This Summer, Take a One-Day Self-Drive Trip from Sapporo to Furano & Biei

Experience the charm of Hokkaido’s summer through vibrant lavender fields and picturesque countryside scenery.
Hokkaido is often associated with snow-covered landscapes, but its summer offers a completely different allure. From mid-July to early August, the lavender fields are in full bloom, filling the air with a gentle fragrance. Set against a backdrop of layered mountain ranges and endless purple fields, we decided to plan a “one-day full trip” by renting a car and driving round-trip from Sapporo to the rural towns of Furano and Biei—both surrounded by untouched natural beauty.

Preparing for the Journey

For this trip, we rented a car from Nissan Rent-a-Car, departing at 7:30 AM from Sapporo to visit dreamy lavender fields in Furano and the romantic rural scenery of Biei. We returned the car by 7:00 PM.

We chose the Nissan Rent-a-Car branch near Sapporo Station, picking up the car at 7:30 AM for an early departure. Driving in Japan is easier than expected—roads are well-maintained, signs are clear, and with the ETC card system, you can pass through expressway toll gates quickly without stopping. Be sure to request an ETC card when renting the car.

Important Notes for Renting a Car in Japan

If you’re from Taiwan and want to rent a car in Japan, you must prepare the following three documents: your Taiwanese passport, your Taiwanese driver’s license, and a Japanese translation of your driver’s license. You do not need to apply for an international driving permit—please keep this in mind!

There are a few important points to note regarding these three documents:

• Validity Period: Both your passport and driver’s license must be valid for more than six months.
• License Category (on the Japanese translation): Your Taiwanese license will be classified into one of the following categories: “Ordinary Small Vehicle,” “Ordinary Motorcycle (50–249cc),” or “Large Motorcycle (250cc and above).”
  If you plan to drive a car and ride a motorcycle in Japan, you’ll need both corresponding licenses and a Japanese translation for each.

Hokkaido Summer Weather

Temperatures in summer range from 22–27°C during the day, with cooler evenings around 15–18°C. It’s sunny but not humid, unlike many other parts of Japan. Perfect for outdoor adventures!

Recommended clothing:

• A light long-sleeve shirt or jacket for chilly mornings
• Long pants or skirts to protect against sun and wind
• Sunglasses, hats, and comfortable walking shoes
• A small umbrella or light raincoat in the car is also a good idea

Hokkaido’s summer is refreshing and comfortable—nothing like the hot, humid cities of Japan. July and August are the peak season for flowers and scenic views.

Rest Stops on the Way

Driving from Sapporo to Furano takes about 2.5 hours via the Doō Expressway. Recommended rest stops include:

• Sunagawa Service Area – Large stop with souvenirs, clean restrooms, and cafés
• Mikasa PA – Scenic view of the mountains and a quiet atmosphere for a quick break

Furano: The Land of Lavender

Time: 9:45 AM – 11:30 AM
After about two hours, we arrived at Farm Tomita, the highlight of our trip. The first view was a stunning lavender field with the Tokachi mountain range in the background. What makes this farm unique is the colorful horizontal flower fields, resembling a giant natural carpet stretching across the landscape.

Don’t miss these at Farm Tomita:

• Sakiwai Field – Deep lavender hues and a high vantage point
• Traditional Lavender Field – Original fields dating back to the early days
• Hanabito House – Souvenirs, lavender perfumes, and herbal teas
• Lavender Soft Cream – A pale purple ice cream with a delicate floral taste
• Lavender Latte – A fragrant mix of flowers and fresh milk

Furano started growing lavender in the 1950s for essential oils, but by the 1980s, Farm Tomita gained fame, turning the town into one of Hokkaido’s most popular summer destinations.

Recommended time: 1.5 hours

Biei: The Living Countryside

Time: 11:30 AM – 1:15 PM
A 45-minute drive from Farm Tomita takes you to Biei, with fields of potatoes, corn, and majestic mountain views. The peaceful rural roads and wooden houses invite you to stop and take photos—Mild Seven Hills is a must-visit photo spot.

Biei is all about serenity. With small wooden houses, wide skies, and narrow quiet roads, the beauty lies in its peaceful simplicity.

Recommended time: 1 hour (including photo stops)

Ningle Terrace – A Log Cabin Village in a Forest

Recommended time: 1:15 PM – 2:30 PM
About a 30-minute drive from Biei, Ningle Terrace is a small wooden village nestled in a pine forest. It’s a charming collection of craft shops selling handmade cards, candles, and Japanese paper. In the late afternoon, sunlight filters through the trees, making it feel warm and romantic.

Although small, it’s great for strolling and photos. There’s also a cozy café inside if you want a light snack or drink.

Recommended time: 45 minutes

Blue Pond (Aoi Ike)

Recommended time: 2:30 PM – 3:45 PM
About 20 minutes from Patchwork Road lies Blue Pond, one of Biei’s top attractions. Its unique blue-green color is caused by natural aluminum minerals in the water. Dead tree trunks standing in the water add a mysterious charm. You can walk around the pond easily on a flat path—no hiking required.

Nearby is Shirogane Onsen, which has clean restrooms and a small café for a short break before heading back.

Recommended time: 45 minutes

Wrapping Up the Trip: Driving Back to Sapporo

We recommend leaving Biei by 4:30–5:00 PM, so you can refuel and return the car by 7:00 PM. You can stop at the same rest areas or grab a light dinner before arriving in the city.

Driving Tips in Japan

• Drive on the left side, with the steering wheel on the right
• You must wait for a green arrow to turn right at intersections
• No mobile phone use while driving, and seatbelts are mandatory for all passengers
• Drive slowly in towns and give way to pedestrians
• Expressway speed limit: 80–100 km/h

If you’re looking for a short trip full of scenic views, peaceful countryside, and the freedom to stop anytime you want, a self-drive trip to Furano–Biei is a perfect choice. It offers so much more than just the destination—you’ll fall in love with the beautiful journey along the way.