Be my Biei! Traveling around Asahikawa, Biei and Furano in Hokkaido

I decided to travel around Biei, a small town far away from Sapporo popular for its picturesque landscape of gently rolling hills and vast fields. There are few tourist spots popular in Biei that include Blue pond in Shirogane, Patchwork road and Panorama road and few farms. I decided to spend one night as it's more than enough to cover the main attractions.

How to reach Asahikawa and Biei

Asahikawa can be reached by bus or train but I decided to take a bus as its more comfortable and affordable. The return bus ticket cost around 4350yen and can be purchased from Sapporo Station. The journey takes about 2 hours to reach Asahikawa station.

From Asahikawa to Shirogane blue pond I took another bus which takes about less than one hour. The one way ticket costs around 1100 yen. To return to Biei station from Shirogane Blue pond took another bus which cost less than 650yen. The buses run these areas very limited and always need to check time tables to reach the destination.

From Biei or Bibaushi station to Asahikawa I took a train which cost around 750yen one way. The train is not frequently running and needs to check time tables before planning your trip.

As these areas are very rural and have limited transportation it's very difficult to reach the destination and have to allocate extra time for waiting.

For more details check Biei tourism site.

Where to stay in Asahikawa

I stayed at 9C hotel Asahikawa. The place is very close to the bus station and highly recommended for any solo travelers. The staff is also very friendly and helpful. I stayed in a bunk bed room for two people but if you are solo traveler this room is all yours. There are sharing bathrooms and rest area. My favorite part is the lounge area where you can sit and relax while watching Netflix.

Things to do in Biei

Shirogane blue pond

The Blue pond is a manmade pond feature in Biei Hokkaido built for the purpose of an erosion system. The blue color is created because of natural minerals dissolved in the water. During the fall season tinted red trees in the surrounding create a stark contrast to the blue pond.

Patchwork road

One of the interesting and relaxing activities I can recommend for any traveler is cycling around ''Panorama road'' or ''Patch work road''. From Biei station the ''Patchwork road'' route takes 2 hours to complete where ''Panorama road'' takes 3 hours to cycle. The tourist information center will provide all the information including maps and contact details if lost. There are few rules to follow when cycling around the area such as cycling on the left side of the road and not entering farm land areas or private properties.

I decided to cycle Patchwork road from Biei station. I rented an electric bicycle from a cycle rental shop nearby and per hour the bicycle rental cost 600yen. Highly recommended to have electric cycles as it's easy to cycle around hill areas. The route is easily marked on the sides of the road and easy to follow. I decide to cycling as following route

Biei Station>Ken and Mary tree>Parent and Child>Seven star trees>Hokusei no Oka view park>Biei Station

Panorama road

Next I decided to go to Shikisai no Oka flower garden hoping to see a beautiful flower garden. As I do not have much time to cycle around the Panorama road which includes the Shikisai no Oka garden in the route. I took the train from Biei station to Bibaushi station which cost 300 yen and I had to walk 30 minutes to the garden. There is only one bicycle rental shop available at the Bibaushi station and it was closed unfortunately.

I enjoy the walk between the station and garden rather than the flower garden. The time I went was not many flowers and already the season has passed. It was unfortunate however the scenery from the flower garden is beautiful as mountains were covered with snow around the area. There is no entrance fee to the garden however 300 yen donation is preferable.

After traveling around the Biei area I took the return train from Bibaushi station to Asahikawa station. There are few places to explore in the neighbouring city Furano. There are so many activities to do Furano such as Cheese factory visits, Wine factory visits and fruit picking etc. The activities depend on the season you come to explore the area. I wish I could stay longer in this beautiful countryside so I can enjoy the activities more. I Hope to come next summer If I can stay longer in Japan.