A Must-Visit Journey of Stunning Scenery and Art in Biei, Furano, and Tomamu

A Must-Visit Journey of Stunning Scenery and Art in Biei, Furano, and Tomamu
  • Spring
  • Summer
  • Autumn
  • Winter
Days required
4 days and 3 nights
Main methods of transportation
Car

Biei, Furano, and Tomamu are popular destinations in Hokkaido that transform with the seasons. Rolling hills, colorful flower fields, and the mystical sea of clouds offer fresh discoveries every time you visit, making it an ideal destination for nature lovers and photography enthusiasts alike.


The famous Blue Pond in Biei captivates visitors with its mysterious shades of blue that shift with the light and seasons. Dead trees rising from the water combined with the crystal-clear surface create a scene that feels like a masterpiece painted by nature itself. At Tomamu, the Unkai Terrace allows you to gaze over a vast blanket of clouds in the early morning, giving you a surreal sense of walking above the world and experiencing a moment unlike any other.


The surrounding area is rich with attractions that spark the senses, including art galleries, photography studios, and interactive trick-art experiences. During your exploration, be sure to sample the highly praised local curry of Furano and Biei. Made with fresh regional vegetables and Hokkaido-sourced meat, each dish enhances the delight of your journey and adds a flavorful memory to your travel experience.

  • * The spots and experience menus introduced in the course are subject to change. Please check the official website for the latest information.
  • * Please note that the text shown on this page includes machine translations.
Start
Day1

Biei & Kamifurano Photo Tour

Dream of capturing Hokkaido’s beauty through a lens?

Biei and Kamifurano are known for rolling hills, colorful flower fields, and the majestic view of Mt. Tokachi. A guided photo tour with local photographers and nature experts takes you beyond typical sightseeing, leading to hidden landscapes that change with the light and seasons.


During the About 180-minute tour, you’ll enjoy breathtaking scenery while learning tips on composition and lighting. Beginners are welcome, making it easy to capture unique photos that turn your Hokkaido memories into vivid, lasting treasures.

Address
上川郡美瑛町
About 20 minutes by car from JR Biei Station

Shirogane Blue Pond & Shirakaba Avenue

A Photogenic Masterpiece Shaped by Nature

The Blue Pond in Biei is a mysterious spot where the water’s color shifts with the weather and light. Standing trees reflected on the vivid blue surface create a dreamlike view that fascinates both photographers and travelers.


Nearby, Shirakaba Avenue stretches toward the Shirogane hot spring area. This straight road lined with Shirakaba (白樺 / white birch trees) has been selected as one of the “Top 100 Natural Attractions of Hokkaido” and offers a striking scene that highlights the beauty of the region.


Each season reveals a different expression, turning the landscape into natural art. Capture a photo here, and it will become one of your most memorable moments in Hokkaido.

Address
上川郡美瑛町白金
Telephone Number
0166-92-4378
Closed
Open all year round (may be closed due to inclement weather, etc.)
About 5 minutes by car

[Accommodation] Shirogane Hot Spring

A Healing Hot Spring with Views of the Tokachidake Mountain Range

Shirogane Hot Spring has long been known as “Tsue-wasure no Yu,” meaning “the hot spring where you forget your cane,” a name that reflects its reputation for soothing effects. Located at the foot of the Tokachidake Mountain Range, the area offers a variety of accommodations where guests can enjoy abundant, gentle mineral-rich waters that relax both body and mind.


The spring is also called “Wakagaeri no Yu,” or “the hot spring of rejuvenation,” making it an ideal place to wash away daily fatigue and restore your energy while traveling. Throughout the seasons, the surrounding mountains reveal spectacular views, allowing visitors to refresh their spirit in a truly luxurious natural setting.

Address
上川郡美瑛町白金
Telephone Number
0166-94-3025
Day2
About 5 minutes on foot

Shirahige Waterfalls

A Famous Cascade Colored by “Biei Blue”

From the gaps in the rocks, underground water bursts forth and cascades dramatically over a 30-meter cliff into the Biei River. The river surface shines with a unique shade of blue, often called the “Blue River,” creating a magical scene with the spray of the waterfall.


The falls take their name, “Shirahige” meaning “white beard,” from the way the foaming streams resemble a long white beard as they tumble down. Changing with each season, this striking view has become one of the most iconic natural landscapes representing the beauty of Biei.

Address
上川郡美瑛町白金
Telephone Number
0166-92-4378
About 20 minutes by car

Takushinkan

A Photography Museum Capturing the Four Seasons of Biei

Takushinkan is a museum dedicated to the works of Shinzo Maeda, one of Japan’s most celebrated landscape photographers. His iconic images made the hills of Biei famous worldwide, and visitors often find themselves captivated, losing track of time while viewing his masterpieces.


