Exciting Canola Fields and Sorachi Wine! A Relaxing Day Trip by Train from Sapporo, Full of Scenic Beauty and Art
- Spring
- Summer
- Autumn
- Winter
- Days required
- About 9 hours 【Day Trip】
- Main methods of transportation
- Train, Taxi
The Sorachi area, located between Sapporo and Asahikawa, is a charming region known for its picturesque rural landscapes. It’s conveniently accessible from Sapporo, taking about 1 hour by train, making it perfect for a casual day trip. In recent years, Sorachi has gained nationwide attention as one of Japan’s premier wine-producing regions.
The number of local restaurants focusing on fresh, locally sourced ingredients is also growing. You can fully enjoy a journey savoring delicious dishes made from seasonal Hokkaido produce, paired perfectly with popular Sorachi wines.
This itinerary also offers unique experiences that allow you to connect with nature, including some of the largest canola flower fields in Japan and an open-air sculpture park where you can enjoy art while feeling the breeze.
- * 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 Bibai Station
Hop on a convenient JR Limited Express and head to the beautiful Sorachi area!
The JR Limited Express Lilac and JR Limited Express Kamui, which connect Sapporo and Asahikawa, are both excellent options for your journey. In just about 35 minutes from Sapporo, you can arrive at JR Bibai Station, the gateway to Sorachi’s charming sights.
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A Special Surprise Awaits You on Board!
One of the delights of traveling on the JR Limited Express Lilac is discovering which unique train illustration you’ll meet that day!
Each train features designs inspired by Hokkaido’s beloved animals, seasonal flowers, and stunning landscapes.
Be sure to capture photos of these adorable, beautifully designed trains to make your travel album even more special!
Arrive around 9:00
Kan Yasuda Sculpture Museum Arte Piazza Bibai
A Harmony of Nature and Art in Hokkaido
Once a wooden school filled with children’s laughter, this nostalgic building has been reborn as a peaceful art museum surrounded by nature. Arte Piazza Bibai, created by sculptor Kan Yasuda, spreads across a vast 70,000-square-meter site where about 40 of his sculptures are placed among trees and lawns, blending gently with the Hokkaido landscape.
The former classrooms on the second floor now serve as a gallery, keeping the warmth of the original wood while displaying Yasuda’s elegant abstract works. The quiet atmosphere invites visitors to slow down and feel a sense of calm.
Every first Saturday and Sunday, the museum hosts “Carving the Heart,” a hands-on workshop using white marble. When Yasuda himself teaches, the sessions become especially popular and often fill by lottery.
After exploring the sculptures, stop by Café Arte inside the museum. Enjoy fragrant coffee while gazing out the window at the green hills and art scattered across the grounds — a perfect way to end a peaceful visit.
Here, nature and art exist in harmony. A visit to Arte Piazza Bibai offers the kind of quiet beauty and inspiration you can find only on a trip to Hokkaido.
- Address
- 美唄市落合町栄町
- Telephone Number
- 0126-63-3137
- Open
- 9:00-17:00
* Café Arte's hours are 10:00-17:00 (on weekdays from mid-November to mid-March, it's 10:00-16:00) - Closed
- Closed every Tuesday, the day after holidays (excluding Sundays), and during the New Year period (December 31-January 3)
LILAC No. 13 from JR Bibai Station
Departure at 11:36 / Arrival at 11:52
Arrival at JR Takikawa Station About 10 minutes on foot
La Pecora
Cozy restaurant where you can casually enjoy authentic Italian dishes and carefully prepared lamb specialties.
The first-generation chef founded the restaurant after studying lamb cuisine and food culture in Mongolia and Europe. Today, the second-generation owner proudly continues the tradition, focusing on both exquisite flavor and beautiful presentation.
La Pecora is widely known as one of the top Italian restaurants in the area, and its popular lunch sets—which include pasta, pizza, or gratin, along with dessert and drinks—are a local favorite.
This is a restaurant with a true passion for lamb, offering carefully crafted dishes that showcase the chef’s dedication and love for the ingredients.
If you're looking for a unique dining experience in Hokkaido, don't miss this charming spot where Italian flavors meet Hokkaido’s quality lamb.
- Address
- 滝川市本町1丁目4-11
- Telephone Number
- 0125-24-7856
- Open
- 11:30-14:30/ Lunch
17:30-21:30/ Dinner
*Last order 30 minutes before closing - Closed
- Every Tuesday and Wednesday
Takikawa Nanohana Fields・Takikawa Nanohana Festival
A Breathtaking Flash of Yellow
Held in mid to late May
The nanohana (canola flower) fields in Takikawa boast some of the largest crops of canola flowers in Japan. Every May, the fields in the Ebeotsu area blossom with these incredible flowers, creating a lush yellow carpet that spreads across the land. The Nanohana Festival, held at the peak of the blooming season, draws visitors from all around the world. Each year, a viewing platform is set up next to the years’ most prominent field, giving festival-goers an elevated view of endless color.
- Address
- 滝川市江部乙町東11-13-3
- Telephone Number
- 0125-23-1234
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Explore Stunning Canola Fields with a Local Driver! – Canola Flower Taxi
Every year, the canola flower fields in Takikawa change location to prevent continuous cropping problems, creating beautiful and unique landscapes that can only be found during that season. From about mid-May to late May, local taxi drivers will personally guide you to the best canola flower spots of the year.
Since the blooming locations vary annually, joining this Canola Flower Taxi tour is the perfect way to discover the most scenic fields, known only to locals.
For more details, please contact the Takikawa Tourist Association (TEL: 0125-23-0030)
Jizakeya Kobayashi Saketen
A Beloved Local Sake Shop with One of the Best Wine Selections in the Region!
Kobayashi Saketen is a long-established sake shop trusted by some of the most renowned breweries across Japan. This charming local store is famous for its exceptional selection of wines, making it one of the top spots for wine lovers in the area.
The owner serves as a friendly advisor who bridges the gap between producers and customers. Inside the cozy, wooden-themed shop, you’ll find an impressive variety of alcoholic beverages, including local sake, shochu, liqueurs, craft beer, and much more. Whether you're searching for a special gift or the perfect drink for a memorable occasion, the owner will happily recommend the best bottle to suit your budget and needs.
If you're visiting Hokkaido, don’t miss the chance to stop by Kobayashi Saketen to discover unique local sake and bring home an unforgettable souvenir.
- Address
- 滝川市大町1丁目7-30
- Telephone Number
- 0125-23-2649
- Open
- 9:00-19:00 (Tuesday-Saturday)
10:00-18:00 (Sunday and holidays) - Closed
- Mondays, 3rd Sunday of the month, Year-end and New Year holidays
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Sorachi Wine – Hokkaido’s Rising Star in the Wine World
In recent years, Hokkaido has rapidly gained attention as one of Japan’s leading wine regions. Among them, the Sorachi area has become especially popular. Despite being located in a cold, snowy climate, Sorachi is home to about 6 unique wineries and many vineyards scattered throughout the region, each crafting distinctive, high-quality wines.
The combination of cool temperatures and rich natural surroundings gives Sorachi wines their signature flavor, attracting wine lovers from all over Japan and beyond.
If you are interested in exploring Hokkaido’s emerging wine scene, Sorachi is the perfect destination for your wine journey.
For inquiries: Sorachi Wine Division, Sorachi Regional Development Bureau, Hokkaido TEL: 0126-20-0147
Departure: 16:30 / Arrival: 17:25
JR Sapporo Station
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