Furano & Biei Campervan Drive Guide | Lavender, Patchwork Hills & Hot Springs [2026]

Furano and Biei draw visitors every summer for good reason. From early July through early August, the lavender at Farm Tomita reaches full bloom, while Biei’s rolling hills shift colors field by field — wheat, sunflowers, potatoes. Traveling through this landscape by campervan changes the experience entirely: you can stop on a quiet farm road in the morning light before the crowds arrive, or head to Blue Pond before dawn when the water glows deepest blue.

This guide covers the key sights, best campsites, a model itinerary, and cost estimates for a 2–3 night campervan trip starting from New Chitose Airport. For full rental options, see our top 15 Hokkaido campervan rentals. First-time renters should also check the beginner’s guide.

Timing Your Lavender Visit Right

Lavender is the reason most people come to Furano — but assuming “July = peak lavender” can lead to poor timing. Different varieties bloom at different times. At Farm Tomita, early varieties start in late June, the main “Okamurasakis” peak from early to late July, and “Super Sequoia” varieties stay in bloom into August.

The campervan advantage here is early access. Farm Tomita opens around 8 or 9am (varies by season), and the first hour or two after opening is when tour buses haven’t yet arrived. Staying the night before at a nearby campsite means you can reach the gates before most visitors are even awake. By afternoon, the car park fills and queues form on the road — timing is everything.

Parking at Farm Tomita

The Farm Tomita car park is free and has dedicated space for large vehicles and RVs (as of June 2026). During peak season, expect congestion after 10am. Staying the night before at a campsite in Nakafurano or Furano town means a 10–15 minute drive to the farm in the morning.

Note that the low-growing lavender fields along Furano’s roads are mostly private farmland. Some are accessible from the roadside, but don’t enter areas behind fencing.

Other Furano Area Highlights

• Kanno Farm (Nakafurano): Terraced flower fields on a hillside — lavender, salvia, marigold in layers with great views.
• Hinode Park Lavender Garden (Kamifurano): Free admission. A public hilltop park with a tram (Lavender-go) running during the lavender season.
• Hokkaido Wine Furano Winery: Wine tasting and sales using local Furano grapes. On a campervan trip, this is more of a take-home purchase than a tasting stop.
• Furano Cheese Factory: Cheese and butter making tours and workshops available (advance booking required for some programs). Ice cream sold nearby.

Biei’s Hills and Farm Roads — Hokkaido’s Best Drive

Biei’s hills are divided into two areas: “Patchwork Road” and “Panorama Road.” Both are made up of farm tracks running through gently rolling fields. Views from the hilltops take in the entire patchwork of colors below. When driving a campervan, be aware that both areas include narrow farm roads and some unpaved stretches — pay attention to vehicle width and height.

Patchwork Road Area

North of Biei Station. Famous trees and hills from old cigarette commercials — “Ken and Mary’s Tree,” “Seven Star Tree,” “Mild Seven Hill.” Roadside pull-offs exist at each spot, but large cabovers may have trouble reversing in tight spaces. Moving through the area in one direction is recommended.

“Parent and Child Trees” (three elms) — some trees have fallen in recent years, so check the current state on arrival. “Ken and Mary’s Tree” (a poplar) is on private farmland but can be photographed freely from the road.

Panorama Road Area

South of Biei Station. Key spots: Sanaai-no-Oka, Shikisai-no-Oka, Shin-Ei-no-Oka. Shikisai-no-Oka charges admission (¥300+/person, parking separate, as of June 2026) but is well-maintained with tractor and horse cart rides available. The car park is spacious and campervan-friendly.

Blue Pond and Shirogane Onsen

Blue Pond sits on the road toward Shirogane Onsen from Biei. Its cobalt-blue surface went viral on social media and now draws visitors from around the world. The adjacent town-run car park accommodates campervans and charges ¥500 (as of June 2026). Early morning — 6–8am — is the least crowded time, and the light brings out the water’s deepest blue.

Shirogane Onsen is about 5 minutes by car from Blue Pond and has several facilities offering day-use bathing (approximately ¥500–¥800/person, as of June 2026). A perfect stop before heading out in the morning.

Tokachidake Range and Bougakudai

Driving further up the mountain from Shirogane Onsen brings you to Bougakudai (930m elevation) — a viewpoint with a direct view of Mt. Tokachi and Mt. Biei. Free parking (as of June 2026). Overnight stays by campervan are discouraged (fire protection zone), but it’s an excellent daytime stop. The view in late afternoon light is impressive.

Campsites and RV Parks in the Furano/Biei Area

There are many public and private campsites in the area, though RV parks are concentrated on the outskirts rather than in the heart of Furano or Biei. Here’s a summary of the main options:

Site name	Location	Type	Power	Approx. rate	Notes
Furano Natural Village (near Ningal Terrace)	Near Furano town	Auto campsite	Available	From ¥2,500/night (June 2026)	Close to hot spring facilities
Hinode Park Auto Campsite	Kamifurano	Auto campsite	Available (confirm)	From ¥2,000/night (June 2026)	Adjacent to lavender garden
Kamifurano Campsite (near Franui Onsen)	Kamifurano	Free-site focused	None	From ¥1,500/night (June 2026)	Franui Onsen within walking distance
Biei Shirogane Campsite	Biei Shirogane Onsen	Auto campsite	Available	From ¥2,600/night (June 2026)	Near Blue Pond and Shirogane Onsen
Bibaushi Elementary RV Park	Biei Bibaushi	RV park	Available	From ¥2,000/night (June 2026)	Near the Patchwork farm road area

Always confirm availability, pricing, and booking procedures directly with each facility before your trip. During peak season (mid-July through early August), popular sites can fill up weeks in advance.

