Biei, along with Furano, is a famous tourist spot with stunning scenery that can be enjoyed from spring to autumn. Even if you only vaguely think, "I want to go to Biei," you'll want to check out the main spots! Furthermore, Furano and Biei have different attractions, so doing some research beforehand will enhance your enjoyment.

This time, I'd like to introduce the charms of Biei, how it compares to Furano, the best time to visit, and some recommended tourist spots, as well as some trendy cafes and shops.

Let's make sure we understand the key points and enjoy Biei even more!

<Contents>
1. The Charms of Biei
2. Things you should know before going to Biei
3. Recommended sightseeing spots in Biei
4. Recommended cafes, restaurants, and shops in Biei

This place boasts exceptionally beautiful rolling hills. In season, the area is covered in blooming flowers, and the lush greenery is also a sight to behold.

The hills are divided into two areas: the "Panorama Road" and the "Patchwork Road," each dotted with numerous scenic spots offering breathtaking views.

Biei also boasts a mystical pond known as the "Blue Pond," which has become a popular tourist spot in recent years.

The Shirokane Road is perfect for a drive; it's a popular spot where you can enjoy a pleasant drive while basking in the sunlight filtering through the trees!

Blessed with a favorable topography and environment, the vegetables, bathed in plenty of sunshine, are absolutely delicious! They're so tasty they'll even cure picky eaters.

2. Things you should know before going to Biei

About the best season

Biei is a charming town known for its seasonal flower fields on the hillsides and its nostalgic rural landscape. If you're going to enjoy exploring the hills, you'll definitely want to choose a season that offers the best views! Let's break it down by season...

★March to May: Preparation period. This is the time when flowers and greenery are eagerly waiting for their turn to bloom.

★June to October: In summer, the area is filled with vibrant flowers such as sunflowers and salvias. It's also beautiful when other crops (potato fields, for example) bloom all over the place!

And the wheat fields, a bounty of the earth shining in golden hues, are also wonderful.

★November to February: The landscape transforms into a snowy wonderland, painted entirely in white.

That's the general idea. If you want to enjoy the unique characteristics of Biei, the best season to visit is..."June to October"You could say that.

Regarding congestion

Tourist spots tend to get crowded because they offer experiences that can only be seen at that specific time and place.

Group tours organized by travel agencies are popular, and since people come from all over the country, congestion at major spots is unavoidable. However, weekdays are slightly less crowded. On weekends, not only are tourist spots crowded, but the roads are also congested. Driving around Biei by rental car is quite a challenge, as there are many places where parking is unavailable.

Therefore, my personal recommendation is renting a bicycle. It's incredibly convenient because you can easily weave through traffic jams. There are no parking lot queues, and you can go to the places you want to see!

Also, since it's a hilly town, many people might think the slopes are tough! But the latest trend is electric bicycles. Once you try one, you'll be able to comfortably get around hills and slopes, so be sure to give them a try.

*When driving a rental car, please be extra careful of people using rental bicycles.

• Rental bicycle information

~For those who want to explore purely by rental bicycle~

■Takigawa Cycle (
Located a 5-minute walk from Biei Station, this rental shop offers a wide range of vehicles, including electric bicycles, regular bicycles, motorcycles, and scooters.

Address: 1-chome, Sakaemachi, Biei-cho, Kamikawa-gun, Hokkaido
Phone: 0166-92-3448
Opening hours: 7:00 AM - 18:00 PM
Operating period: Rental period (late April to early November)
Access: 5-minute walk from JR Biei Station.
Parking: Free.
Rates: ★Regular bicycle 200 yen per hour / ★Electric bicycle 600 yen per hour
★Mountain bike: 300 yen per hour / ★Scooter (50cc): 700 yen per hour
★Scooter (125cc) 1,000 yen per hour (Scooters must be returned with a full tank of fuel)
*Additional information: We own 200 regular bicycles, 5 electric bicycles, and 10 mountain bikes.

~Guided cycling tours not listed in guidebooks are available here~

■Guided Cycling Tour Biei
This shop offers guided tours where you can enjoy the scenery of Biei by electric bicycle.

