Biei Day Trip from Sapporo: Lavender Festival 2026 Guide

Hello, fellow explorers!

I'm Chaengniya, your guide to Japan's incredible cities and nature.

When you think of traveling near Sapporo, winter usually comes to mind, but

Biei is also wonderful to visit in summer when the lavender fields are in full bloom!

Today, I'll introduce you to Biei, a charming town near Sapporo,

covering its location, how to get there, and even a recommended itinerary.

Biei, a nearby travel destination just 2-3 hours from Sapporo! It's even more beautiful in June-July when the lavender blooms #ClipCreator #JapanTravel #SapporoTravel : Clipm.blog.naver.com

Biei is a small village nestled in the central part of Hokkaido,

charming visitors with its gently rolling hills, expansive fields,

and vibrant colors that transform with each season.

Especially noteworthy are its pristine white snowfields in winter,

and its lavender and flower fields in summer,

making it a fantastic spot for capturing beautiful photos no matter the season.

Location & How to Get There

Biei is about a 2-hour and 30-minute journey from Sapporo,

but navigating all the attractions solely by public transportation

can be quite tricky due to complex routes.

From Sapporo Station to Shikisai-no-Oka (Panoramic Flower Gardens), one of its most famous spots,

it takes 2 hours by public transport and an additional 30 minutes on foot,

and walking between each major spot can take over 50 minutes.

If you want to leisurely explore all the highlights like the Christmas Tree, Shikisai-no-Oka, and the Blue Pond,

it's best to rent a car or join a local bus tour.

We took the Lilac Limited Express train to Asahikawa Station

and rented a car to visit all the locations.

However, if you're not comfortable driving in Japan,

opting for a bus tour departing from Sapporo is also an excellent choice.

🔗Book a Sapporo Local Bus Tour

[🍤 Junpei Restaurant Available] [🚩 Visit Ningle Terrace] Hokkaido Biei Furano Sapporo Bus Tour Rakutour - MyRealTrip3ha.in

Biei Tour Itinerary

If your itinerary starts from Sapporo,

following the order above is an efficient way to move around.

Bus tours also follow a similar route, but

a major advantage of the tour is that it can include reservations and lunch at 'Junpei', a Michelin Bib Gourmand restaurant.

Biei's Iconic Photo Spot: The Christmas Tree

This is Biei's signature spot, the Christmas Tree, standing majestically

in the middle of a vast hill.

The Christmas Tree is actually most stunning with snow,

so a quick stop in summer is perfectly fine.

But unlike winter, when crowds mean traffic control,

in summer, it's wonderfully quiet,

allowing you to take photos at your leisure.

The Hill of Flowers: A Canvas of Colors Through the Seasons

This iconic flower field in Biei is truly a sight to behold!

Vibrant flowers stretch endlessly across rolling hills,

creating an impressive tableau of blooms.

Given the sheer size of the grounds, those who might find extensive walking a challenge

can opt to rent a small vehicle on-site to explore the hills.

When I visited in late July, the lavender was just beginning to wane,

leaving some patches a bit sparse, which was a slight pity.

The peak blooming season for lavender typically runs from late June to mid-July,

so it’s a great idea to start planning your visit right away!

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Beyond just lavender, you'll discover a vibrant tapestry of flowers, including sunflowers,

stretching out across the landscape.

The hill also features an adorable alpaca farm!

Entry is 500 yen per person, and you can even feed these fluffy friends.

And you absolutely can't skip the delicious snacks! Summer Sapporo melon and

lavender ice cream are signature treats.

Both are incredibly tasty, so make sure to give them a try!

Aoby Lake: The Mystical Blue Pond

True to its name, this pond glows with a mesmerizing blue hue,

and its charm lies in how the colors subtly transform

depending on the season, weather, and the direction of the light.

On bright, clear days, it takes on an almost emerald glow,

while on overcast days, it shifts to a calmer, more serene,

and mysterious shade of blue.

Be sure to try the Aoby Lake ice cream and ade as well!

They're incredibly refreshing and tangy – truly delicious! Haha.

Shirahige Falls: The Refreshing Whitebeard Waterfall

This spot pairs perfectly with a visit to Aoby Lake.

The sight of countless streams of water cascading down between the cliffs

resembles a majestic white beard, which is how it earned its name.

The breathtaking view from the bridge above makes this

a highly rewarding stop, even if you only have a short time.

Another Must-Visit Lavender Spot

For your grand finale, I highly recommend Farm Tomita!

Technically, it's located in Nakafurano, not Biei, but

when you're exploring both Biei and Furano,

it's easily one of the most iconic and frequently visited attractions!

Farm Tomita, much like Shikisai no Oka,

is incredibly famous for its lavender. If you're truly seeking a deep dive into these fragrant purple fields,

this spot might even surpass Shikisai no Oka for sheer satisfaction!

As summer arrives, vast, breathtaking fields of purple lavender stretch out before you,

and the air is filled with their fragrance, offering an authentic taste of Hokkaido's

incredible summer landscape.

And it's not just lavender! You'll also find a delightful array of other flower fields and charming cafes,

making it a perfect, relaxing last stop on your journey.

That delicious lavender ice cream you might have savored at Shikisai no Oka?

It's sold here too, so if you missed out, now's your chance to indulge!

And don't forget to try Hokkaido's iconic summer melon – it's absolutely divine!

🔗​Book Your Biei Tour

[🍤 Junpei Restaurant available] [🚩 Ningle Terrace visit] Hokkaido Biei Furano Sapporo Bus Tour Raku Tour - MyRealTrip3ha.in

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