Biei travel guide and discussion

Biei is a charming small town in Hokkaido renowned for its vast fields, rolling hills, and picturesque natural landscapes that look just like a painting. It’s a dream destination for photography enthusiasts and those seeking a relaxing getaway in the Japanese countryside. 📍 Must-Visit Check-in Spots · Shirogane Blue Pond: Featuring crystal-clear azure waters, this is one of Biei’s most iconic landmarks. · Shikisai no Oka: A vibrant panoramic flower garden with around 30 species of flowers blooming seasonally. · Shirahige Falls: The "White Beard Falls," where water cascades beautifully down a cliffside. · Patchwork Road / Patchwork Hills: A scenic route through agricultural fields of varying colors, offering some of Biei’s most popular photo opportunities. 🌿 When to Go: Visit from summer to early autumn to witness the vibrant flower fields and lush scenery. Alternatively, winter transforms the landscape into a romantic, snow-covered wonderland. 🚗 Getting Around: Renting a car is the most convenient option as the sights are spread out across the area. However, some spots like the Blue Pond are accessible by bus from JR Biei Station. 💙 If you're heading to Hokkaido and love nature, Biei is a must-add to your itinerary. Each season offers its own unique and breathtaking beauty.

Step into Hokkaido's northern hidden gems, where Furano and Biei unfold with rolling hills and breathtaking vistas. At Shikisai-no-Oka, vibrant rainbow flower fields drape across the hillsides against the backdrop of the distant Daisetsuzan mountain range. You can even hop on a tractor bus for a leisurely stroll through this endless sea of blooms. Heading toward Biei, discover the mysterious Shirogane Blue Pond. Its ethereal blue waters and the silhouettes of withered trees reflecting on the surface create a scene straight out of a fairy tale, shimmering brilliantly under the sunlight. Then, make your way to Mount Kurodake. Take a ropeway to the summit for a panoramic view of the vast alpine landscape and experience the majestic grandeur of Daisetsuzan National Park. From the rustic charm of Furano to the rolling fields of Biei, capture the full essence of northern romance. It’s a paradise for nature lovers—every single shot looks like a postcard.

Asahikawa is one of Hokkaido's major cities, offering a peaceful atmosphere and a relaxing travel experience. It serves as a perfect gateway to the island's stunning natural landscapes, making it ideal for families and photography enthusiasts alike. 📍 Must-Visit Check-in Spots · Asahiyama Zoo: Get up close with wildlife, especially the famous penguins and polar bears. · Asahikawa Ramen Village: A hub of renowned ramen shops featuring rich, authentic Hokkaido flavors. · Tokiwa Park: A sprawling central park perfect for a leisurely stroll and relaxation. · Heiwa Shopping Street: A lively pedestrian street for shopping and dining. · A convenient base for day trips to Biei and Furano. 🍜 Food Recommendations You can't miss the "Asahikawa Ramen" with its rich and aromatic shoyu (soy sauce) broth, or Hokkaido’s incredibly fresh seafood. 📅 Best Time to Visit Summer offers cool breezes and beautiful blooms, while winter transforms the city into a romantic snowy wonderland.

In the quiet heart of Biei’s rolling countryside, Shirahige Waterfall rises as one of Hokkaido’s most hypnotic natural masterpieces, its name translating to “White‑Beard Waterfall”, a poetic nod to its long, frothy cascading streams. Unlike thunderous, roaring waterfalls, this place casts a softer, almost mystical spell. Water seeps out from cracks in the sheer basalt cliff face, spilling down in countless thin milky‑white ribbons instead of one single heavy plunge. Streams fan across the dark rock, flowing like strands of silvery beard hanging down toward the vivid turquoise river below, creating a surreal, painterly contrast between jet‑black stone, foamy white water and brilliant aquamarine water. The magic shifts dramatically with every season. Summer brings lush green foliage framing the cliff, bright sunlight filtering through tree canopy to glint across every thread of falling water. Autumn wraps the surrounding forest in blazing red and gold foliage, setting fiery tones against the pale waterfall. Winter transforms the scene into a frozen wonderland; partial icicles cling to the rock, mist hangs heavy in frigid air, and patches of running water still trickle through ice, hauntingly beautiful under overcast grey skies. An elevated observation deck gives unobstructed panoramic views right above the gorge. There is no admission fee, yet arrive early. Golden hour, sunrise and dusk deliver the most soul‑stirring light; midday harsh flat light strips away much of its dream‑like atmosphere. Free roadside parking sits a short walk away. Wear sturdy footwear, the viewing platform area can be damp and windy. Many travellers rush through Biei chasing colourful flower patches, yet overlook this quiet gorge. Shirahige Waterfall is not a loud, dramatic crashing cascade. Its power lies in subtle ethereal beauty — delicate flowing threads of water carved into ancient volcanic rock. It is a place for slow contemplation, to stand and absorb the quiet raw magic of Hokkaido’s volcanic landscape. #Shirahegefalls #biei #hokkaido #furano

The cutest version of a Hokkaido winter itinerary ❄️☃️💗 This trip takes the Snowmori Gang (Chiikawa, Hachiware, and Usagi) on a 6-day, 5-night Hokkaido adventure together 🇯🇵✨ From landing at New Chitose Airport to strolling through the snow in Sapporo, shopping for Chiikawa goodies, visiting the romantic city of Otaru, taking in the snowy views at Biei–Furano, and finishing off with a soak in the Noboribetsu hot springs ♨️ We’ve put it all together into a 6-episode Travel Diary series, complete with daily routes 🚃🚌 It includes attractions, transportation tips, and estimated travel times, so if you're planning a winter trip to Hokkaido, feel free to save this and follow along! 🥹🩵 EP.1 ✈️ New Chitose → Sapporo EP.2 🏙️ Sapporo City + Chiikawa Land + Shiroi Koibito Park EP.3 🕯️ Otaru One Day Trip EP.4 ❄️ Biei–Furano Winter Adventure EP.5 ♨️ Noboribetsu Onsen EP.6 🧳 New Chitose Airport + Goodbye Hokkaido This trip is perfect for those who want a relaxed pace, featuring the city, snow, food, shopping, and onsens 🤍 Hokkaido is one of those places where… One visit is never enough 🥹❄️ I'll definitely be back for another adventure with these three little ones! 🐰🤍💙

Pure White Biei | Strolling Through the White Birch Forest Promenade If you're looking for an authentic taste of a Hokkaido winter wonderland, Biei’s Shirakaba-Kaido (White Birch Road) is an absolute must. Spanning about 4 kilometers, this pristine path is lined with rows of towering white birch trees. When winter arrives, the entire route is transformed into a serene, silver-white landscape that feels like stepping right into the pages of a fairy tale. Along the Way Shirakaba-Kaido cuts through Biei’s natural woodlands, leading toward Shirogane Onsen and Daisetsuzan National Park. The trail is incredibly tranquil, offering crisp air and breathtaking views of the majestic Daisetsuzan mountain range. It’s the perfect place to clear your mind and soak in the scenery. If you’re lucky, you might even spot wild deer! You might also see weathered, rustic bus stops along the way—they stand as poetic reminders of the raw power of Hokkaido’s winter blizzards. Suggested Walking Route Start at the beginning of Shirakaba-Kaido and take about an hour to wander through the giant white birch trees. Every scene is poetic and worth photographing. Stop halfway to enjoy some hot tea while gazing at the snow-capped peaks. Finally, enter the grounds of Daisetsuzan National Park to take a deep breath of Hokkaido’s purest air. Top Photo Spots 1. White Birch Tunnel: The dense layers of trees and shadows make this a favorite angle for photographers. 2. Post-Blizzard Bus Stops: The weathered look creates a unique, storytelling atmosphere. 3. Mountain Snow Paths: Capture stunning natural details with the distant snowy peaks and the quiet town in the background. Practical Tips 1. Wear waterproof snow boots and a windproof jacket, as the snow can be deep in some sections. 2. Temperatures drop significantly; protect your hands and feet and bring heat packs. 3. There are very few shops along the route, so be sure to bring your own hot drinks and snacks. 4. If you see wild deer, keep a respectful distance and do not feed them. 5. Buses may run less frequently in the snow, so check the schedule in advance. Important Notes While the winter scenery of Shirakaba-Kaido and Daisetsuzan National Park is magical, safety is paramount. The paths can be slippery, so walk carefully. Avoid heading deep into the mountains if a blizzard is forecasted. Daisetsuzan National Park is open from 08:30 to 17:15 (weekdays). Always check transportation and opening status beforehand to avoid getting stranded. Summary A walk along Biei’s White Birch Road is the ultimate way to unwind. Whether you’re traveling with family, a partner, or friends, you can take your time enjoying the quiet majesty of a Hokkaido winter. With its blend of natural forests and evocative landscapes, it’s a paradise for photography and leisurely strolls.

