2026 from sunset to 21:00. The 2026–27 dates had not been posted when checked. The car park costs ¥1,000 per ordinary car since 1 July 2026.
Can I visit Tokachidake Onsen now?
On 16 October 2026 the Japan Meteorological Agency lowered the Tokachidake alert from Level 3 to Level 2, and the area within about 1.5 km of the 62-2 crater is still restricted. Kamifurano Town says Ryounkaku and Kamihoro-so are operating normally and Hakuginso plans to reopen for day bathing on 1 November. Route 966 from the Biei side is closed for winter from 19 October 2026 to 23 April 2027.
When does Furano Ski Resort open and what is a lift ticket?
The 2026–27 season is scheduled to open on 28 November 2026 (tentative) and run to 5 May 2027. An adult one-day ticket is ¥9,000 from 5 December to 22 March and ¥7,500 in the early (28 November–4 December) and spring (23 March–5 May) periods. Lift tickets for elementary school children and under are free.