Asahikawa & Biei: Your Dream Winter Escape to Hokkaido's Snow Kingdom

Asahikawa & Biei: Your Dream Winter Escape to Hokkaido's Snow Kingdom
  • Spring
  • Summer
  • Autumn
  • Winter
Days required
3 days and 2 nights
Main methods of transportation
Bus, Taxi, Rental car

Endless snowy fields and the iconic Blue Pond glowing under winter lights create a magical scene that feels almost unreal. This is Hokkaido at its most enchanting.


After a day of adventure, warm dishes made with local ingredients will comfort you and recharge your spirit after exploring in the cold.

  • * 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.
Start
Day1

Asahikawa Airport

Your Gateway to Northern Hokkaido

Known as the "Center of Hokkaido," this airport is your entry point to the stunning natural beauty of the northern region. Take the Lavender Express bus for about 20 minutes to JR Biei Station. The scenic ride offers your first taste of the beauty to come.

About 20 minutes by bus

JR Biei Station

Western-style station building made of stonework

This charming stone-built, Western-style station perfectly suits the picturesque “Town of Hills.” From December, the station front is illuminated, creating a romantic winter scene where snow and light blend beautifully. The moment you arrive, you can feel the unique winter atmosphere of Biei.

Recommended Lunch Spots Near JR Biei Station

Ferme La Terre Biei
Ferme La Terre Biei
A multi-style restaurant dedicated to local ingredients, especially Biei wheat, milk, and Hokkaido dairy. The concept is “living with nature,” and the menu features dishes with Hokkaido beef and pork. The bakery and pastry shop also draw many visitors. (About 10 minutes by taxi from JR Biei Station)
https://www.laterre.com/fermebiei/shop.html
Junpei (Western Food & Café)
Junpei (Western Food & Café)
The birthplace of Biei’s soul food Jundog—a Western-style rice roll wrapped in a fried coating. This casual eatery also serves a variety of fried dishes, with crispy shrimp fry being a favorite. Takeout options are plentiful, making it a local favorite. (About 10 minutes on foot from JR Biei Station)
https://youshokutocafejyunpei.com/

Looking for lunch in Biei? Enjoy a refined Western-style meal with snowy hill views, or try local soul food at its birthplace. Both are beloved spots with many repeat visitors.

Check in to the hotel.
After that, head to the Biei Tourist Information Center.

Shiki-no-Johokan (Biei Tourist Information Center)

Just a 2-minute walk from JR Biei Station – the perfect starting point for exploring the “Town of Hills”!

Located conveniently near JR Biei Station, this information center is your go-to spot for discovering the latest updates about Biei and beyond. Here, you’ll find a wide range of travel maps, brochures, and sightseeing tips to enhance your Hokkaido journey.


It also serves as the departure and arrival point for the popular Biyu Bus, which loops around Biei’s main attractions. Whether you’re visiting in the vibrant greens of summer or the snowy beauty of winter, the center provides all the support you need for an unforgettable sightseeing experience in Biei.

Address
上川郡美瑛町本町1丁目2-14
Telephone Number
0166-92-4378
Open
8:30 - 17:00 (November - April)
8:30 - 18:00 (May - October)
Closed
Year-end and New Year holidays
(Departs around 15:30)

BIEI VIEW BUS | Illumination Course

A must-see evening tour that showcases Biei’s most scenic spots in a magical new light.

Departing in the evening, this bus takes you to major attractions where illuminated landscapes reveal a different, more enchanting side of Biei’s natural beauty. The departure and arrival point is Biei Tourist Information Center, conveniently located near JR Biei Station, so you can join with ease even after dark.

Address
(Meeting point) 上川郡美瑛町本町1丁目2-14四季の情報館
Open
Mainly operates on Fridays, Saturdays, and national holidays.
Please check the official website for the latest schedule.

Introducing some spots covered in the BIEI VIEW BUS tour

Shirogane Blue Pond
Shirogane Blue Pond
A mysterious pond where standing larch trees rise from the surface, and the water reflects a deep blue hue. In winter, the illumination transforms it into a dreamlike world, completely different from its summer atmosphere.
/en/spot/detail_10511.html
Shirahige Waterfalls
Shirahige Waterfalls
Named for its resemblance to a flowing white beard, this 30-meter waterfall cascades powerfully even in the coldest months. In winter, its frozen edges and the striking contrast of blue and white create a breathtaking view unique to the season.
/en/spot/detail_11198.html

[Accommodation] Biei Town

There are various types of accommodations in the town.

