A snowy landscape as far as the eye can see! What are the charms of Biei, a place you'll want to visit in winter? Hokkaido Lab ~A Hokkaido travel guide to enjoy gourmet food, nature, and culture~

A snowy landscape as far as the eye can see! What makes Biei a must-visit destination in winter?

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: Last updated: September 11, 2018

Table of contents

1. The snowy landscape of Biei's hills

　Christmas Tree

　Parent and child trees

2. The unique charm of the "Blue Pond" in winter

3. The nighttime illumination of the Blue Pond and Shirohige Falls in winter is magical.

4. Activities unique to Biei in winter

　Biei-Shirogane Nature Club

5. Access to Biei in winter

　5-1. From New Chitose Airport, JR Sapporo Station, and Sapporo city center

　5-2. From Asahikawa Airport, JR Asahikawa Station, and Asahikawa City

Summary

Winter image of Biei Located almost in the center of the Kamikawa region of Hokkaido, Biei is a charming area known for its rolling hills. This breathtaking, uniquely beautiful landscape attracts tourists throughout the year.

From spring to autumn, the area is bustling with people enjoying cycling, driving, or touring the hills by tour bus. And in winter, the sight of the hills covered in a blanket of snow is truly impressive. While the flower scenery from spring to summer and the colorful scenery of autumn are also wonderful, Biei actually offers plenty of charming sights and activities to enjoy in winter as well.

So, this time, I'd like to introduce plenty of ways to enjoy winter in Biei and some of its best viewpoints.

<Contents>
1. The snowy landscape of Biei's hills
2. The unique charm of the "Blue Pond" in winter
3. The nighttime illumination of the Blue Pond and Shirohige Falls in winter is magical.
4. Activities unique to Biei in winter
5. Access to Biei in winter

1. The snowy landscape of Biei's hills

Winter image of Biei You can see exotic, rolling hills all over Biei. However, since many of Biei's hills are farmland or private property, please be mindful of tourist etiquette and traffic rules when visiting, and enjoy taking photos and admiring the scenery from the road.

Christmas Tree

Winter image of Biei Image provided by: Hokkaido Free Photo Collection DO PHOTO

Located a 15-minute drive from JR Biei Station, this single spruce tree stands alone in the vast fields of Biei. Particularly picturesque in winter, its upper branches resemble a star, leading to its nickname, the "Christmas Tree." It's definitely a tree worth seeing in winter.

Parent and child trees

Winter image of Biei Image provided by: Hokkaido Free Photo Collection DO PHOTO

Three oak trees stand side by side on a pristine white hill. One small tree stands between two larger oaks, seemingly protected, and it has come to be known as the "Parent and Child Trees." Even amidst the cold, snowy landscape, this healing spot evokes a heartwarming feeling, simply because of its name.

Northwest Hill

Winter image of Biei Image provided by: Hokkaido Free Photo Collection DO PHOTO

This observation deck is located about a 5-minute drive from Biei Station. It's a superb viewpoint where you can enjoy panoramic views of the endlessly sprawling rolling hills and the magnificent Tokachi Mountain Range stretching out behind them. However, the observation deck, shops, and tourist information center are closed during the winter, so in winter, enjoy the spectacular view of the Tokachi Mountain Range from near the observation deck.

マイルドセブンの丘

Winter image of Biei You might be wondering, "Why is it called Mild Seven?" Apparently, this place got its name, "Mild Seven Hill," because the name was used on the packaging of Mild Seven cigarettes in 1977. Nowadays, it's known for the beautiful view of the sunset over the windbreak forest behind it, making it a place you'll definitely want to visit during the tranquil twilight of winter.

Seven Star Tree

Winter image of Biei Image provided by: Hokkaido Free Photo Collection DO PHOTO

This tree is also a famous oak tree, known for being featured on cigarette packaging. It was used on the packaging of the Seven Stars cigarette brand in 1976, and became a popular tourist spot, hence its nickname, the "Seven Stars Tree." The imposing oak tree standing amidst the snowy landscape makes for a truly picturesque scene.

