Northern Hokkaido

Lavender fields, rolling hills and the far north: Furano, Biei, Asahikawa and Wakkanai.

Furano · Biei · Asahikawa · Wakkanai

At a glance

Best season: July for lavender, February for snow and diamond dust
From New Chitose Airport: About 2.5 hrs to Furano/Biei (approx.); Wakkanai is a long full-day drive, usually flown or split over two days
Suggested stay: 2–3 nights for Furano/Biei
Good for: Scenery, photography, families, summer road trips

About the region

The scenic heartland. July lavender at Furano, Biei's patchwork hills and Blue Pond, Asahiyama Zoo, and Japan's northernmost cape at Wakkanai — the most photogenic drive in Hokkaido.

Northern Hokkaido is the Hokkaido of postcards: patchwork hills in Biei, the lavender season in Furano, Asahikawa's famous zoo and ramen and, much farther north, Wakkanai and the islands of Rishiri and Rebun. Most visitors focus on the Furano–Biei–Asahikawa triangle, which works well as a day trip or an overnight from Sapporo.

Places to go

Furano & Biei
The heart of the region: flower farms, wide valleys and quiet countryside drives. Furano is also a ski destination in winter, with its ski area around the New Furano Prince Hotel.
City guide
Farm Tomita and the lavender fields
Lavender peaks roughly from early to late July, varying from year to year.
Blue Pond and the Patchwork Road
Biei's milky-blue pond and the gentle farmland hills around it.
City guide
Asahikawa
Hokkaido's second city, home to Asahiyama Zoo and a distinctive local ramen.
City guide
Sounkyo Gorge
Cliffs and waterfalls at the edge of Daisetsuzan, with early autumn color.
Wakkanai, Cape Sōya, Rishiri and Rebun
Japan's northern tip and its island neighbors, for longer trips.
Tomamu
A resort area south of Furano, known for winter skiing and summer mountain views.

Season guide

Spring: Fresh green fields and fewer crowds.
Summer: Lavender and flower fields: the busiest and most colorful season.
Autumn: Early foliage in the Daisetsuzan area from September.
Winter: Powder skiing at Furano, snowy Biei hills and Asahikawa winter events.

Getting there & getting around

From New Chitose Airport: about 2.5 hours to Furano or Biei (approx.). From Sapporo: about 2–2.5 hours to Furano or Biei and about 2 hours to Asahikawa (approx.). Wakkanai is a long full-day drive, so most guests fly or split the journey over two days.

A private transfer or charter is the easiest way to see the region: one vehicle, your luggage stays on board, and the day follows your pace. Our drivers speak English and Japanese, and our team supports you in Chinese.

Airport transfer Private charter Day tours Car rental

Sample routes

1Sapporo → Furano → Biei → Sapporo as a one-day private tour (a long day, 8–10 hours).
2An overnight in Furano or Biei for early-morning light and fewer crowds.
3Asahiyama Zoo, Biei and Furano, staying in Asahikawa.

See all itineraries

Pricing guide

Private charter: From ¥65,000 / 10 hours
One-day Hokkaido tour: From ¥55,000 / 8–10 hours (depends on itinerary and date)
Airport transfer: From ¥25,000 (New Chitose → Sapporo city hotels)
Self-drive rental: From ¥6,000 / day