Biei Patchwork Hills: Hokkaido's Rolling Farmland
How to visit Biei's patchwork hills in Hokkaido: the famous trees, the Blue Pond, the best season, cycling and tours, and respecting private farmland.
Quick answer
- What it is: a farming town in central Hokkaido, famous for its gentle hills of fields.
- Famous for: the Patchwork Road, the Panorama Road and lone trees made famous by adverts.
- Nearby: the Shirogane Blue Pond and the flower fields of Furano.
- Time needed: one day.
- Best time: July for flowers, or winter for snowy hills.
- Map: Open Biei Patchwork Hills in Google Maps
In summer, the hills of Biei look like a quilt. Fields of wheat, potatoes, beans and flowers cover the slopes in stripes of gold, green and purple.
Why Biei is a wonder
Biei's hills formed from volcanic ash from the Tokachi mountains. Farmers grow different crops side by side, so the colours change through the year.
Some single trees, such as the Ken and Mary Tree and the Christmas Tree, became famous after appearing in adverts and photographs.
These are working farms
Every field in Biei is private farmland. Walking into fields can spread plant diseases and damage crops.
Some famous trees have been cut down because of trespassing. Stay on the roads and at marked viewpoints.
What to see
| Spot | What you see | Time (approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Patchwork Road | Hills of striped fields | by car or bike |
| Ken and Mary Tree | A famous poplar tree | 10 minutes |
| Christmas Tree | A lone tree on a hill | 10 minutes |
| Shikisai no Oka | Rows of flowers on a hillside | 1 hour |
| Shirogane Blue Pond | A pond of vivid blue water | 30 minutes |
When to go
- July: flowers in bloom and green fields.
- August: golden wheat before the harvest.
- September: harvest colours.
- Winter: smooth white hills and frosted trees.
Our tip: Hire a bike or join a tour. The hills are spread out, and buses do not reach most viewpoints.
Getting there
- From Asahikawa: about 35 minutes by train to Biei Station.
- From Sapporo: about 2 hours by train via Asahikawa.
- Around Biei: rental bikes, taxis and seasonal sightseeing buses.
Respecting the farmland
- Never walk into fields, even for a photo.
- Park only in marked car parks, not on farm roads.
- Do not fly drones over the fields without permission.
- Take your rubbish home with you.
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time to visit Biei?
July for flowers, or winter for snowy scenes.
Can you walk in the Biei fields?
No. They are private farmland.
How far is the Blue Pond from Biei?
About 20 minutes by car or bus.
How do you get around Biei?
By rental bike, car, taxi or tour.
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A small green island with shrines, sea caves and views of Mount Fuji.
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