Planning your first trip to Hokkaido and can't decide where to stay? Each city offers a completely different vibe, catering to urban explorers, photography enthusiasts, nature lovers, and onsen seekers alike. Here’s a quick guide to 5 popular cities to help you choose the one that fits your travel style. 🤍 Sapporo — The best choice for a first trip. It’s easy to get around, filled with endless dining and shopping options, and serves as the perfect base for exploring other cities. Otaru — A charming and romantic small town. Perfect for those who enjoy strolling through cafes, capturing canal views, and soaking in a classic atmosphere, especially in the evening. Furano — A dream for nature lovers. If you’re looking for breathtaking snowy landscapes and mountain views that look like a winter postcard, this is the place for you. Asahikawa — A relaxed city that provides easy access to Biei. It’s ideal for visiting the Asahiyama Zoo or serving as a central hub for exploring the heart of the island. Noboribetsu — The ultimate spot for relaxation. Perfect for soaking in hot springs, visiting Hell Valley (Jigokudani), and staying overnight in a ryokan for a peaceful change of pace. For a first trip focused on convenience, I recommend using Sapporo as your main base and then adding trips to Otaru, Furano/Biei, or Noboribetsu based on your interests. Sometimes the best trip isn’t about staying in the "most famous" spot, but choosing the city that matches your own pace. That makes the experience much more enjoyable. 🤍

If you're driving through Biei, Hokusei-no-oka Pyramid Observatory was easily the most stunning "hidden gem" of my trip! Unlike the overcrowded tourist traps, this place is peaceful, expansive, and has a super healing vibe. It’s a private viewing secret for road-trippers that you absolutely shouldn't miss. The observatory features a sleek, minimalist design—a white pyramid standing tall on the hilltop. It looks incredible against the backdrop of blue skies and rolling hills, making it a perfect photo op. Plus, there's a parking lot right next to it, so it's incredibly convenient with no long walks or steep climbs. It's super accessible for anyone on a road trip. The moment you step onto the top floor, you’ll be speechless! You get a full 360-degree panoramic view of the endless Biei hills stretching as far as the eye can see. The undulating greenery, neatly organized farmlands, and distant treelines under Hokkaido’s crystal-clear sky create incredible depth. On a clear day, the mountains, fields, and sky blend so perfectly it looks like a high-res wallpaper—seeing it in person is so much more impactful than photos. It’s quiet and uncrowded, with only the refreshing mountain breeze for company. It’s the perfect spot to just zone out and soak in Hokkaido’s purest essence. From the fresh greens of spring and lush summer tones to the golden layers of autumn and the snowy dreamscape of winter, the scenery is stunning year-round. Overall, this observatory is well worth the detour. It’s simple, pure, and hauntingly beautiful. If you're driving through Biei, this is a non-negotiable stop. Highly recommended for travelers who crave peace and world-class panoramas!

🎄🌅 Lonely Christmas Tree | Photographing the Lonely Christmas Tree of Biei at Sunset One of Biei's most striking trees, standing alone in the middle of a vast field, it has become a must-visit photo spot. 📸 My favorite time is before sunset. The golden light gradually transforms the atmosphere of the sky, the snow-covered field, and the lone tree in the wide open space, creating a feeling of both warmth and loneliness. 🌅❄️ 📸 Photo Tips: · Arrive before sunset to allow time to find the perfect angle. · Use a slight zoom lens to bring the tree and background closer. · Capture silhouettes as the light fades for a different mood. · Avoid agricultural areas; only photograph from permitted zones. And most importantly… Sometimes, a single tree can make us stand and take photos in the cold for hours! 😂❄️ 📍 Lonely Christmas Tree, Biei, Hokkaido #Biei #LonelyChristmasTree #Hokkaido #Sunset #JapanTravel #TripMoments

Winter in Hokkaido feels like stepping into a completely different world. ❄️ From snow-covered towns and frozen landscapes to warm onsens and beautiful night views, every stop has its own kind of winter magic. Sapporo is perfect for enjoying city lights and seasonal winter scenery, while Otaru feels especially romantic when the canal and historic streets are covered in snow. 🤍 For something different, visit Asahiyama Zoo to see the penguins, explore the dreamy landscapes around Biei, and experience the cozy atmosphere of Furano in winter. Noboribetsu is another highlight for its dramatic volcanic scenery and relaxing hot springs, while Lake Toya offers peaceful winter views surrounded by mountains. 🏔️ And if you love night scenery, Hakodate is definitely worth adding to the itinerary. ✨ Hokkaido in winter isn’t only about seeing snow — it’s about experiencing quiet landscapes, cozy towns, local food and those little moments that make winter travel so memorable. Hokkaido really does feel like a winter wonderland. ❄️☃️ #Hokkaido #HokkaidoWinter #HokkaidoTravel #JapanTravel #VisitJapan #Sapporo #Otaru #Biei #Furano #Noboribetsu #Hakodate #WinterInJapan #TripMoments

If you're searching for a destination that feels like stepping right into a winter postcard, Biei is a must-visit. ☃️✨ 📍 Biei, Hokkaido A small town nestled between mountains and vast fields. When the snow falls, the entire landscape transforms into a soft, dreamy white. 🌨️ Long roads stretching through snowy fields, trees perfectly lined up, and distant mountains blanketed in white. Every corner is so stunning you'll want to stop and capture it all. 📸 ✨ The true highlights are the silence and simplicity. There’s no big-city chaos—just the crisp wind and snowy vistas as far as the eye can see. Photography lovers will fall in love here. The light, colors, and overall vibe of Biei feel like nature has already curated the perfect composition for you. 🤍 The best part is... Even on days when the snow was so heavy it was hard to walk, standing there and taking in the view made every bit of the cold feel completely worth it. 😂 📌 This town is perfect for a road trip—stop for the views, snap some photos, and just lose yourself in nature. If you’re planning a winter trip to Hokkaido, make sure to add Biei to your list. ⭐️ Impression: 5/5

