Hokkaido Nature Guide: Biei Blue Pond & Lavender Fields

Hokkaido is renowned for its vast, untouched landscapes, rolling hills, and dramatic natural scenery. From the vivid cobalt blue of geothermal ponds to endless carpet-like fields of seasonal blooms, Japan's northernmost island offers an unforgettable escape for nature lovers. 

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Whether you are planning a summer road trip through the agricultural heartland of Biei and Furano or seeking dramatic coastal cliffs, Hokkaido's outdoor attractions deliver breathtaking vistas in every season.

Here is a curated guide to the top natural attractions across Hokkaido, complete with transport details and essential visiting advice to help you structure your itinerary.

Shirogane Blue Pond (Shirogane Aoiike)

Located at the base of Mount Tokachi in Biei, the Shirogane Blue Pond is famous for its vibrant cobalt-blue water and withered Japanese larch trees standing silently within the pool. Originally formed inadvertently during dam construction on the Biei River to protect the town from volcanic mudflows, the pond owes its unique colour to natural minerals mixing with underground water to create colloidal particles that scatter sunlight.

Visited throughout the year, the site offers completely different moods depending on the season. During winter, from November to April, the frozen landscape is illuminated in the evenings, creating an otherworldly, enchanting atmosphere.

* Address: Shirogane, Biei-cho, Kamikawa-gun, Hokkaido

* Access: 20-minute taxi ride from JR Biei Station on the JR Furano Line.

* Opening Hours: Open year-round for free viewing (inaccessible during heavy winter snowfall).

* Parking: 270 spaces available (JPY 500 per entry).

Shirahige Waterfall

Fed by underground water originating from Mount Tokachi, Shirahige Waterfall (meaning "White Beard Waterfall") cascades dramatically down sheer rock faces into the cobalt-blue Biei River below. Viewed from the bridge spanning the canyon above, the sight of white water plunging into the vivid blue riverbed creates a striking contrast.

Visiting during the winter months is particularly rewarding, as the surrounding rocks freeze into massive ice falls, contrasting sharply with the steaming subterranean water.

* Address: Shirogane, Biei-cho, Kamikawa-gun, Hokkaido

* Access: Take the Dohoku Bus bound for Taisetsu Seinen-no-ie from JR Biei Station (approx. 30 minutes) and alight at Shirogane Onsen.

* Parking: No dedicated parking on site.

Shikisai no Oka

Shikisai no Oka is a expansive flower garden spanning rolling hills in Biei. During the summer season, roughly 50 varieties of flowers—including vibrant lavender, sunflowers, and tulips—bloom in sweeping parallel rows, forming a spectacular rainbow landscape against the backdrop of the Tokachi mountain range.

Visitors can explore the grounds via tractor buses or rental buggies, sample rich soft-serve ice cream made from local Biei dairy, or visit the resident alpaca farm. In the winter season, the garden transforms into "Snowland," offering snow rafting and snowmobile rides.

* Address: Shinsei Dai-3, Biei-cho, Kamikawa-gun, Hokkaido

* Access: 20-minute walk from JR Mibushi Station on the JR Furano Line.

* Opening Hours: Year-round 08:30–18:00 (closing time varies by season). Restaurant closed Wednesdays from November to March, and December 31 to January 1.

* Admission: Entry fee JPY 500 for adults / JPY 300 for children (July to September). Alpaca Farm entry JPY 500 for adults / JPY 300 for children.

* Parking: Available (JPY 500 per vehicle per day from June to September).

Mild Seven Hill

Mild Seven Hill gained national fame after featuring in a classic Japanese cigarette commercial. Located in the rural countryside of Biei, the area features picturesque stands of larch trees set against sweeping farmland.

The scenery changes dramatically through the seasons: vibrant purple lavender and white potato blossoms in summer, golden wheat fields in autumn, and an unbroken expanse of untouched snow in winter. It remains an essential stop for photography enthusiasts.

