INTRODUCTION
Biei-cho is a tourist destination rich in nature located in Hokkaido, Japan, and its beautiful scenery attracts visitors. Spread over a vast hilly area, Biei-cho is known as a place where visitors can enjoy beautiful scenery in each of the four seasons. In particular, the area known as “Road of Patchwork” boasts of a beautiful landscape of colorful fields woven together, almost like a painting.
The charm of Biei-cho is not limited to its scenery. You can also enjoy delicious cuisine made with fresh local ingredients and outdoor activities in harmony with nature. Through cycling and hiking, you can experience the great nature of Biei firsthand, which is sure to refresh you.
The convenient accessibility of the area, only about 30 minutes by car from Asahikawa Airport, makes it an easy spot for tourists to visit. Furthermore, sightseeing buses and rental bicycles are available from Biei Station, so you can enjoy sightseeing at your own pace.
In this article, we will introduce in detail how to enjoy Biei-cho. It covers all the useful information for your visit, such as beautiful scenic spots, local gourmet foods, recommended activities, and access methods. When planning your trip to Hokkaido, be sure to visit Biei-cho and enjoy its natural beauty and rich experiences.
History and Culture of Tourist Attraction
Biei-cho is known for its beautiful scenery and rich nature, but its history and culture are also deeply rooted. In this section, we will introduce in detail the historical and cultural background of Biei-cho.
Biei-cho developed as part of Hokkaido’s pioneering efforts from the end of the 19th century to the beginning of the 20th century. 1889 saw the start of settlement, and since then the town has grown mainly through agriculture. In particular, large tracts of farmland were developed and crops such as wheat and potatoes were cultivated.
During the period of high economic growth after the war, Biei-cho, along with the development of Japanese agricultural technology, pursued efficient agricultural production, and the farmland became larger and more mechanized. As a result, the farmlands in Biei-cho have formed a vast and beautiful landscape as we see today.
Biei-cho has nurtured a culture that makes the most of its natural environment. The name of the town, “Biei,” means “beautiful river,” and as the name implies, the town is symbolized by its beautiful river and hilly landscape.
The local people live their lives while preserving this beautiful nature, and are committed to environmental protection and sustainable agriculture. The town also has a rich culinary culture using local produce, and fresh vegetables and dairy products produced in Biei are popular among tourists.
Major Cultural Events
Various cultural events are held throughout the year in Biei. These events are great opportunities to experience local traditions and culture.
Biei-cho Flower Festa
Held annually from June to August, this event allows visitors to enjoy the beautiful flower fields of Biei-cho. Visitors are enchanted by the beauty of the colorful flowers in full bloom.
Biei Shrine Festival
The Biei Shrine Festival held in July is an event where visitors can experience the local traditional culture. The parade in which local people participate and the parade of portable shrines are highlights of the festival.
Biei-cho Harvest Festival
In autumn, a harvest festival is held to celebrate local produce. Fresh vegetables and fruits are sold, and visitors can enjoy dishes made with local ingredients.
Culture in Harmony with Nature
Biei-cho has nurtured a culture of living in harmony with its rich natural environment. Local people are engaged in agriculture while respecting nature and sharing its charms with tourists. Particular emphasis is placed on environmental protection and eco-tourism, and efforts are made to preserve the beautiful scenery for future generations.
The beautiful scenery of Biei-cho is maintained through the efforts of local people and their respect for nature. Along with its beauty, visitors will gain a deeper understanding and impression by experiencing the history and culture of the region.
Places to visit
Biei-cho’s greatest attraction is its vast nature and beautiful scenery. When you visit, be sure to check out the following highlights.
Shikisai-no-oka
Shikisai-no-oka is a representative sightseeing spot of Biei-cho, a beautiful hilly area covered with colorful flowers. Especially from spring to fall, you can enjoy the picturesque scenery with a wide variety of flowers in full bloom. From the observatory, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the vast landscape of Biei, making it a popular photo spot.
Recommended Points of Interest
Tractor Bus Tour: Visitors can enjoy the vast flower fields on a tractor bus that runs through the hills.
Souvenir store: Local specialties and flower-related items are available.
Blue Pond
The “Blue Pond,” a symbol of Biei-cho, is, as its name suggests, a pond filled with mysterious blue water. The pond is surrounded by white birches and larch trees, creating a fantastic scenery. The blue color of the pond is caused by the reflection of light from the aluminum content in the groundwater, and the color changes slightly depending on the season and weather.