If you're visiting Hokkaido in the winter and want to see Biei transformed into a snowy wonderland, save this itinerary right now! This one-day trip covers everything from frozen blue waterfalls and landmark trees to rolling hills turned completely white. 🚗 Car rental is highly recommended. The spots are spread out, and many aren't directly accessible by train or bus. ━━━━━━━━━━━━━━ 🗺️ BIEI ONE DAY ROUTE ━━━━━━━━━━━━━━ 1️⃣ Shirahige Waterfall ↓ 2️⃣ Blue Pond ↓ 3️⃣ Mild Seven Hills ↓ 4️⃣ Ken & Mary Tree ↓ 5️⃣ Lone Christmas Tree This route covers both the Shirogane area and the scenic countryside hills of Biei in a single day. ━━━━━━━━━━━━━━ 💧 01 | SHIRAHIGE WATERFALL ━━━━━━━━━━━━━━ Start your day at Shirahige Waterfall (White Beard Waterfall). Groundwater flows through rock crevices and plunges about 30 meters down into the striking blue Biei River. In winter, the contrast is breathtaking: ❄️ White snow 💧 White frosted falls 🪨 Dark rocks 💙 Cobalt blue river The best view is from the Blue River Bridge, and it’s beautiful year-round. 📍 Shirogane, Biei ━━━━━━━━━━━━━━ 💙 02 | BLUE POND ━━━━━━━━━━━━━━ A short drive from Shirahige Waterfall brings you to the Blue Pond (Shirogane Blue Pond). This is one of Biei's most famous landmarks. The water's unique blue-green hue is caused by minerals and particles that scatter light, and the color changes depending on the weather and sunlight. However, if you visit in February, keep in mind that: ❄️ The pond surface might be completely covered in snow, hiding the blue water. During winter nights, there’s a light-up event that creates a different magical atmosphere. 📌 If you want to see the clear blue water, timing your seasonal visit is key. ━━━━━━━━━━━━━━ 🌲 03 | MILD SEVEN HILLS ━━━━━━━━━━━━━━ Head back toward Biei's hilly countryside. This spot is a classic Biei image, featuring a row of trees atop a hill in a rural setting. Winter transforms the green slopes into a minimalist white landscape ❄️🤍. 📸 It’s a dream for fans of minimalist photography. ⚠️ Be careful when parking on the rural roads; do not block traffic. ━━━━━━━━━━━━━━ 🌳 04 | KEN & MARY TREE ━━━━━━━━━━━━━━ Another iconic landmark, this Poplar tree became famous after being featured in a 1972 Nissan Skyline commercial. The name "Ken & Mary" comes from the characters in that ad. In winter, the tree stands tall and solitary against the white fields. It’s a simple sight, yet it carries that unmistakable Biei charm 🌳❄️. 📌 There is no direct public transport here, and parking is limited. ⚠️ Do not park on the road or shoulders, and never enter the farmers' private fields. ━━━━━━━━━━━━━━ 🎄 05 | LONE CHRISTMAS TREE ━━━━━━━━━━━━━━ End your day with this solitary tree standing in the middle of a field. 🎄 The Lone Christmas Tree. This spruce tree stands alone on Biei's farmland. There are no buildings or grand monuments here—just: 🌾 A vast field ❄️ Deep snow 🎄 One single tree 🏔️ Mountains in the distance This simple image is what makes many people fall in love with Biei. 📸 During golden hour, it looks exactly like a Japanese postcard. Important: Just like other spots, do not enter the fields to take photos, even if they are covered in snow. This is active farmland belonging to local farmers. ━━━━━━━━━━━━━━ 🚗 WHY WE RECOMMEND RENTING A CAR ━━━━━━━━━━━━━━ These 5 spots are located in different areas. A car gives you the flexibility to manage your time, especially for hillside spots like the trees. However, drive with extra caution in winter: ❄️ Check road conditions ❄️ Monitor the weather 🚗 Use a 4WD vehicle with winter tires 🅿️ Only park in designated areas 🚜 Watch out for agricultural vehicles on rural roads Biei isn't just a tourist destination; it’s a living agricultural community where people work and live. ━━━━━━━━━━━━━━ ⏰ HOW TO PLAN A 1-DAY TRIP ━━━━━━━━━━━━━━ 🌅 Morning 💧 Shirahige Waterfall ↓ 💙 Blue Pond 🍜 Noon Head back to Biei town for lunch 🌤️ Afternoon 🌲 Mild Seven Hills ↓ 🌳 Ken & Mary Tree ↓ 🎄 Lone Christmas Tree 🌅 Evening Catch the last light before heading back to your accommodation. 📌 Allow extra travel time in winter, as snow and road conditions can slow you down. ━━━━━━━━━━━━━━ 🤍 BIEI IN ONE DAY SUMMARY ━━━━━━━━━━━━━━ This plan hits all the highlights: 💧 Waterfalls 💙 Blue Pond 🌲 Rolling hills 🌳 Landmark trees 🎄 The Christmas tree ❄️ And endless snow views But remember: Biei shouldn't be about rushing from the car to the photo spot and back. Take your time to enjoy the scenery along the way. 📸 Sometimes, the unplanned stops become the most favorite photos of the trip. 🇯🇵❄️ Biei — The town of hills that is beautiful in every season, but winter turns the whole place into a white postcard. 📌 Save this for your next Hokkaido trip!

Day 1 - Landed at New Chitose Airport First mission: shopping spree unlocked! 😎 Hit Odori Park and snapped the must-have photo of the iconic Sapporo TV Tower! Day 2 - Otaru Day! 🚉✨ This city is straight out of a dream—such a vibe, even when we got caught in the rain 🥲. Pro tip: Don’t skip the super aesthetic Otaru Canal Day 3 - Took a local tour to Biei, and WOW. The Blue Pond is actually SUPER BLUE—no filter needed! Explored Shikisai-no-oka with its paranomic rainbow flower fields, and then Farm Tomita for the most magical flower views! This route should be illegal for being this pretty. 🌸💙 Day 4 - Chocoholics, listen up! I scored a behind-the-scenes experience at the Royce Chocolate Factory. Try their chocolate drink! I love it! 🍫 Day 5 - And just like that, my Sapporo adventure ended! Hopped on a flight to Tokyo for Disneyland next 🥳. Sapporo, you were a DREAM! 🌟 Foodie Alert: You HAVE to try Jingisukan (ジンギスカン) aka Japanese grilled lamb! I had mine near Sapporo Tokyu Rei Hotel. Even if you think you don’t like lamb—trust me, this dish will change your mind (no weird taste here)! So many shops in the area, just pick one and vibe. It’s seriously sooo good! Ready for your own Hokkaido summer story? Check out the hottest hotels and top attractions on trip.com before you go! #hokkaido #sapporo #otaru #biei #farmtomita #furano #royce #chocolate #jingisukan #ジンギスカン #japan #newchitoseairport #odoripark #sapporotvtower

Hokkaido in November is absolutely stunning! 🍁 This itinerary covers the beautifully romantic town of Biei and the vibrant city of Sapporo—all featuring must-see, limited-time autumn views. The ultimate highlight is definitely the Ginkgo Avenue at Hokkaido University. Strolling through that golden row of ginkgo trees feels like a warm embrace from autumn itself. Every angle is so picturesque that you literally can't stop snapping photos! Then there's the Blue Pond in Biei; with the sunlight glistening on the water, the pond looks so magical it hardly feels real—it’s incredibly soothing. Though these two spots aren't exactly close to each other, a well-planned route makes the whole trip super chill. Must-Visit Attractions 1. Biei | Shirogane Blue Pond 📍Address: Shirogane, Biei, Kamikawa District, Hokkaido 071-0235, Japan ⏰ Hours: Open year-round, 07:00 - 19:00 You really have to see the Blue Pond in person to understand the hype! It's so vivid it looks like spilled blue paint, and framed by the colorful autumn foliage, it’s purely magical. Visiting in autumn is highly recommended, plus entry is totally free! To dodge the big tour groups, try going in the early morning or late afternoon when the soft lighting creates the most gorgeous reflections—your photos will turn out better than expected. There aren't many shops nearby, so bring some snacks and drinks to chill and enjoy the view after taking your snaps. 2. Sapporo | Hokkaido University 📍Address: 5-chome Kita 8 Jonishi, Kita Ward, Sapporo, Hokkaido 060-0808, Japan ⏰ Hours: Open year-round, 08:30 - 17:00 (Open on weekends) This spot is insanely popular during the November ginkgo and autumn foliage season! Right past the main entrance, the long Ginkgo Avenue will easily keep you busy for half an hour of strolling and photo-taking. The campus is massive and serene (despite the tourists), offering a great mix of modern architecture and autumn scenery. Daytime photos here look amazing, and the whole vibe just brightens your mood 🥰. With minimal commercial spots on campus, it’s the perfect place for a relaxed walk and pure sightseeing. 🔔 Itinerary Tips & Personal Thoughts · The Blue Pond boasts its most vibrant colors in autumn. While it changes beautifully with the seasons, locals especially rave about the striking mix of yellow, red, and blue in November. · Getting to the Blue Pond is best done by car or bus. I recommend leaving Sapporo in the morning; the trip takes about 2.5 to 3 hours, and you can easily pair it with other sights in Furano. · Hokkaido University gets busier on weekends, but since it's open to the public on Saturdays and Sundays (non-school days), the crowds are more spread out for taking pictures. · Sapporo has dramatic temperature drops in autumn, so be sure to pack an extra jacket for the chilly mornings and evenings. 🍣 Sapporo Food Recommendations · Near Hokkaido University, "Ramen Yokocho" (Ramen Alley) is a must-visit. It’s packed with authentic local ramen joints, and the miso ramen is out of this world. · If you have time, head over to the "Nijo Market" in downtown Sapporo. Don't even hesitate—just dive into a fresh crab or sea urchin rice bowl! 🚄 Transportation Notes To get from Sapporo to Biei, driving is the most convenient option, or you can take the JR Furano Line. Make sure to double-check bus and train schedules in advance, and leave plenty of time for travel between the two locations. Final Thoughts: An autumn trip to Hokkaido is totally worth the journey. Offering both peaceful natural wonders and romantic campus strolls, make sure to save this classic route for your next adventure!

