Sapporo Departure・Hokkaido Day Bus Tour｜Explore Shikisai-no-Oka, Farm Tomita, and Asahiyama Zoo in One Day

A Day Bus Tour from Sapporo, Covering Biei and Furano in About 10 Hours

This tour departs from Sapporo and takes 10 to 10.5 hours to visit popular spots around the Biei and Furano area on a group bus tour. It uses a local meet-up format and holds a rating of 4.8 (3,606 reviews).

Biei and Furano are quite far from Sapporo, and without a rental car it's difficult to visit multiple spots in a single day. Traveling by bus means you can enjoy the countryside scenery through the window without worrying about driving or parking.

Since travel times are long, the itinerary schedule should be considered approximate. Depending on weather and road conditions, the guide may adjust the order of stops on site.

Summer/Autumn Flower Fields Course: Shikisai-no-Oka, Blue Pond, and Farm Tomita

In summer and autumn, the course centers around flower fields. You'll gather early in Sapporo, depart, pass along the "Patchwork Road" with its rolling farmland views, and stop at Shikisai-no-Oka, the Blue Pond, and Shirahige Falls in that order.

A lunch break is scheduled in Furano, followed by a visit to Farm Tomita. In summer, lavender and layers of colorful flower fields stretch across the hillsides, offering a quintessential Furano landscape to stroll through.

The Blue Pond is a popular Biei spot known for its uniquely blue-tinted water, while Shirahige Falls, located in the Shirogane area, lets you view its clear cascading water up close.

Winter Snowfield Course: The Penguin Parade at Asahiyama Zoo and Ningle Terrace

In winter, the course centers on Asahiyama Zoo. Known as Japan's northernmost zoo, it offers a chance to see the famous penguin walk during the winter season.

Afterward, you'll head to Shikisai-no-Oka or Chiyoda Farm, where you can interact with animals while taking in the pure white snow-covered hills. At Shikisai-no-Oka, an optional snowmobile experience is also available.

Along the way, you'll stop at Biei's "Christmas Tree" (a solitary tree standing in the snowfield) to photograph the distant view from the roadside. In the afternoon, you'll explore the forest cottages of Ningle Terrace, taking in the quiet atmosphere of the woods.

Bilingual Guides and a Pressure-Free Optional Experience Design

The guides are bilingual in Chinese and English, providing explanations during transit and at each destination. Even without Japanese language skills, it's easy to follow the itinerary.

Optional experiences such as the snowmobile ride are entirely voluntary, and it's clearly stated that there is no forced consumption. You're free to opt out.

Between 16:00 and 21:00 the day before departure, you'll receive an email with the meeting time, guide information, and vehicle license plate number. Be sure to check your spam folder, and keep your phone turned on during the trip.

Possible Itinerary Changes and Seasonal Packing Tips

Sightseeing spots may be changed to equivalent alternative locations due to weather or road restrictions. If Ningle Terrace is closed, you'll be taken to Takushinkan instead; if the Christmas Tree area is under traffic restrictions, you'll visit the Ken and Mary Tree instead.

Hokkaido has large temperature swings between morning and evening, so it's a good idea to bring a windbreaker jacket and hat. In winter, road surfaces can be icy, so shoes with good grip are recommended.

Since the ride is long, those prone to motion sickness should prepare medication in advance. Travel insurance is not included in the tour price, so it's recommended that each traveler arrange their own.

What to Check Before Booking

• Departure point is Sapporo, with local meet-up
• Duration is 10 to 10.5 hours
• Differences between the summer/autumn and winter courses
• Supported languages are Chinese and English
• Information email arrives the day before between 16:00 and 21:00
• Possibility of spot changes or substitutions
• Availability and cost of optional experiences like the snowmobile
• Free for children under 3 (advance notice required)
• Travel insurance is not included in the price
• Bring warm clothing and non-slip shoes
• Prepare motion sickness medication
• Cancellation/change conditions and the latest pricing

Please note that individual refunds are not available for itinerary changes due to closures or road restrictions. Be sure to check the latest plan details and terms before booking.

Summary

This is a day bus tour of 10 to 10.5 hours departing from Sapporo and touring Biei and Furano. In summer and autumn, the flower fields course visits Shikisai-no-Oka, the Blue Pond, Shirahige Falls, and Farm Tomita; in winter, the snowfield course visits the penguin parade at Asahiyama Zoo, snow-covered hills, and Ningle Terrace, with the content changing by season.

Bilingual Chinese/English guides accompany the tour, and optional experiences are entirely voluntary. The rating stands at 4.8 (3,606 reviews). Since this tour operates on the premise that the itinerary may be adjusted due to weather or road conditions, it's best to join with a relaxed, flexible mindset.

For the latest availability and pricing, please check this page.