* Address: Omura Nakamoto, Biei-cho, Kamikawa-gun, Hokkaido

* Access: 10-minute taxi ride from JR Biei Station.

* Parking: Free parking for 3 vehicles.

Hills of Biei & Patchwork Road

The rolling farmland of Biei is divided into distinct scenic driving routes. To the northwest lies the Patchwork Road, named after the patchwork quilt appearance created by different crops grown in adjacent fields. To the southeast, the Panorama Road provides vast, unbroken vistas of rolling terrain framed by Mount Tokachi.

* Address: Various locations across Biei-cho, Kamikawa-gun, Hokkaido

* Access: Approx. 12-minute taxi ride from Asahikawa Airport.

* Parking: Free parking available (60 spaces).

Zerubu Hill

Situated along Route 237, Zerubu Hill is a floral park whose name derives from a Japanese phrase meaning "playing on the wind-scented hill." Around 3,000 plants—including lavender and sunflowers—bloom against the grand backdrop of Mount Asahi and the Tokachi Range.

The spacious park offers buggies and carts for easy navigation, along with an on-site cafe serving lavender-flavoured shaved ice and soft-serve ice cream.

* Address: Daisan, Biei-cho, Kamikawa-gun, Hokkaido

* Access: 5-minute drive from JR Biei Station.

* Opening Hours: 09:00–17:00 (Irregular holidays).

* Admission: Free entry. Buggy rides JPY 500 (1-person) / JPY 800 (2-person); Carts JPY 2,000 per vehicle.

* Parking: Free parking available.

Farm Tomita

Farm Tomita in Nakafurano is widely regarded as Japan's premier lavender farm. When the lavender blooms in July, fields across the property are carpeted in deep purple, attracting visitors from across the world. The surge in visitors is so significant that JR operates a temporary seasonal station, "Lavender-Batake Station," nearby.

In addition to outdoors lavender fields, Farm Tomita features greenhouses, seasonal flower displays, shops selling lavender essential oils and cosmetics, and stalls serving iconic lavender soft-serve ice cream.

* Address: Kisen Kita 15, Nakafurano-cho, Sorachi-gun, Hokkaido

* Access: 7-minute walk from JR Lavender-Batake Station (summer seasonal station) or 25-minute walk from JR Nakafurano Station.

* Opening Hours: Flower fields and parking open 24 hours. Facility hours vary by season.

* Admission: Free entry.

* Parking: Free parking available.

Roller Coaster Road

Town Road Nishi 11 in Kamifurano is nicknamed the "Roller Coaster Road" due to its straight 2.5-kilometre stretch featuring dramatic crests and dips. Driving or cycling along this undulating road offers thrilling views of surrounding farmland and the Tokachi mountain range. It is designated as one of the "Eight Views of Kamifurano."

* Address: Kamifurano-cho, Sorachi-gun, Hokkaido

Lake Mashu

Lake Mashu is a caldera lake renowned globally for its exceptional water clarity. The lake is often enveloped in dense fog during the summer, making clear viewings elusive. Because of this, winter is considered the optimal viewing season, offering crisp atmosphere, clear blue waters (known as "Mashu Blue"), and frost-covered trees lining the crater rim.

* Address: Mashuko, Teshikaga-cho, Kawakami-gun, Hokkaido

* Access: 20-minute taxi ride from JR Mashu Station on the JR Senmo Main Line.

* Parking: JPY 500 per entry (free during winter). The ticket also allows same-day access to the Mount Iwo parking area.

Daisetsuzan Asahidake Ropeway

Operating from the base station at Asahidake Onsen to Sugatami Station at the 5th station of Mount Asahi—Hokkaido's tallest peak—this ropeway carries up to 100 passengers per cabin on a 10-minute aerial ride. Passengers enjoy panoramic views of surrounding alpine landscapes, featuring lush greenery in summer, brilliant autumn leaves, and dramatic snowscapes during winter.

