Introducing the highlights and points of interest of the idyllic "Patchwork Road" in Biei | Hokkaido Lab - A Hokkaido travel guide to enjoy gourmet food, nature, and culture in one place

Here's a look at the highlights and points of interest along the idyllic "Patchwork Road" in Biei!

: Furano, Biei, Tomamu

: Last updated: September 15, 2021

Have you ever heard the phrase "patchwork road"?

This is a coined word that describes the landscape of the Biei hills, where seasonal flowers and fields of crops unfold in a patchwork-like pattern.

Therefore, in a broad sense, it includes a wide area of Biei, making it very difficult to pinpoint the exact location. However, it generally refers to the Kitaei area, where the Ken and Mary Tree and the Seven Stars Tree are located.

So, this time, I'd like to focus on the "patchwork road" landscape in the Hokuei area and introduce its highlights and points of interest.

Table of contents

1. First, head to Ken and Mary's Tree, which is close to Biei town.

2. The path from Ken and Mary's Tree to the Seven Stars Tree is the key spot.

3. Head to the picturesque "Seven Stars Tree"! The birch tree is a hidden photo spot.

1. First, head to Ken and Mary's Tree, which is close to Biei town.

When heading to the Patchwork Road from the town of Biei, the first landmark you should look for is the "Ken and Mary Tree."

This tree once appeared in a commercial for Nissan's fourth-generation Skyline. Since then, it has become a popular tourist attraction and has been named "Ken and Mary's Tree," after the characters played by the actors.

Patchwork Road Ken and Mary's Tree
It looks a bit monotonous from the front, so please try walking around and viewing it from various angles.

I visited in July. As I crouched down and held my camera, the contrast with the white flowers nearby was lovely. And the gentle colors of the sky created a somewhat fairytale-like atmosphere.

I was soothed for a while by the leisurely pace of time.

2. The path from Ken and Mary's Tree to the Seven Stars Tree is the key spot.

Patchwork Road, Seven Star Tree
The section from Ken and Mary's Tree to the next Seven Stars Tree is the heart of what's known as the "Patchwork Road." Turn left at the intersection where the Bible restaurant is located, and the scenery along the road will open up dramatically.

Then, the patchwork unfolds beautifully from the wheat fields to the crop fields! When you think of patchwork, you tend to imagine colorful landscapes, but the colors are very simple and country-style.

Patchwork Road
However, it is precisely these subdued colors that possess the irresistible charm that attracts so many people.

The gentleness and embrace of nature, and the somehow nostalgic scent of the earth and rice—these things flow into me through my eyes and nose.

It seems to awaken some important senses that have been suppressed by city life.

This "patchwork road" changes its appearance with each passing season. Depending on when you visit, it will show you a completely different charm.

July is the season when the wheat harvest begins. The scenery changes dramatically in just a few days, and before you know it, hay bales are up and gone.

It makes sense that a landscape photographer lives in Biei and makes shooting at the same spots a daily routine.

3. Head to the picturesque "Seven Stars Tree"! The birch tree is a hidden photo spot.

After enjoying a drive along the patchwork road, you'll arrive at the "Seven Stars Tree." Like the Ken and Mary Tree mentioned earlier, this tree also has a history of being used as packaging for a certain product.

Yes, it's the "Seven Stars" cigarette brand. In Biei, with its vast rolling hills, a single tree makes a striking visual. That's why it was once a popular subject for advertising.

It looks great against a clear blue sky.

Patchwork Road, Birch Tree-lined Street
While the Seven Stars Tree is famous, the birch tree-lined avenue next to it is also gaining attention for its beauty. Beyond the avenue, which exudes an exotic atmosphere, you can sometimes see the Daisetsuzan mountain range on a clear day!

The contrast with the magnificent blue sky was beautiful that day, so I tried to capture a lot of the sky in my photos. The scenery is subtly different every time I visit, making me want to pick up my camera and take pictures whenever the mood strikes me.

The "Patchwork Road" area, which I introduced this time, is an endless field that stimulates such sensibilities. Why not take a stroll and encounter the unique beauty of Biei for yourself?

Yuhei Tonosho, a cyclist and photographer who delves deep into Japan

Born in 1993 in Toyota City, Aichi Prefecture. Graduated from Doshisha University, Faculty of Letters, Department of Cultural History and Department of English Literature. While working as a salaryman, he is a travel writer who travels all over Japan by bicycle and mountain climbing. He captures and shares the changing seasons of Japan with all his senses.

Please also check out these related articles.