A Special Photogenic Healing Trip | Biei & Asahikawa – Blue Pond and Scenic Hills Recommended Drive Route

- Spring
- Summer
- Autumn
- Winter
- Days required
- About 6 hours [Day trip]
- Main methods of transportation
- Car
Biei is one of the highlights of Hokkaido tourism, especially beautiful from summer through autumn when the colors become even more vivid. The vast farmlands and flower fields spread across the rolling hills look as if they were painted on a giant canvas. A leisurely drive will take you through one breathtaking, photogenic view after another.
The most iconic spot not to be missed is the famous Blue Pond. Its mysteriously bright blue water fascinates every visitor, reflecting the surrounding trees and sky, and revealing different expressions depending on the season and weather.
Biei is also the first town in Japan to be certified by “The Most Beautiful Villages in Japan” association. Its carefully preserved rural scenery promises to leave you with unforgettable memories of Hokkaido.
During your drive, be sure to stop and savor dishes made with fresh local vegetables and dairy products. Cafes and restaurants throughout the area offer plenty of opportunities to enjoy the blessings of Biei’s fertile land.
With the mystical glow of the Blue Pond, the colorful flowers adorning the hills, and the heartwarming local cuisine, a trip to Biei and Asahikawa offers one of the best ways to experience the charm of Hokkaido.
- * The spots and experience menus introduced in the course are subject to change. Please check the official website for the latest information.
- * Please note that the text shown on this page includes machine translations.
JR Biei Station
A stone-built Western-style station building that perfectly matches the atmosphere of Biei, the town of rolling hills.
From here begins your journey through the hills of Biei, landscapes that resemble the countryside of Europe. The contrast between the ever-changing colors of the land and the sky across the seasons captivates every visitor.
To fully enjoy Biei, it’s important to follow the local sightseeing rules and recommended ways of exploring. By respecting both nature and the daily life of the community, you’ll discover the true charm of Hokkaido unique to Biei.
For details on sightseeing etiquette and tips on how to explore Biei, click here.
Shirogane Blue Pond
A mysterious pond filled with the natural wonder of shimmering blue water
The Shirogane Blue Pond is one of Biei’s most iconic sightseeing spots, where visitors can experience the mysteries of nature. The sight of standing withered trees reflected in the crystal-blue surface creates a dreamlike atmosphere, drawing you into a fantastical world.
As one of the most photogenic highlights of a Hokkaido trip, the pond changes its appearance with the seasons and weather, making every visit unique. During certain periods, the pond is beautifully illuminated at night, with carefully designed lighting that highlights its striking colors—an enchanting sight that attracts photographers from all over Japan and abroad.
- Address
- 上川郡美瑛町白金
- Telephone Number
- 0166-92-4378
- Closed
- Open all year round (may be closed due to inclement weather, etc.)
Shikisai-no-oka
An entertainment garden that symbolizes Biei!
Spread across vast fields, Shikisai-no-Oka bursts into color with about 30 varieties of flowers, including lavender and poppies, painting the land like a giant canvas.
The garden also features an alpaca farm, where the adorable expressions of these gentle animals delight both children and adults. To make exploring the spacious grounds easier and more fun, visitors can hop on sightseeing carts or buggies.
This combination of vibrant flower fields and charming animals makes for a truly relaxing and memorable experience on your Hokkaido trip. With the scenery changing beautifully from season to season, every visit offers a fresh sense of wonder.
- Address
- 上川郡美瑛町新星第3
- Telephone Number
- 0166-95-2758
- Open
- (Jan.-Apr.) 9:10-17:00, (May and Oct.) 8:40-17:00, (Jun.-Sep.) 8:40-17:30, (Nov.-Dec.) 9:10-16:30
Restaurant bi.blé
Savor exquisite cuisine while gazing out at golden wheat fields!
At bi.blé, the chef’s philosophy is to “express the joy found in the fields through food.” Every dish is prepared with care and artistry, offering truly exceptional flavors. A highlight is the bread, baked in a French stone oven using high-quality wheat flour—an unforgettable taste you can only experience here.
