Have you ever dreamed of being surrounded by rolling hills, endless flower fields, and skies that stretch forever? If so, it’s time to discover Biei, a stunning little town in central Hokkaido, Japan.
With fewer than 10,000 residents, Biei may be small, but it’s packed with beauty and charm. Whether we’re looking for nature walks, peaceful scenery, or iconic photography spots, Biei offers us a dreamlike escape from busy city life.
What Makes Biei So Famous?
Biei is most known for its incredible landscapes—especially the flower-filled hills of Shikisai-no-Oka and the glowing blue waters of Blue Pond (Aoi Ike). In summer, the flower fields bloom in neat, colorful rows, with lavender, sunflowers, salvia, and more creating a rainbow on the hillsides. And that mysterious Blue Pond? It’s famous for its bright turquoise color and has even been featured by Apple as a desktop wallpaper.
How to Get to Biei
Getting to Biei is quite easy, even if we’re not renting a car:
- From Asahikawa: Take the JR Furano Line from Asahikawa Station to Biei Station. It takes about 30 minutes.
- From Sapporo: Take the JR Limited Express to Asahikawa (about 1.5 hours), then switch to the Furano Line. The full trip is around 2.5–3 hours.
- By car: Renting a car is highly recommended if we want to explore scenic driving routes like Patchwork Road and Panorama Road.
Main Attractions and Prices (in USD)
Shikisai-no-Oka
- Admission: Free, but donation is appreciated (around $1.50–$3.50)
Buggy & Cart Rentals:
- Small electric carts: around $4
- Tractor bus rides: around $7–$13 depending on course
Opening Hours:
- April to October: 8:30 AM – 6:00 PM
- November to March: 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM
- Best Season: Late June to early September (peak bloom)
Blue Pond
- Admission: Free
- Parking: $3.50
- Hours: Open all day, but daylight hours offer the best views
- Best Season: May to October (vivid water color)
Other Must-See Spots
- Patchwork Road: Known for its colorful farm fields arranged like a patchwork quilt. Great for self-driving.
- Panorama Road: Offers wide views of fields and distant mountains. Best seen by bike or car.
- Mild Seven Hill: A quiet row of trees made famous by a Japanese commercial, now a favorite for peaceful photos.
Where Can We Stay?
- Biei Guest Houses: Clean, simple places start from $40–$70 per night.
- Shirogane Onsen Hotels: Cozy lodges with hot springs, around $100–$200 per night.
- Asahikawa Hotels: A great base with more budget options and city conveniences.
(Train to Biei is just 30 mins)
Best Time to Visit
• Summer (June–August): All flower fields are in full bloom.
• Autumn (late Sept–Oct): Colorful trees and golden fields, fewer crowds.
• Winter (Dec–Feb): Snow-covered beauty, frozen Blue Pond, and peaceful streets.
• Spring (April–May): Early greens and cherry blossoms.
Useful Travel Tips for Biei
1. Start early to beat the crowds and catch the best light for photos.
2. Check flower bloom status online before you go—timing matters!
3. Bring cash—some attractions and shops may not accept cards.
4. Rent a car or bike to see the wider countryside at your own pace.
5. Visit the local Tourist Information Center at Biei Station—they have maps in English and helpful suggestions.
Let’s Make Biei Part of Our Journey
Biei isn’t just a sightseeing spot—it’s a peaceful escape where every corner feels like a painting. The flower-filled fields, quiet country roads, and fresh mountain air bring a kind of calm we rarely find elsewhere. Time seems to slow down here, letting us truly enjoy the moment.
So Lykkers, when do you plan to go? Is it the summer colors, the golden autumn light, or the soft snow of winter that speaks to you most? Let’s keep the travel dreams alive—Biei might just be the next perfect stop on our journey.
biei and furano tour in hokkaido ~
Video by kel-lam