* Address: Asahidake Onsen, Higashikawa-cho, Kamikawa-gun, Hokkaido

Kaminoko Pond

Kaminoko Pond ("Pond of the Child of the Gods") is a small, clear pond fed by clear underground water from Lake Mashu. Measuring 220 metres in perimeter and 5 metres in depth, the water maintains a year-round temperature of around 8°C. This low temperature prevents fallen trees at the bottom from decaying, preserving them like underwater fossils visible through the transparent, turquoise water.

* Address: Kiyozumi, Kiyosato-cho, Shari-gun, Hokkaido

* Access: Approx. 20-minute drive from JR Midori Station.

* Opening Hours: Accessible from late April to late November (forest road closed during winter).

* Parking: Free parking available.

Lake Toya

With a circumference of 43 kilometres, Lake Toya is Japan's third-largest caldera lake. The lakefront serves as a primary resort hub with hot spring hotels lining the shore. In May, cherry blossoms and plum trees bloom around the lake, while excursion boats operate regularly to Nakajima, an island located in the centre of the lake.

* Address: Toyako-cho, Abuta-gun, Hokkaido

Shiretoko Goko Lakes

Set within Shiretoko National Park—a UNESCO World Heritage Site—the Shiretoko Goko Lakes consist of five small, tranquil lakes surrounded by virgin forest and the Shiretoko Mountain Range. Fed by natural springs rather than incoming rivers, these lakes are home to rich wildlife; brown bear claw marks and woodpecker holes can frequently be spotted nearby.

* Address: Inside Shiretoko National Park, Shari-cho, Shari-gun, Hokkaido

* Access: 1-hour 25-minute bus ride on the Shari Bus from JR Shiretoko-Shari Station.

* Opening Hours: Open early May to early November (varies by season).

* Admission: Lecture fee JPY 250. Ground pathway usage fee JPY 250 (plant protection period) or approx. JPY 5,000 for guided tours during peak brown bear activity (10 May to 31 July).

* Parking: JPY 500 for passenger cars.

Oshinkoshin Falls

Located along Route 334 on the Shiretoko Peninsula, Oshinkoshin Falls is selected as one of "Japan's Top 100 Waterfalls." Because the stream splits into two distinct cascades midway down, it is also known as the "Twin Beauty Waterfall." Measuring 30 metres wide with an 80-metre drop, a walking trail leads to an observation deck overlooking the falls.

* Address: Utoro Nishi, Shari-cho, Shari-gun, Hokkaido

Lake Shikotsu

Formed by volcanic activity approximately 40,000 years ago, Lake Shikotsu is Japan's northernmost ice-free lake. Famous for its clear water, the sunlight creates a distinct blue shine known as "Shikotsu Blue." The lakefront features hot spring inns, campsites, and the Lake Shikotsu Visitor Centre.

* Address: Shikotsukoonsen, Chitose-shi, Hokkaido

Hokuryu Sunflower Village

Covering 23 hectares, Hokuryu Sunflower Village is Japan's largest sunflower field, boasting over 2 million sunflowers. During the annual Sunflower Festival (mid-July to late August), the site welcomes around 200,000 visitors. Peak bloom occurs in early August, featuring 24 sunflower varieties, a massive sunflower maze, and a visitor centre with food stalls.

* Address: 143-2 Itaya, Hokuryu-cho, Uryu-gun, Hokkaido

* Access: Approx. 2 hours 25 minutes by car from JR Sapporo Station.

* Admission: Free entry.

* Parking: Free parking available.

Cape Kamui

Cape Kamui projects into the Sea of Japan from the Shakotan Peninsula. Rising 80 metres above sea level, a 20-minute walk along the "Charenka Path" trail leads to the tip of the cape, offering a 300-degree panoramic view over the vivid "Shakotan Blue" ocean.