There is an incredible discount pass that every foreign tourist visiting Hokkaido should know about 🚄✨ It’s called the "Sapporo-Furano Area Pass" It gives you unlimited rides on JR trains within the designated area—covering New Chitose Airport, Sapporo, Otaru, Asahikawa, Biei, and Furano—for 4 consecutive days! Plus, this pass is exclusively for travelers holding a foreign passport 🌏 You won't get this amazing deal if you just buy regular JR tickets after arriving in Hokkaido. 💰 Price · Advance purchase: Adults 11,000 yen / Children (ages 6-11) 5,500 yen · Purchase at designated stations in Japan: Adults 12,000 yen / Children (ages 6-11) 6,000 yen · Validity period: 4 consecutive days · Availability & Usage: Year-round According to JR Hokkaido, a regular round trip between Sapporo and Furano can cost up to 13,520 yen. With the 4-day pass costing only 11,000 yen, you can see how much money you save just by adding Otaru, Biei, and Asahikawa to your itinerary! 📍 Must-visit spots in the unlimited ride area New Chitose Airport ↓ Sapporo ↓ Otaru ↓ Asahikawa ↓ Biei ↓ Furano If I were planning a 4-day trip, here’s how I would do it: Day 1 | New Chitose Airport → Sapporo → Otaru Sightseeing in Otaru and taking in the breathtaking views from Mt. Shimoakaiwa. Day 2 | Sapporo → Asahikawa I also recommend catching the stunning night view from Mt. Moiwa in the evening. Day 3 | Biei Exploring the scenic hills of Biei, the Blue Pond, and Shirahige Waterfall. · Please note: Transportation beyond JR stations (like buses or rental cars to the Blue Pond or Shirahige Waterfall) is not covered by this pass. Day 4 | Furano → Sapporo & New Chitose Airport This kind of itinerary is highly recommended ✨ By the way, the soft-serve ice cream and ramen in the last photo are from popular spots right inside New Chitose Airport! Within the valid area, you can ride Limited Express, Rapid, and Local trains, and you can even book reserved seats in ordinary cars. Since all seats on JR Hokkaido Limited Express trains are reserved, be sure to pick up your reserved seat ticket before boarding. 🎫 How to buy? For advance purchases, you can book online via JR-EAST Train Reservation or through major travel agencies outside of Japan. After arriving in Japan, you can buy it at three locations: New Chitose Airport Station, Sapporo Station, and Asahikawa Station. However, buying in advance saves you 1,000 yen! ⚠️ Important Notes · Sapporo Municipal Subway, streetcars, and JR Hokkaido Buses are NOT included. · Tomamu is outside the covered area. · If you travel outside the designated area, additional fares will apply. · If you wish to use the Green Car (First Class), you must pay a separate limited express fee and Green Car fee. · The pass cannot be reissued or refunded if lost or stolen, so please keep it safe! Furano and Biei in the summer, Otaru in the fall, and Shirahige Waterfall in the winter ❄️ Hokkaido is a destination you'll want to revisit in every season. If you plan to explore Hokkaido over 4 days, simply knowing about this pass can make a huge difference in your travel budget 🚄✨ · Prices and conditions are subject to change. Please check JR Hokkaido's latest official information before purchasing.

When you arrive at Shikisai-no-Oka in Biei, the scenery before your eyes is as breathtaking as a giant 3D oil painting! Spread across the rolling hills is a vibrant, rainbow-like sea of blooming flowers. Bright red blossoms, deep purple salvia, and crisp white and golden flowers stretch into the distance in distinct layers. Paired with the iconic pink-roofed building and a crystal-clear blue sky, every casual snap turns into a postcard-perfect masterpiece. The park is incredibly spacious. While strolling through the flower fields to enjoy the sweet floral scent and gentle breeze is wonderful, I also highly recommend hopping on the custom tractor bus (the Norokko). It offers a relaxing ride around the park, giving you perfect vantage points to take in sweeping views of the flower-covered hills. 💡 Tips for Photography and Fun: 1. Bring a Tripod: The park's scenery is absolutely epic, so a tripod or a selfie stick is highly recommended. It’s super handy whether you’re capturing sweet couples' shots or using low angles to highlight the incredible depth of the endless flower fields! 2. Sun Protection & Hydration: There’s very little shade in the flower fields. If you’re visiting in summer, don't forget to wear a hat, bring sunglasses, and stay hydrated. The park is exceptionally well-organized and beautifully maintained. Whether you're looking to snap some dreamy, cinematic shots or just want to immerse yourself in nature to relax and beat the summer heat, Shikisai-no-Oka is a flawless 10/10 attraction you simply can't miss in Biei! 📍 Location: Panoramic Flower Gardens Shikisai-no-Oka

Visiting Hokkaido in mid-July means you absolutely can't miss the stunning flower fields of Furano and Biei! We heard from friends that the morning crowds in Furano during peak season are insane, so we decided to do the exact opposite—hit up Biei first! 📍 Transport & Rainy Day Backup Plan (Sapporo to Biei Station) The drive from Sapporo to Biei takes about 2.5 hours. It was pouring rain when we headed out in the morning, but thankfully it eased up by the time we reached Biei. The weather still looked a bit gloomy, though, so we decided to grab lunch near Biei Station first. 🍛 Biei Station Eats: Curry Shop Amadeus (Top Pick for Rainy Day Road Trips!) We arrived at Biei Station around 11:30 AM and chose the highly-rated "Curry Shop Amadeus" to try the famous local Biei curry. Road Trip Perks: There’s a massive parking lot right next to the restaurant, making it super convenient to walk over even in the rain! The Verdict: Their curry is quite different from the typical sweet Japanese curry. It has a hint of Indian spices, and the best part is the added crunchy texture—super unique! The portion sizes are pretty generous, so it’ll definitely fill you up. 🚜 Shikisai-no-Oka: Golf Cart Review & Money-Saving Tips After lunch, we headed straight to the main event: Shikisai-no-Oka. Since a family member had an international driver's permit, we rented a 4-seater golf cart to cruise around and snap photos. Driving Experience: Navigating the rolling hills up and down slopes was a little scary at first, but we quickly got the hang of it. Driving beats walking by a mile—you can easily zip to the furthest, least crowded spots for photos! 💰 Pricing & Hidden Fees: A 4-seater cart costs 2,000 JPY for 10 minutes. It sounds cheap, but since the flower fields are so incredibly photogenic, you'll be stopping constantly, making it super easy to go over the time limit! We ended up paying an extra 1,500 JPY (3,500 JPY total). Still, considering it saved us from exhausting walks under the blazing sun or on soggy post-rain ground, it was worth every penny! ⚠️ Practical Tips for Shikisai-no-Oka (Learned the Hard Way!): 👟 Outfit Warning: The mud is incredibly slippery and sticky after it rains. We strongly advise against wearing white shoes! 🐝 Bug Alert: There are quite a few bees around the sunflower fields, so if you're scared of bees, just be careful when taking photos. Mosquitoes weren't too bad, but if you're a mosquito magnet, bringing some bug spray is still a good idea. ⏱️ Time Needed: We stayed for about 1.5 hours (and we aren't even the hardcore photo-taking type). If you love snapping pics for the Gram, we recommend setting aside 2–2.5 hours so you don't feel rushed.

