Before setting off to discover the hidden charms of Biei, take a moment to learn about your best travel companion—the Biei–Shirogane 1-Day Free Pass. Understanding how the pass works is the first step toward enjoying a smooth and stress-free journey.

As the bus leaves Biei Station behind and the shops and houses gradually disappear, a vast landscape of gently rolling hills unfolds before your eyes. White potato blossoms, golden autumn-sown wheat, and deep green sugar beet fields create the patchwork scenery for which Biei is famous. These landscapes were never created for sightseeing. They are a living work of art, shaped through generations of farming by local people who have worked in harmony with Hokkaido's challenging natural environment. The bus gradually climbs toward the foothills of the Tokachidake Mountain Range. On clear days, magnificent views of Daisetsuzan National Park, with its chain of 2,000-meter-class peaks, appear through the front and left-side windows. The highest peak, Mt. Tokachidake, remains an active volcano, and you may even catch sight of white volcanic steam rising from near its summit. One of the highlights of this journey from central Biei to the Blue Pond is the breathtaking White Birch Road. As the bus approaches the mountains, rows of white-barked birch trees begin lining both sides of the road, stretching for nearly 4 kilometers and creating one of the area's most memorable scenic drives.

When you get off at the “Shirogane Blue Pond Entrance” bus stop, you will find yourself at the entrance to a quiet forest. Bus passengers can smoothly step from the designated drop-off area onto the walking trail. This time-saving efficiency is one of the hidden pleasures of using the Free Pass. Walk for a few minutes along the birch-lined path from the bus stop to the Blue Pond. Wood chips are spread underfoot, creating a soft, springy feeling with every step, while the pleasant scent of the forest drifts through the air. The Blue Pond reveals completely different expressions depending on the time of day, the weather, and the season. From morning to around noon, when sunlight shines down from directly above, the blue color is at its strongest, glowing in a bright turquoise blue. On calm days with no wind, the surface of the water becomes like a giant mirror, perfectly reflecting the surrounding greenery, withered trees, and even the white clouds in the blue sky, creating a mysterious world of symmetry. As you walk along the path around the pond, you will notice that the color of the water changes subtly depending on the viewing angle. Continue to the far end, and you will reach the point where the pond’s water flows into the Biei River. In contrast to the pond wrapped in silence, the swiftly flowing river water is also a vivid “Blue River,” conveying the powerful energy of nature. After taking in the mysterious blue scenery, stop by the shop located beside the parking area. Here, you should definitely try the famous “Blue Pond Soft Serve Ice Cream” and “Blue Pond Cider,” both inspired by the color of the Blue Pond. The refreshing soft serve, with a gentle ramune flavor, will pleasantly cool your body on a warm early-summer day. "There's still 20 minutes until the next bus. Why not sit on a bench and enjoy a soft serve ice cream?" This is one of the unique pleasures of traveling with the Biei–Shirogane 1-Day Free Pass. With your return transportation already taken care of, you can spend your time exactly as you wish. There's no need to worry about returning a rental car on time or driving unfamiliar mountain roads. Instead, you can simply relax and immerse yourself in the spectacular scenery and the tranquil atmosphere of Biei.

After relaxing both body and mind with the soothing hot springs of Shirogane Onsen and a satisfying bowl of Biei Curry Udon, board the Dohoku Bus once again and begin your journey back down toward central Biei. As the bus travels along the White Birch Road that you climbed earlier in the day, the afternoon sunlight casts a softer glow through the forest, creating a completely different atmosphere from the morning. After a little over ten minutes on the bus, get off at Shirogane Biruke. Here you'll find Roadside Station Biei Shirogane Biruke, which reopened in 2018 following a major renovation. Formerly known as the Shirogane Information Center, it has been transformed into Biei's new sightseeing hub and has become one of the area's most popular attractions, welcoming visitors every day. The greatest advantage of the 1-Day Free Pass is not simply traveling between destinations—it also allows you to stop spontaneously at attractive places like this along the way without worrying about additional bus fares. Set against a backdrop of deep forest with a beautifully maintained lawn stretching out in front, Biei Shirogane Biruke offers a relaxing atmosphere from the moment you arrive. Inside, you'll first notice its stylish selection of shops. The souvenir section features local specialties such as Blue Pond Cider, Blue Pond Rice Crackers, and a variety of beautiful cobalt-blue goods inspired by the famous Blue Pond. You'll also find exclusive local products such as Biei tomato juice and handmade jams produced by local farmers—perfect souvenirs that can only be found here.

Inside the facility, you'll also find a THE NORTH FACE pop-up store featuring exclusive T-shirts and merchandise inspired by the natural beauty of Biei. It's a must-visit stop for outdoor enthusiasts.

If you're feeling a little hungry or simply looking to enjoy another local culinary experience, head to the on-site gourmet burger restaurant BETWEEN THE BREAD. Set in a stylish lodge-like building surrounded by forest, the restaurant serves authentic gourmet burgers made with custom buns baked from Biei-grown wheat, thick Hokkaido beef patties, and fresh Biei tomatoes and lettuce.

For an even more memorable experience, order your burger to go and enjoy it on a bench overlooking the spacious lawn or while relaxing in one of the hammocks beneath the trees. As the sound of the wind rustling through the forest blends with birdsong, sip on a refreshing cold drink and savor a truly relaxing afternoon while waiting for your next bus.