Sapporo Biei Tour 2026: 'Travel Han Geureut' Leica Photos

Biei: The Crown Jewel of Sapporo Travel!

This wasn't my first rodeo with Biei; I'd actually visited last autumn.

"I've been here once before,

could it possibly impress me again?"

My worries quickly melted away as Biei in March 2026 unfolded a completely different, yet equally captivating, charm—a stunning 180-degree contrast to its autumn splendor.

Choosing the 'Travel Han Geureut' tour this time, and meeting our amazing Guide Hyein, was absolutely the best decision we made! 👍

Biei Tour Real-Time Itinerary

(Depart 7:40 AM)

The 'Travel Han Geureut' tour truly impressed us with its incredibly efficient route.

📍Gather at 7:40 AM: Sapporo Station North Plaza Bus Stop

(Look for the tour flag shaped like a rice bowl!)

📍Rest Stop: Quick snacks and restrooms available!

📍Christmas Tree: Leica snap photography starts at the first spot!

📍Biei Station: Ample time for lunch and exploring 🍛

📍Shirahige Waterfall: A breathtaking blend of blue waters and snowy landscapes

📍Takushinkan: Rejuvenate with a stroll through the birch forest

📍Rest Stop: Final break before heading back

📍Arrival: Choose between Sapporo Station or Susukino drop-off

(We chose Susukino!)

Biei in Autumn vs. Winter,

A Second Tour Was Absolutely Worth It!

Last autumn, Biei greeted us with a vibrant display of colorful foliage and emerald lakes, a truly dazzling spectacle.

However, Biei on March 20th, 2026, was a pristine world of white! Despite my initial concern about a lack of snow, it was absolutely magical.

It's incredible how the same place can transform so dramatically with the seasons. I'm so glad I decided to visit twice!😊

(Autumn Biei in October)

(Winter Biei in March)

The Disappointment of the Blue Pond,

and a Delightful Surprise

One small regret was, of course, the 'Blue Pond' (Aoiike).

I had been captivated by its mysterious blue waters last autumn, so I had high hopes for this visit.

(The Blue Pond on our autumn Biei tour was so beautiful, wasn't it? ㅠㅠ)

However, as of March 20th, 2026, the lake was completely frozen over and covered in snow. Our guide explained that at this time of year, it's impossible to see its iconic blue hue, or even discern it as a lake! 😭

But don't let that dampen your spirits!

Guide Hyein's recommendation for an incredible restaurant and her fantastic photo service more than made up for any disappointment!

Guide Hyein's Top Pick!

Biei Station Restaurant 'Suzuran'

Not wanting to waste precious lunch time waiting in line at the popular Junpei, we headed straight for 'Suzuran (鈴蘭)', a fantastic recommendation from our guide.

Our family ordered four delicious dishes!

⭐️Neapolitan Spaghetti

(A classic Japanese-style spaghetti with a rich ketchup-based sauce – absolutely delicious!)

⭐️Biei Pork Hambagu Doria

(The BEST! Juicy, flavorful Biei pork patty baked with rice and cheese – pure comfort food)

⭐️Shrimp Doria

(Good! Loaded with plump, succulent shrimp)

⭐️Onigiri Set (Umami explosion!)

⭐️Clam Soup Pasta (Clean, refreshing, and deeply satisfying)

The two Doria dishes and the Neapolitan spaghetti were particular favorites, earning a big thumbs-up from everyone in the family. You absolutely have to try them!

Leica Snaps: The Ultimate Gift for Your Parents

The true highlight of the 'Travel Han Geureut' tour is undoubtedly the professional Leica photos taken by your guide.

If you're traveling with your parents, this service is an absolute must! Imagine printing these high-quality Leica photos from your trip and framing them for your living room. Every time your parents see them, they'll be transported back to those cherished Biei memories.

Getting professional family photos at a studio can be quite expensive, but with this tour, you capture incredible family portraits while exploring—talk about a win-win! 😎

✔️Quick Summary

March's pristine white Biei offered a deeper, more lingering impression than autumn's vibrant hues.

And Guide Hyein captured our family's precious moments like gems!

Even on a second visit, our Sapporo Biei tour revealed new and captivating charms!

While we missed the Blue Pond, the distant snow-capped mountains and Shirahige Waterfall were even more magnificent than in autumn!

If you're planning a trip to Sapporo, I highly recommend adding a Biei tour to your itinerary🩷

Sapporo Kitanogurume Free Shuttle Reservation & Review of 'Kinki' Grilled Fish (Even Choo Sung-hoon loved it!)🐟🚌