Everyone rushes over for the spring flowers in May and June, the lavender in July, the seasonal blooms in August and September, and the snow for skiing in winter, But few people know that the most beautiful season is actually October. It offers the kind of scenery where you don't even have to go out of your way; just stepping off the plane, the sweeping views will make you go "wow." So, for several years now, I might skip visiting Biei in other months, but I absolutely must return in October. When staying in Biei around late September to early October, the plains might still be green, but just take a short drive of a few dozen minutes to Asahidake or Sounkyo..., hop on a cable car, and your jaw will drop at the mountain views right in front of you—the mountains are beautifully color-blocked: white on top (snow), colorful in the middle (autumn foliage), and still green at the bottom—it's simply breathtaking. By mid-to-late October, all of Hokkaido turns into a vibrant palette—hills, fields, roadsides, parks, and villages... In late October, it might snow in the middle of the night, and by early morning, you can see pinkish mountain forests—the lingering red autumn leaves blanketed in white snow. Therefore, Hokkaido in October is an undiscovered pearl finally coming to light! Make sure to seize the chance to experience it!

If Tokyo is the metropolis that never sleeps, and Kyoto is the cultural heart of Japan, Then Sapporo is the city of ❄️ Snow + 🦀 Seafood + 🍜 Miso Ramen + 🌃 Night Views. As the capital of Hokkaido, Sapporo is a major city that's incredibly easy to navigate while being surrounded by nature. It also serves as the perfect base for exploring famous nearby towns like Otaru, Furano, Biei, and Noboribetsu. Winter, in particular, completely transforms the city's vibe, making it one of Japan's top destinations for anyone wanting to experience a snowy wonderland. ❄️ (Visit Sapporo) ━━━━━━━━━━━━━━ 📍 Where to Go in Sapporo? 🌳 Odori Park ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ A city-center park that stretches for about 1.5 km. It's one of Sapporo's main landmarks and serves as a venue for major events year-round, including the famous Sapporo Snow Festival in winter. (Welcome to Sapporo) 📸 Perfect for: ✔ Strolling around ✔ Taking photos of the Sapporo TV Tower ✔ Enjoying Christmas / Winter Illuminations ✔ Experiencing the Snow Festival ━━━━━━━━━━━━━━ 🗼 Sapporo TV Tower ⭐⭐⭐⭐ A standout landmark located at the eastern end of Odori Park. You can head up to the Observation Deck to catch a stunning bird's-eye view of Sapporo. The tower stands about 144 meters tall. (Visit Sapporo) 🌃 Best time to visit: Evening → Night ━━━━━━━━━━━━━━ 🕰️ Sapporo Clock Tower ⭐⭐⭐⭐ One of the iconic symbols of the city. Built in 1878, it was originally part of the Sapporo Agricultural College, which is known today as Hokkaido University. (Visit Sapporo) 📸 A classic spot for Sapporo photography. ━━━━━━━━━━━━━━ 🛍️ Tanukikoji Shopping Street ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ A hugely popular shopping arcade right in the heart of the city. Perfect for fans of: 🛍️ Shopping 💊 Drugstores 🍜 Restaurants 🍡 Street Food 🎁 Souvenirs The best part? It's right next to Odori and Susukino, making it super easy to explore them all together. ━━━━━━━━━━━━━━ 🌃 Susukino ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ One of the liveliest nightlife districts in all of Sapporo. Packed with: 🍜 Ramen 🥩 Jingisukan (Grilled Mutton) 🦀 Seafood 🍺 Izakayas 🍨 Desserts The atmosphere at night is absolutely fantastic, especially when it's snowing. ━━━━━━━━━━━━━━ 🐟 Nijo Market ⭐⭐⭐⭐ A bustling seafood market in the downtown area. Ideal for grabbing a fresh breakfast or a hearty seafood lunch. 🦀 Crab 🐟 Sashimi 🍣 Sushi 🐚 Scallops 🍚 Kaisendon (Seafood Rice Bowl) Hokkaido is world-renowned for its seafood, and Sapporo acts as a major hub for the freshest catches from across the island. (Visit Sapporo) ━━━━━━━━━━━━━━ 🍺 Sapporo Beer Museum A must-visit spot for anyone interested in the history of Japanese beer. While you're there, you can easily pop over to the Sapporo Beer Garden for some drinks and Jingisukan. Sapporo's brewing history dates all the way back to 1876. (Visit Sapporo) ━━━━━━━━━━━━━━ 🍫 Shiroi Koibito Park A Theme Park + Chocolate Factory dedicated to Hokkaido's most famous sweet treat. Perfect for: 🍫 Dessert Lovers 📸 Photography 👨‍👩‍👧 Family Trips 🎁 Souvenir Shopping The park looks especially magical during the winter. ━━━━━━━━━━━━━━ ⛩️ Hokkaido Shrine The most important Shinto shrine in Hokkaido. Located near Maruyama Park, making it easy to plan a route like this: 🌳 Maruyama Park → ⛩️ Hokkaido Shrine → ☕ Café → 🌃 Mt. Moiwa ━━━━━━━━━━━━━━ 🌃 Mt. Moiwa ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ One of the top night view spots you absolutely shouldn't miss. The peak is about 561 meters high, and you can take a Ropeway and Mini Cable Car straight to the observation deck. (Visit Sapporo) 📸 Recommended: Head up just before sunset. 🌅 Watch the sunset → 🌃 Wait for the spectacular Sapporo Night View ━━━━━━━━━━━━━━ 🍜 What to Eat in Sapporo? Sapporo is an absolute paradise for foodies because it brings together the finest ingredients from all over Hokkaido into one city. (Visit Sapporo) 🍜 Miso Ramen — Sapporo's signature dish. The city is actually the birthplace of miso ramen! (Visit Sapporo) 🍛 Soup Curry — Another soul-comforting dish that originated right here in Sapporo. (Visit Sapporo) 🥩 Jingisukan — Hokkaido-style grilled mutton. 🦀 Hokkaido Crab 🍣 Sushi / Sashimi 🍚 Kaisendon — Bowls of rice topped with fresh seafood. 🐚 Hotate — Plump Hokkaido scallops. 🌽 Hokkaido Corn 🥛 Fresh Milk / Soft Serve Ice Cream 🧀 Cheese + Dairy Products 🍨 Shime Parfait — The unique Sapporo culture of finishing off a night out with a delicious parfait. (Visit Sapporo) ━━━━━━━━━━━━━━ 🌸❄️ When is the Best Time to Visit Sapporo? ❄️ December–February ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ For Winter Lovers The city is blanketed in snow. ⛷️ Skiing / Snowboarding ✨ Winter Illuminations ❄️ Sapporo Snow Festival This is arguably the most iconic time to experience Sapporo. 🌸 April–May ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Springtime The weather starts to warm up. 🌸 Cherry Blossoms (Sakura) 🌷 Blooming Flowers 🚶 Much more comfortable for walking around. 🌿 June–August ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Summer Escape The weather here is noticeably cooler than in most parts of Japan. It's a great time to visit Sapporo and then head out to Furano and Biei. 🍁 September–October ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Autumn Crisp, cool weather. 🍁 Stunning Autumn Foliage 🍣 Delicious Fall Seasonal Food 📸 Beautiful Landscapes ━━━━━━━━━━━━━━ 💡 How Many Days Should You Stay? 2 Days — Just enough to hit the main highlights of Sapporo. 3 Days ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ — The absolute sweet spot for first-timers. 4 Days — A more relaxed pace + enough time to add Jozankei. 5+ Days — Perfect for using Sapporo as a base and doing multiple day trips. 🚆 Otaru ♨️ Jozankei 🌸 Furano 🌾 Biei ♨️ Noboribetsu ━━━━━━━━━━━━━━ 🗓️ Sample 3-Day Sapporo Itinerary DAY 1 — Classic Sapporo 🇯🇵 🕰️ Sapporo Clock Tower → 🌳 Odori Park → 🗼 Sapporo TV Tower → 🐟 Nijo Market → 🛍️ Tanukikoji Shopping Street → 🌃 Susukino → 🍜 Miso Ramen 📸 Highlights: Landmarks + Shopping + Nightlife DAY 2 — Local Sapporo 🍺 ⛩️ Hokkaido Shrine → 🌳 Maruyama Park → 🍫 Shiroi Koibito Park → 🍺 Sapporo Beer Museum → 🥩 Jingisukan → 🌃 Mt. Moiwa 📸 Highlights: Culture + Food + Night Views DAY 3 — Otaru Day Trip 🌊 🚆 Leave Sapporo → 🌊 Otaru Canal → 🏘️ Sakaimachi Street → 🎵 Otaru Music Box Museum → 🍣 Sushi / Seafood → ☕ Relax at a Café → 🌅 Evening stroll along the canal → 🚆 Head back to Sapporo 📸 Highlights: Scenic Canal + Romantic Town Vibes + Seafood ━━━━━━━━━━━━━━ 🏨 Where to Stay? 🚉 Sapporo Station Area ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Best for those who prioritize easy transit. ✔ Quick access to and from the airport. ✔ Super convenient for catching JR trains to other cities. ✔ Tons of shopping nearby. ✔ Perfect if you're planning several day trips. 🌳 Odori Area ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Highly recommended for first-time visitors. ✔ Right in the center of the city. ✔ Easy walking distance to major landmarks. ✔ Very close to Tanukikoji. ✔ Walkable to Susukino. 🌃 Susukino Area ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Perfect for foodies and nightlife enthusiasts. ✔ Surrounded by countless restaurants. ✔ Izakayas galore. ✔ Endless ramen options. ✔ Very lively after dark. ━━━━━━━━━━━━━━ ✈️ How to Get to Sapporo from Thailand? The main gateway is: ✈️ New Chitose Airport (CTS) The easiest way to get from the airport into Sapporo is: 🚆 JR Rapid Airport Train New Chitose Airport → 🚆 Sapporo Station The fastest trains take about 33–37 minutes, and they run quite frequently during the day. (Welcome to Sapporo) Alternatively: 🚌 Airport Bus → Great for dropping you off directly at certain hotels or specific downtown areas. → Takes about 70 minutes according to official tourism info. (Welcome to Sapporo) ━━━━━━━━━━━━━━ ✨ Who is Sapporo Perfect For? ❄️ Snow Lovers 🍜 Foodies 🦀 Seafood Enthusiasts ⛷️ Skiers & Snowboarders 📸 Photographers 💙 Couples looking for a romantic trip 👨‍👩‍👧 Families on vacation 🚆 Travelers wanting to explore multiple cities in Hokkaido Sapporo is an incredibly easy city to navigate on your own. You'll eat well, travel effortlessly, and get to experience a completely different vibe with each changing season. If it's your first time, spending 3 days splitting your time between Sapporo and Otaru is a solid plan. But if you have 5–7 days to spare, we highly recommend turning it into a full Hokkaido adventure by adding Otaru, Furano, and Biei to your itinerary for the ultimate trip! 🇯🇵❄️