The museum grounds feature a path known as the “Shirakaba Corridor,” a serene birch-lined walkway perfect for a leisurely stroll. Inside, you can also find posters and postcards, making it easy to take home a piece of Biei’s beauty as a memorable souvenir.

Address
上川郡美瑛町拓進
Telephone Number
0166-92-3355
Open
10:00-17:00 (April-October)
10:00-16:00 (November-March)
Closed
Wednesdays (open if Wednesday is a national holiday)
Open every day from July to September
*Closed temporarily during winter

Column

Lunch in Biei – Hot and Flavorful “Biei Curry Udon”

Biei’s local specialty, Curry Udon, is made with firm noodles from Biei-grown wheat, topped with pork shabu-shabu and fresh vegetables. Enjoy it dipping-style in rich, flavorful curry—a perfect, satisfying lunch on your journey.

Lunch in Biei – Hot and Flavorful “Biei Curry Udon”
About 15 minutes by car

Shikisai-no-oka

A Floral Paradise Representing Biei

Shikisai-no-Oka is one of Biei’s most popular attractions, where about 30 kinds of flowers, including lavender and poppies, bloom in vivid colors across the rolling hills. The sweeping flower fields create a breathtaking Hokkaido landscape, which can be enjoyed on sightseeing tractors or buggies that tour the grounds.


Visitors can also stop by the alpaca farm, where feeding experiences delight both children and adults. With a local market and restaurant on-site, you can enjoy Biei’s seasonal flavors as well. Open throughout the year, Shikisai-no-Oka is a lively destination that showcases the charm of Biei in every season.

Address
上川郡美瑛町新星第3
Telephone Number
0166-95-2758
Open
(Jan.-Apr.) 9:10-17:00, (May and Oct.) 8:40-17:00, (Jun.-Sep.) 8:40-17:30, (Nov.-Dec.) 9:10-16:30
About 5 minutes by car

Miyama Pass Art Park

Playful Trick Art Experiences

Miyama Pass Art Park is a fun-filled complex centered around the Trick Art Museum, where visitors can enjoy playful and surprising 3D illusions. The site also features a local product hall and a ferris wheel, making it a destination with something for everyone.


From the observation terrace, you can take in sweeping views of the Tokachidake Mountain Range, a perfect spot for memorable photos. Some activities can be enjoyed in about 30 minutes, making the park an ideal stop even for travelers with limited time.

Address
空知郡上富良野町西8線北33号
Open
Opening Periods
- Museum: April to November
- Local Product Hall: April to September
- Ferris Wheel: May to October
Opening Hours
10:00-17:00 (last museum admission at 16:30)
Closed
Irregular days off during the open season. Closed in winter outside the above periods.
About 15 minutes by car

Sumio Goto Art Museum

Masterpieces Inspired by Hokkaido’s Harsh Nature

The Sumio Goto Art Museum showcases the works of Sumio Goto, one of Japan’s leading modern painters. His vivid masterpieces, created with natural mineral pigments, capture the power and beauty of Japan’s landscapes, many of them inspired by the rugged nature of Hokkaido.


On the second floor, visitors can enjoy a restaurant with sweeping views of the Tokachidake Mountain Range and the gentle hills of the region, as well as a reference room that provides deeper insight into the artist’s life and work.

Address
空知郡上富良野町東4線北26号
Telephone Number
0167-45-6181
Open
10:00-17:00 (Apr.-Oct.)
10:00-16:00 (Nov.-Mar.)
Closed
The New Year's holiday, Temporarily closed
About 30 minutes by car

[Accommodation] Furano

Around the ski resort area of Furano, you will find a wide variety of places to stay. From resort hotels to pensions, guesthouses, and condominiums, the town offers accommodations to suit every travel style. Whether you are seeking comfort, convenience, or a homelike atmosphere, Furano provides the perfect base for enjoying your stay.

Day3
About 25 minutes by car

Drama Location Tour

Exploring the World of “From the Northern Country” in Furano

Furano is home to many filming locations from famous dramas such as “From the Northern Country” by renowned screenwriter So Kuramoto, as well as “Yasashii Jikan (A Gentle Time).” Walking through these spots allows visitors to step into the atmosphere of the stories and feel as if they are part of the drama themselves.


For an even richer experience, watching the series in advance makes visiting the locations more immersive, letting you enjoy Furano’s unique connection to Japanese television culture.