Day-Use Hot Springs

• Franui Onsen (Kamifurano): From ¥600/day-use (June 2026). Sodium chloride spring.
• Fukiage Onsen (outdoor bath) (Kamifurano): Free open-air bath by the roadside. Mixed bathing — swimwear required.
• Shirogane Onsen ryokan and hotels: Several facilities offer day-use bathing (¥500–¥1,000, June 2026).
• Furano Onsen (Furano city): Local-style public bath with day-use facilities.

Model Itinerary from New Chitose Airport

Pick up your campervan at New Chitose Airport (operators like Moving Inn are based there) and head straight for Furano and Biei.

2 Nights 3 Days (Compact)

Day	Itinerary	Overnight
Day 1	New Chitose Airport → Highway toward Furano (about 90 min) → Farm Tomita → Nakafurano campsite	Campsite near Nakafurano
Day 2	Early morning revisit to Farm Tomita → Patchwork Road (Biei) → Blue Pond → Shirogane Onsen bath → Biei Shirogane campsite	Biei/Shirogane area
Day 3	Shikisai-no-Oka → Panorama Road → Asahikawa (lunch, shopping) → Via Dohoku Expressway → Return to New Chitose	(Return/handoff)

3 Nights 4 Days (Relaxed)

Day	Itinerary	Overnight
Day 1	New Chitose → Mikasa/Yubari (roadside stops) → Arrive Furano, grocery shopping	Near Furano town
Day 2	Farm Tomita (early morning) → Furano Cheese Factory → Kanno Farm → Hinode Park → Kamifurano	Kamifurano area
Day 3	Patchwork Road → Biei hills → Blue Pond → Shirogane Onsen → Bougakudai drive → Shirogane campsite	Biei/Shirogane
Day 4	Shikisai-no-Oka (early morning) → Asahikawa Zoo (optional) → Expressway to New Chitose → Return	(Return)

Asahikawa Zoo is a classic stop with kids, but expect queues in summer — arrive right at opening (9–10am). Large vehicle parking is available (as of June 2026).

Cost Estimate

Sample costs for 2 people, 3 nights 4 days. Actual costs vary significantly by vehicle type, operator, and season (reference: June 2026 rates).

Item	Estimate (2 people, 3N4D)	Notes
Campervan rental	¥80,000–¥140,000	Wide range from campervan to cabover
Fuel	¥8,000–¥15,000	Est. 400–600km total
Campsite fees	¥6,000–¥12,000	3 nights × ¥2,000–¥4,000
Food	¥12,000–¥20,000	Mix of supermarkets, roadside stations, dining out
Admission/parking/hot springs	¥2,000–¥5,000	Shikisai-no-Oka, Blue Pond parking, hot springs for 2
Total estimate	¥108,000–¥192,000	2-person total; varies by activity choices

Shifting to late June or late August to early September can bring rental rates down by 20–30%. Some lavender varieties continue blooming into mid-August, so a late summer visit is worth considering.

Practical Information

Where to Buy Groceries

Furano city has supermarkets including Fukuhara and Laruzu. Kamifurano and Biei have smaller supermarkets and convenience stores, but Furano town is better stocked. An evening shopping run lets you stock up for the next day. Roadside stations (“Furano Michi-no-Eki,” “Biei Okanokura”) sell local produce, dairy, and processed goods — ideal for picking up extras.

Vehicle Type for This Area

For this area, a HiAce-based campervan is the most practical choice — farm road widths and parking layouts suit its size well. For 4–5 person family trips or longer stays, a cabover camper makes sense, but always check height restrictions before entering car parks in Biei and Furano (most are lenient, but look for height signs on entry).

Furano and Biei in September

Visiting in early to mid-September means no lavender, but the autumn palette begins — hay rolls in harvested barley fields, longer shadows, a different mood entirely. Campsites have more space and off-season rates apply. Full foliage starts around early October.

Waste Disposal

Many Hokkaido campsites require you to take your rubbish with you. Check each facility’s rules before arrival. Roadside stations and tourist facilities often don’t have public bins — carry rubbish bags and dispose at your campsite or a convenience store.

Tourist Information and Emergency Contacts

Furano Tourist Information Office (inside JR Furano Station): maps, accommodation referrals, transport guidance. Biei Tourist Information (JR Biei Station): same services. For campervan breakdowns (flat tyre, dead battery), contact your rental company’s emergency line first — get that number at pickup.

FAQ

Q: Can campervans use Biei’s farm roads?

A: Generally yes. Some farm roads are narrow or have rough surfaces. A HiAce campervan handles them well. Cabovers need extra care at tight turning points — use mapping apps to check road widths in advance and avoid forced U-turns.

Q: When is peak lavender season?

A: Farm Tomita’s main “Okumurasaki” variety typically peaks from early to late July (weather-dependent). Early varieties start late June; late varieties continue into early August. Farm Tomita publishes flowering updates on their official website and social media — check before you travel.

Q: Can I just show up at Furano/Biei campsites without booking?

A: Not advisable during peak season (July–August). Popular sites fill up weeks ahead, including weekdays. Book as soon as your itinerary is confirmed.

Q: Are there RV parks near Furano and Biei?

A: The Bibaushi Elementary RV Park (Biei) and campsites near Shirogane Onsen are convenient. Both have power hookups, which means you can run electrical equipment freely even on hot nights. Note that Michi-no-Eki Biei “Okanokura” does not permit overnight stays.

Q: How long is the drive from New Chitose Airport to Furano?

A: About 1.5–2 hours via the Doto Expressway / Furano direction. In peak season, roadside stations and SAs can cause delays — departing early in the morning helps.