Biei and Furano driving guide: Blue Pond, flower fields and winter roads

The Biei and Furano area lies south of Asahikawa in central Hokkaido, spanning Biei, Kamifurano, Nakafurano, Furano and Minamifurano. Viewpoint parks and named trees dot Biei's farmland. To the east, Shirogane Onsen and the Blue Pond sit at the foot of Mount Tokachi. National Route 237 leads south to Farm Tomita's lavender fields and Furano town.

This guide follows a day drive from Biei Station through the hills, the Blue Pond and Bogakudai to Furano, with roads and stops listed along the way.

Map of the Biei and Furano area

The line follows the route under “A first day from Biei's hills through the Blue Pond to Furano” below. Numbers mark the stops: green for scenic stops, blue for roadside stations. Tap a number to see its name.

Recommended drives

A first day from Biei's hills through the Blue Pond to Furano

Start at Biei Oka no Kura roadside station, then visit Hokusei no Oka Observatory Park, the Ken and Mary Tree and the Seven Stars Tree. Head south to Shinei no Oka, Sanai no Oka and Shikisai no Oka. Take Prefectural Route 966 up to Shirogane, passing Biei Shirogane Birke roadside station on the way to the Blue Pond, Shirahige Waterfall and Tokachidake Bogakudai. Return from Bogakudai to Shirogane, then drive through Kamifurano to Farm Tomita and Furano Marche.

The route is about 97km, with about 2 hours 5 minutes of driving. Distance and time are calculated from map data and exclude congestion.

Beyond Bogakudai, the Tokachidake Skyline is closed for winter from 19 October to 23 April 2027. You cannot drive through from Shirogane to Tokachidake Onsen or Fukiage, so retrace your route before heading to Kamifurano. Bogakudai itself is accessible until 30 November.

View Biei's hills from the road

The fields belong to farmers. Do not enter them, even when they are covered in snow. Stay on paved roads and avoid gravel tracks and farm roads. View and photograph the scenery from the road, without parking for long periods on the carriageway or shoulder.

Convenience stores and ATMs are only around Biei Station, so use the toilets and buy drinks before setting off.

Visit the Blue Pond in the morning

The Blue Pond is busiest between 13:00 and 15:00 on sunny days. The car park has 220 car spaces and costs ¥1,000. Right turns into the entrance are prohibited. Turn off Prefectural Route 966 at the junction near Kaiku Kiln, then enter with a left turn from the municipal Bibogahara–Birke road.

From 22 October to 21 April 2027, the pond is illuminated until 21:00. In October and November, the lights come on at 17:00. Illumination may be cancelled in bad weather.

Roads you can drive

Mount Tokachi has been at volcanic alert level 2, restricting access around the crater, since 16 October. Large volcanic rocks pose a risk within roughly 1.5km of crater 62-2. Shirogane Onsen and Tokachidake Onsen are outside the restricted area and operating normally.

Places to stop

Scenic stops

The numbers match the map.

Fukiage Open-Air Bath has been closed since 12 September. Winter road closures block the approach from Biei; the route from Kamifurano uses Prefectural Route 291.

Roadside stations

Best seasons and crowds

Sunset in Sapporo is at 16:29 on 31 October and 16:11 on 15 November.

Busy places and times

• The Blue Pond is busiest from 13:00 to 15:00 on sunny days.
• Biei's hill roads can fill with tour buses, cars and pedestrians on weekends, public holidays, Obon and long holiday weekends. Hokusei no Oka's car park can fill during Golden Week and on July–August weekends.
• Biei Town publishes three-level congestion information for the Blue Pond, Shirogane Birke, Bogakudai and other places.

Road closures and restrictions as of 26 October

• The Tokachidake Skyline, the section of Prefectural Route 966 between Bogakudai and Fukiage Onsen Hakuginso, is closed for winter from 19 October until 11:00 on 23 April 2027.
• Prefectural Route 966 between Shirogane Onsen and Bogakudai closes from 11:00 on 1 December.
• Mount Tokachi is at volcanic alert level 2. Shirogane Onsen and Tokachidake Onsen are outside the restricted area.
• Fukiage Open-Air Bath has been closed since 12 September. Fukiage Onsen Hakuginso is scheduled to reopen on 1 November.
• In Minamifurano and Shimukappu, Prefectural Route 136, the Yubari–Shintoku Line, closes for winter from 30 October, and Route 1030, the Sekisho Kogen–Ikutora Line, from 14 October. Route 544 between Nunobe and Yamabe in Furano also closes from 30 October.

Getting there and fuel

Many petrol stations outside Hokkaido's towns open only during the day. If driving at night or early in the morning, fill up beforehand in Asahikawa, Biei or Furano. EV charging is available at Oka no Kura, Shirogane Birke and Minamifurano roadside stations.

In winter, dark-looking road surfaces can be icy, and snow can arrive suddenly in the mountains. Fit winter tyres early and carry chains, a shovel and jump leads.

If you don't have a car

Before booking a rental, read the guides to driving permits for Japan and airport car rental pickup. For a winter trip, also check the guide to winter road closures.

Frequently asked questions

Where should I go for a one-day drive around Biei and Furano?

From Biei Station, visit Hokusei no Oka, the Ken and Mary Tree and Shikisai no Oka, followed by the Blue Pond and Bogakudai. Continue through Kamifurano to Farm Tomita and Furano Marche. The route is about 97km, with about 2 hours 5 minutes of driving.

How much does parking at the Blue Pond cost?

Parking costs ¥1,000 per car, with 220 spaces. From 23 October through April, the car park opens 8:00–21:30.

Can I drive through from Shirogane Onsen to Tokachidake Onsen?

No. The Tokachidake Skyline is closed for winter from 19 October to 23 April 2027. Reach Tokachidake Onsen from Kamifurano via Prefectural Route 291.

Can I walk up to the trees in Biei's hills?

Do not enter the fields: they belong to farmers. View and photograph the scenery from the road, without parking on the shoulder for long periods.

Can I drive here in winter?

Winter tyres are necessary. The Shirogane Onsen–Bogakudai road closes from 1 December, and many viewpoint parks close during the snowy season.

Nearby areas and guides

• Hokkaido driving and travel guide