Column

Taste the Famous Furano Omelette Curry

The must-try lunch in Furano is the Furano Omelette Curry, a fluffy omelette on rice topped with flavorful curry. Made with fresh local ingredients, each restaurant offers its own unique style.

Taste the Famous Furano Omelette Curry
About 25 minutes by car

Ningle Terrace

Experience the Magic of This Hidden Village

A small village of log-houses sits spirited away in the forests of Furano, not far from the New Furano Prince Hotel. This charming little hidden village emanates a magical air about it, and many local artisans come to sell their one-of-a-kind wares here. In the winter, the Ningle Terrace is illuminated in an array of twinkling lights, tinting the snowy landscape with its magical hues.

Address
富良野市中御料
Telephone Number
0167-22-1111
Open
(Jul.-Aug.) 10:00-20:45
(Sep.-Jun.) 12:00-20:45
(Depends on the store)
Closed
Open all year round (temporary closure in Nov.)
*Closed irregularly depending on the store.
About 5 minutes by car

Kaze no Garden

A Place Where Flowers and Drama Live On

Within the grounds of the New Furano Prince Hotel lies a charming English-style garden, known as the filming location of So Kuramoto’s drama “Kaze no Garden.” Throughout the seasons, colorful flowers create changing scenery that continues to enchant visitors.


In July and August, the garden hosts special “Morning Garden” hours, allowing guests to enjoy a refreshing stroll among the blossoms in the crisp morning air. This blend of natural beauty and cultural significance makes it one of Furano’s most beloved attractions.

Address
富良野市中御料
Telephone Number
0167-22-1111
Open
8:00-17:00, (Jul.-Aug.) 6:30-17:30, (Sep. 21-) 8:00-16:00 (reception until 30 minutes before closing)
Closed
Mid Oct. - Late Apr.
About 80 minutes by car

Hoshino Resorts Tomamu

An All-Season Nature Resort

Hoshino Resorts Tomamu is a large-scale resort that brings together hotels, ski slopes, and one of Japan’s largest indoor wave pools. Surrounded by the vast landscapes of Hokkaido, it offers a wide variety of outdoor and nature programs throughout the year. Whether you come in summer or winter, you can fully experience the beauty and charm of Hokkaido in every season.

Address
占冠村字中トマム
Telephone Number
0167-58-1111
Open
Check-in 15:00
Check-out 11:00
Closed
Depends on the store
*Closed for maintenance in April and November.
*Please contact us for more detailed schedule.
Day4

Unkai Terrace

A Breathtaking Sea of Clouds at Sunrise

Waking up early in Hokkaido rewards you with one of the most unforgettable sights—the Unkai Terrace, where a sea of clouds meets the rising sun. After a scenic ride high above the ground, you arrive at a viewpoint that feels like stepping into the sky itself. Below, a sweeping blanket of clouds drifts across the majestic Hidaka and Tokachi mountain ranges, creating a dreamlike panorama.


Stroll through the terrace as if you were walking on clouds, and take in the ever-changing colors of the morning sky. This extraordinary moment, blending nature’s grandeur with peaceful silence, is a highlight of any Hokkaido journey and a memory you will cherish long after your trip.

Address
占冠村字中トマム
Telephone Number
0167-58-1111
Open
Check-in 15:00
Check-out 11:00
Closed
Depends on the store
*Closed for maintenance in April and November.
*Please contact us for more detailed schedule.

Mina-Mina Beach

One of Japan’s Largest Indoor Wave Pools

At Mina-Mina Beach, you can enjoy summer vibes all year round inside one of Japan’s largest indoor wave pools. From gentle parallel waves to thrilling high-wave sessions, the pool offers fun for everyone. A shallow area with a depth of about 30cm is perfect for small children, giving families peace of mind.


Guests can also relax in the nearby Kirin-no-Yu, a spacious open-air bath that provides a refreshing contrast to the indoor beach. Together, they create a unique resort experience where you can enjoy both playful water fun and soothing relaxation in the heart of Hokkaido.

Goal
  • Biei & Kamifurano Photo Tour
  • Shirogane Blue Pond & Shirakaba Avenue
  • [Accommodation] Shirogane Hot Spring
  • Shirahige Waterfalls
  • Takushinkan
  • Shikisai-no-oka
  • Miyama Pass Art Park
  • Sumio Goto Art Museum
  • [Accommodation] Furano
  • Drama Location Tour
  • Ningle Terrace
  • Kaze no Garden
  • Hoshino Resorts Tomamu
  • Unkai Terrace
  • Mina-Mina Beach

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