Ken and Mary's Tree

Winter image of Biei Image provided by: Hokkaido Free Photo Collection DO PHOTO

This large poplar tree is another famous viewpoint that became well-known after being used in a commercial. In 1972, it was used in a Nissan commercial for "Love Skyline: Ken and Mary," and became instantly famous, hence its name, "Ken and Mary's Tree." The poplar tree standing in the snowy field makes for a truly picturesque scene.

2. The unique charm of the "Blue Pond" in winter

Winter image of Biei Shirogane Onsen is about a 30-minute bus ride from Biei. About 2.5 kilometers northwest of there lies the famous tourist spot, "Blue Pond." This pond became instantly famous a few years ago when its stunning scenery was used as a wallpaper for Apple's MacBook, and it has been bustling with tourists every day, all eager to catch a glimpse of its beautiful blue color, just as its name suggests.

Winter image of Biei The pond appears blue because aluminum-containing water flows out from nearby waterfalls such as Shirahige Falls. When this mixes with the water of the Biei River, a state is created where particles of one substance are dispersed within other substances, although this is not visible to the naked eye.

This creates particles called colloids, which scatter sunlight. Short-wavelength blue light is particularly easily scattered, and when this light reaches our eyes, water appears blue.

You can enjoy the beauty of the blue in every season, from the contrast between the fresh green of the leaves and the blue of the water's surface, to the contrast between the autumn colors of the trees and the blue of the pond, but in winter, the contrast between the white of the snow and the blue of the pond is truly mystical.

Winter image of Biei Image provided by: Hokkaido Free Photo Collection DO PHOTO

The contrast between the blue and white of the Biei River, affectionately known as the Blue River, into which the Blue Pond flows, and the "Shirahige Falls" (pictured), a waterfall fed by groundwater located in Shirogane Onsen on the main stream of the Biei River, are both worth seeing, so I highly recommend visiting them.

3. The nighttime illumination of the Blue Pond and Shirohige Falls in winter is magical.

Winter image of Biei Image provided by: Biei Town Tourism Association

Furthermore, the Blue Pond and Shirahige Falls are illuminated at night during the winter months.
The image shows the illuminated Blue Pond from last year. The blue pond floating in the darkness, combined with the surrounding snowy landscape, creates a truly magical scene.

Winter image of Biei Image provided by: Biei Town Tourism Association

However, to see this incredibly beautiful blue light-up, you will naturally have to walk through the snow at night.
Therefore, make sure you are well-prepared before you go. In addition to taking precautions against the cold and slipping, it will be dark underfoot as shown in the diagram above, so a light to illuminate your feet will be useful.

Biei in winter Image provided by: Biei Town Tourism Association
Also, there are restricted areas, so please do not enter those areas or the pond.

Winter image of Biei Image provided by: Biei Town Tourism Association

Please be mindful of your manners and enjoy the dreamlike scenery, which is quite different from what you see during the daytime.

[Light-up period]
Dates: March 2017, 11-March 1, 2018
Time: 17: 00 to 21: 00

Biei Town Tourism Association (General Incorporated Association)
Address: 1-2-14 Honcho, Biei-cho, Kamikawa-gun, Hokkaido (Inside the Shiki Information Center)
TEL: 0166-92-4378
http://www.biei-hokkaido.jp/

4. Activities unique to Biei in winter

Biei-Shirogane Nature Club

Winter image of Biei Copyright(c) Hiroaki Ogura
The Biei-Shirogane Nature Club has its tour office inside the Shirogane Tourist Center in Shirogane Onsen. I myself participated in one of their tours when I visited Biei in the summer some time ago.

I had a wonderful time and made many lasting memories. During the tour, I learned about the beauty of Biei in winter and the fun activities unique to winter, and I really want to visit Biei and Shirogane Onsen in winter.

Let me introduce some fun winter activities that will chase away the cold of this northern land.

Nature Photo Trek

Winter image of Biei Copyright(c) Hiroaki Ogura
If you want to capture the fantastical and beautiful scenery unique to Biei in winter, this plan is for you. Nature guide and nature photographer Hiroaki Ogura will lead you on a tour centered around photo spots in the snowy forests and hills of Biei.