* Address: Kamui-cho, Shakotan-cho, Shakotan-gun, Hokkaido

* Access: Approx. 1 hour drive from Yoichi Interchange.

* Opening Hours: 08:00–17:30 (hours vary seasonally; closed in extreme weather).

* Admission: Free entry.

* Parking: Free parking available.

Taushubetsu River Bridge

Located at Lake Nukabira, this concrete arch bridge was built for the former National Railway Shihoro Line. Because the bridge submerges and reappears depending on the water level of the reservoir, it is known as the "Phantom Bridge" and is designated as a Hokkaido Heritage site.

* Address: Nukabira Gensenkyo, Kamishihoro-cho, Kato-gun, Hokkaido

Kushiro Marsh

Kushiro Marsh is Japan's largest wetland ecosystem, preserving a landscape that has remained largely unchanged for 6,000 years. Observation decks surrounding the marsh offer sweeping views across the wetlands toward the Akan mountain range.

* Address: Hirosato, Yasuhara, and Hokuto, Kushiro-shi, Hokkaido

* Access: 35 minutes by Akan Bus from JR Kushiro Station to Kushiro City Marsh Observatory.

* Parking: Free parking available (120 spaces).

Sounkyo Gorge

Sounkyo Gorge features 25 kilometres of dramatic, columnar-jointed cliffs along the Ishikari River. The area is home to Sounkyo Onsen, as well as famous cascades such as Ginga Waterfall. Visitors can take the Mount Kurodake Ropeway from the hot spring village to access higher alpine vistas.

* Address: Sounkyo, Kamikawa-cho, Kamikawa-gun, Hokkaido

* Access: 30-minute bus ride on the Dohoku Bus from JR Kamikawa Station.

* Parking: Free parking available (250 spaces).

Cape Chikyu (Earth Cape)

Cape Chikyu features 100-metre-high sheer cliffs overlooking the Pacific Ocean. On clear days, the Chikyu Misaki Lighthouse offers panoramic horizon views where the curvature of the Earth is visibly noticeable. It is listed among the "Top 100 Sightseeing Spots of New Japan."

* Address: 4-77 Bokoi Minamimachi, Muroran-shi, Hokkaido

Moerenuma Park

Designed by sculptor Isamu Noguchi, Moerenuma Park treats the entire 189-hectare grounds as a single sculpture. Key landmarks include the iconic Glass Pyramid and Mount Moere, a man-made mountain built from non-recyclable waste and soil that offers sledding and skiing in winter.

* Address: 1-1 Moerenumakoen, Higashi-ku, Sapporo-shi, Hokkaido

* Access: 20-minute bus ride from Kanjojo-higashi Subway Station, then a 10-minute walk from Moerenuma Koen Higashiguchi bus stop.

* Admission: Free entry.

* Parking: Free parking available (1,500 spaces in summer; 100 in winter).

Northern Horse Park

Located just 15 minutes from New Chitose Airport, Northern Horse Park is an equestrian theme park offering horse riding, pony shows, cycling, and outdoor activities set within a 10,000-tsubo botanical garden.

* Address: 114-7 Misawa, Tomakomai-shi, Hokkaido

* Access: 15-minute free shuttle bus from New Chitose Airport.

* Opening Hours: 09:00–17:00 (10:00–16:00 from 6 November to 15 April).

Practical Tips

* Navigating Central Hokkaido: Many scenic spots in Biei and Furano (such as Mild Seven Hill and Roller Coaster Road) are spread across rural farmland. Renting a car at Asahikawa Airport or Sapporo provides the greatest flexibility.

* Respecting Private Farmland: When photographing famous trees or hills in Biei, strictly stay on paved public roads. Never step into active crop fields.

* Seasonal Timing: Lavender peaks in mid-to-late July at Farm Tomita, while sunflowers at Hokuryu peak in early August. Winter lighting at Biei Blue Pond runs from November through April.

Source

https://tabiiro.jp/kankou/article/kanko-hokkaidoshizen