Located in central Hokkaido, Furano and Biei are among Japan’s most picturesque driving destinations—renowned for their sweeping, postcard-perfect landscapes. While each season offers a different charm, the months from early summer to autumn are especially breathtaking. During this period, gentle hills are adorned with lavender fields, sunflowers, and golden wheat, creating a vibrant natural tapestry that captivates every traveler.
Due to limited public transportation in this region, a rental car offers the greatest freedom and intimacy with the scenery—making it the ideal way to experience the area’s full beauty.
Travelers from Tokyo typically fly to either New Chitose Airport or Asahikawa Airport. From New Chitose, it takes about 2.5 hours to reach Furano by car; from Asahikawa, it’s just around one hour. Those with a more relaxed schedule may opt for a scenic route starting from Chitose, passing through Sapporo, Biei, and then Furano—an unforgettable journey that truly conveys the scale of Hokkaido.
On Day 1, as you make your way toward your accommodation in Furano, be sure to stop by local farm stands and scenic viewpoints. In summer, you’ll find fruit-picking farms and artisan gelato shops, where you can enjoy fresh produce and locally sourced lunches. In the heart of Furano, restaurants serve regional specialties, and at sunset, you can dine while gazing at the glowing mountain ridges—an iconic Hokkaido experience.
On Day 2, begin your adventure in the southern hills of Furano. As you drive through vast lavender fields and explore photography spots favored by enthusiasts, you’ll discover scenic lookouts where patchwork-like farmland stretches to the horizon, ever-changing with the seasons. From there, a drive northward toward Biei is a natural next step. In the “Patchwork Road” area, the rolling hills evoke the feel of a European countryside, offering an unforgettable sense of peace and wonder.
While Biei is known for its iconic “lone trees” and scenic hills often featured in guidebooks, the true charm of the region lies in its lesser-known, unmarked spots. The depth of this area reveals itself in the subtle changes of light and sky throughout the day—where the same location can look entirely different depending on the hour. In the afternoon, it’s lovely to take a break at a local café and enjoy desserts made with fresh milk and cheese from nearby farms. As evening approaches, you may choose to stay overnight in Biei or return to Furano to conclude Day 2.
On Day 3, consider a mountain drive to the Tokachidake Onsen area. As the altitude rises, the scenery transitions from dense forests to alpine terrain. Along the way, lookout points offer sweeping views of the plains below and the majestic Daisetsuzan mountain range in the distance. A soak in a hot spring with such panoramic views is one of the most luxurious moments of the trip. After descending the mountain, you can return to town for a relaxing dinner and reflect on the day’s journey.
Day 4 centers on your return to the airport, but if time allows, make a few last stops at roadside stations or local museums along the way. Handcrafted goods and seasonal food items make for perfect souvenirs—small reminders of Hokkaido’s beauty to take home. The final drive, filled with reflections of the scenery you’ve encountered, becomes a gentle and fitting close to the trip.
The true charm of Furano and Biei lies not in heavily curated tourist spots, but in the authentic beauty of everyday life blending seamlessly into the landscape. Even without large-scale attractions, you’ll often find breathtaking scenes just around an unassuming curve in the road. These unexpected discoveries are the essence of a scenic drive—and one of the best reasons to visit this area.
Simply cruising along paved country roads, you’ll feel time slow down, enveloped in a tranquility that feels far removed from the rush of daily life. And just a few hours from Tokyo, this journey offers not just beautiful scenery, but a sense of peaceful reset—like stepping into an entirely different world.