Winter Day Trip to Biei and Furano from Sapporo | Snow Activities, Shirahige Waterfall & Ningle Terrace

From Sapporo to the Snowy Landscapes and Snow Fun of Biei and Furano

Staying in Sapporo but longing to see the kind of snowy scenery Hokkaido is famous for? This day trip by bus to Biei and Furano is made for you.

The tour visits the Christmas Tree, Shikisai-no-Oka, Shirahige Waterfall and Ningle Terrace. The bus takes care of all the travel, so there's no need to drive on snowy roads yourself. A multilingual guide speaking Japanese, English, Chinese (Mandarin) and Cantonese accompanies the group. This is a mixed-language tour, with guests speaking different languages sharing the same bus.

At Shikisai-no-Oka, you can choose to enjoy snow activities or visit the alpaca farm for an additional fee paid on site. Along the way, each guest also receives a free cup of hot corn soup.

*Because safety comes first, the order of visits and time spent at each stop may change depending on snowfall, road conditions and weather.

First Stop, Biei: The Christmas Tree Standing in a Snowfield

Leaving Sapporo, the bus heads to Biei with rest stops along the way. The first highlight is the "Christmas Tree" (Christmas Tree no Ki), a lone tree standing on a snow-covered hill.

What makes this spot special is the view of a single tree framed by rolling white hills. The mood of your photos changes with the colour of the sky and the way the light falls.

Take photos from the spots your guide points out, and please stay out of farm fields and restricted areas.

Next, Snow Fun at Shikisai-no-Oka's Snow Land

At Shikisai-no-Oka, you can enjoy winter activities amid wide-open snowy scenery—think snowmobiling across the snowfields, sledding or snow rafting. There's also an alpaca farm to visit, so pick whatever suits you best.

The stop at Snow Land is included in the tour, but each activity and admission to the alpaca farm cost extra. Choose what you'd like to do and pay on site.

Snow activities may be unavailable depending on snowfall and whether facilities are operating. Check the day's operating status and conditions of use, and choose activities you can enjoy within the time available.

Visit the Alpaca Farm and Have Lunch Your Way

You can also visit the alpaca farm at Shikisai-no-Oka. If you'd like to go, you'll pay farm admission separately from any snow activities.

If you're keen on both snow fun and the farm, plan your time with the meeting time in mind.

Lunch is not provided. If you're eating on site, check restaurant opening hours and how busy they are. Meals are not included in the tour price.

Then on to Shirahige Waterfall, Beautiful with Snow and Blue Water

After the snow fun, the tour heads to Shirahige Waterfall (literally "White Beard Falls"). Its highlights are the many streams of water spilling from the rock face and the bluish river flowing below.

In winter, snow and ice cover the surroundings, making the colour of the water stand out even more. Take in not just the falls but also the snow-laden trees and the flowing river.

The ground at photo spots can be slippery. Watch your step as you walk, and stop moving before taking pictures.

In Furano, Warm Up with Hot Corn Soup

At the herb garden rest stop in Furano, each guest gets a free cup of hot corn soup.

After photographing snowy landscapes and playing in the snow, something warm is a real treat. Once you've caught your breath, it's off to the final stroll.

Finally, Ningle Terrace Wrapped in Snow by Day

The last stop is Ningle Terrace, a cluster of small log cabin shops in the forest. On this tour, you'll enjoy its snowy scenery in the daytime.

Stroll around taking in the snow piled on the roofs and the shops nestled among the trees. Unlike the evening illuminations, the daytime view lets you clearly see the snow and the wooden buildings.

If Ningle Terrace can't be visited due to closures, weather or traffic restrictions, the stop may be changed to Furano Marché. Please check the booking page and on-the-day announcements for the destination.

After the stroll, the bus returns to Sapporo with rest stops along the way.

FAQ

■ Are snow activity fees included? No. The stop at Snow Land is included, but snowmobiling, sledding, snow rafting and other activities are paid for separately on site by those who wish to join.

■ Is the alpaca farm also extra? Yes. If you'd like to visit, you'll pay admission separately on site. Please check the latest prices and opening status on site.

■ Does the corn soup cost extra? No. Each guest receives one free cup of hot corn soup. Lunch is not included, so please arrange your own.

■ Can I see the Ningle Terrace illuminations? This tour features a daytime stroll around Ningle Terrace. It is not designed for viewing the evening illuminations.

■ What if there's little snow or a facility is closed? Snow Land's operation depends on snow conditions and other factors. According to the booking page, during periods without snow, the time at Shikisai-no-Oka is shortened and the Blue Pond is added to the itinerary. Also, if Ningle Terrace can't be visited, the stop may be changed to Furano Marché.

■ Where do we meet, and when do we get back? The meeting point is near Exit 31 of the subway at Odori Park in central Sapporo, and the tour generally ends at the same place. On the afternoon before departure, you'll receive an email with a Google Maps link to the meeting point, your guide's contact details and vehicle information. Please check the post-booking information for the exact meeting time and location.

■ What languages does the guide speak? Japanese, English, Chinese (Mandarin) and Cantonese. A multilingual guide accompanies this mixed tour, with guests speaking different languages sharing the same bus.

■ What should I wear? Please dress for serious cold, with a heavy coat or down jacket. If you want to try snowmobiling, bring gloves too. Also carry Japanese yen in cash for on-site payments such as snow activities.

■ Can children join? Children aged 3 and over can join. For safety reasons, children aged 0–2 cannot participate. Please check the conditions for each snow activity separately on site.

■ Can I bring suitcases or other luggage? Yes. Up to two pieces per person are allowed free of charge.

Things to Check Before Booking

• Check the meeting point, time and vehicle details in the email sent the afternoon before
• Ages 3 and up; up to two pieces of luggage per person free
• Bring warm clothing, gloves, non-slip shoes and Japanese yen in cash
• Note that it's a mixed-language tour, snow activities cost extra, and the itinerary may change due to weather and other factors

Prices, times and tour details are subject to change, so please check the latest information before booking.

Summary

The Christmas Tree standing on pure-white hills, activities on the snowfields, and Shirahige Waterfall with its blue water. And to finish, Ningle Terrace with its rows of snow-capped log cabins.

Will you try snow activities, or go and see the alpacas? The fun of the trip starts with planning how to spend your time at Shikisai-no-Oka. Why not set out on this bus tour—hot corn soup included—to experience winter in Biei and Furano?

Book here: Winter Snow Land & Ningle Terrace Day Trip from Sapporo