Sapporo-Furano Lavender & Biei Blue Pond Tour: An Honest Look

Planning a trip to Hokkaido and thinking about that Sapporo-Furano Lavender, also the Biei Blue Pond tour? You are not alone! The lavender fields of Furano and the unreal blue shade of the Blue Pond happen to be on many a traveler’s list. I went on this specific tour myself, and I wanted to share my experiences – both the sweet-smelling highs and the, well, slightly less fragrant lows – so you can get an actual feel for whether it’s a great match for your travel vibe. Actually, that would give you what you need to make a decision.

What to Expect: A Whirlwind of Hokkaido’s Highlights

Basically, the Sapporo-Furano-Biei tour hits some pretty notable spots in central Hokkaido. Think sprawling lavender farms in Furano – generally, Farm Tomita comes to mind, arguably, the most popular – and the almost ethereal beauty of the Blue Pond. Then, a substantial lunch, often showcasing local Hokkaido fare, is thrown into the mix to fuel you up for all the sight-seeing. It might just be worth it for the views, honestly!

Now, the tour typically operates as a full-day trip departing from Sapporo. Just so you know, it starts super early. Expect a good chunk of time spent traveling on a bus, maybe as much as a couple of hours each way. Yes, it might seem like a lot of travel, but the landscape views alone can almost make up for it, as I was saying, depending on how you like to look at it. Keep that in mind!

The overall pacing is, in a way, relatively fast. That means you’ll get snapshots of each location, just like quick visits, and so you are not spending tons of hours at any one place. If you’re one who prefers a laid-back kind of travel style where you chill and explore deeply, well, maybe you could find the tour feels a little bit rushed. Very, very good for picture snapping though!

Farm Tomita: Lavender Dreams and Tourist Streams

Okay, let’s talk lavender! Farm Tomita is, of course, your poster child for Hokkaido lavender fields. Rows and rows of purple stretching as far as your eyes will see. Honestly, It can be pretty impressive, especially when the flowers happen to be in full bloom. You know, you can’t help but whip out your camera immediately to capture it all.

Having said that, keep in mind, you are most definitely not the only one admiring the view. This is probably the most popular lavender farm, so naturally, prepare for it to be rather crowded, very much like a sea of other tourists all vying for that similar snapshot. I would suggest that you attempt to find your little personal corner amongst it all – even a small spot of purple-y peace can feel quite rewarding. Still, I am thinking maybe keep expectations for serenity set somewhat low, if you catch my drift.

Farm Tomita offers a good range of lavender-themed goodies too. We are talking soft serve ice cream that actually tastes how lavender smells, that too with all sorts of lavender-flavored snacks, as well as perfumes. You can try something completely unique there, honestly. Arguably, the prices tend to be a bit on the tourist-y side, which is typical, but it makes for a souvenir to remember your time.

Biei Blue Pond: Is It Real?

Arguably, the Blue Pond is certainly unique. It’s almost an artificial-feeling color. Like, is that real life, or is it a filter? Honestly, the surreal blue shade originates from natural minerals in the water and it creates this kind of eerie, otherworldly visual with the dead trees poking out from its surface. I would say bring your camera since you would definitely want some proof that you saw something that unique!

Is that worth knowing, depending on the weather conditions, the ‘blue’ can actually seem more like a milky grayish-green, maybe that makes sense? Therefore, if the sun decides to hide, don’t get your expectations set too high for some crazy vivid blue photos. This is, like, a potential letdown I feel I should warn you about.

Okay, this area is, for example, not typically a spot for spending hours. So you would expect more or less to take your pictures, soak in the strange vibes, maybe buy an ice cream from a nearby vendor, and, so it is said, hop back on the bus. Still, it can be a mesmerizing kind of stop, even if fairly brief.

Lunch: A Taste of Hokkaido

Your tour does, by the way, come with lunch. You might find that the menu really shows off the ingredients of Hokkaido, for example, it could include seafood or local vegetables. Keep in mind though that the specific dishes usually depends on the tour company that too it might depend on what is in season, is that right?

As a matter of fact, do manage your expectations food-wise. I found my lunch to be more good or reasonable instead of outstanding. Obviously, food quality when it comes to group tours can vary significantly. Therefore, think of this particular meal more as that quick refueling stop instead of a highpoint of culinary delight. Just a thought, in a way.

Okay, for dietary restrictions, be sure that you communicate any allergy issues well in advance to the tour provider. And you should really make sure that the tour can really accommodate your requests! Arguably, the tour might be problematic if you actually have difficult restrictions.