If you want to experience a Japanese winter with full-on snow, Hokkaido is one of the best routes! You'll get it all: city vibes, a romantic canal, snow-covered landscapes, delicious seafood, and epic winter activities. ✨ 📍 Route: Sapporo → Otaru → Asahikawa → Biei → Furano → Sapporo DAY 1 🏙️ Sapporo Arrive at New Chitose Airport → Head into Sapporo city 📍 Odori Park • Sapporo TV Tower • Susukino 🍜 Dinner: Ramen / Soup Curry 🏨 Stay in Sapporo DAY 2 ❄️ Sapporo Full-day city tour 📍 Hokkaido Shrine • Shiroi Koibito Park • Tanukikoji 🌃 Evening: Head up Mt. Moiwa for the city views 🏨 Stay in Sapporo DAY 3 🕯️ Otaru Day Trip 🚆 Sapporo → Otaru 📍 Otaru Canal • Sakaimachi Street • Music Box Museum • LeTAO 🍣 Stop by for Sushi + Seafood 🚆 Evening: Head back to Sapporo 🏨 Stay in Sapporo DAY 4 🐧 Sapporo → Asahikawa 🚆 Travel to Asahikawa 📍 Asahiyama Zoo: See the animals in the snow and catch the Penguin Walk during the event period 🍜 Asahikawa Ramen 🏨 Stay in Asahikawa DAY 5 🤍 Biei + Furano Explore Hokkaido's winter wonderland 📍 Biei • Shirahige Falls • Blue Pond • Ningle Terrace 🌲 Experience snowfields, waterfalls, and pine forests all in one day 🏨 Stay in Furano or Asahikawa DAY 6 ☃️ Furano → Sapporo Morning: Play in the snow or ski at Furano Ski Resort before heading back to Sapporo 🛍️ Evening: Shopping + Crab feast / Jingisukan 🏨 Stay in Sapporo DAY 7 ✈️ Sapporo → Bangkok Souvenir shopping → New Chitose Airport → Flight back home ✨ Have an extra 1–2 days? ⛷️ Add Niseko → Perfect for ski/snowboard enthusiasts ♨️ Add Noboribetsu → Soak in an onsen surrounded by snow 🏯 Add Hakodate → Port city charm + stunning night views 💡 Best time to go: If you want the ultimate snowy vibes, January and February are the most popular months. If you want to catch the Sapporo Snow Festival, be sure to check the event dates for the year you're traveling and book your accommodation well in advance! For your first 7-day, 6-night trip, the Sapporo → Otaru → Asahikawa → Biei → Furano route is spot on. You get a perfect mix of City + Food + Snow + Winter Landscapes without having to change hotels every single day! 🇯🇵❄️✨

Biei is a charming rural town in Hokkaido that boasts unique beauty across all four seasons. If you're visiting during the summer, here are the top spots you absolutely must check out: ➡️ Shikisai-no-Oka This expansive flower garden is nestled among the rolling hills at the foot of Mount Tokachidake. The prime season for flower viewing is from July to September, offering endless panoramic views of vibrant floral fields. Each section features a different variety of flowers, creating a dazzling and picturesque landscape everywhere you look. You can hop on a tractor-bus that tours the garden and stops at designated photo spots. Tickets are available at the vending machines near the entrance. ➡️ Shirogane Blue Pond This is undoubtedly one of Hokkaido's most stunning and popular tourist attractions. It gained worldwide fame after a photo of the pond was featured as an Apple MacBook wallpaper, drawing visitors from all over. The pond is breathtaking in every season—as long as it's sunny and hasn't rained enough to muddy the waters, you're guaranteed to capture some incredible shots. ➡️ Shirahige Waterfall Another major highlight in Biei, this small but mighty waterfall is ranked among the top 5 most beautiful waterfalls in Hokkaido. Its water comes from underground streams flowing from the Tokachi mountain range, passing beneath the nearby Shirogane Onsen. The cascading white streams perfectly match its name, Shirahige, which translates to "White Beard Waterfall." It flows into the Biei River, known as the "Blue River" due to its deep blue hue from volcanic minerals. When the white and blue waters mix, they create a striking turquoise color that flows down to the nearby Shirogane Blue Pond. Waterfalls of this unique nature are incredibly rare to find! ➡️ Takushinkan Photo Gallery Opened in 1987, this gallery showcases the masterpieces of Shinzo Maeda, a globally renowned photographer who captured the beauty of this region. Located along the scenic Patchwork Hills route, the gallery offers more than just stunning photography. Take a stroll to the back, and you'll discover a tranquil forest with a picturesque, long path lined by towering silver birch trees. It's a highly popular photo spot you won't want to miss. ➡️ Shinei-no-Oka Observatory Park This scenic viewpoint is located along Biei's Panorama Road. It offers sweeping, unobstructed views of patchwork-like fields stretching across rolling hills, with the majestic Tokachi mountain range in the distance. The observation deck is playfully decorated with cute dolls made from hay bales and features beautiful, vibrant flower beds that add a refreshing touch to the scenery.