Guided Cycling Tour Biei
Address: 1-1-7 Omachi, Biei-cho, Kamikawa-gun, Hokkaido
Phone: 090-5956-4567 (8:00-20:00)
Opening hours: 8:30 AM - 17:30 PM
Operating period: Late May to the end of October
Access: 5-minute walk from JR Biei Station (next to the restaurant KOERU, which has a view of the station).
Parking: Free.
Price: Varies depending on the tour, so please inquire.
Easily explore the hilly town of Biei with electric assist. We support your Biei sightseeing.
Rental bicycle hours: 8:30 AM - 17:00 PM
(Rental electric-assist bicycles are available on the day of use. Please contact us by phone first.)
[PR]

・ About accommodation

Choosing a destination in Biei depends on your purpose. What are your general purposes?

★A pension-type accommodation where you can experience the atmosphere of Hokkaido.
★Enjoy Shirahige Falls and hot springs at Shirogane Onsen (Shirahige Falls is located within the hot spring town).
★A cozy and affordable guesthouse
★Want to start sightseeing early in the morning? Hotels near the station

It tends to be easier to find accommodation in Biei than in the more popular Furano. That being said, from July onwards, the peak season, accommodations fill up quickly unless you book early.

Accommodation plays a crucial role in determining the overall quality of your trip, so be sure to book early!

~For Hokkaido accommodation reservations~
[Jalan] Hotel and accommodation reservations in Hokkaido　　

3. Recommended sightseeing spots in Biei

• Blue Pond

Once a hidden gem, the Blue Pond has recently become a popular destination for tour buses. Its charm lies in the beauty of the pond, which changes color in diverse ways depending on the weather and season. Be sure to take a look at the mystical colors that can only be seen on that particular day, in that particular place, and at that particular time.

青い池
Address: Shirogane, Biei-cho, Kamikawa-gun, Hokkaido

For more information about the Blue Pond, please see here!
[A breathtaking sight you must see at least once!] The seasonal charms and how to get to Biei's Blue Pond!

<Panorama Road and Patchwork Road are must-see spots for exploring the hills.>

~Panorama Road Edition~

Shikisai-no-oka (Seasonal Flower Garden)

Many people enjoy Shikisai-no-Oka (Shikisai Hill) in conjunction with the lavender fields of Furano. The hills, beautifully adorned with summer flowers, are a testament to Biei's unique topography! The expansive views, including the Tokachi mountain range, are also a major draw.

This is a tourist farm featuring an alpaca farm, a direct sales store for fresh vegetables, and a souvenir shop. Lavender soft-serve ice cream is a popular item at the snack corner!

Shikisai no Oka
Address: Shinsei 3rd, Biei-cho, Kamikawa-gun, Hokkaido
Phone: 0166-95-2758
Parking: 20 large buses, 100 passenger cars

Christmas Tree

Standing alone on the hillside is a spruce tree whose shape resembles a Christmas tree, commonly known as the "Christmas Tree."

Upon closer inspection, the very top part resembles the shape of a star, hence its name. Surrounded by rolling hills, it stands out even within Biei.

Please note that the Christmas tree is located on private property, so you cannot enter it. It looks best when photographed from a distance! Try taking pictures from your favorite angle with the hill and sunset in the background.

Christmas Tree
Address: Bibaushi, Biei-cho, Kamikawa-gun, Hokkaido

赤い屋根の家

A charming house with a red roof stands amidst the beautiful scenery of rolling hills. It became instantly famous thanks to a commercial for House Cream Stew.

The striking red-roofed house nestled amidst the rolling hills creates a scene that feels almost like stepping into a fairy tale. Even professionals are left breathless by this sight, where you can truly feel the richness of the greenery and the bounty of the earth.

This is also located on private property, so please be careful not to trespass.

House with a red roof (Fairy Tale Hill)
Address: Fukutomi, Biei-cho, Kamikawa-gun, Hokkaido

Sanai no Oka Observation Park

This observation park offers a panoramic view of the Panorama Road you've just traveled. The Tokachi mountain range stretches out beyond the seemingly endless Panorama Road, allowing you to enjoy a truly spectacular view.

You can also see the triangular tower, the symbol of Mima Elementary School, beyond the many hills, so be sure to look for it! It's a fantastic spot with a great view of the hills and windbreak forest against the blue sky♪

Also, the restrooms are open from spring to autumn, making it a great place to take a break while exploring the hills.

Sanai no Oka Observation Park
Address: San'ai, Biei-cho, Kamikawa-gun, Hokkaido

~Like a European countryside! A patchwork road with stunning scenery~

Seven Star Tree

The oak tree that stands quietly watching over the hill has been called the "Seven Stars Tree" since it was featured on the packaging of the Seven Stars cigarette pack in 51.

