Cycling in Hokkaido | Best Routes in Biei & Furano
From the rolling hills of Biei to the lavender fields of Furano, Hokkaido has no shortage of scenery worth exploring by bike. This guide covers what makes each area unique, typical rental pricing, the best season, and how to get there.
Why Cycle in Hokkaido
Biei's hilly countryside is full of subtle changes in scenery that you'd simply drive past in a car — but a bike lets you take them in at just the right pace. Many rental shops offer e-bikes, so even hillier areas are manageable if you're not particularly athletic.
You can pick the style that suits your trip: a casual rental from near the station to ride at your own pace, or a full guided tour for a more structured experience.
Recommended Areas for Cycling
Biei
Known for its patchwork-quilt landscape of gentle rolling hills, Biei has rental shops scattered around Biei and Bibaushi stations. With an e-bike, even the hilly terrain here is comfortable to ride.
Furano
Amid lavender fields and pastoral scenery, guided e-bike tours are popular in Furano. Choose from a route through the lavender fields, or one around the town center and Mt. Shimizu, depending on what you're after.
Lake Toya / Lake Shikotsu
If you'd like a relaxed ride along the lakeshore, rental bikes around Lake Toya or Lake Shikotsu are a great option. Some shops rent for as little as an hour, making it easy to fit in between other sightseeing.
Abashiri / Koshimizu Genseikaen
The area around Lake Tofutsu and Koshimizu Genseikaen (Flower Garden) is a great cycling spot for taking in wildflowers and birds along the way, with a peaceful pastoral landscape of ranches nearby.
Best Time for Cycling in Hokkaido
Most rental shops operate from around April through October. Mid-July to early August, when the lavender is in full bloom, is especially popular for cycling around Furano and Biei.
| Time of Year | What to Expect |
|---|---|
| May–June | Fresh greenery and green wheat fields |
| July–early August | Lavender and other flower fields at their peak — the most popular season |
| September–October | Harvest-season fields and autumn foliage. Mornings and evenings turn cool |
Typical Pricing
A standard bicycle rents for around ¥300–1,000 for a few hours, and an e-bike runs about ¥1,500–2,200. Guided e-bike touring can range from roughly ¥12,000 to ¥15,000, depending on the content and route length.
* Prices change, so please check each shop or operator's official website for the latest information.
Is It Suitable for Beginners?
With an e-bike, you can take on Biei's hilly terrain without worrying about your fitness level. On a guided tour, the guide can help choose a route and set a comfortable pace, so it's a reassuring option for cycling beginners too.
Family-Friendly for Kids?
Some private cycling tours in Furano accept children as short as around 130cm. If you're cycling with a young child, it's a good idea to check in advance whether a kids' bike or a tandem-style bike is available.
What to Wear & Bring
- Comfortable clothing (skirts and heels aren't ideal)
- Sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses
- Something to drink
- Helmets are generally available to rent, and many shops recommend wearing one
Getting There
From Sapporo
By car: About 2.5 hours to Furano/Biei, 1 hour to Lake Shikotsu, and 2 hours to Lake Toya.
By public transport: Furano and Biei are easy to reach by JR, with bike rentals available right near the stations.
By taxi: If you're carrying a lot of luggage or need to reach a shop further from the station, a private charter taxi (MUTO TAXI) is convenient.
From New Chitose Airport
By car: About 2.5 hours to Furano/Biei, and 45 minutes to Lake Shikotsu.
By public transport: Direct buses from the airport are limited, and transfers may be required.
By taxi: If you'd like to head straight there after landing, a private charter taxi direct from the airport is convenient.
Taxi Fares by Area & Related Guides
- New Chitose Airport to Furano — approx. ¥44,000–50,000
- New Chitose Airport to Lake Shikotsu — approx. ¥15,000–18,000
- Hokkaido Trekking Routes
- Hokkaido Fruit Picking Guide
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. When is the best time for cycling in Hokkaido?
A. Mid-July to early August, when the lavender and other flowers are at their peak, is especially popular.
Q. Is it suitable for beginners?
A. With an e-bike, even the hilly Biei area is manageable regardless of your fitness level.
Q. Can children join?
A. It depends on the plan, but some tours accept children as short as around 130cm. Please confirm in advance whether a kids' bike is available.
Q. Can I do this as a day trip from Sapporo?
A. Yes — Furano, Biei, Lake Shikotsu, and Lake Toya are all doable as day trips.
Q. Can I go straight from New Chitose Airport?
A. Lake Shikotsu is only about a 45-minute drive from the airport, making it an easy area to reach directly.
Q. Do I need to book in advance?
A. Station-side rentals often accept same-day requests, but guided tours require advance booking.
Q. Can a taxi take me to the rental shop?
A. Yes. MUTO TAXI offers private charter transfers from New Chitose Airport or Sapporo to shops and meeting points across Hokkaido. Please contact us for details.