Day Tour from Sapporo: Blue Pond, Shirahige Falls & Shikisai-no-Oka | Blue Pond Winter Illumination

One Day Out of Sapporo, Seeing the Best of Biei and Furano

This day tour departs Sapporo at 11:00 and takes you by private vehicle to the Blue Pond, Ningle Terrace, Shirahige Falls, Shikisai-no-Oka and more, all in about 10 hours.

The sights of Biei and Furano are a long way from Sapporo, and piecing together trains and buses can make planning complicated. Because this tour travels entirely by car, there are no transfers to worry about.

The 11:00 departure is another plus: there is no need for an early start. You can enjoy a relaxed morning in Sapporo before heading out to the scenic spots of Biei and Furano.

What Does the Shirogane Blue Pond Look Like in Each Season?

In summer, the clear blue surface of Shirogane Blue Pond (Shirogane Aoiike) reflects the surrounding trees. In winter, you can see a frozen pond, snow and bare trees creating a very different scene.

Summer is said to be when the blue of the water stands out most. In autumn, the birch and maple trees along the shore change colour, contrasting beautifully with the blue water. The way the pond's character changes so dramatically with the seasons is a big part of its appeal.

In winter, the Blue Pond is lit up in the evening. Start times vary by month, and the lights stay on until 21:00. Snow-covered water and standing dead trees glow in the light, offering a winter scene quite unlike the one you see in daytime.

Forest and Water Scenery at Ningle Terrace and Shirahige Falls

Ningle Terrace is a collection of small wooden cabins scattered through the forest, and its highlight is the warm glow of lights at dusk.

In summer, the mood is calm and surrounded by greenery. In winter, snow-covered cabins combine with the lights to create scenery that is perfect for photos. Winter is considered the most beautiful season here.

At Shirahige Falls (the "White Beard Falls"), water streams down a rock face into a blue river. In winter, the spray turns into rime ice and icicles, while the falls themselves keep flowing without freezing, so the blue river set against the snow is especially striking.

Summer Flower Fields and Winter Snowscapes at Shikisai-no-Oka

Shikisai-no-Oka ("Hill of the Four Seasons") is a flower-covered hillside of about 15 hectares. In summer, you can take in colourful blooms together with views of distant mountain ranges.

In winter, the whole hill is blanketed in snow, and you can try a snowmobile ride for an additional fee. Taking photos with the scarecrows is another fun part of the visit.

The stops vary by season. The summer plan includes flower fields such as Farm Tomita, while the winter plan adds highlights such as the Biei Christmas Tree and the Blue Pond illumination. Be sure to check the latest itinerary for your travel date before booking.

Guide Commentary and a Comfortable Ride

A guide accompanies the tour and explains what makes each spot special.

The benefit of a guided tour is that you don't just look at the scenery; you learn the background of each place as you go. You travel by private vehicle, heading directly from Sapporo to each stop.

That said, day tours in Hokkaido involve long travel distances and are said to be easily affected by traffic and weather. Please be aware that, at the guide's discretion, the order of stops may change or some stops may be skipped.

Things to Check Before You Book

• Departs from Sapporo around 11:00; duration is about 10 hours
• Stops and itineraries differ between summer and winter, so check the plan you are booking
• Check the meeting time, vehicle and guide information sent between 16:00 and 21:00 on the day before
• Check the latest guide language information for your date and plan
• No cancellations or changes on the day of the tour
• Depending on weather and traffic, the order of visits, time at each stop and the stops themselves may change
• In winter, dress warmly, and check the fees for paid activities such as snowmobiling in advance

If you have not received the information email by 21:00, please contact the operator. Itineraries, destinations, prices and plan details are subject to change. Please check the latest information before booking.

Summary

This is a day tour that leaves Sapporo at 11:00 and takes you around the scenic spots of Biei and Furano in about 10 hours.

In summer, you visit the flower fields of Shikisai-no-Oka and Farm Tomita, then Ningle Terrace at dusk. In winter, you visit snow-covered Shikisai-no-Oka, the Biei Christmas Tree and Shirahige Falls, then enjoy the illuminated Blue Pond in the latter part of the day. Destinations vary depending on the season and conditions on the day.

It suits anyone who wants a relaxed morning and then a day of flower fields, waterfalls, forests and snowy landscapes, taking in the seasonal scenery of Biei and Furano in one go.

Take a look at the booking page.