Hokkaido is one of the most popular attractions in Japan. I’m sure you know about the Sapporo Snow Festival, which takes place every February at this park that I’m currently showing on screen, but did you know that there are other attractions that we visited on not one, but two countryside tours? Let’s hop on.
Touring system and overview
We booked this tour on Klook, a popular app for tour reservations. All tours originating fron Sapporo depart from the bus terminal of Sapporo Station, located at the north exit of it.
This was operated by local tour company Wonder Tours. For the first tour, we had a nice lady named Jenny, and for the second, we had a nice man named Sunny. Both of them guided us from the morning until dusk. It is a usual protocol for guides registered within the Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) to contact their tourists on WhatsApp for initial instructions and, if applicable, some post-tour suggestions.
During the first leg of this trip, Jenny said that we traveled during what is Hokkaido’s “silent, quiet” season; the peak travel seasons are in winter for the snow festival, as well as during the summer, when the locals go on vacation and tourists flock to blooming flowers in Biei. Moreover, the cold temperature in Hokkaido is normal due to its higher geographical location; it gets even colder during the northern winter season from December to February, with temperatures reaching as low as –6.2 degrees Celsius in February.
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| Tokachidake Mountain Range |
At quarter to eleven, we slowed down along Patchwork Road, a “roller coaster” road famous for its panoramic views of the Tokachidake Mountain Range. We failed to stop, however, because of a wedding photoshoot.
Shikisai-no-Oka, Biei
We alighted at our first stop in the town of Biei, where we were met with a spectacular panorama of lavender and tulip flowers on rolling hills. Aside from selfies, I also took this opportunity to test my extendable tripod, which can also be extended to a selfie stick, for far shots of the flowers. Additionally, you can also see the volcanic mountain range from this garden.
Entrance fee is 500 yen for regular tourists, with an additional 500 yen if you want to try riding on the tractor to see more of the park. There is also an ice cream shop there if you want some refreshments. Make sure, however, to not litter when you consume desserts.
Blue Pond, Biei
While on the way to the next stop, Jenny quizzed us if this pond was natural or man-made. This is, actually, a man-made pond feature which was carried out after Mount Tokachi erupted in 1988. This was made to protect the town of Biei from volcanic mudflows or lahar in short. result of works on the Biei River, carried out after the 1988 eruption of Mount Tokachi, to protect the town of Biei from volcanic mudflows. The blue color is thought to result from the accidental presence of colloidal aluminum hydroxide in the water.
Shirahige Falls, Biei
Situated 600 meters above sea level, Shirahige Falls is one of the town’s iconic natural attractions. Unlike most waterfalls, this one is unique: water seeps from underground and flows from the cliffside. Rock formations were formed here around 200,000 years ago by lava flows from a volcanic eruption.
Farm Tomita, Nakafurano
Following a lunch break, we headed to our last stop of the first tour: Farm Tomita in Furano. Cultivation here began in 1903, but lavender cultivation did not start until 1958. Since then, has been renowned for tourists. More than just lavender, the Tomita family also owns adjacent land beside Farm Tomita: the Tomita Melon House. An ownership feud between the Tomita brothers resulted in a long dispute. A fence in the middle of the farms stands as a reminder of the brothers’ dramatic land dispute. Here’s one weird rule here: you can’t bring food bought from the melon farm to the lavender farm.
There are two specialized farms: a melon farm, and a lavender farm. A feud between the Tomita brothers to compete for the ownership of the land resulted in a long legal dispute which was eventually ruled in favor of the original ownership titles. Since then, bringing of food bought in those farms cannot be brought to the other; a fence in the middle of the farms stands as a reminder of the brothers’ dramatic land dispute.
After that, we drove back to Sapporo in just less than two hours. I would also take this opportunity to give Jenny, our tour guide, a huge thank you and a special shoutout!
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| Here’s my picture with our nice tour guide, Jenny, at Farm Tomita. |
Cape Kamui, Shakotan
You may think that this is the end, but not yet! The day after that, we embarked on yet another tour. Despite the gloomy weather, we traveled 2.5 hours down the road to Cape Kamui in the town of Shakotan, located west of Sapporo.
There’s a legend behind this: Charenka, an Ainu chieftain’s daughter, fell in love with a warrior, and when her lover left without saying goodbye, she chased him in this 770-meter walking trail and then threw herself to the shores. According to the same legend, Kamui Rock is the result of her transformation brought about by her sorrow. This path was historically forbidden for women, as a result. At the end of it, you would see that rock and a lighthouse.
High, strong winds took unfortunate turns for us; we decided to call off our trail and return to our small bus in fears for our personal safety (and, due to time limitations).
Otaru
Otaru is a small, historic coastal city located half an hour away from Sapporo by train. Known for its glassworks, music boxes and sake distilleries, the name is of Ainu origin, which possibly means “River running through the sandy beach”.
Our bus stopped in front of a lavender store, and we were given 2.5 hours to explore the city. After looking for restaurants (with most of them serving seafood, due to the town’s seaside location), we ate katsudon at a restaurant. We then explored the main city under cold temperatures. The main point of interest is the Otaru Canal, lined with museums, shops, and restaurants at historic buildings.
My mom and I took turns taking pictures at a cherry blossom (Sakura) tree, as well as the canal bridge. Although there are boat rides along the canal, it was not covered by this tour. We tried to visit the museum but backed out due to its high fees.
Soon after, we headed back to Sapporo after visiting another stop within the city's limits.
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