Recommended Points of Interest
Blue Pond Lighting: The pond is lit up in winter for a fantastic night view.
Photography: The beautiful scenery of the pond and the surrounding nature is a great spot for photography.
Shirogane Hot Springs
Located near Biei-cho, Shirogane Onsen is the perfect place to relax. Surrounded by the natural beauty of Biei, the spa town has many lodging facilities where you can enjoy the beautiful scenery while soaking in the hot springs.
Recommended points
Open-air baths: The open-air baths are popular for bathing while enjoying the seasonal scenery.
Lodging: There are many comfortable lodging facilities in the hot spring resort area.
Road of Patchwork
Patchwork Road” stretches across the hills of Biei-cho and features a patchwork of colorful fields. Visitors can enjoy different scenery from season to season, especially in summer when the fields are lush green, and in autumn when the fields are golden with the harvest.
Recommended Points of Interest
Cycling: Rent a bicycle and enjoy the scenery at your leisure.
Viewing Spots: From various viewing spots, you can enjoy a panoramic view of Biei’s vast landscape.
Mibagyu Hill
Bimagyu Hill is a popular spot for tourists. From the observatory, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the Tokachidake mountain range and the beautiful hills of Biei. Especially in the evening, the beautiful sunset illuminates the hill and you can enjoy the fantastic scenery.
Recommended Points of Interest
Observatory: The panoramic view from the observatory is spectacular.
Seasonal views: From spring to fall, you can enjoy colorful flowers and green hills.
Access
Access to Biei-cho is very convenient from major cities in Hokkaido. Below are the access methods using various means of transportation.
Access from Asahikawa Airport
By car
It takes about 30 minutes from Asahikawa Airport to Biei Town by car. It is convenient to use a rental car to freely visit sightseeing spots in Biei-cho.
By bus
There is a bus service from Asahikawa Airport to Biei-cho. It takes about 45 minutes to get to Biei Station and major sightseeing spots.
Access from Sapporo
By train
From JR Sapporo Station, take the JR Hakodate Line and get off at Asahikawa Station (about 1 hour and 30 minutes).
At Asahikawa Station, transfer to the JR Furano Line and get off at Biei Station (about 30 minutes).
By bus
Express buses to Biei-cho are available from Sapporo Station Bus Terminal (about 2 hours and 30 minutes). The bus stops in front of Biei Station and at major sightseeing spots.
By car
It takes about 2 hours and 30 minutes from Sapporo to Biei Town by car. Take the Hokkaido Expressway, get off at the Asahikawa-Takasu IC, and drive south on Route 237 to reach Biei-cho.
Access from Furano
By train
Take the JR Furano Line from JR Furano Station and get off at Biei Station (about 40 minutes).
By car
It takes about 1 hour from Furano to Biei Town by car. Take Route 237 north and you will arrive at Biei-cho.
Getting Around in Biei-cho
The following means of transportation are convenient for visitors to Biei-cho, as the town has a wide range of sightseeing spots.
Rental Bicycles
There are many bike rental stores around Biei Station. You can enjoy the beautiful scenery of Biei while cycling. In particular, “Patchwork Road” and “Shikisai-no-oka” can be enjoyed even more by cycling around the area.
Recommended Rental Bicycle Shops
Biei Cycling Terminal: Located a few minutes walk from Biei Station, electric bicycles can be rented.
Biei Station Rental Bicycle: You can rent a bicycle in front of Biei Station.
Car Rental
Renting a car is a convenient way to get around Biei efficiently. You can rent a car around Biei Station or at Asahikawa Airport and visit tourist spots at your leisure.
Recommended Car Rental Companies
Toyota Rent-A-Car: Offices are located near Asahikawa Airport and Biei Station.
Nippon Rent-A-Car: Cars can be rented in Asahikawa city and at the airport.
Sightseeing Bus
Sightseeing buses are available to take you around Biei, and you can visit major sightseeing spots efficiently.
Recommended sightseeing buses
Biei Sightseeing Circulation Bus: This bus departs from and arrives at Biei Station and tours major sightseeing spots. Advance reservation is required.
Business Hours and Admission Fees
This section details the opening hours and admission fees of major sightseeing spots and facilities in Biei-cho. Check them before you visit and plan a fulfilling trip.
Shikisaino-Oka
Business hours
Summer (late April to October): 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Winter (November to mid-April): 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Admission
Free (experience programs and activities in the facility are charged)
Remarks
Some activities, such as tractor bus tours and alpaca farm, require an additional fee.