Exactly around this time three years ago, I visited "Shikisai no Oka" in Biei, Hokkaido! 🌼 Colorful flowers spread across the vast hill, looking just like a colorful carpet 🌈 The scale was even bigger in person than in the photos, and I was absolutely blown away by the majestic scenery that is so uniquely Hokkaido ‼️ (It's super spacious with almost no shade, so I highly recommend bringing plenty of sun protection!) I walked around the park, but since it's quite hilly, hopping on the "Norokko-go" (tractor bus 🚜) is also a great option 👍 And I have to mention the treat I had here, the "🪻Lavender Soft Serve🪻" (¥450)—it's a personal favorite 🍦💜 Not only is it visually adorable, but the sweet scent of lavender pairs perfectly with the rich, creamy milk. Eating it while gazing out at the flower fields makes it taste even better....🤤 It’s a spot where you can enjoy beautiful Hokkaido landscapes and local sweet treats all at once, so definitely add it to your itinerary when sightseeing in Biei! ーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーー 📍Panoramic Flower Gardens Shikisai no Oka Shinsei Dai-3, Biei-cho, Kamikawa-gun, Hokkaido 🎫 Admission Fee (Jul - Sep) ・High school students and older: 800 yen ・Elementary & Junior high school students: 500 yen ・Children under elementary school age: Free 🕐 Business Hours Jun - Sep: 8:40 AM - 5:30 PM 🅿️ Parking (Jul - Sep) ・500 yen 🚖 Norokko-go (Tractor Bus) ・High school students and older: 500 yen ・Elementary & Junior high school students: 300 yen

26.07.05 - 26.05.09 A Must-Do in Summer Sapporo! A Biei Day Tour for Picture-Perfect Shots 🍈✨ We went on a Biei tour, which was absolutely the highlight of our family trip to Sapporo this summer! I'm sharing our 100% satisfying itinerary, from an action-packed route to amazing food. 📸 Main Tour Itinerary Patchwork Road (viewed from the car) : Taking in the vibrant, colorful hill landscapes Blue Pond & Shirahige Waterfall : A mystical blue lake and a refreshing waterfall Shikisai-no-Oka & Farm Tomita : Endless, sprawling summer flower fields Biei Station : Time for a delicious lunch 😋 Can't-Miss Food Tips ✔️Junpei Ebi-don in Biei : We grabbed takeout for the famous Junpei shrimp tempura rice bowl, so we could dig in right away without the wait! Even as takeout, it was incredibly crispy and delicious. ✔️Yubari Melon : Sold at the tourist spots for just 500 yen, it was so sweet it melted in my mouth—I ended up eating two on the spot! 🍈 If you want to capture colorful, once-in-a-lifetime photos while enjoying delicious food on your summer trip to Sapporo, you definitely have to check out the Biei tour! 👍🏻 Travel

Biei is a town famous for spectacular scenery that represents Hokkaido. With its beautiful rural landscapes of gently rolling hills, fields that change their appearance with the seasons, and the magical Blue Pond, it's the perfect area for a road trip. While you can explore Biei using public transportation, renting a car is highly recommended for the freedom to visit these breathtaking spots at your own pace. In this guide, we'll introduce a model 1-day drive itinerary that allows you to efficiently enjoy the quintessential views of Biei. ⸻ 8. 30 | Start Around Biei Station Morning in Biei offers crisp, clear air, making it the time of day when the hilly landscapes look especially beautiful. Once you set off in your rental car, head first to the iconic hill area that defines Biei. ⸻ 9. 00 | Drive Along the Patchwork Road A classic Biei sightseeing route is the "Patchwork Road." Named for its fields that spread out like a patchwork quilt, this area lets you enjoy magnificent scenery unique to Hokkaido. Recommended Spots: Ken and Mary Tree An iconic lone tree scenic spot in Biei. It's a popular location for taking photos with the vast hills in the background. Seven Stars Tree A large oak tree standing on a hill. When viewed alongside the surrounding scenery, it gives you that signature sense of openness typical of Biei. Hokusei-no-Oka Observatory Park An observation park where you can overlook the hills of Biei. On a clear day, you can see all the way to the distant mountain ranges. ⸻ 11:30 | Lunch at a Popular Biei Cafe Biei has many cafes where you can enjoy a delicious meal while taking in the views. We highly recommend: · Dishes made with local vegetables · Bread baked with Hokkaido wheat · House-roasted coffee · Homemade sweets And more. Having lunch while gazing at the hilly landscape is a joy unique to a Biei drive. ⸻ 13. 00 | Head to Shirogane Blue Pond In the afternoon, make your way to Biei's most famous tourist attraction, "Shirogane Blue Pond." The scenery created by the magical blue water surface and the withered Japanese larch trees is one of Hokkaido's most representative spectacular views. Because the shade of blue changes depending on the season, weather, and time of day, you can enjoy a different look every time you visit. Incredibly popular for photography, it's an absolute must-visit spot on any Biei trip. ⸻ 14. 30 | Shirahige Waterfall Located just about a 5-minute drive from the Blue Pond is "Shirahige Waterfall." The groundwater cascading beautifully through the rocks offers a different kind of striking impact than the Blue Pond. The view from the bridge above is highly recommended, and the scenery with the Tokachi mountain range in the background is a must-see. ⸻ 15. 30 | Stroll Through the Flower Fields at Shikisai-no-Oka (Seasonal) If you're visiting between spring and autumn, "Shikisai-no-Oka" is also highly recommended. Colorful flower fields spread across the vast hills, allowing you to enjoy scenery straight out of a picture book. The summer lavender and carpets of colorful flowers, in particular, are spectacular sights you can only find in Biei. ⸻ 16. 30 | Evening Hill Drive On your way back, taking a leisurely drive through the Biei hills dyed in the colors of the sunset is highly recommended. Unlike the daytime, the fields and hills bathed in the evening light create a beautifully warm landscape. If you have some time to spare, pull over on a farm road that catches your eye and enjoy the quintessential Hokkaido scenery to the very end. ⸻ 1-Day Biei Model Drive Route 🚗 Biei Station ↓ 🌳 Patchwork Road (Ken and Mary Tree, Seven Stars Tree, Hokusei-no-Oka Observatory Park) ↓ 🍴 Lunch ↓ 💧 Shirogane Blue Pond ↓ 🌊 Shirahige Waterfall ↓ 🌼 Shikisai-no-Oka ↓ 🌅 Evening Hill Drive ↓ Around Biei Station ⸻ Tips for Driving in Biei 🚗 Traveling by car is recommended Because there is quite a distance between the spots, a rental car allows you to explore the area efficiently. 📷 Aim for morning and evening times With fewer tourists and beautiful lighting, these times are perfect for photography. ⛽ Refuel your gas early Gas stations are scarce in the hill areas, so it's highly recommended to fill up your tank before setting out. ⸻ Summary | Biei: A Scenic Drive Area Packed with the Charms of Hokkaido The charm of Biei lies in more than just its famous spots. The vast hills seen from your car window, the changing colors of the fields each season, and the peaceful scenery along the farm roads. The time spent just getting to your destination is the true joy of a Biei drive. For those wanting to feel the natural beauty of Hokkaido and explore photogenic landscapes, a 1-day drive trip in Biei is highly recommended.

