A beautiful Biei Furano tour that doesn't lose to the rain

#OutdoorDate #SapporoTravel #OverseasTravel #JapanTravel #Biei #Furano #BluePond #WhiteBeardWaterfall #TaksinKan #ShikisaiOka #FarmTomita

I'm not a fan of package tours.
However, the proximity of Biei and Furano made me choose this tour.
On top of that, it rained a lot.
I wondered if I could really have fun in such a place...
But I'm very satisfied with the result!
I'm leaving a review of each itinerary in the hopes that it will help you choose a tour!

1) Blue Pond

Address: Shirogane, Biei, Kamikawa District, Hokkaido 071-0235

This lake is characterized by its sparkling blue waters, fed by hot springs.
Because it's not very large, it feels more like a pond than a lake.
The remains of trees that emerged from what was once a forest were impressively transformed into a reservoir.
Of all the places I visited, this one seems to be the most weather-friendly. On cloudy days and heavy rain, the pond's blue color is hard to see.
On foggy days, the trees can make it look dreary.
In winter, the lake freezes over, diminishing the beauty of the scenery.
(The guide said it wasn't worth seeing in winter, and it was actually excluded from the winter schedule of the same tour.)
When booking a tour, we recommend checking the dates and weather forecast carefully.

2) Shirasu Falls

Address: Shirogane, Biei, Kamikawa District, Hokkaido 071-0235

This waterfall is, of course, a hot spring. The Blue Pond is also responsible for its blue color.
Because it's a hot spring, the steam rises and the blue tint makes it quite a sight.
However, the high bridge makes the waterfall appear smaller, making it difficult to capture more than a sense of wonder.
Although not particularly significant, taking photos is also incredibly difficult.
If you're expecting the grandeur typical of waterfall tours, you'll likely be disappointed, so please adjust your expectations accordingly. Also, many people don't see it, but the river opposite the waterfall is also quite pretty, with its blue hues.

3) Taksin-kan, Birch Forest

Address: 〒071-0474 Hokkaido, Kamikawa District, Biei, 字拓進

This is a collection of photos taken by photographers of Biei and Furano.
This free exhibition hall showcases the diverse scenery of the four seasons.
You'll realize that your photography skills and eye are truly lacking.
The birch forest is beautiful, but honestly, the crowds in the small space can be overwhelming.
It's more of a bonus.

4) Shikisai Hill

This section is often considered the highlight of the tour.
It's a flower garden the size of ten soccer fields, filled with a variety of flowers.
The well-planned flower garden offers a unique spectacle.
Admission is 500 yen, but most tours include an entrance ticket. You can also ride a tractor for 500 yen, but it's only a short trip, so it's pointless.
I wouldn't recommend it.

I was worried the flowers might have withered due to the heavy rain before and after the tour, but that wasn't the case.
Of course, it's a beautiful place to visit in bright sunlight, so please pay attention to the weather.

5) Farm Tomita

Address: 15 Kisenkita, Nakafurano, Sorachi District, Hokkaido 071-0704

It's like a "miniaturized" version of Shikisai Oka.
I visited after the lavender season ended, but there were plenty of other flowers besides lavender, making it a delightful sight.
It lacks the expansiveness and grandeur of Shikisai Oka, but it has a small, charming charm.
It was my favorite place, and I wanted to stay longer.

The Furano/Biei tour seems to be overcrowded, so it can be looked down upon.
There are many affordable tours available, so consider considering them when planning your trip!