Blue Pond
Hours of operation
Always open (24 hours)
Admission fee
Free of charge
During the lighting-up period, you can enjoy a fantastic sight from evening to night.
Biei Shirogane Hot Spring
Hours of operation
Varies by facility, but generally 10:00 am – 10:00 pm
Admission Fee
One-day use of hot springs: Adults 700-1,000 yen, children 400-600 yen (varies depending on the facility)
Prices vary depending on accommodation facilities, so it is recommended to check in advance.
Biei Tourist Guide Center
Hours of operation
9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Admission Fee
Free of charge
Remarks
Located in front of Biei Station, tourist information and maps are available, and rental bicycles are also accepted.
Biei Town Art Museum
Hours of operation
9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. (last admission at 4:30 p.m.)
Admission Fee
Adults 500 yen
Free for high school students and younger
Special exhibitions may be held, in which case an additional fee is required.
Road of Patchwork
Hours of operation
Always open (24 hours)
Admission fee
Free of charge
It is easy to get around by bicycle or car, and there are viewing spots at various locations.
Farm Tomita (Lavender field)
Hours of operation
Summer (late April to October): 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Winter (November to mid-April): 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Admission Fee
Free of charge
In July, when lavenders are at their best, the area is crowded with tourists.
Gourmet
When visiting Biei-cho, enjoy the beautiful scenery as well as delicious local cuisine. Here we introduce some recommended gourmet spots and local specialties you can enjoy in Biei-cho.
Restaurants and Cafes
Farm Restaurant Azemichi Yorimichi
Address: Omura-murayama, Biei-cho, Kamikawa-gun, Hokkaido
Recommended Menu: Dishes using fresh vegetables grown in Biei, special beef curry
This restaurant offers a wide variety of dishes using fresh produce from Biei. Especially popular is the special beef curry, which features the tender meat of Biei beef and a rich roux.
Biei Selection
Address: Omura-murayama, Biei-cho, Kamikawa-gun, Hokkaido
Recommended Menu: Salads using seasonal vegetables, locally produced sweets
Biei-Senka is a restaurant where you can enjoy dishes and sweets made from Biei’s agricultural products. Salads using fresh vegetables and sweets using local fruits are popular.
Shirogane Shiki no Mori Hotel Park Hills Restaurant
Address: Shirogane, Biei-cho, Kamikawa-gun, Hokkaido
Recommended Menu: Jingisukan, Hokkaido seafood dishes
The restaurant in the Shirogane Four Seasons Forest Hotel offers Hokkaido’s famous Jingisukan and fresh seafood dishes. All dishes made with local ingredients are highly praised.
Hill Terrace
Address: Omura-murayama, Biei-cho, Kamikawa-gun, Hokkaido
Recommended Menu: Omelette rice, Biei beef steak
Hill Terrace is a café-restaurant where you can enjoy a meal while admiring the beautiful scenery of Biei. The omelette rice and Biei beef steak are especially popular among tourists.
Local Specialty Products
Biei Beef
Biei beef is a brand name beef raised in the vast nature of Biei-cho. It is characterized by its tender and juicy meat, which can be enjoyed as steak or grilled meat. Many restaurants in Biei-cho offer dishes using Biei beef.
Vegetables Grown in Biei
Biei-cho is proud of its vegetables grown in its fertile soil and clean water. Potatoes, tomatoes, and asparagus are especially popular, and you can purchase fresh vegetables directly from local farmers.
Dairy Products from Biei
Biei Town is also active in dairy farming, and you can enjoy delicious dairy products. Milk, cheese, and butter produced in Biei are especially rich and flavorful. At local cafes and restaurants, you can enjoy sweets and dishes using these dairy products.
Nearby Cafes
Cafe Restaurant Gallery Kaze no Garden
Address: Biei-cho, Kamikawa-gun, Hokkaido
Recommended Menu: Homemade cakes, hand-drip coffee
This café offers homemade cakes and hand-drip coffee in a relaxed atmosphere with a view of the beautiful garden. You can spend a relaxing time surrounded by nature.
Cafe Biei Grazing Dairy Farm
Address: Biei-cho, Kamikawa-gun, Hokkaido
Recommended Menu: Soft-serve ice cream and sweets using dairy products produced in Biei
The cafe in the Biei Pasture Dairy Farm offers soft-serve ice cream and dairy products made from fresh milk produced in Biei. It is a popular spot for tourists, especially during the summer season.
