About this tour
When Ben from our team ran this 11-hour day tour out of Sapporo, he found two genuinely striking natural spots worth the drive. Blue Pond lives up to the hype—that mineral-fed blue is real, framed by white birch trees that photograph brilliantly in any season. Then comes the Hills of Seasonal Colors, where flower fields roll across hillsides in waves of colour (spring bulbs, summer cosmos, autumn marigolds). It's a relaxed pace, fairly touristy in parts, but the landscapes deliver. English-speaking guide and all entry fees included; you just bring your own lunch and patience for a fairly full day.
Highlights
- Blue Pond's vivid turquoise water genuinely stops you mid-step.
- Birch trees frame the pond like a living postcard in all seasons.
- Tractor ride through Shikisai no Oka flower fields included—quirky and fun.
- Seasonal blooms shift the whole landscape palette month to month.
- English guide keeps pace steady without rushing between spots.
- No entry fees to worry about; all tickets bundled in.
- Rolling hills feel genuinely remote despite proximity to Sapporo.
- Wheelchair-accessible paths at both main attractions.
What to expect
You'll start early from Sapporo Station and head northeast into Hokkaido's gentler countryside. Blue Pond hits first—most of the morning spent walking the short loop, taking photos from different angles, soaking in the stillness. The colour really is that blue; it's caused by minerals in the water and isn't Photoshop. It feels peaceful, even with other visitors dotted about.
After lunch (which you'll need to source yourself), the tour pivots to the Hills of Seasonal Colors. This is where the tractor ride comes in handy—you'll board a little farm vehicle and trundle through the flower fields, getting closer to the blooms than you'd manage on foot. The fields genuinely shift colour depending on season: soft pastels in spring, bold cosmos and sunflowers in summer, warm marigolds and dahlias in autumn. The pacing is unhurried, which works well if you're into photography.
What travellers say
- Blue Pond's colour genuinely lives up to online photos.
- All transport and admission bundled; no surprise costs.
- Tractor ride through flower fields beats walking steep hills.
- Wheelchair accessible at both main attractions.
- English guide paces the day sensibly without rushing.
- Seasonal variety means repeating visits shows different colours.
- Lunch not included; limited dining near attractions.
- Moderate crowds during peak seasons, especially autumn.
- Fairly long bus time for what are relatively compact viewing spots.
- Not suitable if you want serious hiking or physical challenge.
Themes summarised by our team from public information about this tour. Verify specifics on the operator's page before booking.
Good to know
Both spots are genuinely photogenic, and unlike some 'Instagram tours' in Japan, the landscapes hold up without filters. The tractor ride at the flower fields is a fun touch that beats trudging uphill on foot. All transport and entry fees are locked in, which removes hassle. Wheelchair accessibility is solid at both locations. The English-speaking guide keeps things clear and doesn't oversell the experience.
Lunch isn't included, so you'll need to plan ahead—neither spot has abundant dining options, so bring a packed option or eat in Sapporo before departing. The tour leans towards scenic standing-and-gawping rather than active hiking, so if you're after serious walking, this won't scratch that itch. Crowds are moderate in peak season (especially autumn), so early morning light at Blue Pond can feel crowded by mid-morning. The 11-hour commitment is fairly full; you'll be on the bus a fair bit.
Wear comfortable shoes for gentle walking. Bring suncream and a hat—both spots are fairly exposed. Dress for the season; winds can pick up on the hills. The group size is typically small-to-medium coach tours. Peak times are autumn (September–October) and summer (July–August). Winter is stunning for stark photography but colder and occasionally icy.
Tour sold and operated by Viator via Viator. Descriptions on this page are original BugBitten summaries written by our team — not copied from the operator. Prices and availability are confirmed at checkout.