When do reservations for the Sapporo Biei bus tour close?

The tour the author took is already fully booked until January. If you're looking for a tour in late December or January, you'll need to find an alternative. However, if you're planning for February, there might still be availability. Reservations tend to fill up quickly, so it's best to book early.

Is there a way to enjoy 'Junpei,' famous for lunch during the Biei tour, without waiting in line?

You can enjoy Junpei immediately without waiting by ordering it as a bento box for takeout. If you visit in person, there might not be a wait if you arrive after 1:30 PM, closer to the 2:00 PM closing time.

What should I keep in mind when buying Furano milk at Ningle Terrace, the last stop on the Sapporo Biei day bus tour?

Since Ningle Terrace is the last stop, if there are delays earlier in the tour, your time there might be tight. You'll need to account for time to wait in line at the checkout when purchasing Furano milk, so make sure to manage your time wisely.

Do you have any tips for taking good photos at Takushinkan during the Sapporo Biei bus tour?

It's recommended to explore the area with the trees next to Takushinkan first, before entering the main building. You can take photos there before crowds gather, and then leisurely enter Takushinkan afterwards for more relaxed shooting.

Sapporo Biei Bus Tour 2026: Essential Booking Tips &…

Biei

Your Sapporo Biei Bus Tour: Book Early, Travel Smart!

Planning a trip to Hokkaido wouldn't be complete without experiencing the magic of a Biei tour. It's a convenient day trip from Sapporo, and every stop is incredibly picturesque, truly bringing to life those stunning landscapes you've seen in photos. It's an absolute must-do! I've visited in different seasons, both in late 2025 and earlier this year, and I keep forgetting just how crucial early booking is. I was genuinely surprised by how quickly tours booked up last year, and it's no different for 2026!

Even the Sapporo Biei tour I took is already fully booked through January 2027! Of course, there are other tours that follow similar routes. However, available spots are disappearing fast, so you really need to act quickly.

Before we dive into booking, let's take a quick look at the Biei tour itinerary.

We'll skip the initial meeting points and bus travel details and jump straight into the highlights.

Biei Christmas Tree

It's like stepping into a painting, exactly the kind of serene winter wonderland you imagine: a solitary Christmas tree standing majestically in a field of pristine white snow.

Of course, the reality might be a bit different...

...like this, haha!

Patchwork Road

Takushinkan & Seven Star Tree

Next up is Takushinkan, but before heading inside, it's a great idea to explore the surrounding trees. This area is part of the famous Patchwork Road, known for its rolling hills and distinct trees.

Some spots are best photographed before the crowds descend, so snap your pictures there first, then head inside Takushinkan. Of course, this requires a bit of strategic timing and observation – don't just follow everyone else, try to find your own unique angle!

Inside Takushinkan, you'll find beautiful paintings showcasing Furano's landscapes throughout the seasons, which are also available for purchase.

This is the famous Seven Star Tree, but I personally find the nearby patchwork fields even more stunning.

When I was there, the snow had started to melt a bit. If you prefer not to capture that in your photos, try shooting from a slightly further distance, and the melted patches won't be as noticeable.

Just like this...!

Lunch Break

Junpei...?

For lunch, you'll have free time to explore Biei town. Junpei is overwhelmingly famous, and for good reason! Often, places that are this popular don't quite live up to the hype, but Junpei definitely earns its reputation. It's delicious!

I even opted for a bento box to avoid waiting, and it was still fantastic. This is a great way to enjoy their food without the potential wait times you might encounter if you dine in. If you do visit in person, be prepared for a queue.

If you're dining in, this is the spot to look for. And here's a little tip: if your tour arrives after 1:30 PM, it might be worth trying to visit. They close at 2:00 PM, so you might find no waiting line around closing time. But remember, situations can change, so always use your best judgment! Since it's a Sapporo Biei day tour, you'll want to move efficiently to hit up popular eateries, cafes, and explore every corner.

Shirakaba Waterfall (Whitebeard Waterfall)

This isn't a massive, thundering waterfall, but its name comes from the way the water flows without freezing, resembling a white beard. I vaguely recall it being a hot spring waterfall, which would explain its constant flow even in winter.

The beautiful blue water from this waterfall is said to eventually gather in the Blue Pond.

With everything else covered in white snow, the flowing blue water creates a truly spectacular contrast.

Ningle Terrace

The final stop on the tour is Ningle Terrace!

This enchanting village feels straight out of a fairy tale, offering a delightful experience as you wander through the charming artisan cabins. There are also illuminations and various events happening nearby.

Since this is the last stop, if you've lingered too long at previous locations, you might find yourself a bit rushed here.

You absolutely have to try the rich, creamy Furano milk before you leave, so make sure to manage your time well. Why? Because if you cut it too close, you'll spend precious minutes waiting in line to pay!

Booking Your Sapporo Biei Tour

As I mentioned, the specific tour I took is already fully booked through January 2027. If you're planning your trip for February 2027 or later, you can book through the link above. However, if you're hoping to visit in late December 2026 or January 2027, you'll need to look at other options. I've found a few places that still have availability. The overall itineraries are quite similar, so you'll still be able to visit all the essential spots.

This one here is filling up quickly, but still has some dates available.

Another option here is fully booked for December 2026, but January 2027 still has openings.

If you want to go soon... this one still has some availability.

We've just explored the Hokkaido bus tour itinerary and discussed a few booking options. These tours really do fill up surprisingly fast! I'm usually someone who researches and books last minute, but with these Biei tours, there's a significant risk of missing out if you wait too long. If you're planning a trip to Hokkaido, it's best to secure your Biei tour booking as early as possible. The longer you wait, the harder it gets!