Shopping
When you visit Biei-cho, enjoy shopping for local specialties and souvenirs along with beautiful scenery. Here we introduce some recommended shopping spots and souvenirs in Biei-cho.
Biei Senko
Address: Omura-murayama, Biei-cho, Kamikawa-gun, Hokkaido
Biei Senkatsu is a direct sales shop selling agricultural products and processed products of Biei. Fresh vegetables and fruits, locally produced jams and dairy products, and a wide variety of other products are available. You can also enjoy sweets and light meals made from local ingredients at the Biei Senka Café.
Recommended products
- Fresh vegetables produced in Biei
- Biei jams
- Dairy products (cheese, butter)
Shikisai-no-oka Shop
Address: No.3, Shinsei, Biei-cho, Kamikawa-gun, Hokkaido
The store in Shikisaino-Oka offers a variety of local products and souvenirs of Biei-cho. Especially popular are goods featuring the beautiful scenery of Shikisaino-Oka and processed products made from local agricultural products.
Recommended Products.
- Shikisai-no-oka original goods
- Local honey
- Handmade craft goods
Farm Tomita Shop
Address: 15, Basen-Kita, Nakafurano-cho, Sorachi-gun, Hokkaido
Farm Tomita is a popular tourist destination located a short distance from Biei-cho. Here, you can not only enjoy the beautiful scenery of lavender fields and flower gardens, but also purchase lavender-related products and local specialties.
Recommended products
- Lavender oil
- Lavender soap
- Lavender cookies
Biei Roadside Station “Biei-no-oka
Address: Omura-Okubo-cho, Biei-cho, Kamikawa-gun, Hokkaido
Biei Roadside Station is a popular spot for tourists visiting Biei-cho. Here, visitors can purchase local agricultural products and specialties. You can also use it as a rest stop and get information on sightseeing in Biei-cho.
Recommended products.
- Rice and vegetables produced in Biei
- Local crafts
- Wine produced in Biei
Shop at Biei Grazing Dairy Farm
Address: Bibaushi, Biei-cho, Kamikawa-gun, Hokkaido
At Biei Grazing Dairy Farm, you can purchase fresh dairy products. Especially popular are homemade cheese, butter, and yogurt. You can also enjoy sweets made from these dairy products at the cafe on the farm.
Recommended Products.
- Homemade cheese
- Homemade butter
- Yogurt
Local specialties and souvenirs
Biei beef
Biei beef is a brand name beef raised in the vast nature of Biei-cho and is characterized by its tender and juicy meat. Processed products such as steaks and hamburgers are also available.
Vegetables from Biei.
Biei-cho is proud of its vegetables grown in its fertile soil and clean water. Potatoes, tomatoes, and asparagus are especially popular, and you can purchase fresh vegetables directly from local farmers.
Dairy products from Biei.
Biei-cho is a thriving dairy farming town, and you can enjoy delicious dairy products. Milk, cheese, and butter produced in Biei are especially rich and flavorful. You can enjoy sweets and dishes using these dairy products at local cafes and restaurants.
Lavender products
Many lavender-related products are sold in Farm Tomita near Biei-cho. Lavender oil, lavender soap, lavender cookies, and other items with healing properties are available.
Summary
Biei-cho is a nature-rich tourist destination located in Hokkaido, Japan, and its beautiful scenery attracts visitors. Spread over a vast hilly area, Biei-cho is known as a place where visitors can enjoy beautiful scenery in each of the four seasons. In particular, the area known as “Road of Patchwork” boasts of a beautiful landscape of colorful fields woven together, almost like a painting. The “Blue Pond,” with its mysterious blue water, is also a must-see. In addition, the Four Seasons Hill attracts visitors with a wide variety of flowers blooming from spring to fall.
The charm of Biei-cho is not limited to its scenery. Visitors can also enjoy dishes made with fresh local ingredients and outdoor activities in harmony with nature. Dishes using Biei beef, fresh vegetables, and dairy products are exquisite and can be enjoyed at farm restaurants and cafes. You can also experience the great nature of Biei firsthand through cycling and hiking. Biei-cho is only about 30 minutes by car from Asahikawa Airport, making it an easy spot for tourists to visit. Sightseeing buses and rental bicycles are available from Biei Station, so you can enjoy sightseeing at your own pace.
Biei-cho is a perfect place to enjoy beautiful scenery, rich food culture, and outdoor activities. Every time you visit, you will discover something new, making you want to come back again and again. Visit Biei-cho and fully enjoy its natural beauty and rich experiences.
