Day Tour from Sapporo: Snowy Biei & Furano and the Ningle Terrace Forest Shops

Leaving Sapporo for the winter landscapes of Biei and Furano

This day tour takes you by bus from Sapporo to Biei and Furano. You'll visit a range of very different scenes, including the Christmas Tree on a hill, Shikisai-no-Oka, Shirahige Falls and Ningle Terrace. Guidance is available in Japanese, English and Chinese.

If you want to make the most of your morning, consider the later-departure illumination plan. In feedback shared by the tour operator, some participants said they enjoyed their hotel breakfast, or were glad to eat a leisurely breakfast at a market.

Below is an example of how a winter sightseeing day might go. The actual stops, order and timing will vary depending on the plan you choose and conditions on the day.

First, see the Christmas Tree standing alone in the snowy field

Your first stop is the single Christmas Tree standing on a hill in Biei. The snow-covered land and the silhouette of the tree come together beneath a wide sky, a view you'll want to capture in full.

Look at the tree from the viewing spot, then take a photo that includes the surrounding hills and sky. Depending on the direction of the light and the movement of the clouds, the same tree can look quite different. Try capturing the classic winter scenery of Biei.

Next, enjoy snowy views and winter fun at Shikisai-no-Oka

Next comes Shikisai-no-Oka ("Hill of the Four Seasons"). In winter, you'll look out over snow-covered rolling hills and a distant line of mountains. After the scene of one tree as the star, the journey opens up into a view across wide-open land.

If you'd like to ride across the snow, you can choose to try a snowmobile (extra charge). If you'd like to take part, please ask your guide on the day. Availability depends on snow conditions and operating status.

Take in the scenery, or give a winter activity a go if you wish. Why not also take a souvenir photo in front of the Shikisai-no-Oka sign? In spring and summer, flower fields spread across the hills, offering very different colors from winter.

Then, meet snow and a blue river at Shirahige Falls

Next up is Shirahige Falls ("White Beard Falls"), a scenic spot in Biei where water streams down between the rocks and meets a bluish river. In winter, snow gathers around the falls and icicles hang from the rock face.

Looking out over the gorge from the bridge, you'll see the white snow and the color of the river. From the wide, open views of the hills to the scenery created by the falls and river, shift your gaze a little and enjoy another side of Biei in winter.

On the illumination plan, enjoy the light show at Shirogane Blue Pond

If you choose a plan that includes evening views, the illumination at Shirogane Blue Pond (Aoiike) becomes another highlight. The colors and angles of the lighting change, bringing out the silhouettes of the trees standing in the pond and the shadows of the snow.

As winter deepens, the pond freezes and is covered with snow, creating a scene very different from the blue water. Look at the light falling on the snow and the shadows of the trees, and find your own favorite moment.

In feedback shared by the operator from participants on an evening illumination tour, some said that the lights they saw while snow was falling left a strong impression.

Finally, Ningle Terrace and its forest paths

Your last stop is Ningle Terrace in Furano. Next to the New Furano Prince Hotel, small log cabins are scattered through the forest to form a shopping area.

Stroll along the wooden boardwalk and look at the cabins among the trees. In the shops that are open, you can find handicrafts inspired by nature. Peek into any cabin that catches your eye and look for a souvenir of your trip.

On the illumination plan, the warm lights glowing from the cabins and boardwalk are another highlight. Photograph the snow-topped roofs and their glow, and end the day taking in the forest scenery.

FAQ

■ Is there a plan that lets me take it easy in the morning? There is a later-departure illumination plan. Since early-morning departure plans also exist, please check the departure time and stops when you book.

■ Is the snowmobile experience included in the price? No, it is not included. In winter at Shikisai-no-Oka, those who wish to take part can do so for an extra charge. If you'd like to join, ask your guide on the day and bring cash.

■ Can the stops change? Yes, they may change depending on weather and road conditions. The Christmas Tree may be changed to a view from the bus window or to the Ken and Mary Tree, and Shikisai-no-Oka may be replaced by Chiyoda Farm or the area around Biei Station.

■ What happens if we can't go to Ningle Terrace? The Blue Pond may be visited as an alternative. Some plans already include the Blue Pond, so please check the itinerary of the plan you have booked.

Before you book

• Check the departure time, meeting point and stops of the plan you choose.
• Check the travel notification email sent the day before.
• Confirm availability of your preferred guide language when you book.
• Check whether meals are included for each plan.
• If you'd like to try the snowmobile, bring cash to pay the extra fee.
• Bring warm clothing and shoes with good grip.
• When taking photos, use the designated viewing spots and do not walk into fields or snowy plains.
• Check the operating and cancellation conditions, and leave some buffer in your plans after you return.

Depending on weather and road conditions, the Christmas Tree may be changed to the Ken and Mary Tree, Shikisai-no-Oka to Chiyoda Farm or the area around Biei Station, and Ningle Terrace to the Blue Pond. Prices and itineraries are subject to change, so please check the latest information on the booking page before booking.

Summary

Start with a lone tree in a snowy field, then enjoy winter views and activities at Shikisai-no-Oka, followed by Shirahige Falls. Finishing at Ningle Terrace with its forest cabins, this day tour lets you meet the many faces of Biei and Furano.

If you'd like a relaxed breakfast, or want evening lights to be part of your memories, the later-departure illumination plan is also available. Choose the departure time and stops that suit your trip, and venture out into winter Hokkaido.

Take a look at the details of the Biei & Furano Day Tour.