It seems that it was formerly known as "Hokuei's Lone Tree." When agriculture is practiced, the entire hillside is covered with colorful flowers, making the rolling hills even more beautiful. Because the flowers planted on the unique terrain look like a patchwork quilt, the surrounding area is said to be called the Patchwork Road.

You can get right up to it, so be sure to enjoy the scenery that is so typical of Biei. *Please be sure to follow the rules and do not enter the fields!

Seven Star Tree
Address: Kitaei, Biei-cho, Kamikawa-gun, Hokkaido
Parking: 20 passenger cars, 3 buses

Parent and child trees

Three oak trees stand close together on a hilltop. The larger trees on either side seem to be protecting the smaller one in the middle, hence they are called the "parent and child trees."

Even among Biei's tourist spots, this is a hidden gem of a natural scenic spot, and its unspoiled nature is part of its charm. This place, with its vast panoramic views, is highly recommended as a perfect spot to gaze up at the rolling hills! *Incidentally, the large trees on either side are said to be about 90 years old, and the small tree in the middle is about 60 years old.

Parent and child trees
Address: Yubari, Biei-cho, Kamikawa-gun, Hokkaido

Mild Seven Hill

The larch forest perched on the hilltop earned the nickname "Mild Seven Hill" after being featured in a commercial for Japan Tobacco's "Mild Seven" cigarettes.

If you follow the narrow path, you can reach the top of the hill and admire the scenery, such as the carpet of lavender and potato flowers that spread out on the downhill slope.

The crops change every year, and the breathtaking scenery that can only be seen in that particular year is also a major attraction. Why not stand on the stage of the hills, a vast landscape woven together by nature, and experience it for yourself!

マイルドセブンの丘
Address: Mita, Biei-cho, Kamikawa-gun, Hokkaido

Zerubu Hill and Atom Hill

The spacious grounds, covering approximately 6 square meters, are adorned with a vibrant array of flowers planted in a circular arrangement, creating a beautiful pattern. In the coming season, you can expect to see a full array of summer flowers on the grounds, including lavender, salvia, and marigolds!

Another must-see is the vast sunflower field. The vibrant sunflowers blooming on the gentle slopes of the hill are sure to lift your spirits! The circular flower field is surrounded by trees that symbolize Biei, making it a very popular spot for leisurely viewing.

You can also take a stroll around the park in a buggy, so be sure to allocate some extra time to try it out. The observation deck also offers a fantastic view of Ken and Mary's Tree! It's sure to be a fulfilling sightseeing experience!

Zerubu Hill
Address: Omi, Biei-cho, Kamikawa-gun, Hokkaido
Phone: 0166-92-3160 (Restaurant reservation number: 0166-92-3315)
Opening hours: 8:30 AM - 17:00 PM
Entrance fee: Free
Parking: 120 spaces

~Check these out too~

~Visiting the origins of Biei, the hill town that made it so famous~

Takushinkan

Takushinkan, a gallery showcasing the highlights of Biei, is the personal gallery of Shinzo Maeda, who conveyed the "town of hills, Biei" through his photographs. Reusing the former site of Chiyoda Elementary School, this gallery, created in collaboration with Biei Town, represents the origins of Biei.

Inside the museum, you can admire the striking hilly landscapes that change with the seasons. The exhibits are also changed periodically, making it a must-see gallery for fans.

Also, there are lavender fields nearby, so be sure to stop by!

*Takushinkan was selected as one of the "100 Best Town Development Projects in Hokkaido" in 1988, and in 1999, it received the "Japan Photographic Society Cultural Promotion Award" together with Shinzo Maeda.

Takumakan
Address: Takushin, Biei-cho, Kamikawa-gun, Hokkaido
Phone: 0166-92-3355
Entrance fee: free
営業時間：　9：00～17：00（5月～10月）　10：00～16：00（11月～）
*Please inquire about winter operating hours.

4. Recommended cafes, restaurants, and shops in Biei

• A cafe where you can eat bread from Biei: Picnic

This cafe, with its picturesque building integrated with nature, is popular for its homemade hamburgers.

The hamburgers, featuring handmade buns and homemade bread, are primarily made with ingredients sourced from Biei. The interior of the shop, run by a husband and wife, is also handmade. If you're visiting Biei, be sure to stop by!

Picnic
Address: Misawa Kyosei, Biei-cho, Kamikawa-gun, Hokkaido
Phone: 0166-92-5919
Opening hours: 11: 00 to 17: 00
Regular holiday: Monday and Tuesday
Parking: 6 spaces

Enjoy a relaxing time while gazing at the rolling hills of Biei: Kazemachi Coffee Shop

At the Hillside Teahouse near Shikisai-no-Oka, you can enjoy coffee and sweets while gazing at the rolling hills. This cafe, situated on a small hill, boasts spectacular views from its windows.