There is also a wide selection of accommodations, from hotels, inns, and pensions, to fully-equipped guesthouses for rent.

Day2
Biei Tourist Information Center
(Meet at 9:30, depart at 9:45)

Snowshoe Adventure on the Hills of Biei (About 120 minutes)

The sunny sky meets pure white snow for a breathtaking view

In summer, Biei’s rolling hills are filled with vibrant colors, but in winter they transform into a sparkling white world. This guided plan lets you explore the vast snowfields on snowshoes, where the clear blue sky and pure white landscape create breathtaking scenery. You may even encounter rare winter wonders such as frost-covered trees or diamond dust glistening in the air. Surrounded by silence, leave your footprints on untouched snow and enjoy the beauty of a world just for you. Snowshoes are easy to wear, making this activity safe even for children.


*Transportation to the site is by car. If you do not have a license or require transportation assistance, please inform us in the "Requests" section at booking.

Address
(Meeting point) 上川郡美瑛町本町1丁目2-14四季の情報館
Open
Mid-December to end-March (*Subject to changes depending on snow conditions)
Disperse from Biei Tourist Information Center (About 11:00)

From JR Biei Station to JR Asahikawa Station
Option 1: Bus - About 55 minutes on the Express Lavender Bus (FURANO BUS)
Option 2: Train - About 40 minutes on the JR Furano Line

JR Asahikawa Station

Gateway to Asahikawa, Hokkaido's second largest city

Check in to a hotel in Asahikawa City
(About 15:00)

[Dinner] Enjoy Asahikawa’s Local Cuisine in Sanroku-gai!

The largest entertainment district in northern Hokkaido, filled with nostalgic Showa-era charm

Asahikawa City, a major hub for logistics in Hokkaido, is truly a treasure trove of food, where fresh seafood and seasonal agricultural products gather from all over the region.


In addition to the famous Asahikawa ramen, don’t miss local specialties such as Shio Horumon (salt-grilled offal) — said to have originated here — and Shinko-yaki, a flavorful grilled chicken leg dish. Each bite captures the warmth and authenticity of Asahikawa’s food culture.


The name “Sanroku-gai” is said to have originated from the area around 3-Jo-dori 6-chome in Asahikawa City, where the district first developed.

Address
旭川市3条通6丁目
Day3
From Asahikawa City
About 40 minutes by bus

Asahiyama Zoo

A penguin walk that can only be seen in winter!

Nothing says winter in Asahikawa quite like the world-famous Penguin Walk. Designed to help penguins stay active during the colder months, this popular event lets you observe their natural habits up close. Visitors from around the world gather to watch these adorable penguins waddle right past them.


Another highlight is the polar bears, which become especially energetic in the cold season. Their powerful presence—running across the snow or diving into icy water—always draws cheers from the crowd.

Address
旭川市東旭川町倉沼
Telephone Number
0166-36-1104
Open
9:30-17:15 (admission until 16:00) *Hours may be shortened depending on the season.
Closed
Nov. 4-Nov. 10, Dec. 30-Jan. 1

Column

Asahiyama Zoo Shuttle Taxi Plan

This convenient service connects Asahiyama Zoo with Asahikawa City and Asahikawa Airport at a fixed, budget-friendly fare. The reverse route is also available, and advance reservation is required.

Asahiyama Zoo Shuttle Taxi Plan
[From Asahiyama Zoo to JR Asahikawa Station]
About 40 minutes by local bus

[From JR Asahikawa Station to Asahikawa Airport]
About 50 minutes by the bus bound for Asahikawa Airport
Goal
  • Asahikawa Airport
  • JR Biei Station
  • Shiki-no-Johokan (Biei Tourist Information Center)
  • BIEI VIEW BUS | Illumination Course
  • [Accommodation] Biei Town
  • Snowshoe Adventure on the Hills of Biei (About 120 minutes)
  • JR Asahikawa Station
  • [Dinner] Enjoy Asahikawa’s Local Cuisine in Sanroku-gai!
  • Asahiyama Zoo

Please note that Google Maps may not display properly if the number of Google Maps page loads exceeds the daily limit.

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