From the restaurant’s large windows, you can admire Biei’s patchwork hills and the majestic Tokachi Mountain Range, creating a luxurious harmony of scenery and dining. In addition to the restaurant and bakery, an auberge (inn) is also part of the facility, making it an ideal choice for a special stay during your Hokkaido journey.
- Address
- 上川郡美瑛町字北瑛第2北瑛小麦の丘(旧北瑛小学校)
- Telephone Number
- 0166-92-8100
- Open
- ※Reservations recommended
Summer Season (April–October)
・Lunch/11:00-16:00 (Last order 14:30)
・Dinner/17:30-21:30 (Last order 19:30)
Please inquire directly for winter season (November–March) hours. - Closed
- Summer Season (April–October): Closed on Tuesdays
Winter Season (November–March): Please inquire directly for closed days
Zerubu-no-Oka (Flower Park)
A Scenic Spot Where Flowers and Panoramic Views of Biei Come Together
Zerubu-no-Oka is one of Biei’s most popular sightseeing spots, where colorful flower fields spread across the vast hills. Depending on the season, lavender, sunflowers, poppies, and many other flowers bloom in vivid colors, painting the land like a giant canvas and delighting visitors with their beauty.
From the observation deck, you can take in sweeping views of Biei’s rolling hills and the distant Daisetsuzan mountain range. For those seeking a bit of adventure, hop on a four-wheel buggy or a sightseeing cart and ride through the flower fields—an activity loved by both kids and adults.
With its stunning flowers, breathtaking landscapes, and exciting activities, Zerubu-no-Oka is the perfect place to create unforgettable memories during your Hokkaido trip.
- Address
- 上川郡美瑛町大三
- Telephone Number
- 0166-92-3315
- Open
- 9:00-17:00
Late April to early October - Closed
- Irregular holidays
MERLE
A Hidden French Patisserie Nestled in the Forest
MERLE is a charming patisserie tucked away in the woods, where the owner takes pride in carefully selecting ingredients, avoiding additives, and crafting sweets with meticulous attention to detail. Seasonal specialties made with freshly harvested local fruits and vegetables are a highlight, offering visitors something new to savor each time they stop by.
The adjoining tearoom is the perfect place to relax, where you can enjoy exquisite desserts paired with fine tea. Surrounded by colorful plants and featuring a quaint English-style exterior, MERLE’s open garden adds to its inviting atmosphere and makes it a delightful stop on your Biei sightseeing journey.
For travelers seeking both gourmet indulgence and a touch of tranquility, MERLE is a must-visit spot during your Hokkaido trip.
- Address
- 上川郡美瑛町美田第3
- Telephone Number
- 0166-92-5317
- Open
- 13:00-18:00
- Closed
- Tuesdays, Wednesdays (Open on holidays)
Temporary closures during the year-end and New Year holidays, and the week following the Golden Week holidays in May
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If you have time to spare, we also recommend staying overnight!
Spurun Valley’s Zawazawa Village
Step into a storybook world at Spurun Valley’s Zawazawa Village, a charming farm auberge where you can rent an entire country house. Enjoy meals made from farm-fresh ingredients and experience heartfelt hospitality at every moment.
Surrounded by Biei’s natural beauty, a night here is more than just a stay—it’s a memorable Hokkaido experience.
Address: 上川郡美瑛町大村大久保協生
TEL: 0166-92-7037 (8:30–21:00)
Reservations are accepted by phone only. Please check the official website for details.

JR Asahikawa Station
How was your Hokkaido trip exploring Biei? Take a moment to reflect on the breathtaking scenery you captured at the Blue Pond and rolling hills—memories that will stay with you long after your journey.
JR Asahikawa Station is a convenient hub for sightseeing in the northern Hokkaido region. It’s the perfect place to start your next adventure or to pause and savor the beautiful memories of your visit before heading home.