Sapporo Departure: Furano Ningle Terrace & Biei Blue Pond Illumination Day Tour

A Relaxed 10-Hour-10-Minute Journey with an Afternoon Departure

This day bus tour departs from and returns to Sapporo, running for 10 hours and 10 minutes with an afternoon departure. There's no need to wake up early, and the itinerary is designed to avoid the morning rush.

The tour centers on Furano's Ningle Terrace, Biei's Blue Pond, and Shirahige Falls, with stops varying by season. A standout feature of this itinerary is the chance to see illuminated scenery from dusk into the evening.

The tour has a rating of 4.4 (based on 892 reviews) and has been booked more than 10,000 times.

Summer: Lavender Fields in Furano and Ningle Terrace at Night

In summer, the tour includes a 90-minute stop at Farm Tomita, allowing time to leisurely stroll through the lavender fields. This is Furano's most famous flower farm, also known for its lavender soft-serve ice cream and melons.

After dusk, you'll head to Ningle Terrace in the forest. Lights glow among the wooden cabins scattered between the trees, creating a fairy-tale-like atmosphere. Evening temperatures are said to be around 20°C, perfect for a cool, breezy walk.

The itinerary also includes other summer highlights in Biei, such as the Blue Pond, Shikisai-no-Oka Hill, and the "Patchwork Road" (nicknamed the "Roller Coaster Road").

Winter: Blue Pond Illumination and Snowy Biei

The winter highlight is the seasonal illumination of Biei's Blue Pond. The combination of snowy scenery and blue lighting creates a magical landscape unlike its daytime appearance.

Ningle Terrace also transforms in winter, with white snow contrasting beautifully against warm-toned lights, evoking a classic snow-country scene. Shirahige Falls takes on an icy, snow-covered look, and the lone "Christmas Tree" is another popular winter photo spot.

During the day, you can choose between "strolling around Biei Station" or "playing in the snow at Shikisai-no-Oka." From around mid-December, Shikisai-no-Oka offers a paid snowmobile experience (30 minutes; ¥15,000 for a single rider or ¥20,000 for two, cash only), and your guide can help arrange the booking on the day.

Language Support and Operating Rules

Guides are available in Chinese, English, and Japanese. This is a group tour where you meet your guide on-site.

Due to Japanese traffic regulations, day bus tours must follow a fixed route, so you cannot freely get on or off along the way. However, you may leave the group at sightseeing spots, and no fare adjustment is made in that case. If you wish to join or leave partway through the tour, you must contact the operator by email 3–5 days before departure.

By 5 p.m. the day before departure, you'll receive a departure notice by email with your guide's contact details and the vehicle's license plate number for the day. It's a good idea to check your spam folder too, just in case.

Conditions to Know Before Joining

This tour requires a minimum of 6 participants; if this number isn't reached, the tour will be rescheduled or fully refunded. Lunch is not included, so you'll need to arrange your own meal, for example near Biei Station.

Children under 2 can join for free but are not provided with a seat. If you'd like a seat for your child, the adult fare applies. Large items of luggage (including strollers and wheelchairs) require advance notice by email, and an additional fee may apply to secure space on the vehicle.

Arriving late to the meeting point will be treated as a cancellation with no refund. In winter, return times may be delayed due to snowfall or traffic, so it's best to avoid scheduling anything else for that evening. For more details, check the Illumination Tour: Furano Ningle Terrace & Biei Blue Pond & Shirahige Falls Day Tour.

Things to Check Before Booking

• The meeting time and location for the afternoon departure
• The 10-hour-10-minute duration and any plans after your return
• Whether your travel date falls under the summer or winter itinerary
• Guide language support (Chinese, English, Japanese)
• The minimum group size of 6 and confirmation of departure
• That lunch is not included, and how to arrange your own meal
• The winter choice between "strolling near Biei Station" or "snow play"
• The additional cash-only fee for snowmobiling
• Advance notice and possible extra fees for large luggage
• Seating policy for children under 2
• The possibility that the Ningle Terrace visit may change due to traffic restrictions
• Cancellation and late-arrival policies

In winter, the itinerary and return time may change due to weather or road conditions. Be sure to check the latest terms on the booking page before applying.

In Summary

This day bus tour from Sapporo takes you to Furano's Ningle Terrace, Biei's Blue Pond, and Shirahige Falls. With a total duration of 10 hours and 10 minutes and an afternoon departure, it's designed for a relaxed pace without an early start.

In summer, you'll spend 90 minutes at Farm Tomita strolling through lavender fields, then head to the illuminated Ningle Terrace after dusk. In winter, you can enjoy the Blue Pond illumination, the icy scenery of Shirahige Falls, and snow play at Shikisai-no-Oka. Guides are available in Chinese, English, and Japanese.

The tour holds a rating of 4.4 (based on 892 reviews). Lunch is not included, and a minimum of 6 participants is required. For details and availability, check the Illumination Tour: Furano Ningle Terrace & Biei Blue Pond & Shirahige Falls Day Tour.