Sapporo to Biei Nature Route: Scenic Rolling Hills & Blue Waters
Trip Details
- OriginSapporo
- DestinationBiei
- Travel Time2 to 2.5 hours by train
- Recommended Stay1 to 2 days
- Best Transport ModeLimited Express Lilac + Furano Line
- Cheapest ModeHighway Bus (with transfer at Asahikawa)
- Day Trip PossibleYes (Highly Recommended)
Travel Recommendation
Take the JR Limited Express Lilac or Kamui from Sapporo to Asahikawa, then transfer to the local JR Furano Line to Biei Station. The JR Pass covers both legs. Biei's rolling patchwork hills and the Blue Pond are best explored by rental bicycle from the station — ask at the tourist information desk at Biei Station.
📍 Destination Highlights
- Shirogane Blue Pond
- Patchwork Road
- Shikisai-no-Oka
- Shirahige Waterfall
Transport Options Breakdown
| Transport Mode | Estimated Cost | Transfer Point |
|---|---|---|
| Ltd Exp Lilac + Furano Line | approx h m | ¥5,070 - ¥6,320 |
| Highway Bus | approx h m | ¥2,700 - ¥4,126 |
| Rental Car | approx h | Varies + ¥4,000 tolls |
Ltd Exp Lilac + Furano Line
Asahikawa Station
Highway Bus
Asahikawa Station
Rental Car
Direct via Expressway
🚀 Getting There Guide
- The most efficient way to reach Biei from Sapporo is by taking the **JR Limited Express Lilac or Kamui** from Sapporo Station to Asahikawa Station (approx.
- 90 minutes).
- At Asahikawa, transfer to the **JR Furano Line**, a local scenic train that reaches Biei Station in about 35 to 40 minutes.
- For those on a budget, the **Highway Asahikawa-go** bus departs Sapporo Station for Asahikawa, where you can then catch a local bus or train to Biei.
↩️ Return Journey Guide
- Return to Sapporo by catching the southbound JR Furano Line from Biei Station back to Asahikawa.
- From Asahikawa, Limited Express trains depart frequently for Sapporo until late evening.
- If you are driving, the return journey follows the Doo Expressway from Asahikawa-Takasu IC back to Sapporo IC, taking roughly 2 to 2.5 hours depending on traffic.
🚌 Local Loop Transport Guide
- Biei is famous for its rural landscapes, which are best explored by **rental car** or **electric bicycle** (available near Biei Station) due to the hilly terrain.
- During the summer, seasonal **sightseeing buses** operate from Biei Station to major attractions like the Blue Pond and Shikisai-no-Oka.
- Walking between main sights is generally not recommended as they are several kilometers apart.
Suggested Day Trip Itinerary
Start your day by taking an early train to Biei.
Spend your morning exploring the **Patchwork Road** area, visiting iconic spots like the Seven Stars Tree.
After a local lunch, head to **Panoramic Flower Gardens Shikisai-no-Oka** to see the vibrant striped flower fields.
In the mid-afternoon, take a 20-minute bus ride or drive to the **Shirogane Blue Pond** and the nearby **Shirahige Waterfall**.
Wrap up your trip with a stop at **Zerubu Hill** before catching your evening train back to Sapporo.
Must-Visit Attractions in Biei
Shirogane Blue Pond
A manmade pond famous for its striking cobalt blue color and withered larch trees standing in the water.
Patchwork Road
A scenic area north of the town center featuring rolling hills and fields that resemble a colorful quilt.
Shikisai-no-Oka
A massive flower garden with rainbow-colored rows of blooms that can be explored via tractor-bus.
Shirahige Waterfall
Known as the 'White Beard Waterfall,' this stunning cascade flows into a blue river basin in the Shirogane Onsen area.
Which Option is Best For You?
🥇 First-Time Visitors
Taking the Limited Express train provides a comfortable and reliable introduction to Hokkaido's central region.
📸 Photographers
The Patchwork Road and Panorama Road offer endless 'only-in-Biei' landscape shots, especially at sunset.
👨👩👧👦 Families & Strollers
Zerubu Hill is excellent for families as it offers ATV and cart rentals to tour the flower fields without long walks.
🌲 Nature Lovers
The Shirogane Blue Pond and Shirahige Waterfall provide a serene experience focused on Hokkaido's unique natural features.
Popular Experiences in Biei
Top-rated tours & activities — book directly with confidence
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Biei accessible by the JR Pass?
Yes, both the Limited Express trains ].
Can I visit Biei as a day trip from Sapporo?
Yes, it is a popular day trip. The total travel time is about 4.5 to 5 hours round-trip, leaving plenty of time for sightseeing.
When is the best time to see the flowers?
The peak season for flower fields is from late July to August, though different varieties bloom from May through October.