This is a fulfilling tour where you can wear snowshoes and enter the winter forest, drive around to various viewpoints, and have a guide show you the pristine winter nature of Biei that you'll want to capture in your memories and photos, and even learn about the background that makes up those scenes.

Shirokane Forest Nature Watching

Winter image of Biei Copyright(c) Hiroaki Ogura
This tour takes you on a leisurely walk through the forests of Daisetsuzan National Park, guided by a nature guide. Why not try to feel the presence of wild animals by observing the various traces they leave behind?

Winter image of Biei Copyright(c) Hiroaki Ogura
Furthermore, this is an exciting tour where you can see the sparkling blue Biei River in winter and take a walk through the winter forest with a guide, a place you don't usually get to walk.

There are two plans available: snowshoeing and nature skiing, also known as telemark skiing. The latter nature skiing tour is for junior high school students and older.

night tour

Winter image of Biei Copyright(c) Hiroaki Ogura
This is a rare and precious tour where you can venture into the forest at night illuminated only by natural light, using snowshoes. Biei, in particular, is known for its beautiful starry skies. Lying down in the forest at night, still in your ski wear, and gazing at the starry sky through the trees will surely be an unforgettable and memorable experience.

Natural Trek

Winter image of Biei Copyright(c) Hiroaki Ogura
This is a nature tour that could be called a special tour of Biei. You can enjoy nature activities recommended by a nature guide (such as snowshoeing or nature skiing through the forest and the snow-covered hills of Biei), have lunch at a recommended restaurant using local ingredients, visit Biei's art studios, and be guided to the beautiful scenery unique to winter. It is a special tour that allows you to fully enjoy winter in Biei.

Biei-Shirogane Nature Club
Address: Inside the Biei Town Shirogane Tourist Center, Shirogane Onsen, Biei-cho, Kamikawa-gun, Hokkaido
TEL：050-3559-3131
http://bieishiroganenatureclub.web.fc2.com/

5. Access to Biei in winter

5-1. From New Chitose Airport, JR Sapporo Station, and Sapporo city center

Sapporo Station image

By car: Approximately 205km from New Chitose Airport via expressway; approximately 2 hours 50 minutes. The route isSee here
From Sapporo, it's about 166km via expressway: approximately 2 hours 30 minutes. The route isSee here

Train: New Chitose Airport (Rapid Airport train bound for Sapporo: 37 minutes) → JR Sapporo Station (Limited Express train bound for Asahikawa: 90 minutes) → JR Asahikawa Station (Local train bound for Furano: 38 minutes) → JR Biei Station
For information on buses from JR Biei Station to Shirogane Onsen, where the Blue Pond is located, please refer to the "From Asahikawa Airport/Asahikawa City" section below.

5-2. From Asahikawa Airport, JR Asahikawa Station, and Asahikawa City

Asahikawa Station image

By car: Approximately 40 minutes from Asahikawa, approximately 12 minutes from Asahikawa Airport.

Train: JR Asahikawa Station (Local train bound for Furano, 38 minutes) → JR Biei Station

Bus: JR Asahikawa Station (approx. 60 minutes) → JR Biei Station (approx. 30 minutes) → Shirogane Onsen. Use Dohoku Bus Route 39 (Shirogane Line). For details, see below.See here
Asahikawa Airport (approx. 15 minutes) → JR Biei Station (Furano Bus) For details, see below.From here.

In addition, there are sightseeing buses departing from Sapporo that run annually, including tours of the illuminated Blue Pond, making it very convenient for those who want to visit on a day trip.

Summary

Biei offers stunning rolling hills that can be enjoyed in every season, unlike anything you'll see elsewhere. However, most of the scenic viewpoints are on private land or located in the middle of farmland.

Therefore, when sightseeing, please refrain from entering fields or private property, and instead admire the beautiful scenery from a distance, taking photos or capturing it in your mind.

In some scenic spots, there are plans to cut down famous trees due to the poor behavior of tourists. To prevent this from happening and to preserve the beautiful scenery of Biei for generations to come, please be sure to observe proper etiquette while sightseeing.

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