Hokkaido Farm-to-TableBiei Blue Pond & Furano Lavender

Hokkaido's interior in summer is the Japan that the rest of the country does not have: wide agricultural plains, rolling hills with dairy farms and fields of wheat, potatoes and flowers, and the volcanic peaks of Daisetsuzan on the horizon. This day explores two of the region's most famous sights, the Blue Pond near Biei and the lavender fields of Furano, with a farm lunch along the way.

The Blue Pond, known in Japanese as Aoiike, sits in the forest near Shirogane Onsen, at the foot of Mount Tokachi. It was created by accident after a dam was built to protect the area from volcanic mudflows following an eruption in 1988. Water from the nearby springs carries minerals, including aluminium, which scatter light and give the pond its striking colour, ranging from cobalt to turquoise depending on the weather, the season and the time of day. Dead larch trees standing in the water add to the dreamlike effect. It is at its most vivid on calm, sunny days, and in winter it is sometimes lit up at night.

Nearby, the Shirahige Waterfall pours into the Biei River, whose water shares the same blue colour, and the road through the hills passes the patchwork fields for which Biei is famous, along the Patchwork Road and the Panorama Road.

Furano, to the south, is known for its lavender, first planted to supply the perfume industry in the mid-twentieth century and now grown largely for the visitors who come to see it. The fields are at their best from early to late July, when the hillsides turn purple and the flowers are mixed with bands of red poppies, white baby's breath and yellow marigolds. Farm Tomita, in Nakafurano, is the best-known farm, with walking paths among the flowers and shops selling lavender products and ice cream.

Lunch is served at a local farm or restaurant, featuring Hokkaido produce such as dairy, vegetables and local meat. The region's melons, corn and potatoes are especially good in summer.

The best time for this trip is from late June to early August. Outside the lavender season, the Blue Pond and the Biei hills are still beautiful, with autumn colour from late September and snow from November.

The day lasts around seven hours. A private vehicle, a guide, visits to the Blue Pond and a lavender farm, and lunch are included. Transfers from Sapporo are not included, and the tour begins in Biei or at Asahikawa Station.