🌿 For a summer trip to Japan, I highly recommend Sapporo in late August! Summer in Japan has a strong reputation for being hot and humid, but Sapporo is the exception. By late August, you can enjoy relatively pleasant weather even in the middle of the day, making it an easy city to explore without the usual midsummer strain. Plus, starting August 17th, one-way flights between Seoul and Sapporo drop to around the 120,000 KRW range, and depending on your dates, you can even snag super deals as low as the 100,000 KRW range. Between the cool weather and budget-friendly flights, now is the perfect time to plan your summer getaway to Japan. ⸻ ✈️ Flights won't break the bank 💺 From August 17th onwards ✅ One-way starting around the 120,000 KRW range ✅ Super deals as low as the 100,000 KRW range depending on the date Prices usually drop as the off-peak season approaches, so adjusting your dates just a bit can help you save on travel costs. ⸻ 🌤️ The most comfortable summer in Japan While Tokyo and Osaka are sweltering in high heat and humidity, Sapporo stays relatively cool and perfect for a stroll. It’s an ideal city to leisurely enjoy parks, streets, and cafes even in the height of summer. ⸻ 💜 Furano lavenders and Biei landscapes From mid to late August, you can still catch some lavenders and a variety of summer blooms, while Furano and Biei offer Hokkaido’s signature sprawling meadows and rolling hills. If you love taking photos, this is a must-visit route. ⸻ 🍺 Dive into summer festivals August in Hokkaido is filled with a summer vibe, featuring beer festivals, night markets, and fireworks. Enjoying a festival in the crisp evening air is a charm unique to Sapporo. ⸻ 🍣 A foodie's paradise In Sapporo, you'll find: 🦀 Crab dishes 🍣 Fresh seafood 🍜 Sapporo Miso Ramen 🥩 Genghis Khan (grilled mutton) 🍦 Hokkaido milk ice cream It's packed with mouthwatering treats you can only taste in Hokkaido. ⸻ 🚆 Great for side trips With Sapporo as your home base, 📍 Otaru 📍 Biei 📍 Furano 📍 Noboribetsu are all easy options for day trips or overnight stays. ⸻ ⭐ Why Sapporo in late August? ✅ One-way flights around the 120,000 KRW range, with deals down to the 100,000 KRW range ✅ The most comfortable summer weather in Japan ✅ Breathtaking Hokkaido nature ✅ Easy access to Furano and Biei ✅ Combine it with a trip to Otaru ✅ The ultimate Hokkaido food tour ⸻ ⭐ I'd give Sapporo in late August a solid 10 out of 10. If you want to beat the heat and enjoy a cool summer, Sapporo in late August is easily one of the most rewarding travel destinations in Japan. Pair that with affordable flights, and it just might be your best choice this summer.

The Blue Pond and Shirahige Waterfall are absolute must-visit attractions on any trip to Biei, and since they're located close to each other, they're perfect for visiting together. Taking your time to explore both spots only takes about 30 minutes, making them a great, low-stress addition to your rental car road trip itinerary. 🚗✨ First, true to its name, the Blue Pond features stunningly beautiful and mysterious emerald-blue water. You can take a leisurely stroll along the 100-meter walking trail to take in the scenery, and don't forget to try the blue ice cream, which is just as popular as the treats at Farm Tomita! 🍦💙 The parking lot is also spacious and very convenient to use. Shirahige Waterfall is another impressive spot, featuring a powerful cascade of blue water. However, since you view it by looking down from an observation bridge, it can be a bit tricky if you're trying to take portrait photos with the waterfall in the background. While there's no official parking lot, it's easy to park nearby for a quick 5 to 10-minute visit. 📸🌊 If you want to experience the pristine nature unique to Biei, I highly recommend visiting both of these places. It's an excellent route that allows you to fully enjoy Hokkaido's gorgeous scenery even if you're short on time. 💛

Looking to explore beyond Sapporo? Here are the best day trips you can easily do by train, depending on what vibe you are looking for. 🚂 Otaru: Nostalgic Canal & Seafood · Distance: ~35 km (30–45 mins by JR train) · What to do: Stroll along the historic Otaru Canal, visit famous glass-blowing workshops and music box museums, and eat ultra-fresh sushi at the fish markets. Perfect for a relaxed, romantic day trip. 🚗 Furano & Biei: Rolling Hills & Fairy-Tale Views · Distance: ~150 km (approx. 2 hours by express train + local lines) · What to do: See the iconic Biei Christmas Tree, marvel at the cobalt-blue Shirogane Pond, and walk through the magical illuminated log cabins at Ningle Terrace. · Pro-Tip: Best explored by renting a car from Sapporo for full flexibility. 🏂 Niseko: World-Class Powder Snow · Distance: ~100 km (~2 hours by JR train/bus) · What to do: Hit the slopes for some of the best powder snow on the planet in winter. In summer, come here for white-water rafting, hiking around Mount Yotei, and eating fresh dairy at local farms. 👹 Noboribetsu: Hell Valley Hot Springs · Distance: ~110 km (~1 hour 15 mins by JR limited express train) · What to do: Walk through Jigokudani (Hell Valley) to see steaming sulfur vents, take a natural hot spring footbath in the middle of a forest, and soak in some of Hokkaido's top-rated onsen resorts. 🍁 Jozankei & Hoheikyo: Gorge Onsens & Fall Foliage · Distance: ~30 km (~1 hour by Kappa Liner bus from Sapporo Station) · What to do: The ultimate quick mountain escape. Soak in scenic outdoor hot springs along the river gorge. In autumn, take a local shuttle to Hoheikyo Dam for the most spectacular fall foliage views in Hokkaido.

A specially curated 2-day Japan itinerary for solo travelers! Visit Tomita Farm, Asahiyama Zoo, check out Biei, Blue Pond, and Shirahige Falls, plus discover authentic local dining and lodging options. Save this now~ · ------------------- This super practical travel guide is just a scroll away ↓ · ------------------- Must-see attractions: 1. Tomita Farm ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Address: 15 Kisenkita, Nakafurano, Sorachi District, Hokkaido 071-0704 Japan Opening hours: June 20–July 20, 9:30 AM–4:30 PM Duration: 1–3 hours The colorful wave-shaped flower fields are incredibly soothing. In August and September, the cosmos flower sea creates a full-on romantic vibe. Strolling through the fields, every photo looks like a romantic scene. 2. Blue Pond ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Address: Shirogane, Biei, Kamikawa District, Hokkaido 071-0235 Japan Opening hours: 7:00 AM–7:00 PM Duration: 20–45 minutes The blue water paired with dead trees and fallen leaves really feels like a mini Jiuzhaigou—peaceful and picture-perfect. 3. Asahiyama Zoo ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Address: Kuranuma Higashiasahikawacho, Asahikawa, Hokkaido 078-8205 Japan Opening hours: April 29–August 9, 9:30 AM–5:15 PM Duration: 3–5 hours A magical zoo where you can watch penguins march up close. It’s irresistibly cute and you could easily spend half a day here. · ------------------- ✈️ Travel prep: 🪪 Be sure to bring your passport and Japan tourist visa. Make copies or save digital versions in advance to avoid trouble if the originals get lost. 🔌 Japan uses two flat-pin outlets. Bring an adapter and a power bank. Keep your phone and camera chargers organized. 🧴 July in Japan is hot and rainy. Bring a sun umbrella, lightweight sun-protective clothing, and portable mosquito repellent for comfortable sightseeing. 🎒 Also pack a foldable backpack for water, wet wipes, and emergency medicine so you can easily handle a full day out. · ------------------- Travel solo with ease and fun. Tap the card below to start your personalized solo trip~