The Bus Ride: Embrace the Scenery

Honestly, a decent chunk of the tour gets spent sitting on a bus. Is that something to consider? Oh yeah, it is. It’s just a part of the whole thing, is that not right? Actually, you should look at it positively too since it might as well be an actual scenic drive.

The views along the method – rolling hills and countryside – happen to be seriously gorgeous. Don’t forget, just like I did, to peek out the window and really soak that up! Having said that, maybe bring a book too or download shows onto your device for when you feel done with that pretty scenery. Then, depending on your seatmate, get ready to practice that awesome skill you might have – being friendly without needing to converse for the entire trip, so it might happen.

It’s, in short, pretty key to get comfy too, mainly when we’re talking hours on the road. Maybe pack yourself a travel pillow and/or some kind of blanket if you just happen to be the kind of person that tends to get a little cold on buses. Arguably, little steps could really help with the whole experience.

Who Should Take This Tour?

Okay, is this tour worth taking, so to speak? Now, it relies on your priorities in a trip. I suggest thinking about your interests. Maybe it makes sense to take it! I would suggest thinking about if that makes sense for your own travel goals.

Perfect for the Time-Crunched Traveler: I want to point out that you might enjoy this if, that is, you would really like a glimpse of Furano and Biei while you happen to be short on travel days and located in Sapporo.
Good for Photography Buffs: The tour is pretty incredible to get cool photos of the famed lavender and of the blue pond. Obviously. Just so you know though the lighting situations can be tricky at the Blue Pond.
Possibly Not Ideal for the Crowd-Averse: You should, maybe, if you dislike crowds, reconsider. Since Farm Tomita happens to be popular that you should realize going in. That’s very normal, actually.
Consider Alternatives If You Hate Rushing: It seems to me that, as someone who needs a lot of time, it might be best not to go since it might seem fast. In some respects. Think about whether you might be fine or not when hurried. That depends on you!

Tips for Making the Most of Your Tour

Want to improve this specific tour experience? Below is a quick checklist.

Wear Comfy Shoes: A little walking is included. Having comfy feet definitely makes sightseeing so much better, in a way! I would agree.
Bring Sunscreen and a Hat: Actually, you might find that you’ll want to do this regardless of season. If it has those both, do them. Since the weather can really change and the UV light may affect the situation too. Is that okay? Then use them! So it protects you in the same way.
Pack Snacks and Water: Should you dislike your choices to eat or just need extras. So the day happens. Maybe this keeps you happy while going! You know!
Charge Your Camera: So very, very obviously needed for taking awesome photos! Like just very seriously make sure your gadget that takes photos has battery power. Yeah, the most important tip is this one, is that it? That might be the idea. I am so, too, like yeah.
Double Check the Bloom Season: Be informed. Do not forget about that! Check it or it may just not be worth it since then, lavender just may not be at their best! If they even grew! You need this to have beauty! In the season when stuff is going it will feel nice! Very great for it too, so maybe it’s time to do this and also do these lavender farms and things of beauty you can like look at! Cool beans and such. In my book. And book. That’s like one of my favorites. No joke. It makes a good season and is fun. Do it right or why! Cool I like lavender!

Is This Tour Actually the Right One for You? I mean this specific one, so look above at the tips to do things in a smart way.

Alternatives to the Sapporo-Furano-Biei Tour

If my account hasn’t just completely put you off, which I am so, too, like really I wanted to give it to you so very straight! Don’t worry I am so too that I feel it’s necessary that I now want you to know options.

Self-Drive: Thinking you should get a car, then plan it. When we think in contrast to a bus tour we find this gets more control, by chance or design, to places and times! Get one! A wheel thing and driving and that and who! Make those! Your trip and it all gets to what is called the travel or vacation. Plan this trip to go to the lavender! Take a gander since its’ real. Like in the moment when there’s good flower! This may get the choice to maybe go later to when these very people of folks are mostly very all not going for crowds. Like it gets not so rough. And all!
Stay Overnight: Rather we do like sleeping not just like in the road trip so you just stay there. Rather not we sleep then no going now! Since we not doing drive now and then all again going here from far that is so you chill with it while its right in view of seeing it all, with sun high! Just get and feel the day without thinking all day! Right by so no drive all that and sleep and also get! You need one, just trust.
Private Tour: Are things that cost some much bread alright? If the bus looks not good or when so we will, we must! Then hire someone alright they help or just take places. Like there when those folks wait now cause that! Since we hired! We do not all like, share the tour with just many and people are many folks ok? We not get just the rush since less and it so maybe get! Then what like to have or even to know! What those options give of seeing so much to feel like all can maybe have and also go where very great is not like, other guys no maybe not seeing the folks!