Handmade hamburgers, homemade pork sausages, and bread made with Hokkaido-grown wheat are also popular! You can enjoy a panoramic view of the road, so it's a great place to combine a stroll through the hills with a visit to fully experience Biei.

Also, handmade soba noodles are available from early summer through early autumn, which is the tourist season, so be sure to try the fragrant soba noodles, which are only available for a limited time.

Hillside Teahouse Kazemachi Coffee Shop
Address: Shinsei 3, Biei-cho, Kamikawa-gun, Hokkaido
Phone: Inquiries only accepted via email (kazemachi_cafe@yahoo.co.jp)
Opening hours: 11:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Closed on Wednesdays (closed from late November to April)
Parking: 8 spaces

- Enjoy home-grown vegetables in a dream location: German-style farm cafe Land Café

Owner Stefan is from Germany. The soups, sausages, and rye bread, which combine vegetables grown on his own farm at the foot of Mild Seven Hill with German country cuisine, are sure to whet your appetite. The red building was built by the owner. This charming, handcrafted cafe is one of the most popular in Biei.

Enjoy a delicious lunch at a cafe where you'll want to say "I'm home!" to the vegetables grown on the hill right in front of you.
Also, we sell our own homegrown vegetables, so please take a look!

Land Café
Address: 2nd Mita, Biei-cho, Kamikawa-gun, Hokkaido
Phone: 0166-92-5800
Opening hours: 10: 00 to 17: 00
Closed: Tuesday
Parking: 10 spaces

• A hidden gem of a cafe surrounded by birch trees: Café de La Paix

Deep within a birch forest, this charming cafe features a log cabin handcrafted by the owner couple, blending seamlessly into nature and creating a kind of art-like atmosphere. The interior was meticulously designed by the owner, who is also a flower coordinator.

The natural surroundings within the building are an important element of the shop! How about enjoying delicious tea and sweets surrounded by a birch forest?

Café de La Paix
Address: 19th Line, Misawa Kibou, Biei-cho, Kamikawa-gun, Hokkaido
Phone: 0166-92-3489
Opening hours: 10: 00 to 18: 00
Closed on Thursdays (open on public holidays)
Parking: 15 spaces

・Vegetables are a must-try! Take home nature's bounty as a souvenir: Biei Senka

- A "sorting market" that handles vegetables and processed products.
- A "fruit sorting workshop" where you can take out light snacks such as soft serve ice cream and croquettes.
・At the French restaurant "Restaurant Asperge," the freshest seasonal ingredients are prepared in a natural way.
"Komugi Kobo" (Wheat Workshop) offers a wide variety of breads made with wheat grown in Biei, sold directly from the workshop.

Comprising these four areas, Biei Senka is a highly recommended spot where you can experience Biei through its food. It's a place where you can truly appreciate the differences in even everyday items like delicious potatoes, onions, pumpkins, and broccoli.

At the tasting corner, you can sample freshly picked vegetables and ask about delicious cooking methods, so be sure to stop by. Also, some items sell out very quickly, so we recommend going in the morning!

美瑛選果
Address: 2 Omachi, Biei-cho, Kamikawa-gun, Hokkaido
Phone: 0166-92-4400
Opening hours: 9:00 AM - 18:00 PM (Hours may vary depending on the season and facility; please check the website for details.)
Closed days: The fruit sorting market and wheat processing plant are open every day (please check the website as opening hours may vary depending on the season and facility).
Parking: 66 spaces

Final thoughts

The scenery of Biei is almost always seen on Hokkaido's tourism posters. Biei, a town of rolling hills that even captivates professionals, shows us that there's a reason why it's a classic tourist spot.
In Biei, you'll find a beauty that can only be appreciated by visiting, from the natural beauty and bounty of the land to the tourist attractions! I hope you'll experience the emotions that words cannot fully convey.

~For sightseeing information about Biei~
Biei Town Tourism Association
Inside the Shiki Information Center, 1-2-14 Honcho, Biei-cho, Kamikawa-gun, Hokkaido
Phone: 0166-92-4378

Many of the photos in this article were provided by the following website. If you'd like to see beautiful photos from Hokkaido and across Japan, please check them out!
Image source:High-resolution wallpaper photo collection - free wallpapers

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