It hits you the moment you step off the train in Furano. The air smells faintly of lavender, and even in summer, there's a breeze cool enough to make you zip up your jacket. While the rest of the country bakes in July heat, Hokkaido feels like a secret—one filled with rolling hills, silent ponds, and slow afternoons.

If you're craving calm, color, and cooler days, this summer route through central Hokkaido blends natural beauty with quiet creativity. Here's how to explore the best of Furano, Biei, and Otaru in 4–5 days—with no stress and all the sensory magic.

Furano: Lavender, Ice Cream, and Purple Horizons

If you're visiting Hokkaido in July, Furano is non-negotiable. It's the lavender capital of Japan, and the town blooms in watercolor hues during peak season.

Must-see: Farm Tomita

• Best time: Early to mid-July (peak bloom)

• Entry: Free

• Getting there: 25 mins by local bus or taxi from Furano Station

What makes Farm Tomita special isn't just the endless rows of lavender—it's the way the colors are layered like a rainbow: purple, yellow, pink, green. Walk through the Traditional Lavender Field, then treat yourself to lavender soft serve (creamy, floral, unexpectedly good).

Pro tip: Visit before 10 a.m. to avoid tour bus groups and capture softer light for photos.

Where to eat: Local cafes near Nakafurano Station often serve set lunches featuring Hokkaido vegetables and dairy. Try vegetable curry or tomato risotto—fresh, filling, and plant-based friendly.

Biei: Blue Pond and Hilltop Roads

From Furano, head north to Biei—a tiny town that's all about big skies, undulating hills, and one particularly mesmerizing pool of turquoise.

Highlight: Blue Pond (Aoi Ike)

• Getting there: 20-minute drive or 40-minute local bus ride from Biei Station

• Entry: Free

• Best time: Morning, especially after rain for clearer water

This surreal pond gets its color from natural aluminum particles that reflect blue light. Birch trees rise from the still water, giving it an eerie, painterly look—like something from a dream.

Tip: There are no food stalls or convenience stores at the pond, so pack water and snacks if you're staying long.

Scenic ride: After the pond, rent an electric bike or drive the Patchwork Road and Panorama Road—two famous rural routes with epic views. Look for the Shikisai no Oka flower farm ($5 USD admission) with seasonal blooms across dozens of acres.

Optional detour: Mild Seven Hill, made famous by a 1970s commercial, offers one of the most photogenic tree-lined slopes in the region.

Otaru: Glass Streets and Canal Walks

After a few days in nature, shift gears and head west to the coast. From Biei, it's about 3.5–4 hours by JR train to Otaru, a nostalgic port town with cobbled lanes, glass workshops, and a charming canal.

Main draw: Otaru Canal

• Best time to visit: Late afternoon, when the buildings glow golden and lanterns start to flicker

• Activities: Stroll the promenade, take a canal cruise ($9 USD, 40 minutes), or sit on a bench and people-watch.

The warehouses lining the canal have been converted into cafes, boutiques, and galleries. Many still retain their original stone facades, giving the area a turn-of-the-century feel.

Don't miss: Sakaimachi Street

This is Otaru's glass and crafts street—lined with glassblowing studios, music box shops, and dessert stores. You can take a 30-minute glassblowing workshop at Kitaichi Glass (starts from ~$20 USD, reservations recommended).

What to eat: Instead of seafood-heavy fare, look for bakeries and cafes serving melon pan, Hokkaido corn soups, and handmade soba. The LeTAO main store is also here—famous for its light, fluffy cheesecake.

Getting Around: Train or Car?

JR Hokkaido Rail Pass (Flexible 5-Day)

• Cost: ~$185 USD

• Covers: All JR trains in Hokkaido, including express trains to Furano, Biei, and Otaru

• Pros: No need to navigate, scenic rail lines, good for solo travelers

• Cons: Limited access to rural spots like Blue Pond unless you use buses or taxis

Self-drive option

• Cost: ~$60–80 USD/day (plus gas and tolls)

• Pros: Maximum flexibility, easier access to remote flower fields and hilltop viewpoints

• Cons: Driving on the left, GPS may be Japanese-only unless requested

Recommendation:

• Solo or couple travelers with simple itineraries → JR Pass

• Families or photographers chasing golden hour at remote spots → Car rental

What to Pack: Stay Comfortable, Not Cold

Hokkaido summers are famously mild—but also unpredictable.

Here's what you'll want in your bag:

1. Thin outer jacket – Morning temps can dip below 15°C (59°F)

2. Lightweight layers – Especially for evenings

3. Umbrella or raincoat – Sudden showers are common

4. Sneakers or trail shoes – For flower fields and uneven paths

5. Sunscreen & hat – UV is still strong even in cool temps

Locals often carry a compact picnic mat—perfect for sitting among flowers or enjoying lunch in a park. It's a small touch that turns waiting time into quiet breaks.

Let the Summer Slow You Down

There's something quietly healing about a Hokkaido summer. It's not dramatic or loud—it unfolds in slow motion: a hill painted in soft gradients, a canal lit by the setting sun, the gentle hum of bees in a lavender field.

You won't come back with wild stories or dizzying timelines. But maybe you'll return with something gentler—a feeling of being still, cool, and just a little more present.

And that's something worth packing home.